Alright, let's REALLY break it down to the tiniest steps you can take to get the best latch possible. Don't be overwhelmed, it does take practice! But these "5 steps" are not intended to be something that everyone has to think through every single time they feed their baby (it gets so much easier with practice)!

Rather, this detailed breakdown is great for perfecting that newborn latch or for anyone who is having nipple pain or other latching issues. 

if this does NOT make a difference for you, and you're still having pain and latching issues after working on these steps, definitely see a good lactation consultant or possibly even a pediatric dentist or tongue tie specialist to see if there's other issues that need fixing.

FIRST, watch the video explaining "the sandwich hold" and "asymmetric latch" then keep scrolling down.

This is a great video demonstrating some of my favorite techniques for getting a good, deep, painless latch, even if your nipples are small or flat.

This next video below is where we get super detailed, which might be awesome for some of you or might be overwhelming to a few of you! Don't worry, you're doing fine. My goal is just to give you as much detailed info as possible since I am not there in person with you. These things will make more sense with practice, and don't expect to get them perfect right away! Step by step gradual improvement is just fine.  You can come back to this video again as you practice.

Notes below the video as a reminder, but not a substitute for visual explanation :)

Foundation: content, hungry baby in a comfortable position (Head in line with torso and chin straight or slightly up. May have to scoot baby more than you think so that you can be nipple to nose.

1. ON YOUR MARK: get baby set up comfortably with head and body straight in line, nipple to nose. use nursing pillow if you prefer

2. GET SET: compress breast/sandwich hold (top dimple) 

3. READY...: make sure baby is ready--tickle nose/lip til mouth is open WIDE 

4. GO: (breast into mouth) --as baby willingly opens/reaches, gently set or press your breast/aerola on their lower jaw and "flip" or encourage the nipple & breast into the baby's mouth so that the nipple points to the upper back of the mouth. (soft palate for comfort!)

5. CHECK--check lips, check latch... remember the clues below from the previous lesson

HOW TO TELL IF THE LATCH IS GOOD:

• mouth is wide open
• chin is pressed into breast
• lips flipped out like a fish
• cheeks are round, not sucking in
• doesn't easily pop off
• slow deep motions of jaw (after first fast sucks)
• should feel comfortable, not pinching!
• baby positioned comfortably, not crunched or twisted

If you're seeing all or some of these signs, AWESOME job!! the more you keep practicing this technique, you should see your latch get better and it should FEEL more comfortable. yay!

Questions? leave a comment below!!