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What is breastfeeding latch?

Breastfeeding latch, or simply latch, refers to how your baby’s mouth attaches to your nipple and areola when breastfeeding (chestfeeding). Your baby needs to latch on to your breast to begin taking in milk and gain nourishment. Exactly what a good breastfeeding latch looks like can vary. So, don’t pressure yourself to have a so-called “perfect latch” (there’s no such thing).

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Breastfeeding experts advise finding a comfortable position for breastfeeding and using simple measures to help your baby latch. But if your baby has certain medical issues (like tongue-tie), latching on for breastfeeding might be more challenging. Plus, every baby is different. What’s easy for one parent to do might be harder in your situation. And that’s OK. It’s just a matter of finding what works best for your baby.

If you’re having difficulties with getting your baby to latch, don’t give up. And don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Talk to a breastfeeding medicine specialist (a medical doctor with advanced training in breastfeeding management) or lactation consultant. These healthcare professionals can offer tips on how to get a good latch.

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