Finding a good breastfeeding latch is essential to having a positive breastfeeding experience for both mom and baby.<\/p>\n
A good latch can make all the difference for your comfort and baby getting enough milk. But, it\u2019s not always easy or natural to get a good latch. A lactation specialist shared some things moms can do to find the perfect breastfeeding latch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best breastfeeding positions<\/a> are the ones that feel good for both mom and baby,\u201d said Sarah Musselman, RN, a lactation specialist at OSF HealthCare.<\/p>\n If the baby isn\u2019t in a good position, they won\u2019t get a good breastfeeding latch, which can leave mom with sore and cracked nipples<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cBaby should be positioned with the front of their body facing mom \u2013 not lying on their back or having to turn their head. As adults, we don\u2019t drink with our face turned to the side, so babies don\u2019t do their best to drink that way, either,\u201d Sarah said.<\/p>\n Mom can cradle the baby close in front of her, or she can hold the baby\u2019s body off to the side in a football hold while baby\u2019s face is at her breast.<\/p>\n \u201cThis position is good as long as baby\u2019s ear, shoulder and hip are all lined up and baby is facing mom\u2019s chest,\u201d Sarah said.<\/p>\n Many moms worry that their baby won\u2019t be able to breathe if the baby is pushed up too close, but the baby will still be able to breathe even if you hold them nice and close.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can tell they\u2019re OK if they\u2019re pretty pink and you can feel them sucking and breathing when your hand is resting on their back,\u201d Sarah said.<\/p>\nProper breastfeeding latch<\/h2>\n