How to Breastfeed and Get a Good Latch

Breastfeeding is a skill. Like any new skill, it takes time to learn.

Getting your baby attached well to your breast is very important to get breastfeeding off to a good start. A good latch helps protect your nipples and helps your baby get plenty of milk.

Positioning Tips to Breastfeed Successfully

1. Position baby tummy to mummy, nose to nipple.
2. Bring baby to you, not breast to baby.
3. Baby should be close enough to the breast that the tip of their nose is near the nipple and the chin is touching the breast below the nipple.
4. Your baby’s head and body should be in a straight line, not with the head turned to the side.
5. Check to make sure your baby’s mouth is open wide. Push down on baby’s chin if you need to open more.
6. Use a comfortable position. Making small changes until you are comfy can make a big difference.
7. Try a laid back or lounge position, with baby lying on you. This helps baby have more control and a more comfortable latch.

If the latch hurts for more than five to 10 seconds, try again. Break baby’s suction by sticking your finger inside of their mouth, then try again.

Signs of a Good Latch

• You may feel a strong tug on the nipple, but no severe, sharp pain.
• Baby’s mouth is open wide and they have a good amount of your areola (the darker skin around the nipple) in their mouth.
• Baby is sucking and swallowing regularly and easily.
• You and baby are both comfortable!

Signs of a Shallow Latch

• Baby has just the nipple tip in their mouth.
• You feel bad pain when baby sucks, like pinching, burning, sharp, or biting.
• Baby comes on and off the breast often.
• You hear clicking or smacking sounds throughout the whole feeding.
• You feel uncomfortable or have neck/back/shoulder pain.

Online Breastfeeding Resources

• Stanford’s Short Course on Breastfeeding: A free, one-week online class from Stanford University
• Getting Started with Breastfeeding: Free quick overview with short videos, also from Stanford University

Have questions about breastfeeding your premature baby?

 Learn How to Breastfeed Your Premature Baby