 Latching On

Goals and Objectives  Demonstrate proper positioning of an infant on the breast.  Identify 3 ways to assess an infant’s latch.

Set Up  Get comfortable  Sitting, lying, standing  Pillows to support mom  Liquids nearby

Positioning  Support the whole baby  Avoid twisting  Baby should face the breast  Bring the baby to the breast not the breast to the baby  Skin to skin

Positions  Tummy to tummy  Football  Side lying  Saddle

Tummy to Tummy  AKA Cross cradle, cradle hold  Baby on side  Facing breast  45degree angle  Head in crook of elbow  Elbow supported

Football  Baby’s tummy against mother’s side  Baby facing breast  Body supported by crook of elbow  Head and neck supported by hand

Side Lying  Mother lying on side  Baby lying on side  Facing mother’s breast  Head supported by arm

Lying Flat  Mother lies on back  Infant on top of breast  Good for PM feeds  Gravity slows the flow

Saddle  Only for older infants  Must be able to sit unaided  Baby straddles mother’s leg  Mother puts arm around baby’s waist

Multiples

Twins  One at a time to start  Both at once when established  Football or saddle hold

Getting Latched  Rooting  Open wide  Tongue down  Take in areola

Anatomy of a Latch

Anatomy of a Poor Latch

Breathing on the Breast

Assessment  Watch first  Ask mom  Look from all angles  Listen

What You’ll See  More areola above mouth than below  Lower lip rolled out  Mouth wide open  Chin touching breast

Signs of a good feed  Rhythmic sucking  Audible swallows  Feels comfortable  Stays latched  Switch when baby drops off

Assisting  Ask first  Tell her what you see  Explain the correction  Have mother do the work  Stay positive!

Demonstration

Last Thoughts  Questions?  Take home points…