Welcome to Newborn Tips! Breastfeeding is a special time, but it can present some challenges, especially in the early days. If you are here, you are probably wondering how to get your newborn to latch on properly and without difficulty.
Stay tuned with us until the end of this article to discover all the answers and practical advice on how to get your newborn to latch on effectively and peacefully.
Table of contents
How to get a newborn to latch on to the breast?
First of all, mothers, especially in the first few days after birth, are often anxious to learn how to get a newborn to latch on properly. This moment is crucial not only to ensure adequate feeding, but also to establish a deep bond between mother and baby.
Below is a practical guide with key steps to promote proper latching and make breastfeeding more relaxed and peaceful for you and your baby.
1) Find a comfortable position
Choose a breastfeeding position that makes you feel comfortable, with your back well supported. The most common positions are:
- Cradle position: the newborn resting on your forearm with his body facing you
- Rugby or rugby ball position: useful in the case of a caesarean section, with the baby under your arm and the body supported laterally
- Lying on your side: ideal for resting while breastfeeding
2) Stimulate the search reflex
Gently touch the newborn’s cheek or upper lip with your nipple. Your baby will turn his head and open his mouth instinctively.
3) Make sure his mouth is wide open
Only latch your baby to the breast when his mouth is wide open, almost like a yawn. This promotes a deep latch, which is essential to prevent pain and irritation.
4) Check for a correct latch
In this way, a correct latch has these characteristics:
- The baby’s chin touches the breast
- The mouth is wide open and covers most of the areola, not just the nipple
- The lips are turned outwards, as if to form a “fish mouth”
- You do not feel sharp pain when sucking (you may only feel a slight initial discomfort in the first few weeks)
5) Listen to the rhythm of the sucking
After a few initial quick sucks, the baby should establish a slower and deeper rhythm, a sign that he is swallowing the milk.
However, if the baby is not latching correctly or if you feel persistent pain, do not hesitate to ask for help.
In reality, breastfeeding a newborn may require some practice, but with the right support it will become a precious moment for both.
How to breastfeed: the first few days?
With reference to the first few days of breastfeeding, they can be a mix of emotions: joy, enthusiasm, but also some uncertainty.
Therefore, it is a period of adaptation for both the mother and the newborn.
Let’s see later how to best deal with this delicate phase.
1) Skin-to-skin contact: a fundamental beginning
Immediately after birth, skin-to-skin contact encourages the baby’s natural instinct to seek the breast. This moment helps to:
- Stimulate the sucking reflex
- Promote the emotional bond between mother and newborn
- Stabilize the newborn’s body temperature and heart rate
2) The importance of colostrum
In addition to this, in the first few days, the breast produces colostrum, a dense liquid rich in nutrients and antibodies. Even if the quantity seems minimal, it is perfectly suited to the newborn’s needs.
In addition, colostrum is useful for protecting the baby’s immune system and helping prevent neonatal jaundice by promoting the first evacuation of meconium.
3) Frequency of feedings
In truth, in the first few weeks, the newborn needs to be breastfed often, even 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Below are some tips on newborn breastfeeding frequency. Clarification: Do not follow rigid schedules.
- Breastfeeding on demand: offer the breast every time the baby shows signs of hunger (agitation, head movements, sucking hands)
- Frequency helps stimulate the production of breast milk
4) How to understand if the newborn is feeding well?
In particular, adequate nutrition is essential for the growth and development of the newborn. But how can you be sure that your little one is feeding well?
In the following lines you will find some signs that will help you understand if the baby is receiving enough milk:
- Slow and deep sucks followed by audible swallowing
- The baby appears satisfied after feeding
- Gradual increase in urine and feces in the first few days
Overcoming the first difficulties of breastfeeding
Overall it is normal to encounter some initial obstacles, below are the most common difficulties regarding breastfeeding:
Breast pain
It could be due to an incorrect latch. Try adjusting the position or ask for support from a lactation consultant.
Swollen and tense breasts
Applying cold compresses after feeding can provide relief.
Sore nipples
Using pure lanolin can help soothe irritation.
In all honesty, newborn breastfeeding in the first few days is a unique journey for every mother and baby. The first few weeks require patience and practice, but over time it will become a natural and rewarding gesture. Every little progress is a big step forward!
How long does it take for a newborn to latch on to the breast?
On the other hand, the time it takes for a newborn to latch on to the breast can vary greatly from one baby to another and depends on several factors that we explain below:
Immediately after birth: In the first hours of life, many newborns are able to latch on to the breast within the first hour if skin-to-skin contact is encouraged immediately after birth. This time is known as the “golden window” for initiating breastfeeding.
However, some infants may take longer to orient themselves and find the breast, especially after a difficult birth or if they are very tired.
Likewise in the first few days after: the baby may need more attempts to latch on correctly. Then, over time, he or she learns to better coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing.
How long does breastfeeding last?
Once latched on, a feed can last from 5 to 40 minutes, depending on the baby and the stage of breastfeeding.
What affects the times?
Positive factors:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Support from a breastfeeding expert
- Comfortable position for mother and baby
Possible difficulties:
- C-section
- Prematurity
- Use of medications during labor
- Difficulty sucking
- Prematurity or low birth weight
- Neonatal jaundice or excessive sleepiness
- Short lingual frenulum (to be evaluated by a professional)
When to ask for help?
In any case, it is useful to contact a breastfeeding consultant or pediatrician for support if:
- The baby is unable to latch on after several attempts
- Shows signs of hunger but does not latch on to the breast
- Does not wet diapers enough or does not seem satisfied after feedings
- Has difficulty breathing or appears very lethargic
Remember: every baby has his or her own pace, and breastfeeding is a mutual learning process. With patience and support, everything will become easier!
Newborn does not latch on to the breast: what to do?
If your baby is not latching on to your breast, it is important not to get anxious.
Since this is a common problem, especially in the first few days after giving birth, it can often be resolved with patience and the right support.
Let’s look at some valuable breastfeeding tips below.
1) Promote skin-to-skin contact
As mentioned above, skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate your baby’s natural reflexes.
- Keep your baby naked (or in a diaper only) on your chest, maintaining a warm and calm environment
- Let your baby explore your breast at his or her own pace, without forcing him or her
2) Check his or her position and latch
An incorrect latch can make sucking difficult.
So make sure your baby is facing you, with his or her head, shoulders, and hips aligned.
- Gently touch your baby’s upper lip with your nipple to stimulate the search reflex
- Wait until he opens his mouth wide before bringing him to the breast
3) Try different breastfeeding positions
Certain positions can make it easier to latch on, for example:
- Cradle position, the baby is supported on your forearm, with his face turned towards the breast
- Rugby position, the baby is supported laterally under your arm
- Biological nurturing (semi-reclined position), lying slightly backwards with the baby on your chest, using gravity to facilitate the latch
4) Stay calm and do not force
If the baby becomes agitated or nervous: Take a break (rock him or try to calm him before trying again); Breastfeed in a calm and relaxed environment (this can make a difference).
5) Stimulate the breast manually
So if the baby does not latch on, you can try:
- Express a few drops of milk manually to moisten the nipple and encourage the baby to suck
- In case of prolonged difficulties, express the milk to maintain its production and temporarily feed the baby with a cup or a spoon
To get back to the point, do not feel alone: breastfeeding is a skill that is learned together with your baby. Every little progress counts. With valid support, patience and love, you will be able to overcome this challenge too.
As a final point, remember that every newborn is different and that breastfeeding needs may vary. If you have any doubts or questions about how to get a newborn to latch on the breast, it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician. The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
ALSO READ: How to bathe a newborn | Practical and safe guide
Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED