Mother's milk or exclusive breastfeeding is the best intake for babies for their physical and intellectual growth. That's why health workers always recommend exclusive breastfeeding to mothers who have just given birth. Exclusive breastfeeding must last for six months from the time the baby is born without any additional intake, including water. There are exceptions for vitamins, minerals or medicines if the baby really needs them within six months.

But a six month period is not enough. Exclusive breastfeeding must be right to get optimal results for the baby. The best way to give exclusive breastfeeding is with the latch on technique. Latch on is the position when the baby suckles with his mouth attached to the mother's breast. This technique helps the baby receive adequate breast milk.

 

Applying the Latch On Position to the Baby

The American Pregnancy Association provides guidelines for implementing the latch on position for babies in the breastfeeding process.

·        Make sure the mother's position is comfortable, for example sitting in a chair with soft cushions and a small chair in front to put her feet.

·         If necessary and available, use a special pillow for babies to breastfeed.

·        Make sure the position of the baby's stomach and the mother are facing each other.

·        Do not turn your body towards the baby, but let the baby lean against the mother's body.

·        Keep baby's ears, shoulders and pelvis aligned so baby can swallow milk more easily.

·        The baby's nose must be in front of the mother's nipple.

·        The mother may have to hold on to the breast to help guide the baby's mouth toward the nipple. Hold the breast in a position where the fingers form the letter C or U. Make sure the fingers are far from the nipple so as not to interfere with the breastfeeding process.

·        Point the nipple towards the top of the lip or nose, not directly into the middle of the mouth.

·        Baby's head should be slightly back, chin should be pointing up.

·        Do not force the nipple into the baby's mouth. Just stimulate the baby's mouth to open by rubbing the nipple into the baby's mouth.

·        Try to feed the baby from the bottom of the areola.

·        Observe whether the baby's upper and lower lips protrude or are folded outward like a fish's lips. If this is not the case, the mother can use her finger to help position the baby's lips like that.

 

 


Tips for Breastfeeding with a good Latch On Technique

In exclusive breastfeeding and afterward, there are several conditions to be able to say the latch on technique is good, namely:

1. The baby opens its mouth wide

2. The lower lip is folded outward

3. Baby's chin under the breast

4. The upper part of the areola is more visible

5. The shape of the baby's cheeks is not sunken when sucking milk

6. There is no clicking sound from the baby, only the sound of swallowing

7. Babies feel comfortable, not anxious

8. Mother does not feel sick

9. The baby feels full after feeding, the signs include being released from the nipple by itself or falling asleep



If when giving exclusive breastfeeding does not meet the criteria for latch on, the mother can take the following ways:

·        Changing feeding positions

·        Move to another place that is quieter and quieter

·        Position the baby directly to the mother's chest in an open state

 

Benefits of Latch On Properly

The main benefit of latch on in the process of exclusive breastfeeding is to ensure that the baby absorbs the maximum quantity of breast milk. So the baby won't be constantly fussy because they still feel hungry and thirsty. In addition, the latch on technique helps strengthen the bond that exists between the mother and the baby during breastfeeding. Take advantage of courses for pregnant women available at the hospital to find out more about latch on and how best to give exclusive breastfeeding. Every mother has her own preferences when it comes to breastfeeding positions, whether it's sitting or lying down. To be sure, mothers must make sure to do the latch on technique correctly so they can get the benefits.