How do I latch my baby on?

Keep your baby as close as possible

Holding your baby as close to your body and in a straight line helps with their natural breastfeeding reflexes and supports their whole body whilst you latch them on.

It helps to keep their chin as close to your breast when bringing them on. Aim to touch their chin onto the breast first, so that they can get as much breast in their mouth as possible, which allows for a deeper latch. 

You can use your arm as a support for your baby’s body, almost like a ledge to keep them in the inline with your breast.

Bring your baby to your breast 

This means you getting yourself as comfortable as you can and then bringing your baby onto the breast to feed. So you’re changing their position not your own. This allows you stay comfortable and the hold will be easier and more comfortable to maintain.

Allow the back of your baby’s head to move back

When your baby moves to the breast and opens their mouth wide they tip their head back to get the best mouthful of breast possible. If they unable to move their head back they won’t be able to get as much breast in there, so its helpful to make sure the back of your baby’s head is not obstructed by your hand or anything else. 

Big wide open mouth

Waiting for the biggest gape of their mouth as possible is key for getting a deep latch and good milk transfer. Aim for as much breast tissue in the mouth as possible - not just the nipple! You’re looking for an asymmetrical latch - more breast in the bottom of the mouth then the top.

It might look good BUT if it doesn’t feel good then it’s not a good latch!

No one can see inside your baby’s mouth when they’re latched on to see how they’re positioned. Only you can feel it, if its uncomfortable consistently then its worth seeking breastfeeding support. Sometimes in the first few days you can get some discomfort as your baby latches on and your nipple is being stretched this should only last for 20 seconds or so and the discomfort should go as the breastfeed goes on. This should reduce after a few days. If not, please do seek breastfeeding support. Breastfeeding shouldn't always be uncomfortable or painful. 

5 tips for breastfeeding at night

Comfort 

Make where ever you feed as comfortable as possible. If its a chair use the comfiest one you have  add cushions and a blanket if it helps! If you feed in bed, find positions that help you feel most comfortable. Using pillows as a support are helpful. A ‘V’ pillow behind your back in bed can be particularly helpful. 

Set yourself up 

Set up your feeding space before you go to bed. This could include pillows for comfort, a bottle of water, a blanket (if its cold weather), headphones if you wanted to listen to something and a ‘changing’ station to make nappy changes as quick and easy as possible.

Podcasts

In the early days night feeds can last over an hour, this changes as they grow older. Whilst there on the longer side a good podcast can help you stay awake. If you’ve got a toddler or older children it's also such a special time thats just for you and your new baby.  

 Latch

Keep an eye on your latch especially in the early days sometimes it helps to have a low light on, so that you can see and support your baby to latch as deeply as possible. This helps your baby get as much milk as possible and hopefully helps prevent sore nipples from a poor latch.

Positive thinking

These can be hard times but they are also lovely precious and fleeting moments, enjoy as much as you can and let the oxytocin flow, it wont be long and you'll be onto a new stage with your little one. 

breastfeeding in the early days

As many cuddles as possible

Keeping your baby as close as possible to you (as much as possible) in the early days has so many amazing benefits for both you and your baby. It helps stimulate both of your natural instinctive behaviours to breastfeed which will help your baby with rooting and attaching. Whilst also stimulating oxytocin and prolactin hormones which will help with bonding and milk production. It is also great for putting your feet up and having a cuddle.

Responsive feeding 

Breastfeeding is about so much more than milk. Its about having a relationship together, responding to your baby cues, listening to your body (feeding when you feel full), and about comfort and relaxation for both of you. Every baby and breast is different and how each mother and baby will feed is different. Knowing that breastfeeding is not just about nutrition but also about love, comfort and bonding, helps to reframe that breastfeeding is not just about food but so much more.

Hand expression

Hand expression is wonderful for so many things. It is a great way to understand how your breasts work and get used to how they feel. You can do it before your baby is born (from 36 weeks – check with your midwife that you have no contraindications) or once they’ve arrived. It is a way to help your baby feed if they need encouragement to feed, if there are difficulties with feeding or if your breasts are feeling very full. See the NHS website for more information on expressing and storing milk.

Breastfeeding support

If things become challenging then breastfeeding support can be a wonderful encouragement to keep going. Seeing someone who has experience and knowledge can give you reassurance and support. This comes in many forms from a Lactation Consultant visiting you at home, a breastfeeding telephone helpline, or a breastfeeding group where you can meet other mums in a similar situation to you, grab a cup of coffee and get some support from someone experienced. Please do get in touch with us at Baby Hive if you’d like one to one support at home, we would love to support you and your baby. 

Go with the flow

Every day will be different and as your baby grows, how and when you and your baby want to breastfeed will change. The range of ‘normal’ in breastfeeding is so vast. The frequency and length of a feed are unique to you and your baby as everyone is different and so is each mum and baby’s feeding journey. Follow each others lead and go with the flow. If you have concerns get in touch with someone who is experienced with supporting mums to breastfeed.