CG Deep Latch -

Deep Latch

The key to comfortable breastfeeding is a deep latch. A deep latch will decrease nipple pain, and make it easier for your baby to transfer more milk.

What Is a Shallow Latch?

A shallow latch happens when your baby does not have enough breast tissue in their mouth to efficiently express the milk. A shallow latch can lead to low milk transfer, can be painful, and may reduce your milk supply.¹ For your baby to transfer milk well, your nipple should be deep in the baby’s mouth.²

Signs of a Shallow Latch:

Nipple pain, soreness, or pinching
Bleeding, cracks, or blisters on your nipples
Nipple changes color during or after breastfeeding
Lips are curled inward when latched
Narrow angle at the corner of your baby’s mouth when latched
Quick sucking, nibbling on the tip of the nipple, and not pausing to swallow
Baby is sleepy at the breast but always seems hungry
Dimples on your baby’s cheeks or smacking noises when breastfeeding
Your nipple has a different shape when your baby comes off the breast
Frequent clogged ducts (known as ductal narrowing)

Signs of a Deep Latch:

Does not hurt
Your baby’s chin presses into your breast
Baby’s nose is tilted slightly back, just lightly touching the breast
You can hear and see your baby swallowing
Nipple lands at the roof of baby’s mouth
Ear/temple movement during active breastfeeding
Nipple is round when baby comes off the breast

Tips for Getting a Deep Latch

Exaggerated Latch³

1. Support your baby’s head using your thumb and fingers just below your baby’s ears. Your hand will support your baby’s shoulders and upper back.
2. Bring your baby to your breast. Place your thumb on your breast near your baby’s nose and your fingers underneath your breast near your baby’s chin. Aim your nipple above your baby’s nose.
3. The bottom of your breast should touch your baby’s chin. This will trigger your baby to open his or her mouth wide
4. Once your baby’s mouth is open wide, use your fingers to roll your areola and nipple into baby’s mouth
5. As your areola enters the baby’s mouth, use your top finger or thumb to gently push the nipple past your baby’s upper gum before removing your finger
6. Make sure your baby’s arms are hugging each side of your breast and not crossed in front over his or her chest

Try Adding Breast Compression⁴

1. Make sure your baby’s mouth is open wide when coming to the breast
2. Place your hand in a “C” shape using your thumb and fingers to hold and apply gentle pressure
3. Continue holding your breast until your baby begins sucking
4. Sometimes towards the end of a breastfeeding session, your baby may need help keeping that deep latch. You can use breast compression to help encourage your baby to stay latched well.

Check Baby’s Position

Babies feed using their whole bodies, not just their heads and mouths. Your baby looks for a place to anchor their chin, push with their toes, and feel the warmth of your body. Adjust your body, baby, and breast to what feels comfortable and relieves tension. Remember that different positions work for different moms. Some moms find breastfeeding in a reclined or laid-back position relaxes both mom and baby.⁵

When to Seek Help

It is important to seek help from an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) right away if you and baby are struggling with the latching process. Seek help if latching is painful, if your nipples change shape, are irritated, or damaged after latching, or if you are worried your baby may not be transferring enough milk.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
Lactation Q&A

To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References