Among the thousands of concerns a mother has right after her baby is born, one of the main ones is the baby’s feeding, which in the first months is basically just breast milk. And this is another concern many mothers have when starting to breastfeed. After all, what is the correct latch in breastfeeding? What does the correct breastfeeding latch affect in feeding? How can it be improved? All these questions are common for women about to start breastfeeding and that’s why we need to clarify some points.
The Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding a baby goes far beyond just providing the nutrients needed for them to grow healthy during their first months of life. Breastfeeding is an act of love, an act of deep connection between mother and baby and very special in a woman’s life. Breastfeeding creates a connection between two lives, and even helps to prevent postpartum depression. We also have to consider the emotional development not only of the baby, but also of the mother in this moment, who needs this contact with her child so that this relationship becomes even stronger. Breastfeeding is much more than just feeding the baby, the many positive psychological effects prove that it is an extremely important act for both mother and baby.
Breastfeeding Positions
The mother should guide the baby to the breast and there are several different positions you can use while breastfeeding, it all depends on how comfortable the mother feels. In general, the best way to position the baby is however both the mother and baby are comfortable. A good option is to breastfeed in an armchair with a soft armrest or with a pillow for support. By positioning properly, the baby is able to take the whole nipple into the mouth, allowing for a proper latch. Positioning the baby well is very important, because when there is an incorrect latch, some discomforts may occur, such as intense pain in the breasts. It is also important to check that the baby’s lips are turned outwards, so there won’t be any problems for either the mother or the baby. Many people do not realize the importance of the correct breastfeeding position, but it is essential to avoid problems and to ensure that this unique and special moment is not disrupted. 
How Important Is the Correct Breastfeeding Latch?
Besides all the psychological aspects already mentioned, which are very important during feeding and are also greatly affected by the correct breastfeeding latch, there are other elements that make this so important. One of the main examples is milk production, which can decrease if the baby isn’t feeding correctly. This can also lead to problems like the baby’s dehydration, besides the risk of poor nutrition. The correct latch also prevents nipples from getting dry and cracked, something that can cause a lot of pain and worry for a mother.
Silicone Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding
The silicone nipple shield is a great way to help mothers who are experiencing pain, usually caused by an improper latch. The silicone nipple shield helps during breastfeeding, but it’s important to be careful that it doesn’t become mandatory or indispensable. The ideal is that the nipple shield is only used as an aid when you are having pain or until you get used to the correct latch. Once you’ve gotten used to it, its use should be discontinued.
What Is the Ideal Breastfeeding Routine?
The breastfeeding routine can vary from baby to baby and from mother to mother. Although there is no ideal routine that fits all types of families, there are some points to watch for so you can create your own routine and make breastfeeding time calm for both you and the baby. In the first months of life, your baby will spend most of the time sleeping and they have no sense of time — that is, it is very likely they will wake up in the middle of the night wanting to be breastfed. There are, of course, some babies who quickly get used to sleeping through the night, and that is something you can gradually help them get used to. The breastfeeding routine, then, will be based on the child’s sleep routine. At first it will be a little more complicated, especially at night, but over the months you will adjust and create your own routine. As the baby grows, it’s natural that they will also change their breastfeeding routine, especially when other foods are introduced into their daily life. Gradually, the tendency is they’ll stop requesting the breast as frequently. There is no consensus among experts about the right age for a baby to stop breastfeeding, but they all agree that breastfeeding contributes greatly to the baby’s development as well as being a healthy habit up to 2 years of age. Among all the worries women usually have when preparing to have a baby, understanding what the correct breastfeeding latch is one of the most important to clarify to make this special moment easier. Despite all the problems that can arise from such a common and ordinary doubt, there are also solutions — both for the problem and for the consequences it causes for women and babies, such as sore nipples and dehydration, for example. Each woman has a different experience with her baby and it’s not always easy to make the correct breastfeeding latch happen right away, but it is always possible to make this moment of intimate connection between mother and child more and more special with lots of patience, love and persistence. See Also: Postpartum Insecurity – How to Deal With This Situation? Photo: Anton Nossik
