Breastfeeding Basics: Checklist for a Good Breastfeeding Latch

A good latch is the key to breastfeeding success. It minimizes discomfort and maximizes the transfer of breast milk. So how do you know whether or not you’re doing it right? Go down the checklist:

__ In the cradle or cross-cradle positions, the baby should be resting on his side, his tummy facing your tummy, shoulder and hips aligned, mouth level with the nipple

__ The baby’s mouth should be covering at least a half inch of the areola, the dark area of skin around the nipple

__ His nose is touching or nearly touching the breast

__ Both the top lip and bottom lip are flared out

__ Once your milk lets down (starts to flow freely), you can see the baby’s jaw moving all the way back by his ear

__ The baby’s temple may wiggle, too

__ You can hear the baby swallowing (you might notice a pattern, such as “suck, suck, pause for swallow.” The pattern will slow as the baby fills up and takes in less milk). Dr. Jack Newman describes an “open mouth wide – pause – close mouth” pattern that indicates whether the baby is swallowing big mouthfuls of milk.

__ Absence of pain (if breastfeeding doesn’t hurt, that’s a great sign that the latch is good. Some women may experience initial soreness, tenderness, and even pain in spite of a good latch, but it’s a good idea to work with a La Leche League leader and/or lactation consultant to rule out problems with latch, thrush, or other things that could cause pain).

__ The baby’s tongue is extended over his bottom gums and is cupping the breast (if you peeked, you could see a little triangle of tongue in the corner of his mouth, but there’s no reason to peek if everything feels right).

__ When the baby pops off (or the latch is gently broken), the nipple does not look unusually squished or angled like the tip of a new lipstick (a distinct line across the nipple might be a sign of tongue-tie).

One final way to gauge latch (and the baby’s consequent intake of milk) is to watch the baby’s output! Is the baby having enough wet and poopy diapers?