What has helped me to teach asymmetrical latch to parents in the early days
in the hospital is first that they "guide the shoulders" not "push the head" of
the baby to the mother's breast.  I do prefer the cross cradle in bed and the
early days over the cradle for it is easier for the mothers to achieve this
latch.
I also tell the parents that the baby's chin should be up and touching the
breast.  That means the baby leads with their chin and their head is slightly
extended.  I have the parents put their chins down against their chests and try
to swallow.  I also place my hand on the back of mom's head and show if you
push the head the chin goes down but if you move your hand to the shoulders the
chin stays up.
Once the baby is latched then I show the parents how to identify the correct
latch by looking at the baby; the chin is against the breast, the angle of the
opening of the baby's mouth is >150 degree, the lips are flanged, and both
mother and baby are comfortable.
Ann Perry RN, IBCLC
Boston, MA

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