Ineffective Latch-On or Sucking
A breastfed baby must be able to remove milk from the breast well. He / she has to get enough milk to gain weight and provide proper nutrition. A baby’s sucking also “tells” the breasts to increase or maintain milk production. Poor milk removal can cause problems with weight gain and nutrition because the baby is not getting enough milk. Poor milk removal will cause a decrease in mom’s milk supply.
There are many things that affect how well a baby can suck and remove milk from the breast. Some babies have problems staying awake. Other babies have problems coordinating suck, swallow and breathe patterns. A few babies have conditions that affect the structure of the mouth which makes feeding difficult. Some causes of suck or latch-on problems include:
- Prematurity
- Labor and delivery medication
- Down syndrome
- Jaundice
- Infection
- Cardiac defects
- Tongue-tie
- Cleft lip or palate
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It is important to know the signs that a baby is not removing milk from the breast well. Steps can be taken to correct the problem. There are signs of ineffective sucking in the baby who:
- Does not wake on his / her own for feedings eight or more times in 24 hours
- Latches on and then lets go of the breast often during the feeding
- Falls asleep within five minutes of latch-on or after sucking two or three minutes
- Does not suck regularly for the first seven to ten minutes of a feeding
- Feeds for more than 30 minutes without acting full
- Produces less than two stools in 24 hours by the end of the first week (for the first four to eight weeks)
- Produces fewer than six soaking wet diapers in 24 hours by the end of the first week
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The mother who:
- Has persistent sore or bruised nipples or areola
- Develops red, raw or cracked nipples
- Has creased or flattened nipples after feedings
- Does not have breast fullness before feedings and does not have softened breasts after feedings
- Has more than one episode of plugged ducts or mastitis
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How you can help with the breastfeeding process:
Feeding problems can be upsetting, but most babies will learn to breastfeed if given time. It is important to work with the baby’s doctor and your lactation consultant (IBCLC) for latch or sucking problems. There are things you can do to help the breastfeeding process. You also need to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Always ask your baby’s doctor if you have questions.
- Wake the baby to breastfeed every three hours
- Feed sooner if the baby is giving you feeding signs or cues
- Know that your baby will do better at some feedings than others
- Massage your breast toward the nipple during the feeding
- This will help the milk flow into the baby’s mouth and encourage the baby to stay awake and continue to suck
- Keep a chart of the number of wet diapers and stools per day
- Write down the amount and color of the stools
- If your baby is not feeding well at the breast, use a hospital grade, double electric breast pump to develop and maintain a good milk supply
- Pump your breasts after breastfeeding
- Offer supplements of expressed breast milk as directed
- Talk to your baby’s doctor about using donor milk from a milk bank or formula if you do not have enough milk to feed your baby
- Some babies need some help with learning to suck
- Ask your doctor for advice or referrals if you have concerns
- Certain feeding devices and methods may help the baby to learn to breastfeed
- A lactation consultant (IBCLC) or health care provider can help you decide if a device or method is right for your baby
Get support; consult your lactation consultant (IBCLC) or your baby’s health care provider for any concerns or questions. Your support network can help provide information and the moral support you need.
Contact us
For additional information on this Health Topic, call the Center for Breastfeeding Medicine at 513-636-2326.
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Rev. 5/09
