Your guide to a perfect latch when breastfeeding

A good, deep latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding. It ensures your baby gets the most milk and prevents nipple soreness for you. While it might take a little practice, especially for first-time mothers, you and your baby will soon find your rhythm.

Recognising your baby's hunger cues

Before you even begin, learn to recognise your baby's early feeding cues. These might include yawning, sucking on fingers or turning their head as if searching for the breast. Responding to these cues promptly allows you to get comfortable and relaxed before your baby becomes overly hungry. A calm environment, perhaps with soft music, can also help.

Is your latch right?

Not sure if baby is latching on correcting. Here are some things to look out for:

• Pain-free feeding: A good latch shouldn't hurt. You might feel a gentle tug, but not sharp pain.
• Proper positioning: Your baby's head should be aligned with their body, not turned to the side. Their chin should be pressed against your breast.
• Wide open mouth: Your baby's mouth should be wide open, covering a large portion of your areola, not just the nipple.
• Tongue position: Your baby's tongue should be positioned underneath your breast.
  Audible Swallowing: You should be able to hear your baby swallowing.
• Ear movement: You might notice your baby's ears slightly moving as they feed.

Ask for help!

If you're struggling with latching, don't hesitate to ask for help. Nurses, midwives and lactation consultants are trained to provide personalized guidance. If you're in a hospital, ask your nurse for assistance. For home births, your midwife is your best resource. A lactation consultant can provide in-depth, tailored advice.

Try different breastfeeding positions

Changing positions regularly helps to distribute pressure on your nipples and prevent soreness.Before you start, gather everything you need and make sure you're comfortable. Support yourself and your baby with pillows. Experiment with these positions:

• Reclined (laidback) nursing: Often a good starting point, allowing for natural positioning.
• Cradle hold: A classic but may require extra support for newborns.
  Cross-cradle hold: Excellent for newborns and babies with latching difficulties.
• Rugby ball hold: Provides good support and is helpful for mothers who have had a caesarean birth or twins.
• Side-lying position: A comfortable option, especially at night or after a caesarean birth.
• Upright hold: Beneficial for babies with reflux or tongue-tie.

Relaxation is key

A relaxed atmosphere promotes milk letdown and makes breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Try gentle stretching, yoga, or meditation before feeding. You could even consider using a natural aromatherapy baby-safe candle to create a calming environment.