Breastfeeding: Common Latch Issues and How to Solve Them

During your fourth semester, after the long journey of pregnancy and birthing, your baby will finally be in your arms! This is the time when you and your little one take the time to settle in and get to know each other. And although this time can be magical and deeply fulfilling, it’s also challenging as you and your baby will face many hurdles together. One such problem is that of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby is a must, at least until they reach 6 months of age. Your breastmilk has many benefits that are great for your baby’s development and immunity. Besides, you get extra cuddles every time they feed! Sounds like a dream doesn’t it? But this isn’t always the case. There are several reasons why breastfeeding your newborn can be challenging, one of which is latching. Many babies experience latching issues. Making breastfeeding painful for the moms and unpleasant for themselves. But why can’t they latch on and is there a way to rectify this? Here’s everything you need to know about latching issues and how to solve them so you and your baby can have a smooth and easy breastfeeding experience!

In This Article

Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Latch

Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Latch
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There are a variety of reasons why a baby may have trouble latching. Premature babies, those with developmental delays, jaundice, or heart issues can often have difficulty latching on when nursing. However, the greatest cause for poor latching is inexperience of the mother. First time moms, especially, have a hard time breastfeeding. Lack of skilled health professions can also add to this problem. Many mothers need skilled help in the early days to ensure that the baby attaches well and can suckle effectively. So it’s important to avail the help of health workers who have the necessary skills to guide them through this process (1). Your baby may also have trouble latching due to functional difficulties. If the mother has flat or inverted nipples, this can make it harder for the baby to attach their mouth to the nipple in order to nurse easily.

Keep in mind that you and your baby are getting used to the experience of breastfeeding together. So be patient as this is an adjustment period for both of you. It’s perfectly normal to experience some short-lived discomfort while nursing for the first couple of times. But it will remedy itself as you both get the hang of breastfeeding. A clear indicator that your baby has trouble latching on will be pain while nursing which will continue even after breastfeeding. If you continue to feel this pain, it’s best to seek the service of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) (2).

If the latch is still painful, an IBCLC and a trained pediatric professional will need to assess for lip and tongue ties, also known as ankyloglossia (3). Popularly known as tongue-tie, it is a short lingual frenum that interferes with normal tongue movement. Although this may make feeding difficult for your baby now, it can also mean several problems arising in the future. This is why it is beneficial to you and your baby if they are diagnosed during breastfeeding as the early screening process will reduce the risk of speech impediments, sleep apnea, heart implications and dental implications. Working with a lactation consultant will also result in your tongue-tied baby successfully breastfeeding.

Signs That Your Baby Is Having Trouble Latching And What To Do

Signs That Your Baby Is Having Trouble Latching And What To Do
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How can you tell for sure that your baby is having trouble latching on while breastfeeding? If your baby starts pushing away from you or resists being near your breast by turning their head away from you, they might have latching issues. If your baby only nurses for a couple of minutes or doesn’t suck for a continuous stretch of time, this too may indicate a latching issue. They may be struggling to get a grip of the nipple or just find it hard to feed because of their pallet shape and size.

On the other hand, if your baby nurses on one side at length or feeds for a long period of time but still seems hungry, they may not be latched on correctly. It may help to keep a tab of your baby’s bowel movements and wet diaper frequency in order to gauge if they are getting enough to eat. This way you will know if there is an issue with milk flow or if the issue isn’t your milk production but your baby. Try different feeding positions and check your flow force to ensure that your baby is not choking on your milk.

Chapped or reddened, bleeding nipples are a clear indication of latching issues. So consult your doctor for immediate relief and remedies. Patience is key to getting your baby to latch on. As frustrating as it can be, you need to give yourself and your baby time to adjust to this new experience. You’ve got this! Happy parenting.

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