Tips to remember: Second, the deep latch can be achieved with any position of the baby: "football", "cradle", or "cross-cradle" holds, but it is easier if you sit up straight and use pillows to support you and your baby.
3: Cross-cradle hold
The aim is to support your baby around his neck and shoulders to allow him to tilt his head prior to latch. This is a great newborn breastfeeding position and is also good for small babies and those with latching difficulties.
If you're a parent wondering if it is “too late” for nursing or if you work with new parents in this situation, don't despair. No matter how difficult nursing once was and no matter how long it has been since the baby latched and fed, it is almost always possible to make nursing work.
The causes: When baby is latched well, the nipple goes deep into baby's mouth, right to the back. The baby's tongue does most of the work in getting the milk out; if the nipple is not far enough back, the tongue will rub or press on the nipple and cause pain.
Many things can affect a baby's ability to suck and remove milk. Factors such as prematurity, jaundice, infection, heart disease, a mother's medicines and many others can affect a baby's ability to stay alert or coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe actions.
Signs of a Poor Breastfeeding Latch
Your baby does not have their lips out like a fish. You can see that they have their lips tucked in and under, instead. You can hear a clicking or smacking noises as your little one tries to suck. Your breast milk supply is low.
The latch feels comfortable to you and does not hurt or pinch. Your baby's chest rests against your body. Your baby does not have to turn his or her head while drinking. You see little or no areola (the darker skin around the nipple), depending on the size of your areola and the size of your baby's mouth.
Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily. Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby's mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment. Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast.
Some popular breastfeeding positions include the football or clutch hold, side-lying hold, cradle hold, and laid-back hold. Whichever position you choose, try cupping your breast from below with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other. Squeeze gently while guiding your nipple and areola into your baby's mouth.
One of the biggest reasons your baby prefers a shallow latch may be because of an oversupply of milk. With a quick letdown of milk, she'd rather purse her lips and take a few sips than feel like she's guzzling so much. A simple trick is to nurse her reclined.
You and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. Your baby's chest should face your chest, and your baby's mouth should be level with your nipple. Pull your baby close. In this position, you can cradle your baby's back with your forearm.
Your nipple should be round after breastfeeding. You can see your baby sucking in their cheeks as they try to feed. Hearing clicking or smacking noises like the baby is taking in air as they try to get suction.
If the skin on your breasts becomes tight and your nipples flatten out, your baby may have a hard time latching on. You can soften up the skin around your nipples and areola by pumping or hand expressing a little breast milk before you begin to breastfeed. This will make it easier for your baby to latch on.
Listen for a “ca” sound. You will hear this more easily when your milk increases. Sometimes you may hear your baby gulping, especially if you have lots of milk. Clicking or smacking sounds may mean that your baby is not latched correctly.
When babies are latched on wrong, it can hurt or feel like a pinch each time your baby sucks. Over time, this can lead to painful, sore, cracked nipples. If you have pain during breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant to make sure your baby is properly latched or that something else isn't going on.
Sometimes sore nipples develop when the baby begins to suck harder because he or she is not getting milk quickly. This often is caused by: Improper positioning. Problems with latching on.
A shallow latch leads to decreased milk intake. This can lead to improper weight gain. Another issue that is important in considering latch is milk production. The milk is produced by the milk being properly removed by the baby.
A laid-back breastfeeding position could be useful with larger or older babies as you do not have to use your arms to hold their weight. You can always ask a breastfeeding counsellor for support with finding positions that suit you and your baby.
Are you holding your baby close to you, facing your breast? Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily. Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves.
An adjustment to the latch or positioning can help you and your baby to be more comfortable. With proper positioning and latch-on techniques, you can expect little or no nipple soreness. Correcting poor positioning or latch-on can often alleviate sore, cracked nipples and allow healing to begin.
As Your Baby Latches
Until then, it's normal to feel a small amount of discomfort while your baby latches on and pulls your nipple and areola into his or her mouth. This discomfort should only last for approximately 30 to 45 seconds after latching.
“The first four to six weeks are the toughest, then it starts to settle down,” says Cathy. “And when you get to three months, breastfeeding gets really easy – way easier than cleaning and making up a bottle. Just hang in there!”