Breastfeeding attachment
For most moms, breastfeeding is a learned skill. Moms may therefore require breastfeeding latch tips and assistance with positioning and detaching their baby during breastfeeding. Optimal breastfeeding attachment, or latching, aims to ensure an adequate transfer of milk – and therefore sufficient drainage of the breast for continued milk supply – and prevention of nipple pain. The overall aim for good attachment is to have the whole nipple and as much areolar/breast tissue as possible in the baby's mouth.
Breastfeeding attachment methods
A traditional position for breastfeeding latch or attachment is as follows: the mom sits upright or lies on her side, with the baby positioned facing the breast. The baby's nose is positioned close to the nipple, with their neck slightly extended and their shoulders and hips in alignment. In this position, leading with their chin and with a wide mouth gape, the baby can attach to the breast.
When the baby is learning how to breastfeed and latch, the mom can hold or support the breast during the attachment process. Commonly used techniques to hold the breast include the C-hold (using one hand, four fingers are placed underneath the breast and the thumb is placed on top of the breast).
At the end of the feed, the baby may spontaneously detach, and if not the mom may break the vacuum or suction by inserting her finger gently into the corner of the baby's mouth.
Another method for latching and positioning has been described as promoting a primitive neonatal latching reflex. This involves moms lying in a semi-reclined position and allowing the baby to self-latch after being placed on the mom's abdomen. It has been suggested that this method of latching is more innate for both mom and baby than a learnt technique.
Signs of a good breastfeeding latch
If the baby is latched well, their chin should be touching the breast, with their mouth wide open and their lips turned out. The baby will begin sucking with a mixture of short and long bursts, with periods of pausing. In addition, the mom should not experience pain before, during or after feeds.
If there is an incorrect latch, the baby may make clicking noises, their lips may be curled inwards or they may frequently move their head. The mom may also experience nipple pain. Long-term problems resulting from incorrect latch could include nipple trauma and pain, low milk supply and poor weight gain in the baby.
American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Breastfeeding Handbook for Physicians 2006).
Colson, S.D., Meek, J.H. & Hawdon, J.M. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Hum Dev. 84, 441-449 (2008).
Cadwell, K. Latching-On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment. J Midwifery Womens Health. 52, 638-642 (2007).
Henderson, A., Stamp, G., Pincombe, J. Postpartum positioning and attachment education for increasing breastfeeding: a randomized trial. Birth 2001;28(4):236–42.
