Ah this is my favorite breastfeeding tips video! It is very helpful to be able to put a baby in slow motion while trying to learn how to latch deeply. I find it also helpful to put a shallow latch and a deep latch side by side to see the differences. I am very excited to be able to partner with Global Health Media. They make outstanding videos. They have a whole section of breastfeeding tips videos. You can even watch them in many different languages.
This is the video I use most to help patients. Obtaining a deep latch helps baby get more milk, mom to make more milk, and breastfeeding to be comfortable. Use this video with the posts Proper Breastfeeding Positions and Obtaining A Deep Latch. Without further ado, enjoy this video!
Let’s Recap This Breastfeeding Tips Video
- At around 20 seconds, they show a baby latching to the breast. The part of the breast by the baby’s chin goes into his mouth first. Then, the nipple comes in at the end and lands at the roof of the baby’s mouth. Way in the back. This is a great way to latch baby further onto the breast.
- If baby goes skin to skin with mom right after birth, latching going forward is so much easier!
- Offer the breast with early feeding cues instead of waiting until baby is crying or tired from being awake so long.
- Baby is tummy to tummy with mom. Baby’s ear, shoulder, and hips line up.
- Your baby is capable of opening his mouth very wide. Be patient and wait for it. In the early days, don’t settle for latching with a mouth that isn’t open very far like a yawn! Baby is learning how to latch and with a deep latch he can transfer more milk, more easily.
- Ideally, baby’s hands are on either side of your breast. In some of the examples, they wrap baby’s arms up in a blanket. I think this is simply so the camera can see the latch. Try to let your baby’s hands be free, on each side of the breast, so he can use his hands to help himself latch deeply.
- Keep your figures far back on the breast, away from baby’s mouth. Otherwise he can’t get on any farther than where your fingers are. This is something new moms need reminded of a lot so it’s a great tip for a support person to know!
Check Your Latch
- Are you comfortable? Are your back and arms supported?
- Is baby’s tummy close to yours?
- Are baby’s ears, shoulders, and hips lined up?
- Is baby’s mouth open wide?
- Is his chin touching your breast as much or more than his nose?
- Are his lips turned out?
- Are his cheeks sucking in when he suckles? (they shouldn’t)
- Can you hear swallowing or see a pause in the suckling when you think baby is swallowing? (Hearing swallows takes a bit of practice so be patient over the first few days)
Don’t forget to see your friendly, local Lactation Consultant for help with deep latching. This breastfeeding tips video can be a great additional resource so you can hear things phrased a different way. You have 24 hour/day access to this video. Watch it at night when you’re struggling to remember how you obtained that amazing latch earlier and show it to dad so he can help you!
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