How Do I Know if Baby is Latched Correctly?

This is one of the most important things to successful breastfeeding for both baby and mom

• Support breast with hands & fingers off of the areola.
• C-hold for football, U-hold for modified cradle.
• Mother's thumb is placed on breast where baby's nose will be pointing.
• Angle Nipple toward baby's nose or roof of baby's mouth.
• Stroke baby's upper lip with mom's nipple.
• Wait for wide open mouth (like a big yawn).
• Bring baby onto the breast, baby's lower lip needs to be ½ to 1 inch below nipple base on areola and upper lip just over mom's nipple.
• Baby's upper and lower lips pouty and baby's mouth should remain wide open. The corners of baby's upper and lower lips should NOT touch.
• Mom feels a strong tug with each suck, but not a lot of discomfort.
• Baby sucks consistently and vigorously.
• Nipple is rounded when it comes out of baby's mouth, not pointed or pinched.

Please call the Trinity Birth Center's Lactation Consultant or educator with questions at (515) 574-6052.