Why Won't My Newborn Latch?

Breastfeeding provides your child with important nutrition that supports optimal growth and development — but the nursing process isn’t always easy. Here, learn some common latching problems and what you can do to correct them.

Welcoming a new baby is definitely exciting, but it can also come with challenges and frustrations, especially for moms who are new to breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is often touted as “natural,” the actual process of nursing isn’t always easy, particularly when it comes to getting your baby to attach properly to your breast — a process called latching.

The team at One World Pediatrics wants every mom to feel confident and at ease with the breastfeeding experience. That’s why our team offers complete breastfeeding support to help moms overcome challenges and be successful in their nursing experience. In this post, Jag Ambwani, MD, FAAP, Dolly Ubhrani, MD, April Mieswinkel, NP, Richard Lam, FNP, Gabrielle Yates, CPNP-PC, and Audrey M. Merrill, MD offer a quick overview of some of the most common reasons for latching problems, along with suggestions of what you can do to correct them.

Latching problems: Common obstacles

Latching refers to your baby’s ability to attach to your breast during nursing, forming a suction-based seal that makes it easier for your baby to extract nourishing breastmilk. Latching problems include any issue that interferes with that process and makes it harder for your baby to feed.

While latching sounds straightforward, it’s actually a skill that a newborn needs to learn — and lots of obstacles may stand in the way.

Anatomical issues

Cleft lip, tongue abnormalities, and issues with lip development can all make it harder for a baby to attach to your breast, making it much harder to nurse.

Developmental issues

Some babies have difficulty coordinating the actions and reflexes needed to latch and nurse, particularly babies who are born prematurely.

Nipple issues

Women with flat or inverted nipples can make it harder for a baby to latch, and it may also cause soreness for the new mom, making it harder to relax during nursing.

Breathing issues

Babies with nasal congestion or other issues that interfere with nose breathing may have difficulty latching, simply because they’re unable to breathe properly while nursing.

Positioning problems

Babies who aren’t properly positioned during nursing may have trouble reaching the entire nipple or completing a proper seal.

Maternal fatigue or anxiety

Fatigue and stress can affect how well your milk flows, interfering with your baby’s ability to feed.

Improving the latching process

Lots of issues can cause latching problems, but fortunately, there are lots of solutions, too.

First, seek guidance

Latching difficulties can quickly lead to frustration, which in turn can make you less likely to want to nurse. Talking to our team at the first sign of latching issues prevents frustration and helps you enjoy success early on.

Try different positions

Trying different nursing positions may be all it takes to help you and your baby find an ideal latch technique. Our team can show you a variety of positions to make latching and the rest of the nursing process as easy and productive as possible.

Express some milk

Try gently compressing your breast prior to feeding to express some milk. The taste of milk on your nipple helps encourage your baby to latch successfully.

Find a place to relax

No one is born knowing how to nurse — not you and not even your newborn. Breastfeeding in a quiet, relaxing area helps you stay calm and patient while you and your baby experiment with the entire process.

Compassionate support for new moms

Latching difficulties can definitely be frustrating and disappointing, but most moms find success with some help from our team. To learn how we can help you overcome your breastfeeding obstacles, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood, Florida, today.