Which sign indicates a good latch during breastfeeding?

Which sign indicates a good latch during breastfeeding?

• A. Chin is at least 1 cm away from the underside of the breast.
• B. Lip smacking during feeding.
• C. Cheeks dimple when suckling.
• D. The baby grimaces during feeding.

Answer: (C)

A good latch is shown by signs of a strong, coordinated suck that creates a good seal around the breast. When the baby’s cheeks dimples while suckling, it indicates the cheek muscles are actively working to maintain that seal and generate effective suction. This means milk can be drawn efficiently with less nipple trauma, and the latch is deep rather than shallow. In contrast, having the chin away from the breast suggests the latch is too shallow, which can lead to poor milk transfer and sore nipples. Lip smacking can signal misalignment or an ineffective suck, and a grimacing expression often points to discomfort from a poor latch.

A good latch is shown by signs of a strong, coordinated suck that creates a good seal around the breast. When the baby’s cheeks dimples while suckling, it indicates the cheek muscles are actively working to maintain that seal and generate effective suction. This means milk can be drawn efficiently with less nipple trauma, and the latch is deep rather than shallow.

In contrast, having the chin away from the breast suggests the latch is too shallow, which can lead to poor milk transfer and sore nipples. Lip smacking can signal misalignment or an ineffective suck, and a grimacing expression often points to discomfort from a poor latch.