The journey of parenthood is a beautiful one, filled with so many firsts. Among these, one of the most important—and sometimes challenging—firsts is establishing a comfortable and effective breastfeeding rhythm. We’re here to help you navigate this part of your journey with our guide, “Latching and Positioning for Breastfeeding Success.” We know that getting the hang of it can take time, but with a little guidance, you can find a rhythm that works for both you and your baby.
As a matter of fact, latching and positioning go hand in hand. A good latch starts with good positioning, and when done together, they can make all the difference in your breastfeeding experience. Ultimately, a proper latch helps ensure your baby is getting enough milk and prevents discomfort for you. It’s not about perfection, but rather about finding a sustainable and comfortable system that works for you and your baby.
So, let’s get started and explore some common positions and how to achieve the best latch for you!
Step 1: Get Comfy!
First and foremost, make sure you are comfortable. Grab a pillow (or two, or three), a glass of water, and a good book or your phone. Remember, a comfortable and relaxed mom makes for a more successful feeding. You should be in a position where you can stay for a while without getting a backache or sore shoulders.
Additionally, pillows are your best friends. Use them to support your back, your arms, and to bring your baby up to the level of your breast.
Most importantly, bring the baby to you, not the other way around. Hunching over to meet your baby can lead to neck and back pain. This is a fundamental principle of effective latching and positioning.
Step 2: Positioning Holds
Keep in mind, there’s no single “correct” position for breastfeeding—the best one is whatever works for you and your baby. With that said, here are a few of the most popular holds to try:
Cradle Hold: This is the one you probably see most often. You hold your baby in the crook of the arm on the same side as the breast you’re feeding from. Your baby’s head rests on your forearm, and their body is tucked against your tummy, belly-to-belly. In short, this is a great position once you and your baby are pros at latching.
Cross-Cradle Hold: This is often a go-to for newborns and moms who are still learning. You use the opposite arm to support your baby. For instance, if you’re feeding from your left breast, you’ll use your right arm to support your baby’s necks and shoulders, with your hand behind their ears. This gives you excellent control over your baby’s head, helping you guide them to the breast.
Football Hold (or Clutch Hold): This one is a game-changeer, especially if you’ve had a C-section, have large breasts, or are feeding twins. You tuck your baby under your arm, like a football, with their body resting on a pillow and their head supported by your hand. This keeps your baby’s weight off your abdomen and gives you a clear view of their mouth.
Side-Lying Position: Perfect for middle-of-the-night feedings or if you’re recovering from birth. You and your baby lie on your sides, facing each other, with pillows supporting your back and head. This position allows both of you to relax and get some rest.
Step 3: Achieving the Latch
Now that you’re positioned, it’s time for the main event. Remember, the goal is for your baby to get a nice, wide mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple.
Stimulate and Align: Get your baby into position, with their nose level with your nipple. Gently touch your nipple to your baby’s upper lip or the area between their nose and lip. As a result, this will trigger their rooting reflex—you’ll see them open their mouth wide, like a big yawn.
Aim High: When your baby’s mouth is wide open, aim your nipple slightly towards the roof of their mouth. This in turn helps them get a deeper latch.
Bring Baby to the Breast: In one smooth motion, bring your baby in close, chin-first, to your breast. Don’t push on the back of their head—this can cause them to pull away. Instead, support their shoulders or upper back to bring their body closer to you.
Check the Latch: Look for these signs of a good latch:
- Your baby’s mouth is open wide, like a fish, with their lips flanged outwards.
- Their chin is touching your breast, and their nose is free.
- You hear soft swallows or see their ears wiggle.
- The latch feels like a gentle tug or pulling sensation, not a sharp, pinching pain. If it hurts, gently unlatch by putting your finger in the corner of their mouth and try again.
You’ve Got This!
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t feel perfect right away. Every feeding is an opportunity to learn and grow together. Remember, consistent latching and positioning for breastfeeding is the key to success.
We are proud to be recognized as a UNICEF “Baby-Friendly” hospital, and we are dedicated to providing you with the best support possible. Our certified lactation consultants are available to help you with any questions or concerns. Whether you’re an expectant parent or a new mom, our Infant Feeding Resource Center offers classes and appointments to provide education and hands-on assistance.
If you have any questions or need a little extra support with latching and positioning, please don’t hesitate to call our team at (580) 250-5253. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your breastfeeding journey! We accept both self-referrals and physician referrals, so reach out to us Monday through Friday.
Resources:
https://lllusa.org/positioning-and-latching/
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/steps-and-signs-good-latch
https://womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed/getting-good-latch
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