A latch that pinches, a baby who keeps slipping off, a position that never quite feels right — getting comfortable at the breast takes real trial and error. The good news: a comfortable latch is a skill you both learn, and small adjustments often make a big difference. Here's what to aim for and when to ask for a hand.
What a good latch looks and feels like
A deep latch means your baby takes in a large mouthful of breast, not just the nipple. You're looking for:
- A wide-open mouth before they go on — like a yawn.
- Lips flanged outward (especially the lower lip), not tucked in.
- Chin pressing into the breast, with the nose free or barely touching.
- More of the lower areola hidden than the top.
- Rhythmic suck-swallow-pause, often with soft swallowing sounds — not clicking.
- Comfort. Brief tenderness as baby draws on can be normal in the early days, but ongoing pinching pain is not.
A simple step-by-step
Settling into a latch
- Get comfortable and supported — pillows under your arm or baby, feet flat or raised.
- Hold baby tummy-to-tummy, ear-shoulder-hip in a straight line.
- Line up baby's nose to your nipple and let them tip their head back slightly.
- Wait for a wide-open mouth, then bring baby on chin-first.
- Check that the lips are flared and the chin is snug; relax your shoulders.
Common positions to try
Different holds suit different bodies, breast sizes and babies. There's no single "right" one — use whatever feels stable and pain-free.
| Position | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cradle / cross-cradle | Everyday feeding; gives good head control for newborns |
| Rugby (football) hold | After a caesarean, larger breasts, or twins |
| Laid-back (biological nurturing) | Newborns, fussy latchers; lets baby's reflexes help |
| Side-lying | Night feeds and recovery; feed while resting |
If one isn't working, switch it up — a change of angle often fixes a stubborn latch.
Signs of a shallow latch
A shallow latch is the most common cause of sore nipples and slow feeds. Watch for:
- Pinching or ongoing pain through the feed, not just the first few seconds.
- A nipple that looks flattened, creased or lipstick-shaped when baby comes off.
- Clicking or smacking sounds (often means the seal keeps breaking).
- Dimpled cheeks or lips that curl inward.
- Baby seeming busy at the breast but not swallowing much.
To fix it, gently break the suction with a clean finger in the corner of baby's mouth and start again. It's worth re-latching as many times as you need — comfort matters.
When to see an IBCLC
An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a feeding specialist. It's worth reaching out — early help often prevents bigger problems — if you notice:
- Pain that doesn't settle with positioning changes, or cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples.
- Baby who can't stay latched, feeds very frequently without seeming satisfied, or is gaining weight slowly.
- Fewer wet nappies than expected, or signs of dehydration.
- A possible tongue-tie, or you simply feel stuck and want a second set of eyes.
In Australia, your GP, child-health nurse, the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline (1800 686 268) or a private IBCLC can help. In the US, ask your paediatrician or use HealthyChildren.org to find an IBCLC. The WHO and AAP both recommend exclusive breastfeeding for around the first 6 months where possible, with skilled support to make it sustainable — but fed is always best, and combination or bottle feeding can be part of a healthy plan too.
Guidance is broadly consistent across AU (ABA, Raising Children Network), the US (AAP/HealthyChildren) and the WHO, with only minor differences in wording. This is general wellness information — for anything about your baby's health, weight or your own pain, please talk to your GP, child-health nurse, or an IBCLC.