Guest blog by The Baby Manual
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This is a saying many new parents would totally understand, “How’s my latch”?
The days before they had their little baby all they wondered was will it have my nose or his? Will the baby sleep or cry? They certainly hadn’t considered the complex process this latch would be!
When you search for the ‘latch’ many you tube or instructional videos will appear. Each very confusing and contradicting – which is very hard for a new parent coming to terms with this small human and recovering post birth.
The latch is just one of many confusing theories many new parents struggle with. Many new parents just want to understand the ‘why’ and the ‘how ‘ that surrounds many of the questions about small humans.
After you have a baby you get such a huge amount of advice from your neighbour to the lady at the fruit shop. Some of it is very practical others not helpful at all and often makes you feel like your doing it all wrong- why cant I make my baby sleep all night or latch like a pro.
10 TIPS FOR THE PERFECT NIPPLE LATCH
1. Relax
The more up tight you are the less it is going to work. Your baby can feel your anxiety and they start to get worried too.
2. Don’t worry this too shall pass
Nipples heal really quickly no damage is forever
3. Position your baby
Chest to chest, nose to nipple and chin to breast. This makes the ‘hold’ easier and stops you trying to contort your breast into a weird position.
4. Look after your nipples
Moisturizing creams are a must for the first few weeks
5. Love yourself
If it hurts, take your baby off and try again, damage can reoccur in just one feed.
6. Trust your boobs!
They don’t always need to feel full, embrace the empty feeling as a great feed not that your milk has run out.
7. Seek help if you’re unsure
A qualified Lactation Consultant can access your issues and give you personalised advice (better than Dr Google).
8. There is no perfect position
Your boobs are different to everyone else’s use the position that is comfortable for you.
9. It will get easier
Don’t worry it will get easier the first few weeks are always trying but with time your confidence will increase.
10. Don’t be impatient
Wait that second longer for a bigger mouthful.
The perfect ‘latch’ that will stop those nipples hurting and make that feed more bearable is not that complicated. And with quality education and confidence you will enjoy your little human and enjoy motherhood. And also come to terms with the theory that ‘perfect’ doesn’t exist and that all you can do is the best you can- and that is OK.
Come and see us, we’d love to help you out and set you along the right path to make life easier for you and your little one.
Good luck x
The Baby Manual is an 8 week e-Learning course suitable for all new parents to equip them from birth.
