A shallow latch occurs when the baby does not take enough breast tissue into their mouth during breastfeeding. This can result in discomfort, inadequate milk transfer, and even sore nipples for the mother. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to break a poor shallow latch and try again.
If you do not have a deep latch and/or are not hearing the soft and rhythmic swallowing sounds, gently break the latch (unlatch baby) and try again. Easiest way to break suction is to insert your pinky into the corner of the baby’s mouth, by gently sliding the finger between the baby’s gums and gently turning your finger to break suction. Then pull gently toward the breast. . Once they release, quickly bring them back to the breast, ensuring they take a larger mouthful of breast tissue. Do not move baby back to break it, this will hurt you. By doing it with your pinky, it is painless for both you and baby!
IMPORTANT: If baby is tied, they cannot get that deep latch! No matter how many times you try to modify it. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, bleeding or cracked nipples, baby not able to efficiently transfer milk, or if baby is frustrated at the breast, please contact me or another IBCLC to get this figured out! Keep in mind these are symptoms of ties and not your milk supply! (See ties).
A deeply latched baby can draw more milk from the breast. Getting more milk will not only help your baby to gain weight AND the milk they need, but it will also help to ensure you have a plentiful milk supply as your baby grows. And no pain for mama.