How to Solve Common Latch Problems With Breastfeeding

Hi Gabrielle! I hear that you are concerned about breastfeeding challenges for the 2nd or even 3rd child. At Hegen Lactation Centre, we strongly advocate mothers to take breastfeeding in a positive light, day by day. Every child is different and unique, and as parents, we seek to understand life through our interactions with each of them. One way to prepare ourselves before birth is to attend an antenatal class that focuses on breastfeeding, or have a consultation with a IBCLC. You can share your previous experiences with breastfeeding, and with her help, you may be able to identify some blindspots you can overcome when your second child is born. For many mothers, having gained the experience the first time, they often feel more ready and at ease the second time. That translates to confidence, which allows them to undertake breastfeeding more readily. So, mental and emotional preparation is quite key to breastfeeding success. All the best, Gabrielle!

Hi Gabrielle! Thanks for the question! It takes a village to raise a child! A breastfeeding community helps to encourage you on your very own breastfeeding journey, and may help to provide some perspective during challenging times. A professional IBCLC can provide actual support and the right guidance to correct a latch and achieve breastfeeding comfort. For most, the relief from a good, deep latch can almost be immediate. Not only does a professional IBCLC help with very practical matters like latching, she is also most able to assist in managing your supply, sharing advice on how to care for your baby, and make breastfeeding a part of your lifestyle, rather than centering your life around breastfeeding. If you haven't seen a lactation consultant, I'd highly recommend you to see one, even before you give birth, as it will help with the breastfeeding preparation. Hope this explains!

Hi Manisha! You can consider a paced bottle feeding method, which I have described in one of my answers below. Here's also a quick reference for you as to how paced bottle feeding can be done - https://www.instagram.com/p/CveEL00tYEi/ Hope this helps!

Hi there! There are so many factors that may cause latch issues from both newborn and maternal sides. For newborns, latch issues are mainly due to incorrect positioning, poor latch technique (shallow latch) and possibly anatomical as well. On the maternal side, there may also be anatomical concerns such as short or inverted nipples, surgery to the breasts and/or nipples, medical conditions and even stress. If you are facing challenges with breastfeeding or latching, do work with a professional to resolve it! With the right help, most mums are able to continue to breastfeed successfully. All the best!

Hi there! I see that you have a concern regarding oral anatomical issues affecting breastfeeding. I'd do my best to explain! The most common oral anatomical issue these days is the tongue tie. Up to 5% of newborns may have tongue tie, and it is more common among boys than girls. The best way to go about it is to get your baby assessed by a Paediatrician or a Paediatric Dentist. A release procedure may be recommended if it has been observed to affect breastfeeding. Hope this clarifies!

Hi Gabrielle! Thank you for this question, it's a good one! Technically, cultural or societal factors may not influence the LATCH so much as latching often is a technique work. However, cultural and/or societal factors have a huge impact on parents' decision to BREASTFEED. One way to navigate these pressures is to do be thoroughly convinced that your breastmilk is indeed the best nourishment for your baby. Numerous scientific studies have concluded the amazing benefits of breastmilk, and how nothing quite compares to it. Once you have the data and the education about breastfeeding, it helps to explain this to especially immediate family members and friends of your decision to breastfeed. Hopefully, that provides some ground for understanding and acceptance. It's not easy, mama! Our best thoughts go with you!

Hi Sarah, thank you for your question! Nipple shields are helpful tools as temporary aids to support breastfeeding in the short term. For mothers considering nipple shields, you may like to work with a lactation consultant to wean off the shields once the latch is corrected and/or the breastfeeding relationship is more established. Latching can be challenging, but with the right help, it can be adjusted quickly. All the best!

Hi Jessica! The key difference between a shallow latch and a deep latch is that a deep, correct latch is NOT painful. For first-time mums just after labour, you may feel some tugging when breastfeeding but it shouldn't hurt, like a raw wound. Getting a deep latch is so crucial for establishing and protecting your milk supply, and also helping your baby get to the calorie-rich hindmilk which helps with weight gain. Thus, deep latch is always preferred; it makes such a great impact on your breastfeeding experience overall. Hope this explains!

Hi Jen! At Hegen Lactation Centre, we believe that a pumping mum is a breastfeeding mum! You are doing a great job providing the best for your baby. Just make sure to also take care of yourself and your health, as pumping is also tough. However, if the parents are still keen to explore a nursing relationship, it is something our team can help as well, more successfully if the baby is still young (between 1-3 months old). Latching is a technique that can be corrected and mastered under the right guidance. We do believe we are able to support that! All the best!

Hi Manisha! Scientifically, a mother's diet and water intake does NOT impact a baby's latch. However, a healthy diet and sufficient water intake contributes directly to the mother's wellness and milk supply for the baby. Latching is a matter of technique and practice! Not so much diet. However, having a good diet, proper hydration and ample rest protects your milk supply and your ability to provide the best nourishment for your baby. Hope this helps!