Updated November 2025

Quick Answer: A good breastfeeding latch means your baby's mouth covers most of your areola (not just the nipple), lips flare outward, and feeding feels like pulling—not pain. Watch for hunger cues, position baby belly-to-belly, and ensure their mouth opens wide before latching.

Trying to perfect your breastfeeding latching technique? We know it can be tough, especially if this is your first time breastfeeding. First, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back, mom. You're doing great so far! Here, you'll find all the tips and tricks you need to perfect your latching technique.

What Is Latch and Why Does It Matter?

A baby's "latch" simply means how your baby attaches to your breast when it comes time to eat. For a baby to get the most milk, they need a strong and deep latch. A good latch helps your baby eat comfortably, reducing stress and frustration for both of you.

Watch for Hunger Cues First

Sometimes, successful breastfeeding means allowing your baby to lead. According to the USDA's WIC Breastfeeding Support, watch for these hunger cues:

• Fists moving to mouth
• Head turning to look for breast
• Becoming more alert
• Sucking on hands or lip smacking
• Opening and closing mouth

Important: Don't wait for crying—most babies signal hunger before they cry, and a crying baby may have trouble latching.

Latching Technique For Breastfeeding Moms

Remember: Your baby's latch shouldn't be painful. If it is, break the latch and try again.

Signs of a Good Latch

✓ Baby's lips turn outward (not tucked in)
✓ You can hear or see swallowing
✓ Baby's chin touches your breast
✓ Mouth covers the areola, not just the nipple
✓ Feels like gentle pulling (not pain)

A shallow latch feels like pinching or pain on your nipple. If a breastfeeding session is uncomfortable, break the latch and start over.

Best Breastfeeding Positions

Common Latching Problems & Solutions

Latching problems are super common. According to the CDC, latch issues are among the top reasons babies stop breastfeeding early. Here's how to fix them:

Baby Won't Open Wide Enough

• Hold your breast beyond the nipple and areola
• Gently pull down baby's bottom lip with your finger
• Tickle baby's lips to encourage a wide mouth

Baby Clamps Down or Bites

• Pay attention to when it happens (uncomfortable position? milk flow?)
• Try breast compressions if flow is too slow
• Switch positions
• For older babies, stop the feed briefly after biting

Baby Won't Latch At All

Common causes:

• Overly hungry and irritable
• Engorged breasts (try pumping or hand expressing first)
• Uncomfortable position (switch it up)
• Nipple confusion from bottles (stay consistent, try a nipple shield)
• Nursing strike (be patient, keep trying)

Baby Pushes Away

This often means milk flow is too fast at letdown. Remove baby for a few moments, then try again. Nursing more frequently can help even out your supply.

When to Ask for Help

If you feel like you've tried everything with no luck, reach out to your doctor, pediatrician, or OB/GYN. There's no guilt in asking for help, mama.

If breastfeeding isn't working, you could try pumping your breast milk and bottle feeding. This way, your baby still gets all the benefits of your liquid gold without the stress. A wearable breast pump makes it easy to pump hands-free while you go about your day.

Be Patient

You and your baby won't get the hang of breastfeeding overnight. Although babies are born with an ability to breastfeed, it takes time and practice to get the latch just right.

Resources available:

• Your doctor or baby's pediatrician

• Local La Leche League

• Lactation consultant

Key Takeaways

• A good latch covers the areola, not just the nipple

• Watch for early hunger cues—don't wait for crying

• Proper positioning is essential

• A good latch feels like pulling, not pain

• Latching problems are common and solvable

• Be patient—it takes time and practice

FAQs About Breastfeeding Latch

What does a good breastfeeding latch look like?
Baby's lips turn outward, mouth covers most of the areola, chin touches your breast, and you can hear swallowing. It should feel like gentle pulling, not painful pinching.

How do I know if my baby has a shallow latch?
A shallow latch feels painful or like pinching on your nipple. Baby's lips may be tucked in, and they're only sucking on the nipple, not the areola.

Why won't my baby latch properly?
Common reasons include hunger/irritability, engorged breasts, uncomfortable positioning, nipple confusion from bottles, or a nursing strike. Most issues resolve with patience and position changes.

Should breastfeeding hurt?
No, breastfeeding should not be painful. While some initial sensitivity is normal, persistent pain indicates a poor latch. Break the latch and reposition if you feel pain.