Breastfeed should be pain-free with a good latch for maximum milk intake. Signs of a good latch include wide mouth, full cheeks, and relaxed baby.
Breastfeed should not be painful.
A good latch will keep discomfort to a minimum level
A good latch will help your baby get most of the milk
When the latch is poor other problems like sore/cracked nipples develop.
SIGNS OF GOOD LATCH while breastfeed :
- Baby’s mouth should be wide open & lips turned outwards
- Baby should take in the nipple plus the aerola
- Baby’s cheeks should always be round and full
- Baby’s chin touches the breast
- Baby's chest and stomach rest against your body, so that baby's head is straight, not turned to the side
- Baby latching should not be painful
- Baby feels relaxed and content after the feeds
- Baby unlatches on its own
- Baby is close to you and turned towards you.
SIGNS OF POOR LATCH while breastfeed:
- Baby’s lips tucked in and under
- Baby’s mouth not open wide
- Baby having dimples while suckling
- Baby doing nipple suckling
- Baby making clicking or smacking sound while suckling
- You feel sore nipples and breastfeeding becomes more and more painful
- After breastfeeds baby still shows signs of hunger
- Baby losing or not gaining adequate weight.
Dr.Bhavini Dhar
Dr.Bhavini Dhar PT has expertise in Women’s Healthcare as well as she is an excellent Lactation Consultant.
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