Community Questions - Struggling to latch my baby for feeding

"I'm really struggling to get my son to latch for long periods of time to feed fully. Can you please share any advice?"

Of course, I'd be happy to help. Struggling with latching during breastfeeding is a common challenge for many new mothers, but there are several steps you can take to improve the situation:

1. Seek Support: Reach out to a lactation consultant, midwife, or breastfeeding support group for assistance. These professionals can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.

2. Positioning: Ensure that you and your baby are in a comfortable and supported position for breastfeeding. Experiment with different positions, such as the football hold or side-lying position, to find what works best for you and your baby.

3. Latch Technique: Pay attention to your baby's latch technique. Your baby's mouth should be wide open, with their lips flanged outward and their chin touching your breast. Aim for your baby to latch onto the areola (the darker area around the nipple) rather than just the nipple itself.

4. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Practice plenty of skin-to-skin contact with your baby, particularly in the early days after birth. This can help promote bonding and encourage your baby's natural feeding instincts.

5. Expressing Milk: If your baby is having difficulty latching, consider expressing milk manually or with a breast pump and offering it to your baby in a bottle or cup. This can help ensure that your baby receives the nourishment they need while you work on improving breastfeeding latch.

6. Stay Patient and Persistent: Remember that breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. Be patient with yourself and your baby, and don't hesitate to seek support if you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

If you continue to experience difficulties with breastfeeding latch despite trying these strategies, it's important to consult with a lactation consultant for further assistance and guidance. They can help assess the underlying issues and provide personalised support to help you and your baby establish successful breastfeeding.