a. Take your nipple in your hand and stroke your baby’s lips. Your baby’s mouth should open wider when you do this.
b. Aim your nipple slightly over the upper lip of your baby.
c. Keep your baby’s bottom lip away from the base of your nipple. Babies should have fish-like, outward-protruding lips. Your baby should lean into the breast chin-first before latching onto it.
d. Your breast should completely enclose the baby’s mouth, and their tongue should be extended.
e. Put a clean finger in your baby’s mouth to gently break the latch if your baby latches only on the tip of your breast or if it hurts, and then try again.
Checklist for a good latch
Some signs of a good latch include:
a. The latch is painless and fine.
b. Your body should be against your baby’s chest and stomach so that their head is straight and not cocked to one side.
c. Your baby’s chin is touching your breast.
d. The entire breast, not just the nipple, is exposed when your baby’s mouth opens wide.
e. Your baby’s lips swell.
f. The tongue of your infant rests beneath your breast.
g. Swallowing is audible or visible.
h. Your baby’s ears move a little.
Tips to obtain a good latch
a. Move to a peaceful, quiet, and comfortable location.
b. Touch your baby’s skin.
c. Hold your baby to your chest while you undress together with them.
d. Give your baby the chance to discover your nipples on their own when you offer your breast.
e. Use your hands to support your baby’s neck, shoulders, and hips.
