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Hi everyone. I have a question. I am on the protocols for adoptive breastfeeding, and have looked at the videos on latching, but is there a special method that I should look into for that very very first latch on after the birth? We have a surro-baby due in June, and will be there for the birth so I am hoping to have her onto the breast fairly soon after she is born.

Hi Bernice! I don't have any words of wisdom but wanted to say congrats! I also have a surrobaby due in June and am doing the protocols. Have you started pumping yet?
Candace

Nope latch is latch. Your milk will already be coming in so there shouldn't be too much adjustment to be made. I would suggest getting your latch checked by a lactation consultant. In the world of breastfeeding and milk production latch is "everything" it is all important and getting it right from the start will help so much.

Have you read about self attachment? A newborn baby has an instinct to find and latch onto mother's breast. If you can put baby on your bare chest right after she is born she may latch herself on. Even if she doesn't, it is great bonding and keeps baby warm!

See: Baby led attachment: http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/bla.html

video: Your baby knows how to latch: http://www.ameda.com/community/videos.aspx

article on slef attachment: llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVDecJan03p123.html

I didn't view those videos yet. But I will say that while a baby will naturally and instinctively root and latch on, if they are not properly latched it will cause problems with supply, let down and be painful. I had issues with my first son and it was all due to latch. I wish I had known then what I learned later on.