Loretta Anderson IBCLC Lactation Consultant In Brisbane, Qld

Little Tweaks That Make A Huge Difference

Baby Lost More Than 10% Of Their Weight? – What To Do

Baby Lost More Than 10% Of Their Weight? – What To Do
Reading Time: 4 minutes

If your baby experienced more than 10% weight loss in the first few days, DON’T FREAK OUT!

No matter what you’ve been told – this is actually very common! Best part:

By following the three simple steps below; it’s very easy to fix!

If you want to learn more about why this initial weight loss happens, read my post Baby’s First Weight Loss – What You Need To Know first. If you just want the step-by-step solution – keep on reading!

Baby sitting on a body weight scale

Step #1 Check If Baby Is Oversleeping

I know it’s a bit surprising, because generally speaking you don’t want to wake up a sleeping baby. However, there are times where you should not let your baby oversleep.

I’ll explain.

If your baby is sleeping too long, they are not breastfeeding enough. And by not feeding enough, they actually start having less and less energy.

This forms a negative loop, because when a baby has lost more than 10% of their weight they become too tired to feed. They just keep sleeping.

So how do you tell if your baby is sleeping “the right” number of hours, or sleeping too long?

Ask yourself two questions:

  1. Is your baby sleeping for more than 6 hours straight in a 24 hour period?
  2. Is your baby having six or less breastfeeds in a 24 hour period?

If you’ve answered “yes” to one (or both) of these questions, it’s time to wake your baby. Don’t worry – it’s for their own good; they need more feeds!

This will not just get your baby back on track with weight gain, it will also help fix their sleeping routine. This is because they won’t be so tired all the time.

I recommend you follow these four simple rules until your baby is back to their birth weight!:

  1. During the day, wake your baby up every 3 hours
  2. Allow 4-6 hours sleep at night.
  3. Remember only one big sleep (6 hours maximum) each 24 hours.
  4. Fit 7-8 breastfeeds in a 24 hour period (or more if your baby demands)

Again, only follow these rules until your weight issues have turned around! (Usually it only takes a week or two!)

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: If you can’t wake your baby up to feed – then it is time to get some help from your Doctor. DO NOT DEALY. Get your bub checked out today (even it’s the middle of the night!)

Now you have dealt with your baby that may be oversleeping. Let’s head to step #2.

Step #2 Tweak The Latch

We have taken care of the primary suspect (baby oversleeping and not having enough breastfeeds in a day.) The next thing I look at is latching.

If you want to maximise the amount of food your baby gets when they feed, latching is the one thing you can control.

There’s a lot of confusing tips about how to know if your baby is latching well. But it’s actually really simple.

You see, if breastfeeding is painful beyond a minute then latching could be improved. And yes, what I’m telling you is that even in the first 2 days breastfeeding should not be too painful. (If you have painful nipples check out my blog on why and how to fix!)

Check these signs and symptoms:

  1. You will feel pain for more than the first minute.
  2. Your baby’s sucking will look and feel like little nibbles and he will fall asleep a lot.
  3. Your baby won’t get into a rhythm. It will look like your baby is stopping and starting throughout the feed.
  4. When baby comes off your nipple will look either squished into a crease or be completely flat on one side (like the end of a lipstick).

If you have any of these problems check out my 7 Steps to Latching Success blog.

Now that you have made sure your baby is not oversleeping and you have optimised your baby’s latch.

The next tip will help you make sure your baby get’s more milk every time they feed without you needing to change anything!

Step # 3 – Help Your Baby Take a Little Extra Milk!

By following steps 1 and 2 you have maximised your baby’s time at the breast, and made it as effective as can be. Your baby’s ability to take milk has already increased!

In this step, we will help your baby receive even more milk every time he breastfeeds.

We want to make it as easy as possible for your baby to remove milk from your breast. Because the easier it is, the more milk baby will take before getting tired! (Why your bay get’s tired is explained in my blog A Calm Settled Baby in 72 Hours.)

And here’s something fascinating. The more milk you have in your breasts, the easier for your baby to remove it and put on weight!

So the solution is simple… We need to tell your body to make more milk! The more milk you have, the more milk the baby will take (even without changing any other factor!)

And how do we do that? By expressing more milk – over and above breastfeeding.

Here are my guidelines:

  • Express by hand. This is more efficient than pumping in the first few days. You will find all the how-to’s in this blog post
  • Express during the day, after your baby breastfeeds.  Leave the night time for resting and for breastfeeding your baby!
  • Expressing for 5 minutes each side is enough. Every mother will get a different amount.  Have a go and see what you get.  
  • Don’t be disappointed if you get nothing. This does not mean there is nothing there!  Your hand is not as good as your baby sucking. Any extra amount is great for your baby!

Once you begin expressing, your body will immediately start making more milk (even when you get very little!) Now to give this extra milk to your baby.

What’s the best way to give extra milk? Follow these steps and avoid stress and confusion:

  1. Collect the expressed colostrum into a clean small cup or spoon (or syringe if you are still in hospital)
  2. The extra colostrum is best given using a cup or syringe. (It is best to get some help with these ways, call or text me 0414 403 208 and I’ll walk you through it.)
  3. Top up with this extra colostrum after the breastfeed.
  4. Don’t worry about offering the colostrum at night Offering it at the end of feeding sessions during the day usually does the trick!

After following the three steps for 24 hours re-weigh your baby.   

If your seeing 15-20 grams per day increase that’s great! It will get your baby back to birth weight in 2 weeks. If your not give me a call, 0414 403 208

So that’s it for now! I hope this has helped and you feel much better. Remember, most mothers experience weight loss in their baby. It just takes a little time to manage and then Voila! Your back on top!

Baby’s First Weight Loss – What You Need To Know

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Here are the facts! Weight loss in the first three days is NORMAL! Actually, weight loss of up to 10% is expected.

Most mothers’ confidence drops when they see weight loss.  Thoughts such as; “not feeding my baby enough” or “just doing something wrong” creep in.  It can be a shock!  

Knowing what to expect is your first step over this hurdle. 

Why Does Your Baby Lose Weight?

Well, it is because of two reasons and they are linked.  I’ve explained below:

The first reason your baby loses weight is – You need to time to make milk.  

Let me explain, you have colostrum (your first milk) in your breasts from 16 weeks of pregnancy.  This is amazing super food for your baby!  

Colostrum comes in small amounts, about a teaspoon per feed!  It’s role is to protect your baby rather than fill your baby up to put on weight.  So your baby is more inclined to lose weight.  

But hang tight!  Your milk will come in around day 3!  This ties in perfectly with your baby and the next point! 

The second reason is linked to the first! Your baby and your body are super smart!  Let me explain, your baby prepares for the small amount of colostrum by putting on extra fat towards the end of your pregnancy. Especially around their shoulders. 

This is called brown fat and is an excellent energy source.  Your baby will break down this fat and use it for energy. So your baby WILL lose weight due to this fat break down process.  AWESOME! 

But don’t worry, as you breastfeed your baby will put the weight back on! So let’s head to The plan to get your baby’s weight back on track!

Helping Your Baby Put Weight Back On

Your baby will put this first weight loss back on in approximately 2 weeks. Or, if your baby has lost more than 10% of weight by day 3 it may take 3 weeks to get back to birth weight! (Check out my blog – Baby Lost More Than 10% Of Their Weight? – What To Do).

So whether your baby has lost up to 10% or over 10%, this list of steps will do the trick! 

Step #1 – Wake your baby

This may seem silly and you may have heard the phrase, “don’t wake a sleeping baby!” But I am saying wake your baby!  

You see, a baby under 6 weeks can get very tired and sleep for long periods of time. Anything over 4 hours you need to think about waking your baby. They need food often to use as energy which helps them wake up! 

So wake your baby to breastfeed every 3 hours during the day and 4 hourly at night.  If your baby is waking sooner that is fine, just breastfeed as soon as they wake.

You can reassess the waking when your baby is putting on weight. It may be up to a week or just a few days of waking.  If you are unsure just give me a call.

Step #2 – Check your latch

Next up is latching.  If your baby is latched well then they will get the maximum amount of milk with little energy. So check your latch is right with the three points below: 

  1. Assess pain – you may feel pain for the first minute of the latch. Then the pain should subside. You will feel a tugging or pulling.
  2. Your baby sucks with lots of power and keeps going in a rhythmical manner.  You will see their jaw drop down and see movement at their temple.
  3. When your baby comes off your nipple is round rather than squished to a point or flat on one side.

If you can tick off these three points then you have a great latch!  If you are not sure head on over to my blog 7 Steps to Latching Success – this is a step by step guide to latching!  

Step #3 – Hand expressing

Over the first week your baby is learning how to suck AND you are learning a new skill.  This means latching is not always going to work and your baby will take less milk.

So while your baby is learning my advice is to hand express after EVERY breastfeed during the day.

Don’t worry about the amount. Most mothers hand express small amounts such as 0.1ml or nothing. Just keep hand expressing, this will tell your breasts to make more milk.  You can check out my video on hand expressing to get hooked up!

So practice hand expressing as often as you like and you can give your expressed breastmilk to your baby as a little extra.

DONE!  These first steps will get you over the initial weight loss and put the power back in your hands!

If you are past this initial weight loss and now have slow weight gain, DON’T PANIC! Head over to my blog on Slow Weight Gain.

Alternatively give me a call and we can delve into your world and create the RIGHT plan for you and your new Bub! 

Breastfeeding In The Hospital – How To Find Your Confidence

Breastfeeding In The Hospital – How To Find Your Confidence
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Once you get past the miracle of your birth, the challenge that scares most mums is the first few breastfeeding sessions.

This can be tricky, especially while you’re still in hospital. 

Your hormones are everywhere, your body is tired and aching, and you’re in a foreign environment with so many eyes on you.

The midwife is watching. Your partner is there. Maybe your parents (or HIS parents!) and any friend who decided to visit!

None of this helps with your CONFIDENCE… 

And in the middle of all this – with all that’s going on – you have to breastfeed (assuming you want to.)

In fact, this early on… you have to fit up to 12 breastfeeds a day in between visits from staff and family!

But Don’t Worry. I Got You 100% Covered!

There are two aspects to getting into “breastfeeding rhythm”. One is the technical aspect. The “what to do” and “how to do it”. And I have a simple 7-Step Guide For Perfect Latching Every Time that answers that. 

But more important, we need to talk about keeping YOU sane and confident throughout all this!

And that aspect – the mindset aspect – is what I’m talking about in this post.

And if you ask me, it’s more important than the “technique” you use. Because if you’re not confident, everything will feel even more overwhelming and scary. 

The One Key Thing Every New Mother Must Know About Breastfeeding

Here is the most important piece of advice I can give you after seeing over 17,000 babies come into this world:

It doesn’t matter what you do, you won’t stuff it up!

So PICK UP your little bundle of joy and… cuddle! 🙂

No need to rush for your new breastfeeding pillow. No need to take your bra off in advance. No need to be prepared, sit in a special chair and await the midwife’s command.

None of that! 🙂

Just lift your baby out of their cot, and place them on your chest for a cuddle.

Your baby will either quickly settle down and go back to sleep. Or they will will start to bob up and down on your chest – they’re way of signalling that  they want to breastfeed. 

When every session starts with a cuddle and following the natural cues your baby is giving, the whole experience shifts. 

You don’t need directions from the midwife, your partner, or your parents.

You and your baby will understand each other on a level I can’t even describe in words. All it takes is to take a deep breath, cuddle, and watch their actions. 

Next, remember that learning to breastfeed is a skill. Like riding a bicycle. It may take a few tries, but very soon it will become second nature!

And while you learn, you will go through lots of emotions. And that’s perfectly normal. However, there’s one emotion that you need to pay attention to. 

It is the #1 confidence crusher…

Feeling Embarrassed

You’re learning a new, very personal skill… and chances are, you’re doing it with an audience!

There may be your mother, mother-in-law, midwife, students and many others watching you breastfeed!

That is a lot of people. Want to know the SOLUTION? Want to know how to not feel embarrassed in front of all these people? 

KICK EVERYONE OUT!

You simply ask your partner to be your voice, (while your busy with bub!) and kick everyone OUT!

You don’t need an audience. Your first breastfeeding sessions may feel awkward and intimidating. That’s what most mothers experience.

Confidence comes naturally as you do it more and more. In the beginning, it is very normal to feel afraid!

So please, BE KIND TO YOURSELF!

Kick everyone out, and let yourself discover motherhood at your own pace. Just you, your baby, and your special people.

And now that you’ve kicked everyone out and are cuddling your little beautiful munchkin, here are the 7 Simple Steps For Perfect Latching Every Time. Read it, apply it, and in no time – you’ll be showing everyone HOW IT’S DONE! 🙂

Breast Pump Comparison – Choosing The Right Pump

Breast Pump Comparison – Choosing The Right Pump
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Pumps can be really useful in your breastfeeding journey.  But how do you choose from the wide range of pumps available?

There are many different pumps on the market. And if you don’t know your needs – selecting the right one becomes extremely confusing. 

So what I am going to do here, is first help you define which kind of breast pump you need. Once you know that, I’ll point you the ones my clients  like the best. 

And the first question you need to answer is…

Manual Pump VS.  Electric Pump

With a manual pump the suction action is triggered by the squeezing of your hand.   The electric pump on the other hand uses a motor to drive the pump. 

But which do you choose!  Well this is why you are here.  Below is a table to help you work this out! Just read through the questions and see where you lie. 

Now let’s delve a little further into each question in case you need more clarification. (Or if you need advice on pumping head over to my Pumping blog!)

Question 1: First up pumping less than once a day. This means you are a “sometimes” pumper.  You prefer to breastfeed but want the option to pump just in case. It may be weeks or months between pumping or once a day.  A manual is good for this.

Question 2: Pumping more than three times a day is more like a necessity.  For example, you may have damaged nipples and are resting them.  You may be needing to top up your baby with extra milk over and above a breast feed. In these circumstances an electric pump will  be more beneficial for you (most of the time).

Question 3: If you are on a budget and rather save your dollars then a manual wins out.  Except if you fall under the other categories then see if someone can gift a pump to you!  Everyone wants to buy the new parents something!

Question 4: The next question surrounding low milk supply is important.  If you are trying to increase your supply and decrease the use of formula, Then first, you NEED to read my blog on How to cut down formula without more pumping!

I know this sounds silly, cut down formula without pumping! But what I mean is extra pumping.  You will see when you read it. Just think about investing in a good electric pump to save you time! 

Question 5: Finally, a baby born early, under 37 weeks is considered premature.  A premature baby takes longer to learn how to breastfeed so you will need to do lots of pumping to help bring your milk in!  An electric pump is worth it!

Just a little word about recommendations!  As a Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I cannot recommend a particular pump.  I will say many of my clients let me know what they like.  But always do your own research and make an informed decision.

Manual Pumps Mums Like

So here are a few manual pumps that mothers have found great, you can look at these two first:

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump and Feed Set
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump and Feed Set

And:

Philips AVENT Comfort 330 Pp Manual Breast Pump
Philips AVENT Comfort 330 Pp Manual Breast Pump

Electric Pumps Mums Like

When it comes to best electric breast pumps, the mothers I work with are raving about these three: 

https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/breast-pumps/electric-breast-pumps/spectra-s2-hospital-grade-double-electric-breast-pump/
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump (2-Phase)
Medela Swing (2-Phase) Single Electric Breast Pump
Medela Breastpump Swing Maxi Double Electric (2-Phase)
Medela Swing Maxi (2-Phase) Double Electric Pump

But wait! How do you know if you need a single or a Double pump?! Here comes the answer:

Single Pump VS Double Pump

Single pumps are just as they sound.  They come with one kit for you to pump one breast at a time. Double pumps come with two kits to pump both breasts at the same time. 

The double pumps generally have an option to do single or double but with a single pump you don’t have the option.

Double are more expensive so before you spend your dollars check out my table to work out what is the best option for you! 

Single Versus Double Pump

Now you have a snap shot, a little about the benefits of double pumping so you have all the facts. 

There are two advantages of double pumping. Firstly, you will spend less time on the pump. Secondly, pumping both breasts together can stimulate your hormones to make more milk as you are extracting both breasts together.

This does not mean you NEED a double pump.  However, I do recommend you invest in a double pump if you have a premature baby.   Pumping will be a big part of your life therefore maximising your pumping sessions is a must.

Now………Once you have read the table you can make a decision for your circumstances.  But, if you are still pregnant and shopping for a pump then my recommendation is set a budget and see what fits into this.

Before you go I will address a few tips that will help you on your journey!

Pumping Tips

Tip #1: Every breast is a different size as well as different size nipples.  So there is not a one size fits all.  You can buy different size flanges for your pump.  The flange is the plastic part of the pump that covers your breast and nipple.

If you have a large nipple then a larger size is best for you.  The size refers to the diameter of the part that surrounds your nipple. Most pumps come with a standard medium size flange which is 24mm.

If you are unsure have a look at the Medela website for your personal fitting guide.

Tip #2: Assess the reason WHY you are pumping.  Pumping can get very time consuming and is hard to sustain.

So if you are pumping to relieve pain, experiencing low milk supply or trying to cut down formula then you may need more help. Contact me for a consult 0414 403 208 or visit my services page.

Tip #3: You CAN hand express if you don’t want to buy a pump.  You can get just as much out by hand after some practice. It can even be quicker than a pump.  SO, if you are strapped for cash head over to my hand expressing video to learn more.

Tip #4: If you are unsure about which one to buy then hiring a breast pump may be the option for you.  Just add up the price to hire versus buying your own.  Mostly you will be charged a deposit, a weekly fee and you will have to buy a kit that connects to the pump to use it.  It all adds up!

Just do the math and see what is better.  My advice, if you are planning on more children then investing in your own good electric pump would be the go.

Tip #5 : Before you think a double might be better; watch my video’s on 3 steps to pumping success. In this video I talk about breast massage or squeezing your breast while pumping.  You need a second hand for this so single pumping is better.

Time to head off, just before I go you can head over to my blog 3 Steps to Pumping Success to read even more!!

Good luck on your breastfeeding journey!! Don’t forget to contact me if you need targeted help 0414 403 208.

7 Steps to Latching Success!

7 Steps to Latching Success!
Reading Time: 9 minutes

After working with thousands of women, I can tell you that almost every mother has some frustrations or insecurities when it comes to breastfeeding. And here’s what I have learned. 

The challenges with breastfeeding break into 2 groups:

  1. Confidence and emotional issues and
  2. Technique

And the number one reason mothers struggle with breastfeeding is actaully lack of confidence. This is a biggie!

Is this what you’re thinking?

“You keep switching things around, you keep thinking your doing something wrong or your stressing yourself out!”

Let me tell you, these thoughts get in the way way more than your technique!

So if you’re feeling a bit stressed out make sure you read this blog post on mindset. As for technique, all you need to do is follow these 7 steps with confidence and  your off and running! 

Before We Start – How To Fix Any Latching Problem You Have In Under 10 Minutes

One of the THE HARDEST things about latching is figuring it out on your own. Well no more! Let me explain……….

With my level of experience I can guarantee you if you tell me the damage you are seeing I will be able to tell you the little thing you need to change to get to a perfect latch.

We can even do it over the phone in like 10 minutes! So if your really struggling, or in emotional and physical PAIN give me a call 0414 403 208.

Now let’s get on to the 7 steps to latching success!  Here is a quick break down of the steps:

  1. The Set Up
  2. Lead and Guide
  3. Close Contact
  4. Arm Angles
  5. Bring Together
  6. Shaping
  7. Hold

This is everything! From start to finish and everything in between.  You’ll feel like a pro in no time at all! 

Follow These Easy Steps Directions Lesson Learning 3d Illustration

Step #1 The Set Up

The first step starts with your baby crying. And your instinct is to go to your baby and pick her up.

Well you are spot on! Pick your little bundle up and give a lovely cuddle! Easy! This is the start of the first step, the Set Up! 

After seeing over 17000 mothers I know the set up is the most important step! But it may not come naturally to mothers. So some guidance is called for – which is what I’m here for!

Here’s what you do:

  • Pick a spot to sit (chair, couch, bed, whatever suits you). With your baby cuddled in your arms, lean back a little. Leaning back gives more room for your baby on your chest and lap.
  • Remove your bra on the side you want to feed on. Then place your baby facing you on the top of your bare chest.
Mother and newborn baby boy
  • Your baby can either have a nappy or clothes on.  But you want at least their face touching your bare skin.
  • Your baby feels your bare skin and knows where they are. This is HOME. Now they will get ready to breastfeed by bobbing and licking (so cute)!

For a visual, click on my video that will demonstrate this step.

Feeling your skin is crucial for them to start the move toward your nipple. 

Don’t worry if your baby gets upset in this process (I see this happen a lot!). There is no time limit, you don’t have to meet a deadline! Just keep cuddling until your baby starts bobbing and licking.

DONE that’s the set up! No big breastfeeding pillows or equipment needed. Just you and your baby.

Now what to do with all that bobbing and licking……..on to step 2.

Step #2 Lead and Guide

This next step answers the biggest problem I hear about latching! “My baby doesn’t open their mouth wide enough to latch!”

While your baby is bobbing and licking they do one awesome trick! They practice opening their mouth!  They are getting read to suck!

Let me explain. Your baby is bobbing around on your bare skin in search of your nipple. They know it’s in the downwards direction!

Some babies throw themselves toward your nipple! It’s amazing to watch! Others will need guiding down, both are right!

Here’s how to help lead and guide your baby:

  • Gently guide your baby towards the breast and nipple you want to feed on.
  • While guiding make sure your baby is kept in contact with your skin at all times. Remember they are not looking for your nipple they are feeling their way.
  • Don’t worry if your baby starts to cry. This is normal! Just start at the top of your chest again while soothing your baby.

You have it all wrapped up! Lead and guide your baby to your nipple. Enjoy the process! Step #3 will give you even more closeness. Beautiful!

Beautiful newborn baby boy in the arms of his mother

Step #3 Close Contact

This step is all about enjoying very close contact with your baby. You might be asking, “why is this a step?” or “why is it so important?”

Well, there are 3 key reasons, let me explain:

  • Your baby feels your skin and feels safe, relaxed and at home (this means breastfeeding will be more relaxed!)
  • Your baby keeps practicing opening their mouth (also great when you latch!)
  • Your baby keeps using their in-built instincts to search and find the nipple making it super easy for Mum!

So you see how important this is! Close contact is all geared to help YOU! YAY! But don’t worry if this doesn’t come naturally to you. I have a list you can follow:  

  1. As your baby heads towards your nipple your tummy and you baby’s tummy need to be stuck together! You don’t want to see a gap between you and your baby. Not even an inch!
  2. Here’s a check to know if your close enough: “Can see your baby’s belly button?” If you can roll your baby into you by tilting their bottom to you.
  3. You can also lean back further to help your baby lie almost on top of you.   

The three points above will keep your baby close. Your baby will breastfeed a lot better with this close contact! Check out the video.

Next, where do you put all those arms that are now on your body! Step 4 will give you all the answers!

Step #4 Arm Angles

You have 4 arms on your body! Yours and your baby’s! Most mothers find this awkward and challenging. Where do you put them all?

Guiding mothers for decades, I have been able to come up with the most comfortable way to hold your baby.

Don’t worry, I have you covered. Here’s some steps (or check out my video):

  1. As your baby slides towards your nipple on your bare chest. Place your baby’s arm (the one they are lying on) around your side (the same side as the breast you are using).
  2. Try not to lift your breast up just bring your baby down to where your nipple sits naturally.
  3. Keep your baby close so their tummy faces your tummy and their face is still touching your breast.
  4. Then, circle your arm around your baby’s body (the arm on the same side as the breast you are using) .
  5. Your baby needs to be facing your breast remember tummy to tummy.

So now you are snuggled very close and your baby’s face is touching your breast.  A little like the picture below.

Young mother breastfeeding her cute newborn baby son, home bedroom

Just before we move on, I want to show you a simple tweak that I use with every mother with this step!

Your arm that is circling your baby (on the same side as your breast) needs to sit in just the right position on your baby’s back. I have broken it down below for you (or watch video here):

WRONG WAY – If your baby’s head is in the crook of your elbow then your hand would be holding your baby’s bottom. This pushes their nose into the breast and makes sucking difficult.  

RIGHT WAY – The palm of your hand needs to be either just above your baby’s bottom or at your baby’s lower-back. Depending how long your baby is. What this means is that your baby’s head is resting on the middle of your forearm rather than the wrong way in the crook of your elbow.

TO FIX IT – Just slide your hand up off the bottom until your baby’s head tilts back slightly then relax your arm. If you feel your baby is falling away from you, just lean back further so the weight of your baby falls on top of you.

Now you are looking like a pro! So let’s bring this together and latch!  It seems like lots of steps before we get to latch!  It will be worth it, I promise!

Step #5 Bring Together

You have come through Steps 1-4. Well done! Now it’s time to bring it together.

Your baby is opposite your nipple. When you see their mouth open simply cuddle your baby close to you. And see if they take the nipple in and LATCH!

Young mother breastfeeds her baby. Breast-feeding.

This seems simple, but remember, it’s about the set up FIRST and then the latch will follow.  Watch my video to really cement your knowledge!

Give it a go and see what happens. This is the trial and error phase, you are building your confidence, not striving for perfection!

So now your baby may be latched, well done!  But how do you know that you have the latch right?  This is a great question and I have 3 clues that answer it.

Just a side note: knowing you have a good latch has nothing to do with what you SEE!  So no-one can look at your latch and tell you it is correct you must feel, I’II explain below.

Clue #1 Pain Levels:

When you are learning to breastfeed you are going to have some PAIN in the first few days.  This is generally just the pain of your nipple stretching.  If you’re concerned about the pain and want to know more read my blog, Should breastfeeding hurt?

So this clue is about how long the pain lasts. If your pain lasts under a minute then you are on the right track!

After this minute you will feel a pull or a tug rather than pain. If pain increases and continues beyond the first few minutes it is time to take your baby off and start at step #1.  (Don’t worry this happens ALOT!)

Clue #2 Watch Your Baby’s Sucking:

What your are looking for is for the sucking to keep going! What I mean is that you will see lots of BIG sucks where your baby’s jaw drops low and you see movement at their temple.  

But the biggest giveaway that your baby is not latched correctly is they will FALL ASLEEP! If this happens then off to the start again! 

Clue #3 Check Your Nipple:

If your pain dropped AND your baby keeps sucking, the next thing to check is your nipple when your baby comes off. Here’s how:

Your nipple needs to be round, just as it went in.  If it is squished or flat on one side don’t worry! Just head back up to step #4 arm angles and check your placement. 

If you have checked everything and find you are still not latched, don’t worry! The next step will get you there! Remember this is all about PRACTICE not PERFECTION!

Step #6 Shaping

You have come through Step 5 and need a little more guidance. Your baby either hasn’t latched or latched and fallen asleep! So let’s bring in another trick, SHAPING!

As odd as it may seem your baby actually breastfeeds by shaping your breast tissue with their mouth. Rather than latching on to your nipple.

The good news is it doesn’t matter what your nipple looks like – Long, short, flat or inverted.

The tricky thing is, it’s hard work for your little baby to create the shape from your breast tissue. So they let go very quickly.

This means they slip off and on when trying to latch. The best thing is, YOU can help your baby by shaping your breast before they latch!

Here’s how to shape your breast.  

After working through steps 1-5 your will have one hand free. This is the hand you will use to shape your breast. Below are the steps (also take a look at my video on shaping):

  1. Bring your hand to the breast your baby is attempting to latch on to
  2. Look at the position of your baby. Notice an area on your breast opposite your baby’s nose. This is spot one for your index finger.
  3. Place your the pad of your index finger about 2 centimetres from your nipple on the breast. This will now be opposite your baby’s nose.
  4. Now you will use your middle finger and place it on your breast opposite your baby’s chin.
  5. Your fingers will look like scissors and are close to your baby put not touching.
  6. Next squeeze your fingers together to shape a piece of your breast tissue.
  7. Now your baby can grab on to this piece of breast tissue. It’s like biting a hamburger that is shaped the right way for your baby to take a big bite.

Now you are shaping, bring your baby to your nipple. Do this by pointing your nipple to the centre of your baby’s mouth and cuddle your baby close.  This will secure the latch.

But there is just one more step that goes hand in hand with shaping, it is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! 

Step #7 Hold

It says it all in the title, HOLD!  Hold your fingers that are shaping your breast tissue. Check out my video on Step 7.

Hold the shape until your baby is sucking well.  Usually the first few minutes will do the trick!

You see, if you let go too soon your baby will lose their grip AND come off!

So don’t let go, not even a little! Even if your fingers are touching your baby, don’t let go! 

Give your baby the best chance to take a hold and get the rhythm going.  Remember you are waiting for the 3 cues.  

  • Pain eases after a minute,
  • your baby will keep sucking and
  • check your nipple is round after the feed.

After you see your baby take hold and suck well. You can loosen the grip, keeping your fingers on the breast. Then let go!  

ALL DONE! Now you can enjoy your latching and build on your skill.  Just have one last read of the final tip below and you are all sorted!

A Final Tip 

If you find you are not getting the latch try these things:

  • Give your baby a cuddle to calm and then start again
  • Let a family member have some cuddles while you take a breather (this is totally ok!)
  • Switch breasts and see if your baby will latch on the other side.  

I know this is a lot of information! Don’t worry if it seems foreign (most mums do!) Take it step by step and learn with your baby. Or give me a call or text and we can work it out together, 0414 403 208.

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If you are struggling with breastfeeding (or just feeling a bit overwhelmed) – don’t go at it alone. I’m here to help.

Call me now at 0414 403 208 and let’s figure it out together! (Prefer text? Message me on WhatsApp!)

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