Latch-on

Signs of a good latch-on

The baby has a deep latch with an angle where the lips meet the breast of at least 140^o

Both upper and lower lips are flanged (rolled out)

All or most of the mother’s areola is in the baby’s mouth (at least 1” from the base of the nipple).

Mother is comfortable through the feeding. There may be some latch-on pain that subsides quickly.

There is movement in the baby’s temples with sucking and the jaw moves up and down an inch or more.

There is slight movement of the mother’s skin near the baby’s lips.

Signs of a good feeding

Hearing swallowing at least every third suck.

Noticing that the breasts are softer after feedings.

Appropriate output for age. (1 wet diaper on day 1, 2 wet diapers on day 2, 3 wet diapers on day 3, 6 wet diapers on day 4 and on, several stools each day).

Feeling strong, deep, "pulling", sucking.

Seeing milk in the baby’s mouth.

Leaking from the other breast or feeling of a "let-down" reflex.

15 - 20 minutes vigorous sucking on each breast or 20 - 30 minutes on one side.