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Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your midwife, health visitor, lactation consultant, or doctor with any questions about breastfeeding or your baby’s health.
One of the most common reasons new mothers find breastfeeding painful or difficult is a poor latch. When your baby latches on correctly, breastfeeding should be comfortable, effective, and deeply rewarding. When the latch is shallow or off-center, it can cause sore nipples, poor milk transfer, and early weaning. The good news is that a good latch is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned and improved.
In this guide, we walk you through exactly how to achieve a deep, comfortable latch from the very first feed, and what to do if you run into problems along the way.
What Is a Breastfeeding Latch?
The latch refers to how your baby attaches to your breast during feeding. A good latch means your baby takes a large portion of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) into their mouth, not just the nipple itself. This allows your baby to compress the milk ducts effectively and draw milk out efficiently, without causing pain to your nipple.
A shallow latch, where the baby only takes the nipple, causes your nipple to rub against the hard palate at the roof of the mouth. This quickly leads to soreness, cracking, and even bleeding. It also means your baby may not be getting enough milk, which can affect their weight gain and your milk supply.
Signs of a Good Latch
Before diving into technique, it helps to know what you are aiming for. A well-latched baby will show these signs:
- The mouth is wide open, covering a large area of the areola below the nipple
- The lips are flanged outward (like a fish mouth), not tucked inward
- The chin is pressed firmly into the breast
- The nose is either clear of the breast or just lightly touching it
- You can hear or see swallowing, especially after your milk comes in
- Feeding is comfortable after the initial latch. There may be a brief moment of intensity in the first few seconds, but this should not be sustained pain
- Your breast looks rounded after feeding, not pinched or lipstick-shaped
Step-by-Step: How to Achieve a Good Latch
Step 1: Get Comfortable
Good positioning starts with you. Sit or lie in a way that supports your back and arms. You should not need to hunch over your baby. Bring your baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby. Use pillows to support your baby at breast height. A dedicated nursing pillow can make a huge difference, especially in the early weeks.
Step 2: Support Your Baby’s Neck, Not Their Head
Many new mothers instinctively cup the back of their baby’s head to guide them to the breast. Instead, support your baby at the base of their skull and along the neck. This allows your baby to tilt their head back slightly, which is key to getting a wide, deep latch. A baby whose head is pushed forward will tuck their chin into their chest, making it harder to open wide.
Step 3: Align Nipple to Nose
Hold your baby so your nipple is pointing toward their nose, not their mouth. This encourages them to tilt their head back and open their mouth wide. When they open, you will see their bottom jaw drop significantly.
Step 4: Wait for the Wide Gape
Patience here pays off. Touch your nipple to your baby’s top lip or philtrum (the groove above the lip) and wait. Your baby will naturally root and gape. You are looking for a very wide open mouth, similar to a yawn. Do not rush them onto the breast with a small mouth. Wait for that big gape.
Step 5: Bring Baby to Breast Quickly
As soon as that big gape happens, bring your baby to the breast swiftly and purposefully. Aim their lower lip as far from the base of the nipple as possible. This means their chin makes contact first and a larger portion of the lower areola goes into the mouth. The upper lip will then follow over the nipple and upper areola.
Step 6: Check and Adjust
Once your baby is on, do a quick visual check. Are the lips flanged? Is the chin pressed in? Are you comfortable after the first 10 to 15 seconds? If anything feels wrong, use your clean finger to break the suction gently by sliding it into the corner of your baby’s mouth, and try again. It may take several attempts, and that is completely normal.
Common Latch Problems and Solutions
Nipple Pain That Persists Beyond the First Minute
Some sensitivity in the very first seconds of latching is common, especially in the early days. However, pain that continues throughout the feed is a sign the latch needs adjusting. Try re-latching and if pain persists, seek support from a lactation consultant or your health visitor.
Clicking or Smacking Sounds
If you hear clicking during feeding, it often means your baby is losing suction and re-gripping. This can be related to tongue tie, a shallow latch, or your baby’s oral anatomy. It is worth having this assessed by a professional.
Baby Keeps Slipping Off
This can happen when the latch is too shallow and your baby cannot maintain suction. Re-latching with a wider gape usually helps. Breast shields (used short-term under guidance) can also help some mothers.
Recommended Products to Support a Good Latch
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing persistent pain, your baby is not gaining weight as expected, or feeding feels like a battle every time, please reach out for support. You do not need to struggle alone. Options include:
- Your hospital’s lactation consultant or breastfeeding support team
- Your health visitor or midwife
- La Leche League helpline and local groups
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline (UK: 0300 100 0212)
Remember, breastfeeding is a skill for both you and your baby. Most latch difficulties can be resolved with the right support.
Sources
- NHS (2023). Breastfeeding: positioning and attachment. nhs.uk
- La Leche League International (2023). Getting a Good Latch. llli.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2022). Breastfeeding FAQs: Getting Started. healthychildren.org
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (2022). Guidance on Positioning and Attachment. unicef.org.uk
