How to resolve a shallow latch?

Understanding the Shallow Latch
A shallow latch during breastfeeding can lead to discomfort for the mother and inadequate milk transfer for the baby. This common issue often arises when the baby does not take enough of the breast into their mouth, resulting in a painful experience for the mother and potential feeding difficulties for the infant. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to encourage a deeper latch, ensuring a more comfortable and productive breastfeeding experience.
Key Strategies for Resolving a Shallow Latch
1. Positioning Matters
The way a mother holds her baby can significantly impact the latch. It is crucial to experiment with different breastfeeding positions. The cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, and football hold are popular options that can help the baby achieve a deeper latch. Each position allows the baby to approach the breast from different angles, which may facilitate a better latch.
2. The Flipple Technique
One effective method to encourage a deeper latch is the “flipple” technique. This involves gently compressing the breast to create a more manageable shape for the baby to latch onto. By squeezing the breast, the mother can help guide the nipple into the baby’s mouth more effectively, promoting a deeper latch.
3. Ensure a Wide Mouth
Encouraging the baby to open their mouth wide before latching is essential. Mothers can stimulate this by gently rubbing the baby’s lips with the nipple or using a finger to encourage the baby to open wide. A wide mouth allows the baby to take in more of the breast, which is critical for achieving a deeper latch.
4. Addressing Tongue Tie
In some cases, a shallow latch may be linked to anatomical issues such as tongue tie, where the frenulum restricts the baby’s tongue movement. If a mother suspects this might be the case, consulting with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and potential treatment can be beneficial. Many mothers have found relief after addressing tongue tie, leading to improved breastfeeding experiences.
5. Patience and Practice
Fixing a shallow latch often requires time and practice. Mothers should be patient with themselves and their babies as they work through this learning process. Seeking support from lactation consultants can provide personalized guidance and reassurance, helping to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding.
Conclusion
A shallow latch can be a frustrating hurdle for new mothers, but with the right techniques and support, it is possible to resolve this issue. By focusing on positioning, employing techniques like the flipple, ensuring the baby opens wide, addressing any anatomical concerns, and practicing patience, mothers can foster a more comfortable and effective breastfeeding relationship with their infants. Ultimately, the goal is to create a positive experience that benefits both mother and baby, paving the way for successful breastfeeding.

Do babies still get milk with a shallow latch?

PSA: babies can still transfer well with a shallow latch If you’re in doubt or struggling, see an LC and do a weighted feed before driving yourself crazy. But if you’re not uncomfortable and baby’s having enough wet and dirty diapers, you may not have to “correct” a shallow latch.

What is the flipple technique?

The Nipple Tilt Technique
This is also known as the “flipple” technique. Hold your breast with your thumb on top and your fingers on the bottom. Place your thumb well back from the base of the nipple. This is in line with where your baby’s upper lip will be once she has latched.

How do you exercise a shallow latch?

Exercise 5: If a baby has a high or narrow palate and gags on the nipple or insists on a shallow latch, it may help to desensitize the palate. Begin by massaging Baby’s palate near the gum-line. Progressively massage deeper but avoid gagging Baby.

What does a bad latch look like?

You’ll know your baby didn’t latch on properly if you see indentations in their cheeks when they suckle, hear clicking noises or notice their lips curled inward. They may also move their head frequently or not do any swallowing. Incorrect latching may also cause pain for you.

Is shallow latch oversupply?

Some babies find the force with which the milk shoots out of the breast so overwhelming that they will pull away, resulting in a shallow latch, or they may clamp down on the nipple to slow the flow, both of which can cause maternal pain.

Can a baby gain weight with a shallow latch?

If a mother has an abundant supply, then sucking works just fine initially, and the baby will gain weight appropriately, even with a shallow latch.

How do I help my baby get a deeper latch?

You can pull the baby’s chin down while nursing to try to force a deeper latch. Another method is you can use your finger to sort of drag the top of your breast tissue back (making the top more shallow sometimes prompts the baby to deepen on the bottom side).

What are four symptoms of failure to thrive?

Symptoms may include:

• Lack of appropriate weight gain.
• Irritability.
• Easily fatigued.
• Excessive sleepiness.
• Lack of age-appropriate social response (i.e., smile)
• Does not make vocal sounds.
• Delayed motor development.
• Learning and behavior difficulties later in childhood.

Can a shallow latch be corrected?

Yes! Absolutely. Give her time to learn, but also you the same time to learn to place her and adjust her latch. That was a big one for me – you can somewhat correct a bad latch by gently untucking her lips if not flanged, and making sure when you put her on you press her towards you gently.

How to get baby to tilt head back to latch?

Are you holding your baby close to you, facing your breast? Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily. Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves.