August is National Breastfeeding Month, and it’s a perfect time to talk about something that’s key for feeding babies: latching. You might not think much about it, but getting a good latch matters, whether you’re breastfeeding or using a bottle. It’s pretty important for your baby’s development.
Below, we’ll look at why a good latch is important for your little one, how to tell if the latch isn’t quite right, and when you might want to ask for some extra help.
Benefits of a Proper Latch for Your Baby
Helping Your Baby Grow
A good latch helps your baby get more milk, making sure they eat enough to grow well. When your baby latches properly, they’re more likely to gain weight steadily, which is important in the first few months.
Building Strong Mouth Muscles
Feeding time does more than just fill your baby’s tummy. It’s also a workout for the muscles in their mouth. When they latch on correctly, they’re using their tongue, jaw, and facial muscles properly. This helps these muscles grow strong and coordinated.
Why does this matter? Well, these are the same muscles your baby will use later for eating solid foods and even talking.
Signs of a Bad Latch
It’s not always easy to tell if your baby is latching correctly. Some mothers might not even notice when there’s an issue. Here are a few signs that your baby might be having trouble latching:
Never Settling In
If your baby frequently detaches and reattaches to the breast or bottle, it could indicate a problem. You might notice they seem unsettled during feedings, as if struggling to find a comfortable position. This repeated latching and unlatching can be frustrating for both you and your baby. It may also mean your baby isn’t getting enough milk.
Milk on the Face
If you see milk dribbling down your baby’s face during feeding, it might indicate a latch issue. A proper latch typically creates a tight seal around the nipple or bottle teat. When this seal isn’t formed correctly, milk can escape. While slight leakage is normal, frequent or excessive dribbling could lead to messy feeds and potentially less milk intake for your baby.
Gassy and Fussy After Meals
If your little one seems extra gassy or cranky after breastfeeding, it might be because of a poor latch. When babies don’t latch well, they often swallow air along with milk. This can lead to a gassy, bloated feeling that makes them uncomfortable and fussy. If you notice this happening regularly, it’s worth looking into the latch.
Frequent Spitting Up
While some spitting up is normal in infants, excessive or frequent spitting up might be related to latch problems. An improper latch can cause overfeeding or increased air intake during feeding. Both of these issues can result in more frequent spit-ups.
Persistent Pain During Breastfeeding
Some discomfort when starting to breastfeed is common, and occasional brief pain can be normal. However, breastfeeding shouldn’t constantly hurt or cause severe pain. If you’re frequently experiencing pain when your baby latches or during feeding, it may indicate a problem.
A proper latch should generally feel comfortable for you. Ongoing or intense pain could suggest that your baby isn’t positioning their mouth correctly on the breast.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t worry – help is available. The best course of action is to consult with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. They can provide a thorough examination and offer expert guidance, as well as refer you to specialists if needed.
One common issue they might look for is a tongue-tie. This condition occurs when the strip of skin connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is shorter or thicker than normal, or attached in an abnormal position.
These qualities potentially make it difficult for babies to move their tongues properly for feeding. Many pediatric dentists are trained to identify and treat tongue-ties, which can significantly impact breastfeeding.
Read more: Tongue-Tie in Infants and Young Children: Signs to Look Out For
If you’re experiencing any of these signs while breastfeeding or feeling unsure about your baby’s latch, we’re here to support you. At our pediatric dental office, we understand the role a good latch plays in your baby’s feeding and overall health. We’re proud to be one of the leading pediatric dental practices offering tongue-tie treatment in Lafayette, LA.
Even if everything seems fine, an early check-up can be invaluable. It allows us to catch potential issues before they develop into problems and helps familiarize your little one with dental visits from an early age.
Ready to take the next step? Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Our goal is to ensure your baby gets the best possible start, whether that involves support with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or general oral health care.