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.
Your GP or health visitor can help, or contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212. 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, health visitor, or an IBCLC.