Getting Started - Latching On
Once you and your baby are in a comfortable position, your baby needs to latch on to the breast. The proper latch is very important in the prevention of sore nipples and suckling to completely drain the breast of milk. To latch your baby onto the breast, do the following.
- Support your baby's head with one hand.
- With your other hand, support your breast by placing your thumb above the areola and your fingers below the areola. Do not put your hand on the areola when you form a "C' with your thumb and fingers.
- Your fingers can pull backward (into your chest) slightly to make the nipple thrust out, making it easier for your baby to latch on to the nipple.
- You should touch the nipple to your baby's cheek, and when your baby's mouth opens up widely, pull your baby close and insert as much of the nipple and areola as possible.
After your baby has latched on properly, your baby will suckle rapidly to stimulate the milk-ejection reflex. Once the milk "lets down", your baby will use a slow, rhythmic suckling pattern. You may experience momentary soreness as your baby latches and vigorously suckles. This should pass in a minute or two. If you have soreness throughout the entire feeding, please call our office to arrange for a lactation consultant visit to evaluate your situation.
