If you’re an experienced mom, chances are that you’ve had to deal with a breastfeeding latch issue before. Weaning your baby off the breast is hard enough, but trying to get through it without causing them (or yourself) discomfort can be even more challenging!
The good news is that there are effective strategies for breaking the suction of a latch quickly and painlessly – not only helping you to wean your child off the breast, but also relieving other common breastfeedings problems such as excess gas and leakage while nursing. Read on to learn how you can break the suction of a latched-on baby in just 5 simple steps!
What is breaking suction?
Breaking suction is a maneuver used to free a vacuum cleaner’s debris-collection chamber when it becomes filled with dirt and debris. Doing this helps restore a vacuum’s optimal suction capability and enables it to clean more effectively. It can also help prevent damage to the machine, as allowing too much dirt or other particles into the chamber can cause clogs and overwork the motor.
To break the suction, most vacuums have a release button located on either side of the handle that needs to be pressed down until you feel it grip. Once engaged, simply lift up the handle to expel all of the dirt from the chamber before continuing your cleaning endeavors.
How do you break a latch without it hurting?
Breaking a latch doesn’t need to be a painful process. Whether you’re trying to remove a lock from your property or breaking in somewhere, the key is to do it with minimal force and tools. If it’s a quick-release latch, use caution when pushing down the latch tongue or tab so as to not hurt yourself in the process.
If there is no quick-release option available, you need to be careful about which tools are used – for example, depending on the situation, screwdrivers should be avoided as they can easily cause scratches or puncture holes in the material surrounding the lock.
Lastly, a locksmith may ultimately be required depending on the complexity of the job; they’ll have specialized tools which will allow them to remove any latch without causing any damage.
How do you break a shallow latch?
Breaking a shallow latch requires precision and caution. One of the best ways to break a latch is to use a thin, flathead screwdriver as a lever. Start by placing the handle of the screwdriver into one corner side of the latch, very close to the edge. Gently press down on the handle while using your other hand to hold onto it firmly.
You’ll need to gradually increase the pressure until you feel it starts to give way. If it doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to try different angles with the screwdriver handle until you find the one that achieves your desired results. Taking this approach can help you remove or replace your shallow latch with ease.
Breastfeeding latch trick
Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences a mother can share with her newborn. However, it can also be one of the most difficult tasks, especially when trying to achieve a secure latch. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and tricks mamas can use to help ensure their little one latches properly on the very first try.
For instance, using a football hold during breastfeeding may make it easier for mom and baby to get into a comfortable position and have direct skin-to-skin contact which encourages latching on correctly. Additionally, holding the baby’s chin slightly up while latching ensures that airways stay open throughout the feeding and allows the baby to easily alternate between both breasts.
Lastly, always remember that frequent breaks during feeding sessions allow mom and baby the chance to start over if they are having difficulties with latching or doing too much in one sitting. With these tricks in hand, latching onto breastfeeding should no longer be an intimidating task.
How to correct a shallow latch: Breastfeeding
Correcting a shallow latch while breastfeeding is important for several reasons. First, milk transfer can be greatly hindered when the latch is incorrect and this can lead to poor nutrition and slower weight gain in babies. Second, shallow latching can cause pain and discomfort to the mother as well because it increases friction on the nipples during feedings.
Thankfully, there are some simple steps one can take when trying to correct a shallow latch such as gently stroking the baby’s cheek with your finger or nipple, ensuring the baby’s chin is touching first during latch-on, leaving time between burps and switching sides often.
With patience and encouragement from family members and support groups, many mothers are able to overcome challenges with latch successfully.
The Final Bottom
There is no one-size-fits-all answer on how to break a breastfeeding latch, as different situations may require different steps. While it can be difficult and intimidating at first, the most important step is to remain calm and take a deep breath.
If the sensation is still uncomfortable, there are several other options that can be tried, such as unlatching the infant with your pinky finger or breaking the suction with a gentle massage around the breast or by pressing downwards firmly on their chin.
It’s key to remember that if your baby is still attached to you long after feeding has finished and continues to pull away when unlatched, she may need comforting and distraction. With patience and practice, however, mastering the art of releasing a latch will become second nature in no time.
