Breastfeeding or latching is the natural way to feed the baby and a way of attachment between mother and baby. Correctly latching on the breast makes it easy for the baby to suck milk efficiently.
Why do babies refuse?
If the baby is fussy, crying, frustrated, or not in a good state of health, they refuse to latch. This could happen if the baby has a cold, stuffy nose, ear infection, and upset stomach. Also, some other medical conditions can cause poor latching; however, a few tips are provided for better latching.
Tips for better latching
Following are some tips for better latching.
Get in a comfortable position
Mother should be relaxed at an angle of 45 degrees, particularly at the start. When the mother is lying back, gravity supports the baby, so they don’t need to work. The reclined position permits babies to use their hands, allowing them to lift and turn their heads and snuggle their chin into the mother’s chest. Moms can use pillows or cushions to support their arms, back, or baby. Make sure the head, spine, and neck of the baby are aligned and not twisted.
Breastfeeding trick
Make a baby in a good breastfeeding position, hold the breast with a free hand, and guide the mother to place the thumb on the nipple and areola, where the baby’s nose touches the breast. Make index finger to spot baby’s chin touching the breast. Slightly compress the breast to make it close to the baby’s face. Mothers need to cuddle their babies close to their bare chests.
Feed before getting hungry
Do not wait to get your baby hungry; instead, start feeding them. If the baby is too hungry, it would be difficult to put them in the correct position, so make them latch on before they get too hungry. The sign of hunger the shows are sucking fingers, becoming fussy, or crying.
Hold the head lightly
Baby move their head a little back when they open their mouth to latch on the breast, so hold the baby’s head slightly and provide them space to move back. Instead of grabbing a baby from the head, carry it from its shoulders and bring it close to the breast.
Wide mouth opening
Mothers should avoid pushing their nipples into the baby’s mouth; instead, they need to wait for the baby to open their mouth big and wide. This can be done by touching the baby’s upper lips with a nipple several times.
Check for good latching signs
Check the following signs to see if the baby is comfortably feeding and latched properly.
- If the sounds of swallowing are audible,
- Baby’s cheeks are fully rounded,
- The bottom lip is turned out,
- Chin is touching the breast
- Mothers feel no pain in their breasts or nipples.
Take home
Breastfeeding is a natural way to start feeding a baby after birth. Latching is only possible if the position of both baby and mother is correct. Babies avoid or refuse to latch due to the changed environment, poor attachment to their mother, inaccurate position, or may be due to tongue tie, which is by birth. Batter ways to induce latching are by settling them in the correct position and keeping an eye on good latching signs and the baby’s behavior. Also, provide the baby with a comfortable environment to feed without distractions.