Nipple slips out of the baby’s mouth – what to do and when to call the doctor. Keep reading to find out.
Breastfeeding is not easy, especially for first-time mothers. From being attentive to your little one 24×7 to taking care of your own health for your baby’s well being, this beautiful journey of becoming a mother faces many difficulties in between. But where is will, there is always a way. It is never too late to fix everything gone wrong during the process.
When would you know that your baby has a shallow latch?
Right when your nipple keeps slipping out from your baby’s mouth. Latching is extremely important. Not only because it helps your child to get enough milk to grow strong and healthy, but also because it helps in efficient removal of breast milk. Without which, it may lead to painful breast conditions like low breast milk supply, breast engorgement, and mastitis or breast infection.
But you need not fear. That is a common breastfeeding problem that can be solved by maintaining a few beneficial postures and methods.
Nipple Slips Out of the Baby’s Mouth – What To Do
1. Skin-to-skin Postures to Encourage Baby’s Intuitive Ability to Latch
Specific postures and simple changes in positions always promote your baby’s innate ability to search and find the nipple. Keep your baby skin-to-skin i.e., mostly in laid-back or side-lying positions. Once your child feels the warmth of your body, he or she would feel more secure. Wait for your baby to open his or her mouth wide. Only then extend the head to make him/her achieve a deeper and more comfortable latch. This process is quite a lifesaver when it comes to breastfeeding.
2. Initiate Deep Latching
Stop putting extra efforts to latch your baby to the breast. It should be as comfortable to you as it is to the baby. Make sure you’re initiating the latching by squeezing a few drops of colostrum onto your nipple to entice your child. First, settle the little one gently in your arms while soothing with your voice. Let him/her suck on the clean, fleshy part of your finger. Softly touch your nipple to his/her mouth to trigger the response. Aim the nipple towards the baby’s nose instead of putting it straight into the mouth. Ensure that the baby’s chin is positioned towards the breast, head slightly tilted back, and your nipple above the baby’s upper lip. If necessary, you can squeeze your breast in a U shape with your hand. Your fingers should not touch the baby’s face as it would give him/her the wrong signal to close their mouth. Now, wait for the baby to self latch in this position.
3. Use a Breast Pump for Flat or Inverted Nipples
In case you have flat or inverted nipples, sometimes that might cause shallow latching. Your baby keeps slipping off from the nipples as they don’t stick out of your breast. Use a breast pump’s suction to draw out and lengthen the nipples enough for the baby’s self-latching.
4. Nipple Shield for Large Nipples
In case you have large nipples, your newborn might face difficulty in latching by taking the entire nipple or the right amount of areola into the mouth. As a result, the infant won’t be able to remove breast milk efficiently. This is when you need a nipple shield. Owing to a smaller shape, this shield is generally placed over the nipple, making it easier for a baby to grasp in the mouth. Even for premature babies, the nipple shield works perfectly fine.
When to call the doctor
In case of any physical deformity like tongue tie, cleft lips, or down syndrome, get in touch with your pediatrician if the baby is not latching; as newborns and infants can become dehydrated quickly.
These breast-friendly measures give your motherhood support when you’re fighting with baby’s rejection in self-latching.
