As a new parent, one of the most important skills I wanted to learn was breastfeeding. I had no idea how it worked. Was the milk just going to appear? Was it going to hurt? Would the baby know what to do? Would I know what to do? Yall, I was confused. All I knew was that supposedly breastfeeding provided babies with essential nutrients, and it’s a great way to bond with your baby. However, I do not recall anyone warning me about how challenging it could be, especially if your baby is having trouble latching onto your breast.
Come here and listen real close. Yall, if hurt was a person, it would have been me. I got to a point where I dreaded meal time, which seemed like it was all of the time (hello cluster feeding). Ya girl was in pain (read here for more on my breastfeeding struggles). But God (and Natasha)! With the help of my amazing lactation consultant, I went from “have mercy, make it stop” to a “happy milk maid,” that is until the biting started [ouch]. But that’s another post for another day. Let’s chat about some tips for fixing your baby’s latch and making breastfeeding a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for the both of you.
Get in the Right Position
The first step in fixing your baby’s latch is to make sure you’re in the right position. You should be comfortable, with your back and arms supported, and your baby should be facing you with their nose and chin in line with your nipple. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, and their lips should be flanged out. What’s right for you may not be right for your homegirl. Win and I were more of a cross cradle hold duo. Like always, right is relative.
Try a Different Position
Speaking of positions, sometimes what was the right position yesterday is not the right position today. If needed, trying a different position can make all the difference. Try sitting in a different chair or using a different breastfeeding pillow. You can also try the football hold or side-lying position to see if they work better for you and your baby.
Check for Tongue Tie
If your baby is having trouble latching, it could be due to a tongue tie. This is when the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, making it difficult for the baby to move their tongue properly. If you suspect your baby has a tongue tie, speak to your healthcare provider.
Express a Little Milk
If your baby is having trouble latching, you can try expressing a little milk first. This will make your nipple easier to grasp, and it will also encourage your baby to open their mouth wider. You can do this by hand or using a breast pump. This was my favorite hand pump, hands down (see what I did there)?
Use Nipple Shields
If your baby is really struggling to latch, nipple shields can be a helpful tool. These are thin silicone shields that go over your nipple, providing a larger, more rigid surface for your baby to latch onto. Spoiler alert, nipple shields didn’t work for me, but I think they are worth a shot. My research tells me that nipple shields should only be used with the guidance of a healthcare professional, so if you wanna be grown and just dive in alone, you’re on your own.
Seek Help
Breastfeeding can be challenging and it is important to remember that you are not alone. If you’re having trouble getting your baby to latch, seek help from a lactation consultant or other healthcare provider. Professionals can assess your baby’s latch and offer personalized advice to help you and your little one succeed. Natasha helped us on her very first visit an continued to support us throughout our journey.
Getting your baby to latch can be challenging, but with the right position, patience, and support, it can be accomplished. Remember to take care of yourself as well as your baby, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. With time and practice, you and your little one will become pros at breastfeeding in no time.
That’s It. That’s All Yall.
J. Bai
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I’m just sharing my thoughts and experiences. As always, if you need medical advice, please consult your doctor.
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