Understanding the Slipping Latch: Essential Tips for Breastfeeding Mums

Hey there, mumma! Are you struggling with the frustration of your little one slipping off the breast during breastfeeding sessions? It can be a really frustrating mystery. I remember clearly trying to relatch my little one and celebrating he got a good latch only to have to relatch him a minute later because his nice deep latch slipped to a shallow one that really hurt. The struggle is real! But don’t worry. In this post, I’ll walk you through the reasons why your baby might be slipping off the breast, the importance of addressing this issue (and as quickly as possible!), and what you can do to help breastfeeds feel more calm and efficient.

Decoding the Clues: Signs of a Slipping Latch

Let’s dive into the subtle clues that hint at a slipping latch.

Nipple Pain:

You might notice that when your baby initially latches, things feel alright, but as the feed goes on, the discomfort sets in and intensifies. When it starts to feel painful, you’ll probably be able to see a lot of the areola (the coloured skin around the nipple) because bub slipped back to only having nipple in their mouth.

Baby Keeps Latching and Unlatching Repeatedly:

Then there’s the dance of latching and unlatching that your baby might keep doing during feeding sessions – a clear sign that something’s amiss with the latch.

Frustrated or Fussy Baby During Feeds:

Pay close attention to your baby’s frustration level, as a poor latch often means a slow milk flow, leaving them a bit miffed. 

Clicking Sound:

And listen out for that subtle clicking sound, which hints at a loss of suction or a tiny air leak, showing that the latch might need a little fine-tuning.

These signs together paint a picture of a slipping latch, making feeding sessions a bit of a challenge and occasionally causing discomfort for both you and your sweet baby.

Unravelling the Causes of Slipping Latch

Let’s talk about the reasons behind that slipping latch. First and foremost: Your baby IS NOT lazy!! There is no such thing as a lazy baby. If they’re showing any of the signs above it’s because they’re finding breastfeeding hard for some reason, not because they’re lazy. We need to help them by fixing that problem.

Let’s talk positioning. This is the most common cause of a latching issues. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where both you and your baby are comfortable and well-aligned. Then there’s the possibility of a tongue tie, where your little one’s tongue can’t move as much as it needs to for them to latch properly. Oral dysfunction can also play a role. Whether that’s tension or weakness in the muscles of the mouth and jaw or your baby might have difficulty coordinating their suck-swallow-breathe reflexes. These can all lead to challenges with latching. And let’s not forget about engorged breasts – especially in the early days when your breasts are too full and firm, it can be tough for your baby to get a good grip. These factors can all contribute to that slipping latch dilemma.

You might find it hard to tell what the cause is, and that’s ok! That’s where an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) comes in. They can help you work out what’s going on and how to fix it. You can book a home visit or online video call with me here. With a bit of patience and perseverance, we’ll get to the bottom of it together.

The Importance of Addressing the Slipping Latch Quickly

Now, you might wonder, why is it so important to address the slipping latch issue? Well, a shallow latch can lead to A LOT of breastfeeding problems. Not only can it cause you excruciating nipple pain and damage, but it can also result in your baby not getting enough milk, leading to poor weight gain and even low milk supply in the long run. It’s crucial to nip this issue in the bud to ensure a successful breastfeeding adventure for both you and your little one.

Addressing a Shallow or Slipping Latch: Tips for Better Breastfeeding

Now that we’ve identified the problem, let’s talk solutions. The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your baby’s latch and make breastfeeding a more pleasant experience for both of you. First and foremost, don’t hesitate to get help from an IBCLC. They can provide invaluable guidance on latch techniques, positioning, and troubleshooting common breastfeeding challenges.

You can also check out my free “How to Get a Good Breastfeeding Latch” guide. In this comprehensive guide, I walk you through tips to help you get a comfortable and effective latch for both you and your baby. By downloading the guide, you’ll get valuable insights into proper positioning, what is a good latch, what does a good latch look like (including images comparing a good vs bad latch – I wish I had this when I was struggling to get a good latch with my babies!) and a good latch checklist to help you nail that nice, deep latch. Download your free guide today and experience the difference!

Also, experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and your baby. Remember to be patient with yourself and your little one as you navigate this learning curve together. With persistence and support, you’ll soon overcome the slipping latch hurdle.

Let’s Tackle the Slipping Latch Together!

Remember, mumma, that you’re not alone in this journey. The slipping latch may present a temporary hurdle, but with the right support and guidance, you can overcome it. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if breastfeeding is hard for you right now. Together, we can make sure that you and your baby enjoy a happy and fulfilling breastfeeding experience. You’ve got this!

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love to know what you took away from reading this. Pop on over to Instagram and let me know in the DMs. Can’t wait to hear from you! 😊