A good latch means your baby is deeply attached to the breast, not just the nipple, allowing them to draw out milk efficiently and comfortably.
Signs of a good latch:
- Baby’s mouth is wide open, covering more areola with the bottom lip
- Chin touches the breast, nose is close (but not squashed)
- You don’t feel pain beyond the first few seconds
- Baby’s tongue is under the nipple, not curled or retracted
- Sucking is rhythmic and you can hear or see swallowing
Why Latch Matters
A shallow or poor latch can cause:
- Sore or cracked nipples
- Low milk transfer (baby doesn’t get enough)
- Decreased milk supply over time
- Fussing or frustration during feeds
- Longer, ineffective feeding sessions
A deep latch protects your nipple and helps baby get the full benefits of your milk.
How to Get a Good Latch Step-by-Step
1. Get Into a Comfortable Position
Choose a position where baby can be tummy-to-tummy with you. Popular options:
- Cradle or cross-cradle hold
- Laid-back feeding
- Side-lying for night feeds
Support your arms and back with pillows if needed.
2. Align Baby’s Body
- Baby’s head and body should be in a straight line
- Their nose should be opposite your nipple
- Hold them close - support neck, not the back of the head
- Wait for a wide open mouth before latching
3. Encourage a Wide Open Mouth
Tickle baby’s top lip with your nipple. Wait for:
- A very wide mouth, like a yawn
- Baby’s tongue to drop forward
Then bring baby to the breast, chin first, in a scooping motion.
4. Check the Latch Once Attached
Look for:
- More areola visible above the top lip than the bottom
- Full cheeks, not puckered in
- No clicking sounds or slipping off
- No pain after the first few sucks
If it doesn’t feel right, gently break the seal with a clean finger, unlatch, and try again. Don’t worry - this is normal and takes practice.
Helpful Techniques to Try
The “Flipple” Technique
This method helps deepen the latch:
- Ensure the baby is brought to the breast with the chin leading, aiming for the nipple to be above the baby's top lip
- Using your thumb at the top of your breast, tilt the nipple upwards by applying gentle pressure
- As the baby opens wide to latch, release the pressure from your thumb, allowing the nipple to "flip" down into the baby's mouth.
This can be used by anyone who is struggling to get a good latch, but it’s particularly useful if you have flat nipples, babies with a tongue tie, or a small mouth.
Use the LatchAssist® Nipple Everter
If you have flat or inverted nipples, this tool can gently draw out the nipple just before a feed, making it easier for baby to latch.
Use a Breastfeeding Pillow
A firm pillow can help position baby at the right height and reduce arm strain—particularly helpful for longer feeds or newborns. Sometimes a normal sofa cushion or bed pillow can be just as helpful.
What If Baby Still Won’t Latch?
There are many reasons a baby might struggle:
- Tongue-tie or lip tie
- Prematurity or low tone
- Overfull breasts making it hard to latch
- Low milk supply
- Reflux
- Feeding aversions or birth interventions
You are not alone. Ask your midwife, health visitor, or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for an in-person latch assessment.
Manage Your Pain
While you find your feet, use proven products designed to help soothe and protect your nipples and give a little relief to this stage of your journey.
Use Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lansinoh’s award-winning nipple cream is:
- 100% natural and hypoallergenic
- Clinically proven to soothe and protect sore nipples
- No need to wipe off before feeds
Apply a small amount before and after every feed to help soothe and protect.
Try Hydrogel Pads for Instant Cooling Relief
Lansinoh® Soothies Cooling Gel Pads provide:
- Soothing cooling relief from soreness, cracking, or dryness
- A protective, moist healing environment
Great for use between feeds when you need instant comfort.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Don’t settle for a painful latch - adjust and retry
- Aim for nose-to-nipple alignment before latching
- Latching is a learned skill - it’s okay to need practice
- Use skin-to-skin to help babies instinctively root and latch
- Reach out early if you’re sore - the sooner, the better
Getting a good latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding, and it’s something that improves with time, patience, and support.
Whether it takes days or weeks, your comfort and your baby’s satisfaction are the goals. Every feed is a learning opportunity for both of you. You’re doing brilliantly - keep going, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
