How to Get a Good Breastfeeding Latch

Here’s a thing nobody warns you about: breastfeeding is natural, but it isn’t always instinctive, for you or the baby. If your nipples are sore, the baby keeps slipping off, or feeds feel like a wrestling match, the culprit is almost always the latch. The good news is that latch is a skill, and a few small adjustments can turn a painful feed into a comfortable one. Here’s how to get it right.

TL;DR

A good latch is deep: your baby takes in a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple.
Breastfeeding may feel odd at first, but it shouldn’t be sharply painful.
Bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby.
If pain doesn’t ease within seconds of latching, unlatch gently and try again.

What a good latch looks like

Your baby’s mouth should be wide open and cover a large part of the areola, not pursed around the nipple tip. A shallow, nipple-only latch is the number one cause of pain and slow milk transfer.

The mouth is open wide, like a yawn, before they go on.
The lips are flanged out, like little fish lips, not tucked in.
The chin presses into the breast and the nose is clear or barely touching.
More of the areola shows above the top lip than below the bottom.
You hear rhythmic sucking and swallowing, not clicking or smacking.

Step by step: getting a deep latch

Get comfortable first. Support your back and arms with pillows. A relaxed, slightly reclined position lets gravity help.
Line them up tummy to tummy. Your baby’s whole body faces you, ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line, so they don’t have to turn their head to feed.
Nose to nipple. Position your nipple at their nose, not their mouth. This encourages them to tip their head back and open wide.
Wait for the wide open mouth. Brush the nipple on their upper lip and be patient. Don’t rush a half-open mouth.
Bring baby to breast, fast and close. Hug them in quickly when the mouth is at its widest, aiming the nipple toward the roof of the mouth.
Check and adjust. Chin tucked in, lips flanged, deep mouthful. If it pinches, you can fix it.

How to unlatch without the pain

If a latch feels wrong, don’t pull the baby straight off (ouch). Slide a clean finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction first, then gently take them off and start over. It’s completely fine to relatch several times. You’re both learning.

Positions worth trying

Laid-back (biological nurturing). You recline, baby lies on your chest, gravity helps them latch deeply. Great for the early days.
Cross-cradle. Gives you lots of control over the head, helpful while you’re both learning.
Rugby or football hold. Baby tucked under your arm, useful after a cesarean or with larger breasts.
Side-lying. Both of you lying down, a lifesaver for night feeds and recovery.

If your nipples are sore

A little tenderness in the first week is common, but ongoing pain, cracking, or misshapen nipples after a feed (lipstick-shaped or pinched) almost always signal a shallow latch. Fixing the latch usually fixes the pain. In the meantime, a smear of your own breast milk or a lanolin cream can soothe, and letting your nipples air-dry helps. If you pump to rest a sore side, our best breast pumps roundup can point you to gentle options.

When to call your provider or a lactation consultant

Get help sooner rather than later if the pain doesn’t ease once your baby is latched, your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or blistered, or your baby struggles to stay on, makes clicking sounds, or seems unsatisfied after feeds. Also reach out if you notice a red, hot, painful area on your breast or feel feverish and achy, which can mean mastitis, or if your baby isn’t having enough wet diapers or gaining weight. An IBCLC lactation consultant can watch a full feed, check for things like tongue-tie, and make tweaks that change everything. Asking for help early is a sign you’re doing this well.

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Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace care from a doctor, midwife, pediatrician, or lactation consultant. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about feeding, latch, or any health concern. If you think you or your baby may be experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services right away.