This topic: Latching
Let's start with the basics. What we know is that breastmilk is amazing. It's been called "liquid gold" by many. I mean formula producers are always trying to mimic breastmilk as closely as they can for a reason. I have definitely shed a few tears when accidentally spilling some pumped milk.
Let's talk Latching
When your baby connects his itty bitty lil mouth to your sensitive, probably chapped, giant nipple it's called a latch. For a "good" latch your baby must open super wide, otherwise you risk lots of discomfort. In my experience, the latch of your baby is extremely important. When you have a good latch you know baby is getting a good amount of milk, and your nipples will be ever so happy. When you have a bad latch baby has a sad tummy, and your nipples are cracked, red, and possibly bleeding. No bueno!
There's lots of ways to get a good latch. It was explained to me like this:
Stick out your pointer finger on one hand- that's your nip
With the other hand make it look like a mouth-
that's baby's mouth
The important part is the placement of your baby's mouth on your nipple. If you place your baby's mouth straight on to the nipple that's going to make your nipple bend, not good! This happened to me with Gideon and I thought I was going to die.
You want your nipple to go in deep, so baby's head has to kind of go up and over. I'm no lactation consultant, so I'm not sure how to explain it. I'm much better with a visual!
Here's a graphic for you:
Now, it may look easy, and eventually it will be, but it's just not at first. It can be very frustrating, especially when your baby is crying his face off because he's hungry. When I first started breastfeeding I assumed my baby would just know what to do, but that is not the case. Nursing is just like everything else; your baby has to learn how to do it, and how to do it right. It's essential that your baby latches well for your sake and his.
There are so many factors that can hinder a good latch: sore nipples, small baby mouths, giant nipples, tongue tie, engorgement, inverted nipples, etc. If you experience ANY discomfort see a lactation consultant pronto! Those women are angels sent from heaven. They have so many tricks it's amazing. They can help you get a good latch. I promise it's possible!
Even after nursing two babies, I learned something new about latching. Who knew about the frenum and didn't tell me?!
Basically, latching is about as important to breastfeeding as the milk itself. Don't give up just because it's uncomfortable. The discomfort goes away. Just make sure to talk to your child's pediatrician or see a lactation consultant right away. Shoot, ask a friend who breastfeeds to watch her technique.
If I am said friend, holla at me girl!
