Proper Latch-On

Correct positioning, or latch-on, is a key element of successful breastfeeding. During the early weeks of breastfeeding while you and your baby are in the learning process, you will want to pay special attention to proper positioning and latch-on. Having correct latch-on will:

• Makes milk flow better
• Prevents sore nipples
• Keeps your baby satisfied
• Stimulates a good milk supply
• Helps to prevent overly full (engorged) breasts

 Once nursing is well-established, close attention to these breastfeeding basics is not so crucial unless there is a problem.

Steps to a successful latch-on:
1. Get comfortable, position baby at breast and relax.
2. Place four fingers under the breast for support, place your thumb on top, well back from nipple and areola.
3. Lightly tickle baby's lower lip with nipple. Have patience!
4. Wait for your baby to open his/her mouth wide, as if to yawn, then quickly pull your baby towards you on to your nipple. Several tries may be necessary at first, but don't give up. It will work!!! (see below picture)

 5. The baby's gums should completely bypass the nipple and cover approximately one inch of the areola behind the nipple.  Make sure the baby's lips are everted.  Some baby's will tighten or purse their lips, especially the lower one.  If the lower lip is inverted (turned in), try simply pressing down on baby's chin to evert the inwardly turned lip.

Important Points:

• You must bring the baby to the breast, NOT the breast to the baby.
• Don't let your baby latch-on to the nipple. Get as much of the areola as you possibly can.
• If you feel pain, or the baby does not seem to be sucking correctly, stop and start over again. 
• If your baby is positioned correctly, his/her nose will be resting on the top of your breast and not buried in breast tissue.
• DO NOT press down on your breast to obtain breathing space. Even if the nose is pressed slightly against your breast. The baby's nostrils should flare out at the sides allowing them to breathe. If you are concerned about this, just retry the latch-on.
• If your baby was hungry, angry, or crying when put to the breast, the tongue may rest on top of the nipple, making the "milking movement" of the mouth impossible. Break the suction with your fingers by placing two fingers between your breast and the inside corner of your baby's mouth. Try to calm your baby down and try again.
• Listen for swallowing. You will know if your baby is feeding well if you see a suck-swallow motion with pauses in between. The jaw movement goes past the ears, sometimes even making the ears wiggle.
• If your baby wiggles during the feeding, it may be time for a burp. Take the baby off the breast, remembering to break the suction first, offer a burp and try your latch-on again.

Please DO NOT let the baby continue to feed incorrectly, as you can develop painful and damaged nipples, and the baby may not be able to get enough milk.

Animation of Proper Latch-On
Below is an animated view of how a proper latch-on should be