Breastfeeding Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Breastfeeding, including details on breast feeding benefits, problems, alcohol, diet.

Latching-on and suckling of the healthy term neonate: breastfeeding assessment.

Cadwell K

Healthy Children Project and the Union Institute and University, East Sandwich, MA 02537, USA. karin@healthychildren.cc

Increasing breastfeeding duration and exclusivity is an acknowledged public health priority. Breastfeeding problems, especially with the healthy term neonate latching-on or feeding with a suboptimal latch, are common reasons for early breastfeeding termination when they result in inadequate breastfeeding, poor milk transfer, and sore nipples. This article describes clinical strategies for systematic latch-on and suckling assessment with the goal of improving the skills of clinicians who provide care for breastfeeding women.

Published 6 November 2007 in J Midwifery Womens Health, 52(6): 638-42.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

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