#asktheexpert My baby doesn't latch. I have to pump every time to feed him.

A. If your baby isn’t latching and you're having to pump every time, you're not alone—many moms go through this. There can be various reasons like a shallow latch, tongue-tie, flat nipples, or the baby having a preference for bottle feeding. What You Can Do: Try skin-to-skin contact: Hold your baby close, skin-to-skin, to encourage natural rooting and sucking reflex. Use breast compression: This helps milk flow faster and keeps the baby interested. Offer the breast when baby is calm: Try when your baby is sleepy or just waking up, not when he’s crying. Check for tongue/lip tie: A lactation consultant or pediatrician can assess this. Try different positions: Like laid-back, cross-cradle, or side-lying to see what works best. Avoid nipple confusion: If possible, use a spoon or cup for feeding instead of bottles until latching improves. Lactation consultant help: A professional can help guide latch correction and support. You're doing a great job by pumping to make sure your baby gets your milk. With time and support, many babies do learn to latch. Would you like tips on increasing milk supply while pumping too?