A Guide to: Latching your Newborn

Whether this is your first time breastfeeding, or you’ve done this before, the first latch with a new baby can feel a little awkward. Don’t worry, this is normal. Breastfeeding, although natural, is a learned skill for both you and your baby. Here are some tips to help make that latch easier:

• First things first. Make sure YOU are comfortable.

  Get into a chair, your bed, or sit somewhere that you can be comfortable for long periods of time. You may even want to put your feet up! Use pillows to support your back, neck and arms. Ensure that you are bringing the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby. If you are hunching over or in a position that isn’t comfortable, it’s going to make the first latch that much harder. Not to mention, you will soon be experiencing aches from bad body posture. A good breastfeeding pillow like a Baby Buddy Nursing Pillow can make all the difference.

• Get the baby into an optimal position for a proper latch.

  To do this, start by making sure that your baby’s head, neck and spine are all in alignment. We don’t want them to have to turn their head towards your breast to feed. Imagine how hard it would be to take a sip of water if you had to keep the cup over your shoulder and turn your head towards it! We want your baby tummy to tummy with you, and well supported so that it doesn’t feel like they are going to roll into you, or away from you. This position will also help visually as you should be able to look down and have a clear view of your baby’s mouth and face.

• Nose to Nipple.

  Position your baby low enough that your nipple is pointing up towards their nose. We are aiming for you nipple to land in the baby’s soft pallet, also known as the “comfort zone”. To understand where this is, take your own tongue and run it across the roof of your mouth. The hard pallet is right behind your teeth. The “comfort zone” is further back where the roof of your mouth curves upwards. When the nipple lands here, it will make feeding more comfortable, reduce the risk of trauma to your nipple, and improve milk transfer to your baby.

• Breast/Areola Shaping

  Breast shaping can help improve your latch. The goal is to use your hands to shape the areola so that it will be easier for the newborn to latch on to. This can really help as your baby learns to breastfeed, and as they work towards developing their oral coordination skills. To shape your breast, use your free hand that is not supporting your baby and align your thumb with the baby’s top lip. Your other fingers will wrap around the breast. Ensure that your fingers are far enough back that they aren’t touching the baby’s face when they latch on. Compress the breast in your hand, rotating your fingers slightly forward creating a wrinkle effect in the areola. Once baby latches you may need to keep your hand in place during feedings in the first few days. Once baby masters the latch, you may not need to maintain breast shaping during the feed.

• Big Open Mouth

  To help us get the best latch possible, we want the baby to be showing signs of readiness like rooting (turning the head side to side) and opening their mouth wide. If they are not doing this, rub your nipple across their lips and nose. This will often trigger the rooting response and result in the big open mouth we are looking for.

• Chin First!

  Position your baby so that their chin in touching your breast tissue and their head is slightly tilted back. When you latch, the chin should be the first thing to touch the breast. Often with a proper latch, the chin rests on the breast and nose are free.

• Baby Smash!

  Once you have great positioning and a big open mouth, smash that baby onto the breast! We’re only partially kidding. You do want to put the baby to breast in a way that pushes their mouth into the breast tissue. You should see that a good portion of the areola is in the mouth although this will look different on every body and baby. One thing we commonly adjust when working with families is the pressure that the baby is brought to the breast with. This is why we encourage a “Baby Smash Latch.”

• Feel the latch.

  Is it comfortable? Breastfeeding should NOT hurt. You may feel pulling or tugging sensations, but pain signifies that the latch may need to be adjusted and additional support may be required to ensure that breastfeeding is going well for you and for your baby. If you experience pain, unlatch the baby by taking your clean pinky finger and sliding it into the corner of the baby’s mouth to break the suction, reset the baby’s position and attempt the latch again.

• Look and listen for signs of milk transfer.

  Now that you have latched your baby, we want to ensure that your baby is effectively transferring milk. Proper milk transfer is essential for your baby’s growth and development, as well as establishing a good milk supply and preventing issues. To watch for milk transfer, pay close attention to your baby's suck-swallow-breathe pattern. You should see and hear audible swallows as your baby feeds, and you may also notice subtle jaw movements or rhythmic swallowing motions. It is normal for babies to take small pauses as they feed. Additionally, you can look for signs that your baby is getting enough milk such as adequate diaper output, (You can look at the best start guide here) appropriate weight gain and a baby who seems relaxed and content. If you have concerns about milk transfer or your baby's feeding patterns, contact your healthcare provider or Welcome Baby Co. for guidance and support in-home.

Now you’ve latched your baby! Let’s talk about some feeding basics.

• Hunger Cues

  Babies will show you when they are hungry by demonstrating hunger cues. The early cues are subtle, and it will help if you know what you are looking for.

  • Early Cues (I’m hungry)

    • Stirring

    • Smacking their lips

    • Turning their head from side to side

  • Mid cues (I’m REALLY hungry)

    • Unsettled and moving around

    • Attempting to suck on hands or anything the mouth can reach

    • Throwing themselves into nursing position or “diving for the nipple” when being held

  • Late Cues (I’m upset, calm me)

    • Upset and crying

    • Hard to console and may refuse the breast.

  If you missed early or mid cues, you may find the best thing to do is to soothe your baby until they are calm before you attempt latch as some babies won’t latch effectively when they are upset and crying.

• Frequency of Feeds.

  Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours (from the beginning of the feed), or 8-12 times in a 24-hour period so be prepared for a lot of feedings - even in the first days of life! Babies take in small quantities of milk during in those first days and it’s important to remember these amounts are exactly what they need and are essential for your baby to grow and thrive. The first feeds also play an important in helping them develop their latch skills and suck patterns. You can think of the first feeds as your baby learning to perfect breastfeeding.

  While 2-3 hours is the maximum time between feeds, if your baby is showing hunger cues, you don’t have to wait, feed them! We call this feeding on demand and is the best way to help your baby get all the milk that they need.

  Ensure that you are recording your baby’s feedings, as well as any dirty or wet diapers. This can help your care team assess how breastfeeding is going and help you understand when your baby is getting everything they need.

• Things that can help.

  Educate yourself prenatally. Taking a class about breastfeeding prior to your baby’s arrival can help prepare you for the road ahead. Our Welcome Baby Co. Prenatal Education classes have a 2.5-hour section on infant feeding and will leave you feeling confident and prepared.

  Skin to skin. Spending time with your baby skin-to-skin helps to establish a bond and can help with breastfeeding. This can be done in between feedings and for as long as you and your baby are both comfortable.

  A good support system. Breastfeeding is a learned skill that takes practice, and having a support system can provide valuable reassurance, guidance and advice.

  Hydration and nourishment. Ensure that you are taking care of yourself by eating well and keeping your body hydrated.

  Taking breaks. Breastfeeding is a big job! You will definitely benefit from having time in between feedings and caring for your own needs.

  Professional support. Many people find the first weeks of breastfeeding a bit challenging. Having professional support to provide tips, tricks and reassurance can improve your confidence and reduce your stress. You can find in-home breastfeeding support through Welcome Baby Co. here.

Breastfeeding is a unique and personal experience for each individual and baby, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ensure success, but we hope this guide has helped prepare you for the first latch and a happy, healthy breastfeeding relationship.

Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.

If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, breastfeeding support in Calgary or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.