Latch-on Problems
Newborn babies find their mother's nipple by touch and scent.
Birthing choices such as unmedicated delivery, minimal separation of mom and baby after birth, early breastfeeding after birth, and mother-baby rooming in can make latch on problems less likely to occur.
In the first moments after birth babies placed gently near their mother's breast often latch on and begin nursing with little assistance. However, some babies are unable to latch on well in the early days of breastfeeding. In some cases, problems persist for weeks, making breastfeeding frustrating for mother and baby.
The important thing to remember is that breastfeeding is normal behaviour for babies. When a baby refuses the breast or struggles with latching this is a signal that something about feeding is not working well. The mother and baby in this situation need and deserve help to make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable. Often some skilled help is all it takes to overcome latch on problems.
Breastfeeding is a 'dance' with two partners. It is important to realise that latch on difficulties may be related to problems with mother or baby, or to a combination of problems in both breastfeeding partners.
Sometimes premature, small, or ill babies lack the strength or size to latch on well. A severe tongue-tie, cleft palate, or unusual oral anatomy may complicate a baby's ability to latch and feed normally. Forceps can sometimes bruise the jaws, making it painful for the baby to open wide. A difficult delivery or rapid weight loss can leave a baby exhausted and bruised, without energy to latch. Blood sugar problems can create jittery behaviour that interferes with feeding. Breathing problems also complicate breastfeeding.
Most babies can breastfeed beautifully, however, and professional assistance and follow-up makes it easier for all breastfeeding mothers, especially those who are experiencing problems with latch.
The size and shape of a mother's nipples may create a temporary problem if they don't provide a good 'fit' with the size of a small or premature infant's mouth. Growth and time solve this kind of problem, and breast pumping can protect the milk supply in the meantime. Sometimes engorgement or flat or inverted nipples confuse an infant who can't easily grasp enough breast tissue to stimulate sucking. Nipple shields can help the baby in the meantime, and pumping can soften the breast and pull out the nipples.
Seek help if your baby is not latching well or at all, or if breastfeeding hurts, if your baby isn't gaining well, if you suffer from prolonged engorgement or recurrent mastitis, or if your milk supply is declining. Your baby's latch on may be the problem.
Correcting this problem may be as simple as improving the baby's positioning. The position of the baby's body, the amount of support provided for the baby's body, and the way the breast is offered all improve the baby's ability to latch on.
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