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 Allen Hospital's Lactation Consultant with questions at (319) 226-BABY (2229).