My breastfed baby won’t latch onto the breast
Some babies struggle to latch onto the breast, especially in the first few weeks of life when breastfeeding is being established. Remember that breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby learn together, it takes practice over time to become better and for you to feel confident.
It can be extremely stressful when your baby is struggling to latch onto the breast, there are some things you can try to make it easier.
How to get my baby to latch to the breast?
Hand express some milk onto your nipple so your baby can smell and taste it.
Learn to read your baby’s communication or ‘hunger cues’ so that you can breastfeed as soon as your baby shows signs of hunger. If your baby is too hungry then they may become distressed and cry which can make latching even more difficult.
Spend lots of time in skin-to-skin with your baby so that they are close to your breast and can access your nipple to latch and feed as soon as they are hungry.
Hold your baby in a laid-back position so that they can easily root, seek and reach for the breast when they are ready to feed.
If your breasts are becoming uncomfortable or hard, express some milk to soften your breasts and make it easier for your baby to latch on.
Don’t feel pressured to have visitors in the first few weeks! It’s important that you get to spend one to one time with your baby during the fourth trimester. Focusing on time with your baby and skin-to-skin will help you get to know one another and develop breastfeeding together.
Ideal positioning to support effective latch and milk transfer at the breast
Hold your baby close so that their nose is level with your nipple (2).
Make sure baby’s head and body are in line and facing you (no twisting or turning).
Support your baby’s back and neck but leave their head free so that they can tilt their head back as they open their mouth wide to attach.
Baby’s chin should touch your breast as they tilt their head back and open their mouth wide.
Baby’s chin should be touching your breast, their nose is not usually squashed against your breast.
Baby’s mouth is wide open with a large mouthful of breast.
There will be more areola visible above baby’s top lip than below their bottom lip.
For signs your baby is feeding well see our blog post here.
Signs of an effective latch:
Your baby’s chin is touching your breast, their nose is not usually squashed against your breast and their mouth is wide open with a large mouthful of breast (3).
There is more areola visible above the baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip.
Breastfeeding is comfortable for you and there is no pain before or after feeds.
Your baby appears calm and relaxed during feeds.
Baby’s cheeks are round as they rhythmically take sucks and swallow with occasional pauses.
You can hear your baby swallowing (this sound may take time for you to become familiar with).
Your nipple does not change shape or colour after feeding.
Baby comes off the breast on their own at the end of feeds appearing content and satisfied.
Baby is having regular wet and dirty nappies (see our infographic on typical pattern of wet/dirty nappies in new-borns here).
Signs your baby is not latching well:
You experience pain during or after breastfeeds.
Your nipples appear to be a different colour or shape after feeding, or your nipples become sore or cracked.
Blocked ducts or mastitis.
Baby immediately becomes distressed at the breast and begins to pull away.
Feeds are long and very frequent with your baby appearing unsatisfied or hungry after feeds. Note that some babies appear uncomfortable after breastfeeding due to colic, cow’s milk protein intolerance/allergy or gastro-oesophageal reflux. A Lactation Consultant can help you figure out whether a baby’s behaviour is due to hunger or discomfort from a potential underlying gastroenterological presentation.
Baby begins to refuse the breast.
Slow or limited weight gain/growth. Note that it’s normal for babies to lose some of their birth weight in the first 2 weeks of life, 5-7% is considered normal however if a baby loses 10% or more, this is an indicator they aren’t getting enough milk. For most babies their birth weight returns by 3 weeks old and after this time your baby should be gaining weight steadily (4).
Baby’s nappies are not following a typical pattern e.g. watery stools or green poo past day 4 of life.
When to seek breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant
Lactation Consultants have the specialist knowledge and skills to assess, identify and support conditions that can compromise your baby’s ability to latch on the breast and successfully feed.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above and feel that your baby would benefit from support to help their latch and breastfeeding, you can contact us at Baby Speak - we offer bespoke IBCLC Lactation Consultant appointments for you and your baby. See our bookings page here.
References
[Photograph] Hallas, A.-L. (2018) Breastfeeding positions, Lansinoh. Available at: https://lansinoh.com/blogs/breastfeeding-pumping/breastfeeding-positions (Accessed: 30 January 2024).
My baby won’t latch on (2023) The Breastfeeding Network. Available at: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/problems-with-breastfeeding/baby-wont-latch/#:~:text=It%20might%20help%20to%20spend,seek%20out%20the%20breast%20themselves. (Accessed: 30 January 2024).
Off to the best start leaflet (2023) Baby Friendly Initiative. Available at: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/off-to-the-best-start/ (Accessed: 30 January 2024).
How to breastfeed (2023) The Breastfeeding Network. Available at: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/getting-started-with-breastfeeding/how-to-breastfeed/ (Accessed: 30 January 2024).
NCT (National Childbirth Trust) (2022) Is my baby getting enough milk from breastfeeding or formula?: Baby & Toddler, feeding articles & support: NCT, NCT (National Childbirth Trust). Available at: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/early-days/my-baby-getting-enough-milk-breastfeeding-or-formula (Accessed: 23 January 2024).
