LATCHING
Decoding the Latch: 3 Signs of a Successful and Comfortable Feed
A good latch is the foundation of a positive feeding experience. For many new parents, figuring out if the baby is properly latched can feel like a mystery. You may be dealing with discomfort, or perhaps you're worried your baby isn't getting enough milk. As an IBCLC, I want to reassure you that a successful latch should be comfortable for you and efficient for your baby. It shouldn't hurt, and it shouldn't leave you guessing.
Here are the three most important indicators I teach parents to look for when assessing a comfortable and effective feeding latch.
1. The Wide, Open Mouth (Like a Yawn)
A deep latch is key, and it all starts with the mouth. You want your baby’s mouth to be open wide—think of a big yawn or the opening of a fish's mouth—before they are brought to the breast. This is often called the "gaping mouth."
When your baby takes in a large amount of breast tissue, not just the nipple, it protects your nipple from compression and maximizes milk transfer. If your baby comes to the breast with a small, narrow mouth, the latch is likely to be shallow, which can cause pain for you and inefficient feeding for them. Try stimulating their lips with your nipple until you get that big, wide opening, and then swiftly bring the baby onto the breast.
2. Flanged Lips and Full Cheeks
Once latched, observe your baby’s lips. Their lips should be "flanged" or rolled outward, almost like the rim of a trumpet, resting comfortably on the breast tissue. If you see the lips tucked inward (often called "sucking their lips in"), use a clean finger to gently pull the lip out. Lips that are flanged outward help create the seal necessary for effective suction.
Next, look at their cheeks. When your baby is actively feeding and transferring milk well, their cheeks should appear full and rounded, not sucked in or dimpled. Dimpling often suggests they are sucking air or using incorrect jaw movements, which might mean the latch is not deep enough.
3. Rhythmic, Audible Swallowing
This is perhaps the most reliable sign that milk is transferring from your breast to your baby’s stomach. Listen closely, especially after the initial rapid sucking bursts settle. Once the milk lets down, your baby will switch to a deeper, slower suck/swallow pattern.
This pattern can often be described as a "suck-pause-swallow" rhythm. The swallowing sounds should be distinct, like a gentle "ka" or "guh" sound. If you only hear clicking, smacking, or shallow, fluttery sucks without consistent audible swallows, it’s a sign that the baby is not effectively drawing milk. If this happens, you may need to break the latch gently and try again, focusing on that big, wide opening.
What to Do If You're Concerned
Remember, feeding should not be painful. If you are experiencing pinching, crushing, or pain during the entire feed, or if you consistently hear clicking or smacking, it is time for an adjustment. While these three signs are excellent indicators, they cannot replace a professional assessment.
If you suspect your baby's latch isn't working for either of you, please don't wait. Early intervention from an IBCLC leads to faster relief and a more joyful feeding journey.