Learning how to latch your baby is one of the most important skills in early breastfeeding, and it often takes more practice than new moms expect. A good latch is the foundation of comfortable, effective nursing. It determines how well milk is transferred, how your nipples feel after each feed, and how your supply develops over time. Here is a practical guide to getting a deep, comfortable latch and troubleshooting when things are not quite right.
Why Latch Matters So Much
When a baby latches correctly, they take in not just the nipple but a significant portion of the areola as well. This deeper latch allows the baby to compress the milk ducts effectively and draw milk out efficiently. A shallow latch, where the baby only takes in the nipple tip, compresses the nipple against the roof of the mouth with each suck, causing pain and potentially reducing milk transfer over time. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, latch difficulties are one of the most common causes of nipple pain and early breastfeeding cessation, which is why addressing them early matters so much.
Setting Up for Success Before You Begin
A good latch starts before the baby even comes to the breast. Find a comfortable position for yourself first, supported with pillows if needed. Make sure your baby is calm and alert rather than overtired or frantic with hunger. Skin-to-skin contact before a feeding session can help stimulate your baby's natural feeding instincts and make latching easier, particularly in the early weeks. Bring your baby to the breast rather than leaning your breast toward the baby, which puts strain on your back and shoulders and makes it harder to maintain a good position throughout the feed.
Steps to a Deep Latch
Hold your baby so their body is turned toward yours with their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line. Their nose should be level with your nipple, not their mouth, so they have to tilt their head back slightly to latch, which naturally encourages a wider mouth opening. Tickle their upper lip with your nipple to encourage them to open wide. Wait for a wide gape before bringing them quickly onto the breast, aiming the nipple toward the roof of their mouth rather than straight back. You want more areola covered by their lower lip than their upper lip, which is an asymmetric latch and is exactly what you are aiming for.
Once latched, your baby's lips should be flanged outward like fish lips, their chin should be pressed into the breast, and their nose should be clear or just lightly touching. You should hear soft, rhythmic swallowing sounds after the first minute or two of nursing. If the latch is painful from the start, use your finger to break the suction and try again. Pulling the baby off without breaking suction first can damage the nipple.
Signs of a Good Latch
A good latch looks like wide open lips flanged outward, a visible portion of the areola in the baby's mouth with more visible above the lip than below, a rounded chin pressed gently into the breast, and an audible swallow pattern after let-down. After the feeding ends, your nipple should look round and its normal color, not pinched, creased, or blanched. The feeding should feel comfortable after the first 30 to 60 seconds of initial latch sensitivity, which is common in the early days.
When to Ask for Help
If pain continues past the first minute of a feed, if your nipple is misshapen after nursing, or if your baby seems frustrated at the breast or is not gaining weight well, these are signs worth addressing with a lactation professional sooner rather than later. An IBCLC can observe a feeding in real time and identify subtle positioning or latch issues that are almost impossible to troubleshoot from a description alone. Contact a Storkpump IBCLC at askanIBCLC@storkpump.com for personalized support. In the meantime, if latch difficulties are affecting your ability to feed directly, a hospital-grade pump can help you maintain your supply. Browse insurance-covered pumps on Storkpump to find a covered option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for latching to hurt at first?
Some initial sensitivity during the first 30 to 60 seconds of a latch is common in the early days as your body adjusts. Pain that persists throughout a feed, causes you to dread nursing, or leaves your nipples damaged is not normal and is a sign the latch needs to be adjusted. Visit the Storkpump Learning Center for more guidance on nipple pain and latch support.
What if my baby keeps falling off the breast?
Frequent unlatching can happen for several reasons, including a fast let-down that overwhelms the baby, a shallow initial latch that is not sustainable, or a tongue or lip tie that limits the baby's ability to maintain suction. If it happens consistently, a lactation consultant can assess for structural causes and help you find positioning strategies that work for your baby.
Does nipple shape or size affect latching?
Yes. Flat or inverted nipples can make it harder for a baby to latch initially, though most moms are still able to breastfeed successfully with the right support and positioning. Breast shells, nipple everters, or specific positioning techniques can help. An IBCLC can provide tailored guidance based on your anatomy.
How long does it take to establish a comfortable latch?
For many moms and babies, latching becomes significantly easier within the first 2 to 4 weeks as both mom and baby gain experience and the baby grows stronger. Some dyads take longer, particularly if there are latch challenges like tongue ties or positioning issues. Reaching out for support early rather than waiting to see if it gets better on its own typically leads to better outcomes. Visit the Storkpump FAQ or reach out to our IBCLC team for help.
Sources
- Berens, P., Eglash, A., Malloy, M., & Steube, A. M. (2016). ABM Clinical Protocol #26: Persistent pain with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine, 11(2), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2016.29002.pjb
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025). Breastfeeding guidelines and recommendations. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/breastfeeding/
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