A good (or bad) latch can make or break your breastfeeding relationship. The right latch allows your baby to take in as much milk as possible with each suckle while preventing sore nipples. However, the latch that works for you might not work for another mother, so more women need to learn about an asymmetrical latch.
Learning how to use an asymmetrical latch can help make your nipples feel better while ensuring your baby receives all of the milk needed. Unfortunately, not all LCs or pediatricians understand or suggest this recommendation, which is sad because, compared to breast compressions, it could solve many problems.
If you’re interested in learning how to use an asymmetrical latch, here’s what you need to know.
What is An Asymmetrical Latch?
To understand an asymmetrical latch, you must first understand what a traditional latch looks like.
When you imagine your baby latching onto your breast, you more than likely picture a traditional latch, which is the most common technique used. This is when you latch your baby onto your breast with his mouth centered around your nipple and areola.
Your nipple should be in the center, like a target, and equal amounts of the areola should be outside his mouth. This is the typical latch that most lactation consultants will show you how to use, but an asymmetrical latch is different.
Once you’ve tried a traditional latch, it’s easy to see how an asymmetrical one differs.
With this latch, you place your nipple off-centered in your baby’s mouth. Typically, he will take in more areola near his chin and less above his nose, which means you’ll see more of your child’s upper lip than you will of his bottom and chin.
Rather than your nipple being the central target that faces toward your child’s throat, this technique tells you to point your nipple higher, almost towards the roof of your baby’s mouth. That causes his chin to press closer to your breast, but your baby’s nose might not touch. Learning this latching technique can help you feel less concerned about suffocation if you have larger breasts.
The Benefits of Using an Asymmetrical Latch
Traditional things are the standard for a reason, so why would we want moms to try a different latch after all these years?
It’s amazing what a slight change or adjustment can make; the same goes for breastfeeding. When a mom struggles to breastfeed her child and desires to continue, finding small helpful changes is often the key to success.
Here are some reasons you might want to give this latching technique a try.
More Comfortable
One of the biggest complaints that new mothers have when it comes to breastfeeding is discomfort. You’re still learning to latch your baby; a few bad latches can cause your nipples to crack and bleed.
An asymmetrical latch is often easier to get right the first time than the traditional one, which reduces the chances that your baby will latch badly.
Better for Sore Nipples
If you have sore nipples, you aren’t alone. It frequently happens in the early weeks of breastfeeding, commonly due to latching improperly. When you try to use your nipple as a target, it’s easy for your baby to accidentally latch onto your nipple, and only your nipple, rather than your areola. That increases the likelihood of injury.
When you’re using an asymmetrical latch, you have a lower chance of nipple latching.
Efficient Nursing Position for Baby
This latching position allows some babies to remove milk from breasts more efficiently. It can be helpful for babies who are struggling to remove the needed amount of milk.
Easy for Large Breasted Mothers
As mentioned before, large breasts often make mothers worried that their baby’s nose will be blocked while breastfeeding. This latch helps lift your baby’s nose off your breast.
Also, large-breasted women often struggle to get the best latch, and this is another technique that can help you find a position that works for you and your baby.
How to Use An Symmetrical Latch?
If you want to try this technique, follow the steps. Remember, your baby won’t be latched centered on your nipple but rather off-centered. That’s your goal.
Dr. Jack Newman is showing you how to do it properly:
Before you try this, remember not to put your hand on the back of your baby’s head. You can keep your hand on the back of your child’s neck and shoulders for support.
Here is how you must make the asymmetrical latch work for your baby.
Your baby needs to have a wide mouth while you keep the base of your hand against his shoulders, letting your baby’s head tilt back.
The first thing that should touch your breast is your baby’s chin as you bring your baby to your breast. Never bring your breast to your baby; that will cause you to hunch over.
Your baby’s bottom half is typically lower than your breast, but he should be at eye level or close to eye level with your breast.
As you bring your baby into your breast, his chin will touch first, and your nipple should point towards the roof of his mouth that is opened wide. Your baby will latch onto the breast with his lower lip pointed away from the nipple, letting his tongue draw it in deeply for the best latch.
Give It a Try!
To find the perfect latch to ease discomfort, you must try an asymmetrical latch. You’re less likely to experience pain, and your baby will have an easier time removing milk. That’s a win-win!
Hey, this is Linda. My biggest accomplishment in life is being a mother of four children. Their current ages range from almost ten years old down to 20 months old.
I’m passionate about writing parenting articles because I understand so well all of the problems and trials you face as a parent. From breastfeeding woes to budgeting problems and behavior problems, along with everything in between, chances are I’ve faced it over the last ten years. Read more about Linda here.
