Which of the following is a correct sign of a proper latch during breastfeeding?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Explanation

A correct latch is fundamental for effective breastfeeding and involves the baby taking a large mouthful of breast tissue.
The baby's mouth should cover not only the nipple but also a significant portion of the areola, particularly the lower part.
This deep latch allows the baby's gums and tongue to compress the milk sinuses located beneath the areola, facilitating efficient milk extraction.
Other key indicators of a good latch include the baby's mouth being wide open, the lower lip being turned outward (everted), and the chin touching the breast.

Option A: If the baby's lips are tightly closed or pursed, it indicates a shallow latch. The mouth should be wide open to take in enough breast tissue.
Option C: The baby's lower lip should be flanged or everted (turned outward), not sucked inward. A sucked-in lip is a sign of a poor latch.
Option D: Latching only onto the nipple is incorrect and is a primary cause of nipple pain, soreness, and cracking. It also leads to inefficient milk transfer because the milk sinuses under the areola are not compressed.

Visual 1: Diagram - A side-by-side comparison of a correct (deep) latch and an incorrect (shallow) latch. The diagram should clearly show the position of the baby's mouth over the areola, the flanged lips, and chin position in a good latch, contrasted with the nipple-only position and pursed lips of a poor latch.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Signs of a proper breastfeeding latch as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in teaching and supporting new mothers to achieve a proper latch. This education is crucial for preventing common breastfeeding problems and promoting maternal-infant bonding.
A poor latch is the most common cause of nipple pain, which can lead to premature cessation of breastfeeding. It can also cause breast engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis if not corrected.
What if? If a mother continues to experience significant pain despite an apparently good latch, the nurse should assess for other underlying issues such as ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in the infant, thrush (Candida infection), or an inverted nipple, and refer to a lactation consultant for specialized support.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question: The question asks to identify a correct sign of a proper breastfeeding latch.
Recall the key principles of a good latch, often remembered by the acronym C.H.I.N. (Chin touching breast, Mouth wide open, Lips flanged out, More areola seen above the top lip).
Evaluate each option against these principles.
Option A (lips tightly closed) is incorrect; the mouth should be wide open.
Option C (sucking lower lip) is incorrect; the lips should be flanged outward.
Option D (covers only the nipple) is incorrect; this is a shallow latch and causes pain.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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