Getting the Correct Latch : Your Quick Guide to Comfortable Breastfeeding

You’ve got this, mama! And if breastfeeding feels harder than you expected right now, I want you to know that’s completely normal. Getting the latch right can make all the difference between a painful, frustrating experience and one that feels natural and comfortable.

What Does a Correct Latch Look Like?

When your baby latches correctly, breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt beyond the first few seconds of initial sensitivity. Here’s what you’re aiming for:

A correct latch means:

- Your baby’s mouth is wide open, covering a good amount of your areola (not just the nipple)

- Their chin is touching your breast and their nose is clear or just lightly touching

- You can see more areola above your baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip

- Their lips are flanged outward, like a little fish

- You hear rhythmic sucking and swallowing sounds

- After the initial latch, you feel a deep pulling sensation rather than pinching or pain

When your baby is feeding well, their cheeks stay rounded (not sucked in), and you’ll notice their jaw moving in a steady rhythm. Their whole body should be facing you, tummy to tummy, so they don’t have to turn their head to reach your breast.

Signs Your Latch Needs Adjusting:

Sometimes we need to try again and again, and that’s okay. Here are some signs that the latch isn’t quite right:

An incorrect latch might mean:

- You’re experiencing ongoing pain throughout the feed (not just at the beginning)

- Your nipple looks flattened, creased, or misshapen when your baby comes off

- You can hear clicking sounds during feeding

- Your baby seems frustrated or keeps pulling away

- Your nipples are becoming cracked, bleeding, or damaged

- Feeds are taking a very long time but your baby still seems hungry

- You notice your baby’s cheeks dimpling inward as they suck

If breastfeeding is consistently painful, please know this isn’t something you just have to endure. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something needs adjusting.

How to Help Your Baby Latch Well:

Getting a good latch is a skill that both you and your baby are learning together. Here are some gentle tips to help:

Position yourself comfortably first. Use pillows to bring your baby up to breast height or find comfortable hold of your own so you’re not hunching over. Your shoulders should feel relaxed.

Wait for a wide mouth. Tickle your baby’s lips with your nipple and wait for them to open wide, like a yawn. This is your moment to bring them onto the breast quickly.

Aim your nipple towards the roof of their mouth. Your baby should take in a big mouthful of breast tissue, with your nipple pointing up toward the back of their mouth.

Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby. Keep your back supported and draw your baby in close to you in one smooth, confident movement.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s absolutely okay to gently break the suction (slip a clean finger into the corner of their mouth) and try again. Sometimes it takes a few attempts, and that’s part of the learning process for both of you.

Those are just few basic steps and there could be other factors to discuss.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you’re struggling with latching, please reach out for support. As a Breastfeeding Counsellor, I’ve walked alongside many mamas through challenges just like this. Sometimes all it takes is someone watching a feed and offering you a small adjustment that makes everything click into place.

Breastfeeding is a relationship you’re building with your baby, and like any relationship, it takes time, patience, and sometimes a little guidance to find your rhythm together.

Remember: asking for help isn’t failing. It’s one of the strongest things you can do for both you and your baby.

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If you’re experiencing breastfeeding challenges and need support, I’m here for you. Reach out below and let’s talk about how I can help you find your way to a comfortable, confident feeding journey.