Latching Baby: What Every Nursing Mom Needs to Know

Getting a good latch can define a breastfeeding journey, but it’s not always easy to achieve. If you’re struggling with latch issues, don’t worry. This is incredibly common, especially in the early days.

A solid latch can maximize milk transfer and ease frustration for both mom and baby. Use this article as a guide to help you recognize a good latch, understand how to get one, and know what to do if it just doesn’t feel right.

What Is a “Good Latch”? 

When a baby latches, the goal is for it to be deep and pain-free. You should feel a gentle tugging sensation as your baby pulls milk, not sharp pain. If you’re feeling pain, that’s a sign the latch may need adjusting. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Especially early on, it often takes a few tries and some repositioning.

A proper latch is essential not just for your comfort but also for ensuring your baby gets enough milk. A deep latch supports efficient milk transfer and helps avoid common issues like nipple pain or low milk intake.

Mom nursing her baby a shirt with hidden zipper breastfeeding access. 

How to Know if Your Baby Has a Good Latch 

Signs of a good latch:

• No sharp pain after the first few seconds.
  

• Baby’s lips are flanged outward like a fish, not tucked in

• More of the areola is visible above baby’s lips than below
  

• Baby’s chin is pressed into the breast, nose lightly touching or slightly away

• Breasts feel softer after feeding
  

• Baby seems satisfied after nursing
  

Signs of a poor latch:

• Nipple pain or visible cracking and damage.
  

• Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing.
  

• Baby frequently falls asleep shortly after latching.
  

• Baby seems constantly hungry or is not gaining weight well.

Tips to Get a Good Latch

Baby’s Mouth Should Be Wide Open: Tickle the top lip with your nipple to encourage a wide gape.

Aim for a Big Mouthful of Breast: Your baby should latch onto more than just the nipple. Ideally, a good portion of the areola, too. Try aligning your baby’s nose with your nipple, and when they open wide, aim your nipple toward the roof of their mouth to help them achieve a deep latch.

Align Nose to Nipple: This helps ensure baby’s chin leads into the breast, encouraging a deeper latch.

Watch and Listen: Look for the rhythmic suck and swallow pattern. If your baby is just nibbling, the latch might not be deep enough.


This mom is wearing a green and white nursing shirt with hidden zipper access for breastfeeding.

How to perform a weighted feed

One of the hardest parts of breastfeeding, especially for Type A moms, is that it’s hard to measure how much milk your baby is getting. That’s where a weighted feed can help.

To do this, weigh your baby before and after a nursing session using a clean diaper for the first measurement, and the same diaper, even if it's dirty, for the second measurement.

Use a baby scale that measures in grams, then subtract the pre-feed weight from the post-feed weight. Convert grams to ounces using this formula: 30 grams equals 1 ounce. Some breastfeeding support groups have a scale you can use to measure your baby’s milk intake if you do not have one available. 

This can give you a helpful snapshot of how much milk your baby is transferring during a feed. To get the most accurate results, it’s often best done with the help of a lactation consultant.

What to Do if the Latch Isn’t Right

• Gently Break the Latch and Try Again: Don’t pull baby off the breast without breaking the suction. It can cause pain and startle baby. Use a clean finger to gently release the latch before repositioning.
  

• Try Different Nursing Positions: What works one day might not work the next. Try Cradle, Cross Cradle, Football Hold, or Laid Back Nursing. See what feels best and gets the deepest latch. You can find more information about nursing positions here.  
  

• Bring Baby to the Breast Not the Other Way Around: Keep your posture relaxed and guide your baby in close to you.

• Use a Nursing Pillow for Support: A good nursing pillow can help keep baby at the right height and take pressure off your arms and shoulders so you can focus more on latching.

• Use Nipple Shields Sparingly and With Guidance: Nipple shields can be helpful in certain cases, but when used long term without support, they can affect milk transfer. Always consult with a lactation consultant if you’re using one.

• Check for Physical Issues: Sometimes latch problems aren’t about positioning. They may be due to anatomical issues like tongue tie, lip tie, or a high palate. If you suspect something’s off, don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician or an IBCLC lactation consultant for an assessment. You may be able to see an IBCLC with your insurance. Here's what to check. 

• Don’t Tough It Out in Pain: Breastfeeding should not hurt. If you’re in pain, it’s likely the latch needs adjusting. Listen to your body.

• Wear nursing-friendly clothing: Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable while also giving you easy access for breastfeeding. Here are a few favorites from other moms.  

• Seek Help Early and Often: If baby is having trouble latching, isn’t gaining weight, or has fewer wet diapers than expected, reach out to your pediatrician and get in touch with a lactation consultant. A good latch can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey.
  

Breastfeeding can sometimes feel like an overwhelming puzzle with too many pieces. But here’s the truth. It’s a learning process. You and your baby are figuring it out together.

Be patient with yourself. Focus on the big wins like baby gaining weight or you finding a comfortable nursing position instead of getting caught up in the little stumbles. The more you practice, the easier it gets. And let’s be real, you’ll get a lot of chances to practice with a newborn.

If no one has told you today, you are doing an amazing job. Keep going mama. You’ve got this.