latching on independently

[2girls]

Hello - I'm new to this site and wondering at what age I can expect my dd who is 10 weeks to latch on by herself.  Currently, I still hold the breast in the "C" hold and hold her head to push her onto the breast.  I want her to be able to latch on while I have her head in the crook of my arm which would breastfeeding much easier in public places.  Does this make sense?  How can I encourage or practice her latching on by herself?

Thanks

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

I think once the muscles in her neck develop a bit more, it'll be easier for her to do this herself.  I used the cross-cradle position for a long time too - I found it easier to get a better latch.  But you could start practicing with the cradle position (her in the crook of your arm), and use your other hand to guide your breast a bit (I just hold my hand under my breast to prop it up a bit).  If you get the nipple pointed in the right place, take advantage of her rooting reflex - if she senses the nipple near her mouth, she should turn her head and open her mouth - then just tip her towards you with your supporting arm.  I also really like the breastfeeding tops with the flap to cover most of my breast when I feed (I never got the hang of using a blanket to cover us!).

[Katet]

My first didn't find his own way to latching on until about 6mo, but with #2 it was about 3mo... I think every baby is different.

[rebecaq]

My ds has been latching on independently since about 7-8 weeks.  But he's been better at breastfeeding than me.  He latched on perfectly from the first time I held him, 4 hours after he was born.  But I agree with the above post, every baby is different