Latching on (breastfeeding)

**Latching on** is how the baby fastens to the breast while breastfeeding. A good latch helps the baby get milk. This happens when the bottom of the areola (the area around the nipple) is in the baby's mouth. When the nipple is far back inside the baby's mouth this is a good latch. A latch that is not good happens when the baby does not have enough of the breast in his/her mouth. A shallow or short latch causes the nipple skin to press against the hard bones in the top of the baby's mouth. That will cause cracked nipples on the mother. Cracked nipples are painful and can bleed.

## Positioning
A comfortable position helps the baby to latch well.

To help a baby breastfeed, gently tilt its head back a little. This makes it easier for the baby to suck and swallow. When the head is tilted back and the mouth is open, the baby's tongue moves down. This lets the breast go on top of the tongue.

Let the breast hang in its natural shape. When the nipple touches near the baby's mouth, the baby may open it. The mother can then gently help the baby take the nipple into its mouth.

## Tongue-tied
Sometimes, a baby's tongue is stuck to the bottom of the mouth. This attachment means the baby can't open his or her mouth wide enough to get a good latch. This is called a tongue-tie. When a baby is checked after it is born, this usually is not checked. If the baby isn't latching on well and is not  gaining weight mothers should talk to the nurse or doctor about this. Tongue-tie can be treated and breastfeeding gets better.

## Signs of a good latch
A good latch is important for both effective breastfeeding and comfort. Review the following signs to determine whether the infant has a good latch:

* The latch feels comfortable and does not hurt or pinch. How it feels is a more important sign of a good latch than how it looks.
* The infant does not need to turn his or her head while feeding. His or her chest is close to the body.
* Little or no areola (pronounced uh-REE-uh-luh), which is the dark-colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple. Depending on the size of the areola and the size of the infant's mouth, it is possible to only see a small amount of areola. If more areola is showing, it should seem that more is above the infant's lip and less is below.
* The infant's mouth will be filled with breast when in the best latch position.
* The infant's tongue is cupped under the breast, although it might not be seen.
* The can hear or see the infant swallowing. Because some babies swallow so quietly, the only way of knowing that they are swallowing is when a pause in their breathing is heard.
* The infant's ears "wiggle" slightly.
* The infant's lips turn outward, similar to fish lips, not inward. The infant's bottom lip may not be seen.
* The infant's chin touches the breast.

## Poor latching
Not only is a poor latch painful but it can also lead to blocked milk ducts, mastitis, and other infections. A poor latch also isn't good for the baby, as it means he or she isn't getting enough milk. So if poor latching has been occuring for more than a few days breastfeeding mothers can get help. There are resources available at no or low cost.

## References
## Bibliography
*