If you are a new mother or are pregnant, the word “coupling” (which you probably previously only associated with technological devices) has surely become a very common term in your life.

Whether you want to prepare yourself for the birth of your baby, or you are having a challenging start to breastfeeding, achieving a good latch (or grip) from the beginning is a big part of breastfeeding, a sometimes challenging but very possible process. But as with practically everything in motherhood, nothing is by magic… and to achieve this, it will be very helpful to follow some general recommendations.

To help you with this key initial step in breastfeeding, we have taken the main questions about this topic to Paulina Campos from @bendita_lactancia , a nurse and breastfeeding and child neurodevelopment consultant. Here she shares some super valuable information to help you get started right from the start. Take note!

If I am pregnant, how can I prepare before giving birth to ensure a good latch?

The best preparation for pregnancy is information. Beginning breastfeeding is not easy for everyone and being informed makes us feel more secure, reduces anxiety and makes us trust our bodies much more.

Essential items to have at home

There are many products on the market that make breastfeeding easier. Although none of them are essential, there are some that can help us throughout breastfeeding.

• Hot and cold compresses are a very good product, they are useful for breast congestion, to cope with periods such as growth spurts, among other things.
• The nursing pillow is also a good ally, although it does not work for all women, it helps a large majority to make the breastfeeding position easier.
• A milk collector and/or pump is a product that also helps a lot.

How to generate a good fit from the start?

Although a good latch on the breast does not depend 100% on us, there are some tips that can help us:

1. Proper position. Both the baby and the mother must be comfortable to begin breastfeeding. It can help to align our baby; his head, shoulders and hips should form a straight line to allow greater comfort for the baby.
2. Activate the search reflex. If we pass our nipple over our baby's nose, we will activate this reflex, which allows the search for food, the baby will open his mouth and this can facilitate the correct latching of the baby to the breast.
3. Skin-to-skin contact. Contact with our baby increases oxytocin levels, a hormone present in the breastfeeding process, so being close to our baby, smelling them, caressing them, hugging them, can also help us.
4. Watch for early hunger cues. Pay attention to the cues your baby gives you. Look for sucking movements, puckered lips, and sucking sounds. These signals indicate that your baby is ready to feed. Crying is a late sign of hunger, so offering the breast before then can make it easier to achieve this.

How can you deal with the pain, frustration and anxiety that many mothers experience in those first few weeks trying to achieve a good latch?

I would advise them to seek help, support groups, professionals dedicated to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding difficulties occur in a large majority of women, but the important thing is that if they are detected in time there are alternatives, solutions, so that they can begin to enjoy breastfeeding.

We hope this article helps you on the wonderful (but challenging) journey of breastfeeding! And remember, every story is unique, so always respect your own time and process.

And if you don't feel comfortable with the act of breastfeeding, don't forget that there are alternatives, because the health and well-being of the baby is as important as yours.