Breastfeeding Latch Tips
A deep latch helps baby get the milk they need from your breasts and tells your body to keep making milk. A shallow latch is often quite painful, and it can slow the flow of milk and reduce your milk supply over time.
Signs of a Poor Breastfeeding Latch
A poor latch appears shallow. Baby’s mouth covers only the nipple, and you can see most or all of the dark skin (the areola) around it. Even more important is how you feel. A poor latch hurts. It may feel like your nipple is being pinched or bitten. A poor latch can often mean baby is not gaining enough weight. If you notice any of these signs, connect with a lactation consultant for help.
Signs of a Poor Latch |
|---|
Nipple pain during or after feeds that does not go away |
Nipple looks flat or misshapen after feeds |
Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing |
Baby’s lips are tucked in instead of turned outward while feeding |
Baby’s cheeks appear sucked in instead of round and full |
Gaps between baby’s mouth and your breast |
Signs of a Weak Suck |
|---|
Baby gets tired quickly before finishing a full feed |
Baby does not swallow often during feeds |
Baby keeps slipping off the breast |
Feeds take a very long time and feel ineffective |
Baby wants to feed often but still seems hungry |
Slow or poor weight gain |
If breastfeeding feels really hard—whether it’s sore nipples, cracked nipples, engorgement, and/or baby is not growing well—focusing on the latch can make a big difference. A good latch is a deep latch, so try to get as much of your nipple and the dark skin around it into baby’s mouth as possible.
How to Get a Deeper Latch Breastfeeding
Try these small, evidence-based changes, which can often improve baby’s latch quickly.
Latch Tip | How It Works |
|---|---|
Bring baby to you, not breast to baby | Their ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line. Their belly should face your belly. This helps keep their body lined up and prevents a shallow latch. |
Support their head and neck | Let baby tip their head back just a little as they feed. This helps them open their mouth wider for a deeper latch. |
Use a few drops of breast milk | Hand express a few drops of breast milk and rub it around your nipple. This helps baby get ready to latch and encourages them to open their mouth. You can also drip a little milk on their lips to coax their mouth open. |
Shape your breast as they feed | Gently squeeze your breast the way you would hold a sandwich. This can help baby take in a bigger mouthful. |
Unlatch and try again if needed | It is okay to stop and re-latch if something feels off. A little soreness right when baby latches is normal. But sharp pain or pain that keeps going while they suck means it is time to try again. |
Try a different hold | Sometimes switching positions is all it takes. The cross-cradle hold and laid-back position often work well. |
When to Seek Support
If you are still having trouble and trying different ways to improve baby’s latch, it’s time to get some support. Consider reaching out to:
An international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)
Your pediatrician or family doctor
A nurse or midwife
A local or online breastfeeding support group
They can check how baby is latching, whether baby is getting enough milk, and whether anything in baby's mouth may be making feeding harder. From there, they can help you come up with a plan that works for you.
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