Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your newborn, but it doesn’t always come easily. One of the key factors in successful long term breastfeeding is ensuring a proper latch. A good latch helps the baby get enough milk while preventing discomfort and pain for the mother. In this article, we will explore how to achieve a successful latch, common challenges, and tips for getting the support you need. Whether you’re seeking in-person lactation counselling in Mumbai or prefer video consultation, Sonali Shivlani, founder of Baby360degrees, is here to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
Understanding the Importance of a Good Latch
A proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding. When the baby latches correctly, they can efficiently draw milk from the breast, leading to adequate nutrition and a satisfying feeding experience. For the mother, a good latch prevents issues like sore nipples, mastitis, and engorgement.
However, achieving the perfect latch can be tricky, especially for first-time mothers. This is where expert lactation counselling comes in. With over 20 years of experience, Sonali Shivlani offers personalized guidance, helping mothers in Mumbai and beyond through video consultations to perfect their latch technique.
Steps to Achieve a Successful Latch
- Find a Comfortable Position
Before you begin, ensure that you and your baby are comfortable. A good breastfeeding position sets the stage for a successful latch. Common positions include the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and laid back position. Experiment with these to find what works best for you and your baby.
If you need help finding the right position, Sonali Shivlani’s in-person sessions in Mumbai or online video consultations can provide hands-on guidance.
- Align Your Baby Properly
Your baby’s head, neck, and spine should be in a straight line, and their nose should be level with your nipple. This alignment makes it easier for your baby to open their mouth wide and take in a good portion of the areola (the dark area around the nipple).
In her lactation counselling sessions, Sonali Shivlani emphasizes the importance of proper alignment to ensure comfort and effectiveness during breastfeeding.
- Encourage a Wide Mouth
Gently stroke your baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth wide. The wider their mouth, the more of the areola they can latch onto, which is essential for effective milk transfer.
If your baby is struggling to open wide, Sonali Shivlani can demonstrate techniques to help, either in-person or through video consultation.
- Bring Your Baby to the Breast, Not the Breast to the Baby
Once your baby’s mouth is wide open, quickly bring them to the breast. Avoid moving your breast toward the baby, as this can lead to an improper latch. The baby should take in as much of the areola as possible, not just the nipple.
Proper latch technique is crucial for avoiding nipple pain and ensuring your baby gets enough milk. Sonali Shivlani’s expertise in breastfeeding can help you master this skill.
Look for Signs of a Good Latch
A good latch should feel comfortable, and you should see your baby’s jaw moving rhythmically. Their cheeks should be rounded, not dimpled, and you should hear swallowing sounds.
If breastfeeding is painful or you’re unsure if your baby is latching correctly, Sonali Shivlani offers detailed assessments in her counselling sessions to ensure everything is on track.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even with the best intentions and preparation, some mothers face challenges with latching. Here are some common issues and how Sonali Shivlani’s expertise can help you overcome them:
Flat or Inverted Nipples
Flat or inverted nipples can make latching difficult for some babies. Using a nipple shield or manually drawing out the nipple before feeding can help.
Tongue Tie
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the baby’s tongue is tethered to the bottom of their mouth, restricting movement. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch properly.
Engorgement
Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full, making them hard and difficult for the baby to latch onto. Regular feeding and expressing a little milk before latching can help.
Baby’s Reluctance to Breastfeed
Sometimes, babies may refuse to latch due to various reasons such as discomfort, distraction, or nipple confusion (common in babies who are also bottle-fed).
The Role of Lactation Counselling in Ensuring a Successful Latch
Lactation counselling plays a pivotal role in helping mothers achieve and maintain a successful latch. Whether you’re a new mother or have previous breastfeeding experience, challenges can arise that require expert guidance.
At Baby360degrees, Sonali Shivlani offers complete solutions for pregnancy and parenting, with a strong focus on breastfeeding support.
Here’s how Sonali Shivlani’s lactation counselling can benefit you:
Personalized Attention
Every mother and baby pair is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Counselling is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the most relevant advice and support.
Comprehensive Support
Beyond just latching, counselling covers a range of breastfeeding-related topics, including milk supply, pumping, and weaning. This holistic approach ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle any aspect of breastfeeding.
Convenience and Accessibility
Whether you prefer in-person sessions or the convenience of video consultations, Sonali Shivlani makes lactation support accessible to you. Her flexible options mean you can get the help you need, whenever you need it.
Experience and Expertise
With over two decades of experience, Sonali Shivlani has helped countless mothers successfully breastfeed their babies. Her deep understanding of breastfeeding challenges and solutions ensures that you’re in good hands.
Conclusion
Achieving a successful latch is essential for a positive breastfeeding experience, but it’s not always easy. With the right guidance and support, however, you can overcome any challenges that arise. Sonali Shivlani, founder of Baby360degrees, offers expert lactation counselling in Mumbai at PD Hinduja Hospital Khar (Contact Number 02245108989 / 02261548989) and through video consultations, providing mothers with the tools and confidence they need to breastfeed successfully. If you’re struggling with latching or any other aspect of breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sonali Shivlani.
