Gail describes the "in between latch" which I understand her to mean the
one that looks good on the surface, but isn't quite "working right".  I
describe latching as having a different "window of effectiveness" for
each mom/baby pair.  I see some latches that look so off that it almost
makes me cringe, yet baby is thriving and mom is totally comfortable.
The only problem is my perception that it isn't "right".  On the other
hand, there are those that look exquisite-textbook perfect latches, but
mom is sore and baby isn't gaining.  By moving the lower jaw a couple
millimeters further on or shifting baby just a smidge to the right or
left (or some other seemingly minor change) baby thrives and mom is
pain-free.  Therefore, the "circumstancial evidence" Gail speaks of is
critical in determining how nursing is working for that mom/baby pair.
My first questions is assessing a feed are "Are there deep jaw
excursions (DJEs)?" and "How does it feel?"  Then we look at audible
swallowing (not always obvious in the first day or so), output, baby
satisfaction, weight gain, etc. etc..
When I see a mom with a "terrible" latch that seems to be working, I
will tell her the way she's doing it seems to be working well for her.
Some moms may experience such and such problems with that hold, latch or
whatever.  As long as it's working for her, great, but if she should
develop any problems, she might want to try ............change, or if
she's not ready to take in much info, just that she should call us and
we can help her change it if any problems do develop.
This certainly isn't an exact science is it?
Winnie

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