A good latch is the key to comfortable, effective breastfeeding. When your baby latches well, feeding is efficient for baby and pain-free for you. Follow these six simple steps.
Step 1: Get comfortable first
Find a position where your back, shoulders, and arms are supported — sitting upright with pillows behind you works well. Bring the baby to your breast, not the other way around.
Step 2: Check the position
Your baby’s tummy should face your body (“tummy to tummy”), with their nose level with your nipple. Support your breast with your free hand, fingers well back from the areola.
Step 3: Wait for a wide open mouth
Tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple and wait patiently. A wide, gaping mouth — like a yawn — is your signal to begin.
Step 4: Bring baby in quickly
When the mouth is wide open, bring your baby swiftly onto the breast so they take a big mouthful of areola, not just the nipple.
Step 5: Listen for swallowing
You should hear or see rhythmic sucking and swallowing. Clicking sounds or dimpling cheeks often mean the latch is shallow — break the seal with a clean finger in the corner of the mouth and try again.
Step 6: Check your comfort
The first few seconds may feel like strong tugging, but ongoing pain, pinching, or cracked nipples means something needs adjusting. Never push through real pain.
Remember: a good latch is a skill both you and your baby are learning together. With practice, it becomes second nature.