Oh my goodness!  This can be a very long discussion!  

First we have to describe a good latch for those mothers with very pliable
tissue - and those with very firm breasts.
Then we need to address the size and abilities of the baby (preemie vs 18
lb - er)

I think we usually address this with the results - if the mother is
comfortable after the feed, her breasts have been "milked" and baby is
satisfied and putting out enough diapers, gaining, then it was a good
latch!

I know that we DO need to set up some parameters, but I have found it
necessary to show videos (Breast is Best and Dr.Jane Morgan's are two of
the ones I use) and slides of various good latches when doing a training
rather than describing one good latch.  I do like Kay Hoover's slide that
shows how much of a mom's breast went into this baby's mouth (mouth had
been painted in Gentian Violet, so the purple area identified the latch),
but this would not be identical for another mom and baby - it gives us some
idea for SOME mothers, and helps to explain the "off center" latch to those
who are unable to visualize it when we talk about it, or even see it on
video.

Still, I really enjoyed the discussion on the compression stripe - and hope
we can discuss this subject also - respectfully and offering our own
experiences.

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA  
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