Breast Feeding: Why a Deep Latch Matters

There are numerous tasks to keep track of after a mother gives birth. We must keep track of the baby’s output, newborn screening tests, and how much the mother is bleeding, as well as monitor how breastfeeding is progressing (if the mom chooses to breastfeed). One of the main components of assessing breastfeeding success is how well the baby is latching. One does not have to be a professional lactation consultant to assess whether breastfeeding is progressing well, and it may be a little daunting to understand why it matters.

What is a Deep Latch?

A proper latch, or deep latch, is when a baby opens their mouth and takes all of the mother’s nipple and as much of the areola as they can into their mouth. The mother’s nipple should sit right where the soft palate of the mouth begins. This will ensure maximum comfort and milk flow.

Reasons Why Ensuring a Proper Latch is Important

1- Increased comfort

Contrary to widely held belief, pain with breastfeeding is not normal. If baby has a proper deep latch, it should not be painful. Usually, if there’s pain, the mother’s nipple is sitting closer to the front of baby’s mouth, where the hard palate is located; that is causing the pain. However, it is normal for there to be a little discomfort in the beginning, especially as the nipples acclimate to the tugging of breastfeeding, but that should subside after several seconds.

2- Shorter, more effective feedings

A deep latch means a good inflow of milk, which in turn fills baby’s belly faster, which makes it an effective feed. An indicator that a latch needs improvement is a feed that is taking unusually long. What may that look like for a newborn? A newborn feeding at one breast for over twenty minutes may indicate that the latch needs improvement. A poor latch is like trying to drink through a compressed straw. If the latch is not deep enough, it may mean that baby will have to feed longer to get an adequate amount of milk before they feel full. 

3- Adequate weight gain

Babies know when they are hungry, as the body knows how to signal when it is time to eat. Effective feeds will satisfy baby’s hunger, encourage appropriate output, and ensure they gain weight.

4- Increased time between feedings

It is normal for newborns to cluster feed (frequently feed within a brief period). However, if the baby did not have a proper latch, they may not have fed as well as they could have. With a poor latch, feeds may take longer than necessary because the milk is not as free-flowing as it could be, and it is likely they will want to feed again sooner than later.

5- Satisfied baby and mother

If a newborn is latching well, the mother is not experiencing pain and the baby’s belly is filling with milk efficiently. A poor latch could result in an irritable, frustrated baby and mom. A good latch helps decrease anxiety on the mother’s part because she knows her baby is feeding well. She can spend more time enjoying her bundle of joy and less time worrying.

It is important to intervene if a new mother and baby are having trouble achieving a proper latch. Pain during feedings and length of time during feeds would be the easiest indicators that something is amiss. One does not need to be a certified lactation counselor or an IBCLC to identify potential issues. If a problem is detected, it is important for a lactation consultant to assess the baby’s latch to ensure breastfeeding success.