How to make a baby latch and suck properly?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 20-days-old daughter has a problem with latching. She is unable to draw milk from my breast. She bites on my nipple for ten minutes and sleeps without getting full. I am having a tough time feeding her. Please help me out of this stress.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to ilciniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

This is a common problem that most new mothers face. The child is unaware of how to take the nipple in the mouth and has to be shown or trained. It is important that the baby takes the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and not just the nipple alone.

Few tips for adequate feeding are as follows;

1) Sit in a comfortable position.

2) Have a hand under the baby's neck.

3) Squeeze your breast around the areola and guide the baby's head such that both nipple and areola are placed into the baby's mouth.

4) Hold on to the position till you can feel the baby latched properly.

I hope this was useful.

Regards.