Congrats! You’ve decided to breastfeed your baby. While it’s an exciting time for new moms, it can be challenging. While babies are born with a natural reflex to find the nipple, latch on and suck, it is often a learning curve for both you and your baby. 

The latch is key. You should feel a pulling sensation without actual pain. When a baby won’t latch properly, many breastfeeding issues could possibly occur, such as mastitis, plugged milk ducts, breast engorgement, infant weight loss, etc. 

There are many reasons why a baby fails to latch. Some have to do with the baby; other times, it has to do with the mom. As experienced OB-GYN physicians and nurse practitioners, we are familiar with the causes and wanted to share our expertise.

Your Baby’s Mood: The baby’s Behavior While Breastfeeding

Your baby’s mood and behavior can definitely be a factor. Too sleepy? Too hungry? Too fussy? Here are some suggestions which may help your baby latch:

  • A Fussy and Agitated Baby

If your baby is overtired, very hungry, or crying, chances are they will have some difficulties latching and feeding successfully. Ideally, a breastfeeding schedule can help you nurse your child when they’re not too hungry or sleepy. Breastfeeding in a quiet place where the lights aren’t too bright can also be helpful.

If the baby is still experiencing difficulty latching, you can try squeezing a tiny amount of breast milk on your breast so that the baby can taste it. Trying out different nursing positions could also make a difference.

  • A Sleepy Baby

It’s only natural for newborns to sleep a lot. Sometimes the need to sleep may interfere with latching and feeding regularly.

If your baby is having trouble waking up on their own, make sure to wake them up every two to three hours. Gently unwrapping their swaddle or cradling the baby in your arms is often effective. By lowering the comfort and warmth levels just a bit, your baby is more likely to wake up for breastfeeding.

Caucasian Mother in Glasses Rocks the Child. Portrait of Sleeping Newborn in Mother’s Arms.

The Size and Shape of the Mother’s Breasts or Nipples

Sometimes the shape and size of the mother’s breasts or nipples could be the main reason behind breastfeeding issues. Here are some tips which our patients have found helpful:

  • Very Large Nipples

Sometimes, newborns could find it difficult to latch on an average-sized nipple, let alone a large one. In order to feed properly, your baby needs to suck on the entire nipple, including a good portion of the areola. 

Many moms have found success using a nipple shield. The size and shape of this shield allow the newborn to suck on it successfully. The good news is that as your baby grows and develops, you will be able to successfully nurse without a breast shield.

  • Very Large Breasts

Mothers with large breasts could face some breastfeeding issues, especially if the breast size doesn’t allow the mom to clearly see the baby’s mouth and nipple. It’s also more difficult to position and hold larger breasts in the most comfortable manner for the baby.

In the beginning, you may want to have someone else help you with positioning your baby when it’s time for breastfeeding. In time, both you and your baby will get used to the right kind of position for successful latching.

  • Engorged Breasts

Many nursing mothers experience breast engorgement, most noticeably in the first days of breastfeeding. As your breasts produce more milk, they fill up quicker, which can make them hard and swollen. This, in turn, can tighten and flatten the nipples too much for the baby to suck on them successfully.

Here’s an easy tip: Use a breast pump to pump out a bit of excess milk before actually nursing the baby.

  • Inverted or Flat Nipples

If your nipples don’t really protrude, some babies will find it challenging to latch onto them. In this case, a breast pump could also be useful as the suctioning could pull out the nipples just enough for the baby to latch. A nipple shield may work as well. As always, consult your OB-GYN or your lactation specialists.

The Baby’s Physical Condition

A Young Mother Rocks Her Kid and Sings a Lullaby at Home

Babies born with certain physical or health conditions may experience difficulty latching. 

  • Preemie (Premature) Babies

Premature babies are smaller and naturally have smaller mouths. Not only could this make it more difficult for them to breastfeed, but they could tire out quicker as well.

Pumping out the breast milk or using a nipple shield might make it easier for your preemie to feed. 

Before you decide to get a breast pump or nipple shield on your own, make sure to talk to your doctor and lactation specialist about it. You can always count on South Miami OBGYN specialists for all your nursing concerns and postnatal care.

  • Newborn Tongue-Tie

Ankyloglossia or newborn tongue-tie is a condition where the connecting tissue between the tongue and the lower mouth is closely attached to the tip of the tongue. Basically, a newborn tongue-tie issue can make it difficult for the baby to latch correctly as they can’t extend their tongue far enough.

Newborn tongue-tie is treatable. If you are concerned, schedule a visit to your pediatrician, who can refer you to a specialist.

  • Cleft Lip

Babies born with a cleft lip or palate can find it difficult to latch on the breast and create the necessary suction to suck the breast milk.

Your doctor or lactation specialist can help you find ways to successfully breastfeed your baby, even with a cleft lip.

  • Down Syndrome

Due to their weaker muscle tone and smaller mouth, babies born with Down Syndrome may experience difficulty latching.

A lactation specialist can help you find the ideal breastfeeding technique that will work for both you and your baby. Interestingly, breastfeeding has been found to help babies with Down Syndrome develop stronger facial muscles and improve coordination.

When to Call Your Doctor

While most breastfeeding issues are resolved fairly quickly, sometimes, there could be a more serious problem that warrants an immediate visit to the doctor. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that necessitate a visit to the pediatrician:

  • When the baby continuously fails to latch and feed
  • The soft area on the baby’s head appears to be sinking
  • Your baby’s mouth and lips are very dry
  • When there is a lack of proper urination and bowel movements

Breastfeeding is far from simple and straightforward. Every infant is different, which means that breastfeeding will take some learning time as well. In general, most latching issues can be efficiently dealt with, even in the case of neurological and physical conditions. 

We welcome our patients to reach out to us at South Miami OB-GYN Associates to discuss any matter that concerns you. Our team of experts will provide you with the best prenatal and postnatal care.