Achieving a Deep Latch-On

Latching is your baby's ability to create a seal around the nipple with his lips. Helping your baby achieve a deep latch on your breast is crucial for efficient feeding of the breast milk without taking in too much air.

Begin by sitting in a comfortable chair and use a pillow on your lap to raise the baby, bringing your baby to the breast -- not the breast to the baby. To help your baby achieve a deep latch, support your breast from underneath with your hand.

To stimulate the baby's natural urge to suck, just tickle your baby's lip with your nipple and wait for his mouth to open wide. Then bring the baby and your breast together in one swift motion. The baby should be taking in your entire nipple and a big mouthful of your areola (the brown-pigmented skin surrounding your nipple), and not just your nipple. His lips should flare outward, not pursed or rolled in, and his chin and nose should be touching your breast.

Signs of a Poor Latch

If your baby's latch is shallow, he may appear to be "hanging" on the nipple tip. Some other signs include: sunken appearance of the cheeks, clicking sounds as the baby draws in milk or pain when sucking.

When this happens, the baby will not be able to draw milk from your breast very well. This would decrease the amount of milk your baby drinks, so feedings may take over 45 minutes and your baby may not gain weight as he should. Also, your nipples are more likely to become very sore or cracked.