Breastfeeding: 15 steps to help your baby latch well

Breastfeeding is such a unique journey for every mum.

The HSE has some great advice on things you can do to help your baby to latch well from the beginning - particularly when it comes to the correct positioning and attachment.

Their experts explain that, “positioning and attachment are the terms used to describe how you hold your baby at your breast so they can feed. Attachment is also sometimes known as 'latching on'.

“Correct positioning and attachment is the most important thing for successful breastfeeding. When your baby is well positioned and attached, they will find it easier to feed well.”

Here are their 15 tips to help you on your breastfeeding journey when it comes to latching:

1. Hold your baby close with their nose level with your nipple.
2. Let your baby’s head tip back so their top lip brushes against your nipple - this should help them open their mouth wide.
3. When your baby’s mouth is wide open, bring them to your breast.
4. Aim your nipple to the roof of their mouth.
5. When they attach, your nipple and most of the areola (the area around your nipple) should be deep in your baby’s mouth.
6. When your baby is attached properly, their chin will be pressed into your breast.
7. Your baby's nose should be clear for easy breathing. Ideally, the nose should be at a tilt when attached correctly.
8. Newborns are nose breathers. If they cannot breathe freely, they will come off the breast.
9. In the correct position, your baby will be able to suck, swallow and breathe comfortably.
10. If your baby's nose appears to be blocked, move their bottom closer to you. This will create a head tilt and free up their nose.
11. The deeper the attachment the more comfortable you will feel and the better your baby will feed.
12. More of your areola will be visible above their top lip than below their bottom lip.
13. Their cheeks will appear fuller.
14. They’ll suck quickly at first, followed by longer sucks.
15. You will hear them swallowing.

Another thing to remember is: “In the early days of breastfeeding, you may feel nipple tenderness or sensitivity at the beginning of a feed as you get used to your baby attaching to your nipple. But it should not be painful.”

Signs that your baby is attached correctly, include:

• Your baby should have a wide mouthful of breast in their mouth.
• Their chin should be touching your breast.
• You may notice their top and bottom lips curled out.
• Their cheeks should be full and rounded - you should not see the cheeks dimpling when your baby sucks.
• Their jaw should be moving, you may also see their ears twitch as they feed.
• They will start with short quick sucks, then change to long deep sucks with pauses to breathe.
• You should hear them swallowing as your breast milk volume increases.
• You should not hear smacking or clicking sounds.
• They should feed calmly and not move on and off the breast.
• Your baby finishes feeding and seems satisfied.
• You will feel comfortable during a feed and your nipples should not be sore.

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