How to Properly Latch for Breastfeeding

Making the decision to breastfeed is a personal matter and is a commitment that requires effort from both mother and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced. This continuation of breastfeeding is recommended for two years or longer as long as it's suitable for both mother and baby.

For some moms, breastfeeding comes naturally. For others, it can be a significant challenge. Some moms look forward to it while others dread it. But almost all new mothers have questions about breastfeeding that they may feel hesitant to ask. Here are a few of them.

How do I know if my baby is latched on correctly?

A correct breastfeeding latch is a comfortable, pain-free experience for both mother and baby and results in milk transfer from mother to baby. Keep an eye out for your baby's mouth during breast feeding. If they have a wide mouth that's covering most of the areola and outward-turned lips, that's a good sign. You're also looking for rhythmic sucking with swallowing sounds and rounded cheeks.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough? 

You can tell your baby is eating enough from the breastfeeding sessions if they have more than six heavy, wet diapers daily. You'll also want to look for weight gain (about 5.5–8.5 ounces per week) and for the baby to seem satisfied between feedings. Newborns typically feed 8–12 times in 24 hours (every 2-3 hours) and are often content and relaxed after feeding.

Why does my baby want to feed constantly? 

It's completely normal for a baby to want to feed all the time, especially in their first few weeks of life. A baby may also want to feed constantly during growth spurts or in the evenings. Recurrent feedings are known as "cluster feeding," and this behavior helps increase your milk supply, provides comfort to your baby and supports rapid growth. It can be exhausting, but it's a normal behavior and one that should be encouraged if it's happening.

What is colostrum and why is it needed?

Early breast milk is called colostrum or liquid gold. This milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies that help protect a baby. By the second or third week after birth, the milk becomes mature with the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein to help your baby continue to grow. Breast milk is easy for your baby to digest, and it reduces your baby’s risk of ear infections, allergies and colds because it is full of antibodies that help your baby fight infection. Plus, the frequent skin-to-skin time with mom is calming and comforting for you and baby.

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?  

Although breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, it can cause physical sensations that new moms have never experienced. For example, moms may feel a tugging sensation during breast feeding, because there are many nerve endings in the nipple and areola.

Some moms initially feel pain when the infant latches, however, pain should not be present throughout the nursing session. Sore nipples, which is a rather common problem, may indicate that you may need some assistance with your positioning and latch. A few sessions with a lactation consultant can help.

Why are my breasts so hard?

Breast engorgement is the development of hard, swollen and painful breasts from too much breast milk, and is common in the early days and weeks of breastfeeding. Engorgement can be relieved by using warm compresses or taking a warm shower prior to nursing to aid in the removal of milk. Cold compresses or cool cabbage leaves can be placed after nursing to reduce tissue swelling.

It’s also recommended that you don’t wait too long between feeds to avoid engorgement; newborn babies should be fed at least six to eight times in a 24-hour period, or more often with cues.

What should I avoid while breastfeeding? 

When breastfeeding, it is best to eat healthy, regular meals that contain protein, fiber, carbohydrates and healthy fats. It's also important to stay hydrated. While breastfeeding, it is safest to avoid certain foods and beverages, such as the following:

• Alcohol and smoking or vaping
• High-mercury fish (like swordfish)
• Excessive caffeine (limit to under 300mg daily) 
• Cow's milk, dairy, or soy may also not be tolerated well by your baby if consumed while you're breastfeeding

How do I store breast milk? 

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature for four hours, in a refrigerator for up to four days, and in a freezer for 6–12 months. Always use clean, BPA-free containers or storage bags, label with dates and store in the back of the fridge or freezer where the temperature remains the coolest and most stable. In the event of a power outage, here are some ways to safely store breast milk.

What age should I stop breastfeeding? 

There is no single correct age to stop breastfeeding. It's a personal decision that depends on the mother and child. Health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for two years or older, or for as long as both mother and baby are interested in continuing breastfeeding.

How can I keep from leaking in public?

As a new mom's milk supply gets established, it's not uncommon to experience leakage. In fact, some moms can leak by just thinking about their baby or hearing a baby cry. During this stage, nursing pads can really come in handy. Placed into a regular or nursing bra, these disposable or reusable pads absorb breast milk from leaking breasts, thus preventing embarrassment and protecting your clothing from stains.

I don't enjoy breastfeeding. Can I just pump instead?

Breastfeeding is an individual choice and there are plenty of moms out there that simply don’t enjoy the act but do want to provide their babies with nutritious breast milk. You know what's best for you and your child. If pumping works for you and your baby, then there’s no reason to feel guilty.

How do I increase my milk supply?

The key to successful breastfeeding is a good latch. This can be a difficult task and may take several days, but don’t get discouraged. Breast compression is the best way to increase milk flow to your baby and to completely drain the breast. Feed on one side until your baby is satisfied or stops swallowing then try the other side. Remember to start on the side baby stops on since that breast may not have emptied well.

Some other tips for increasing your milk supply:

1. Feed your baby often (at least 8-12 times a day) to stimulate your body to produce more milk. Be sure to offer both breasts at each feeding.
2. Stimulate your body to produce more milk by adding a pumping session between nursing or using a breast milk collector on the side baby is not feeding on and store any milk you pump until your supply increases.
3. Don’t worry if you’re not producing as much milk while pumping since it’s not a good indicator of breast milk production. To gauge how much a baby is eating, monitor the amount of wet and dirty diapers, and whether or not the baby is growing appropriately.
4. No matter how tempting it may be, don't supplement your baby's feedings with any solid food or formula, unless you and your baby's pediatrician decide that your baby needs supplemental nourishment for medical reasons.
5. Avoid the use of a pacifier, if possible, for the first few weeks. Instead, encourage your baby to comfort themselves by breastfeeding, as the suction can help to stimulate breast milk production.

If you're not sure your baby is sucking well or are still concerned about your milk supply, don't hesitate to call on a lactation consultant for help. Talking to other moms or lactation professionals can help ease anxiety. You can also enroll in breastfeeding class, either in-person or online. These courses are taught by professional lactation experts and will help prepare you for what to expect.

Learn more about expert breastfeeding support at Ochsner.