{"id":1450,"date":"2022-04-02T08:26:55","date_gmt":"2022-04-02T08:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/?p=1450"},"modified":"2022-05-29T13:11:03","modified_gmt":"2022-05-29T13:11:03","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-newborn-wont-latch-nursing-tips-and-tricks-for-new-moms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/what-to-do-if-your-newborn-wont-latch-nursing-tips-and-tricks-for-new-moms\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do if Your Newborn Won\u2019t Latch: Nursing Tips and Tricks for New Moms"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congrats! You\u2019ve decided to breastfeed your baby. While it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The latch is key. You should feel a pulling sensation without actual pain. When a baby won\u2019t latch properly, many breastfeeding issues could possibly occur, such as mastitis, plugged milk ducts, breast engorgement, infant weight loss, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Your Baby\u2019s Mood: The baby\u2019s Behavior While Breastfeeding<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your baby\u2019s mood and behavior can definitely be a factor. Too sleepy? Too hungry? Too fussy? Here are some suggestions which may help your baby latch:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>A Fussy and Agitated Baby<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re not too hungry or sleepy. Breastfeeding in a quiet place where the lights aren\u2019t too bright can also be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>A Sleepy Baby<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s only natural for newborns to sleep a lot. Sometimes the need to sleep may interfere with latching and feeding regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload aligncenter size-full wp-image-1486\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271000%27%20height%3D%27667%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201000%20667%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271000%27%20height%3D%27667%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/A-Sleepy-Baby.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Size and Shape of the Mother\u2019s Breasts or Nipples<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes the shape and size of the mother\u2019s breasts or nipples could be the main reason behind breastfeeding issues. Here are some tips which our patients have found helpful:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Very Large Nipples<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Very Large Breasts<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mothers with large breasts could face some breastfeeding issues, especially if the breast size doesn\u2019t allow the mom to clearly see the baby\u2019s mouth and nipple. It\u2019s also more difficult to position and hold larger breasts in the most comfortable manner for the baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the beginning, you may want to have someone else help you with positioning your baby when it\u2019s time for breastfeeding. In time, both you and your baby will get used to the right kind of position for successful latching.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Engorged Breasts<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s an easy tip: Use a breast pump to pump out a bit of excess milk before actually nursing the baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Inverted or Flat Nipples<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your nipples don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Baby\u2019s Physical Condition<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload aligncenter size-full wp-image-1487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271000%27%20height%3D%27667%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201000%20667%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271000%27%20height%3D%27667%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2022\/04\/The-Babys-Physical-Condition.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Babies born with certain physical or health conditions may experience difficulty latching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Preemie (Premature) Babies<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pumping out the breast milk or using a nipple shield might make it easier for your preemie to feed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<\/span><a href=\"\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/gynecologist-miami-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Miami OBGYN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> specialists for all your nursing concerns and postnatal care.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Newborn Tongue-Tie<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019t extend their tongue far enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newborn tongue-tie is treatable. If you are concerned, schedule a visit to your pediatrician, who can refer you to a specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Cleft Lip<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor or lactation specialist can help you find ways to successfully breastfeed your baby, even with a cleft lip.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Down Syndrome<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their weaker muscle tone and smaller mouth, babies born with Down Syndrome may experience difficulty latching.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When to Call Your Doctor<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the baby continuously fails to latch and feed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fontanelle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soft area on the baby\u2019s head<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appears to be sinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your baby\u2019s mouth and lips are very dry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When there is a lack of proper urination and bowel movements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We welcome our patients to reach out to us at <\/span><a href=\"\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Miami OB-GYN Associates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to discuss any matter that concerns you. Our team of experts will provide you with the best prenatal and postnatal care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Congrats! You\u2019ve decided to breastfeed your baby. While it\u2019s 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.\u00a0 The latch is key. You should feel a  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1451,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[221],"tags":[228,229,230,231,232],"class_list":["post-1450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-child-care","tag-baby-behavior-while-breastfeeding","tag-baby-wont-latch","tag-breast-milk","tag-breastfeeding-issues","tag-newborn-tongue-tie"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1450\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}