Getting a Good Latch: Breastfeeding Support
Why Latch Matters:
A latch is how your baby attaches to your breast for feeding. A good latch ensures effective milk transfer, helping with your baby’s weight gain and prevents nipple pain that often comes with a shallow latch.
Signs of a Good Latch:
You’re doing well when your baby:
Opens their mouth wide and takes in most of the lower areola (not just the nipple)
Has their chin tucked into your breast, with upper areola visible above their top lip
Feeds comfortably, without nipple soreness
Watch for Issues if you notice:
Only the nipple in the baby’s mouth
Your baby’s mouth barely open
Your nipples hurt or feel pinched
How to Achieve a Better Latch
Find a comfy position
a. Keep your baby aligned (ear, shoulder, hip) for a supported feed. A nursing pillow and a footstool can help reduce strain.
b. Hold your baby close, bring them to the breast, and not vice versa.
Use a soft “C-hold” on your breast
a. Grasp behind the areola like a sandwich to guide them on. Aim your nipple toward their nose, not mouth.
Trigger the wide latch
a. Gently brush your nipple across your baby’s lips, they’ll instinctively open wide, like a yawn.
b. When their mouth opens wide, bring them in quickly so they latch onto both nipple and areola.
Support the latch
a. Keep your fingers holding your breast for about 20 seconds. This gives time for the baby to start suckling before you release.
Get help if needed
a. If your baby isn’t latching properly or is fussy, it's not your fault, latch difficulties are common and fixable. A lactation consultant can help quickly get you both on track.
Common Challenges & What Helps
Tongue-tie or cleft issues may interfere with latching. A quick, simple procedure called a frenotomy can often correct this issue and improve feeding.
Flat or inverted nipples, engorgement, sleepiness, or premature birth can make latch harder, but latch improves with patience and positioning. Reach out to a lactation specialist for guidance.
Nipple pain or cracked nipples are common and treatable. Use lanolin-free nipple balms, warm compresses, and work with a lactation consultant to adjust your latch technique
Your Next Steps
Practice latching with patience, it often gets smoother with time.
If you experience latch pain or inconsistency, contact BMHCE to get support on connecting with a certified lactation consultant.
Learn more about preventing nipple injury, recognizing tongue-tie, and boosting milk supply from credible sources like the Cleveland Clinic's Health Library.
A successful latch is key to comfortable and effective breastfeeding. With positioning you and your baby can bond and thrive through this journey. You're not alone and you’re more capable than you know.