A good position = A good latch

You’ve just given birth, and it’s time to feed your newborn. Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. How do you know if the latch is good? You may have heard conflicting advice—“Breastfeeding is painful” vs. “Latching shouldn’t hurt,” or “Frequent, long feedings are normal” vs. “Baby should be on a schedule.” It can be overwhelming!

The good news? A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help you prepare during pregnancy, understand what to expect, and support you after birth with positioning and achieving a deep, effective latch.

In the meantime, here are a few positioning tips to help you get started.

Sometimes, simply adjusting your baby half an inch to the left or right to slightly extend their head can make a huge difference. This small shift can improve the latch, allowing your baby to open their mouth wider for a deeper, more effective feed.