Signs Of A Bad Latch (+ How To Fix It)
Having a good latch is absolutely essential for breastfeeding success.
A good latch involves 2 things:
It’s comfortable for you
There is adequate milk transfer taking place (baby will have proper weight gain and enough diaper output for their age)
A good latch is not so much about what it looks like but what it FEELS like.
As long as baby is getting enough milk and you aren’t in pain, there’s no issue at all and baby has a good latch.
With a bad latch nursing may be downright uncomfortable, your baby won’t be able to remove enough breast milk, and you may struggle with low milk supply.
A bad latch all stems from ineffective sucking. Let’s discuss the signs of a bad latch…
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Signs that a baby has a bad latch
Baby latches on and then lets go of the breast often
Your baby just takes the nipple in their mouth (not the whole areola)
There is milk leaking from the corners of baby’s mouth
Baby pushes away or resists latching on
Breastfeeding is painful
Baby falls asleep at the breast often
Your baby isn’t peeing or pooping enough for their age
Baby doesn’t suck regularly for the first 10 minutes of a feeding
Their jaw doesn’t move while latched
There is not a tight seal between baby’s mouth and areola
Baby’s lips are tucked in when latched and not flanged outward (like a fish)
You don’t hear or see any sucking/swallowing during nursing sessions
You have nipple soreness
You develop red, raw, or cracked nipples
Baby is fussy, frustrated, or hungry after a full feeding session
Your nipple temporarily changes shape after a nursing session (like the shape of lipstick)
Baby is latching on to just the nipple
You hear clicking or smacking noises during nursing
Newborn baby is losing too much weight (more than 8% of their birth weight)
You baby hasn’t regained their birth weight by 14 days postpartum
Your baby is not growing along their growth curve
You’ve had more than one episode of clogged ducts or mastitis
2 Easy Ways To Treat Sore Nipples
Fill a bowl with warm water and add epsom salts. Lean over the bowl to soak your nipples and let them air dry.
If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.
What Causes A Baby To Have A Bad Latch?
Certain Preconditions
Prematurity and down syndrome may affect the baby’s ability to latch well.
Also, a mother having flat or inverted nipples may also make it difficult for baby to latch. NOTE: Many women are still able to breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples.
Related article: Breastfeeding With Flat/Inverted Nipples: 15 Tips & Tricks
Baby’s Level of Alertness
Many newborns have problems staying awake, especially in the first 2 weeks postpartum. Be sure to wake the baby to breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours if they are sleepy and still have not mastered feeding cues. Certain health conditions, such as jaundice and infection, may also influence a baby's level of alertness and ability to have a strong, continuous latch.
Baby’s Oral Structure
Certain structure variations inside a baby’s mouth may make it difficult for baby to get a good latch.
A baby having tongue tie, lip tie or cleft lip/palate may affect the baby's ability to latch.
Make sure your healthcare provider checks your newborn for a lip or tongue tie early on. Oral ties can be easily corrected with a minimally invasive procedure at a pediatric dental office.
Bad Breastfeeding Positioning
You need to position your baby correctly at the breast in order to get a deep latch.
When latched, your baby’s mouth needs to encompass your nipple and areola so that their lips curl out like a fish. Your nipple needs to go all the way back to the baby’s soft palate.
How To Get A Good Latch
Bring your baby to you and hold them close (don’t hunch over or bring your breast to them)
Get tummy to tummy with your baby
Bring their nose to your nipple level
Touch your nipple gently against their upper lip to encourage them to open their mouth wide. (the wider the mouth is, the easier it will be to get a good latch)
As your baby opens their mouth you can gently pull on their chin to encourage them to open real wide
Aim to get your nipple past your baby’s gums and upwards towards the roof of their mouth
NOTE: You can try all sorts of different breastfeeding positions to see which you like best. The easiest positon to get a deep latch is called laid back breastfeeding. Other useful breastfeeding positions for nursing a newborn are the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, the football hold, and the side-lying position. Read how to do every breastfeeding position here.
Related Article: 11 Easy Latch Tricks For Pain-Free Breastfeeding
What can you do when you notice signs of a bad latch?
If you notice any signs of a bad latch you can use your finger to gently break the suction. Afterwards you can try to latch again.
How To Break Suction: Gently slide in a finger through the corner of their mouth and move a quarter turn to break the suction.
It's important to work with your baby’s doctor and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you notice your baby has any latching problems.
If your baby is not feeding well at the breast, you must begin using a double electric breast pump as soon as possible to adequately empty your breasts. This will help you develop and maintain a healthy milk supply.
You can feed your baby the expressed milk until they learn how to latch well.
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🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.
Related article: 10 Pumping Tips To Pump Like A Pro