5. 12 Signs of a Good Latch

No Pain

If your newborn is latched on correctly, nursing shouldn't hurt a bit -- though it may feel a bit strange at first. "Breastfeeding [for the first time] is a different sensation than a woman has ever experienced before," says Denise Altman, a registered lactation consultant in Columbia, South Carolina. "It's like trying to describe labor pains to someone who's never had a baby." Altman says you should feel a gentle tugging and slight tenderness at most.

Pink Lips

When your babe is latched on, his lips should curl around your nipple. "Some babies have very thin lips and some have Angelina Jolie lips," Altman says. "But you should see at least a thin pink line." Lightly push down on your breast tissue to see the latch. If his lips are tucked in, you may develop nipple soreness.

Tongue Position

Have a helper pull down your baby's lower lip to see if her tongue is in the right spot. If it's not between your breast and her lower gum, the latch is wrong, and it's best to start over. "Make sure the tongue isn't glued to the roof of the mouth," Altman suggests. Tickle your baby's cheek with your nipple to get her to open as wide as possible before bringing her to your breast.

Asymmetrical Latch

Although the exact position depends on your breast size, at least half of your areola should be in your baby's mouth. For the most comfort, lactation consultants typically recommend an asymmetrical latch, meaning more areola should show above the baby's top lip than below the bottom lip. But, as always, check with your consultant to find out what's best for you.

Wiggling Ears

If your baby is sucking and swallowing correctly, you should see his ears moving up and down. The movement may be rapid at the start of a feeding and slow as the feeding progresses.

Swallowing Sounds

Listen for a short "aah" as you nurse your baby, Altman says. This is a sign that her breathing and swallowing are coordinated and she's nursing successfully.

No Spilled Milk

If milk is leaking out of the corners of your baby's mouth, that usually indicates he isn't latched tightly. However, it also could mean you have an abundant milk supply or your babe is simply a messy eater. "Leaky milk is only a problem if feedings aren't going well," Altman says. "If Mom is having pain or if Baby isn't gaining weight, then there's a problem."

No Noises

"Usually if you're hearing something, there is a suction break somewhere along the baby's lips," Altman says. Make sure your nipple is deep in her mouth for the best suction. If you start to hear noises, gently insert your index finger into the side of her mouth, pull her off, and start again.

Relaxed Baby

It's a good thing when your little one mellows during a feeding. "When a baby is breastfeeding, the intestines release a hormone that relaxes," Altman says. If his hands unclench, his legs go limp, and his eyes roll back, that means he's getting his fill. But, Altman warns, he shouldn't fall asleep while sucking. A baby who nods off while nursing is disinterested and isn't getting filled up.

Round Cheeks

Nicely rounded cheeks mean your baby's mouth is filling with breast milk after each suck -- and that's a good thing. If her cheeks start to hollow -- like she's making a kissing face -- she may not be latched on properly, and you'll need to start over.

Steady Flow

Altman asks her mothers to imagine a steam train while nursing. "I tell them to picture the little bar that connects the wheels," she says. "Your baby's jaw should be moving forward and backward as smoothly as that bar." If your baby's jaw is gliding, the milk is flowing easily, but if he looks like he's chomping, he's not getting a steady supply.

Chin Rest

Your newborn's chin should be pushing into your breast and her nose should be lightly resting on your breast. If her face is pulled away from your body, she probably doesn't have enough of your breast in her mouth.

Copyright © 2010 Meredith Corporation.

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