How to Get a Good Latch

I know nobody sat you down during your third trimester and said, "Beta, breastfeeding is a skill. It takes practice, for both you and your baby."

Instead, most expecting mothers assume nursing will come naturally. And when it doesn't — when there's pain, when the newborn cries inconsolably at the breast, when you're sitting at 3 AM with engorged breasts wondering if you're doing something wrong —

It isn't. You were just never given the information you deserved.

A poor latch is the single most common reason for breastfeeding pain, low milk supply, and early weaning. But worry not, this is also fixable.

Poor Latch Causes Sore Nipples, Cracked Nipples & Low Milk Supply

Latching is how your newborn attaches to your breast to feed. A shallow or incorrect latch means:

• Not enough milk is coming to the baby during feeding
• Your nipples bear the full force, leading to cracks, soreness, and breastfeeding pain
• Incomplete emptying can cause engorged breasts, blocked ducts, or mastitis
• Your body gets the signal to produce less milk over time

A correct latch protects your nipples, supports your lactation journey, and ensures your baby is not left hungry.

Step 1: Set Up Your Space for Comfortable Nursing

Before every feed, make sure you're physically comfortable, as a tense body and stress affect your milk supply. Use a feeding pillow to bring your baby to breast height while avoiding hunching over. Support your back. Have water within reach. New moms, especially in those early postpartum weeks, underestimate how much posture affects the entire nursing experience.

Step 2: Hold Your Baby in the Right Position

Your baby's body should be facing yours — tummy to tummy. Their ear, shoulder, and hip should be in one straight line.

• Cradle hold — classic, works well once latching is established
• Cross-cradle hold — gives you more control over your baby's head; ideal for early days
• Football hold — excellent after a C-section, as it keeps weight off your abdomen
• Side-lying — practical for night feeding and recovery

Their nose should be level with your nipple. This slight upward tilt encourages a wide-open mouth and a deeper latch.

Step 3: Wait for the Wide-Open Mouth

Brush your nipple against your baby's upper lip to trigger the rooting reflex. Wait until they open their mouth wide, just like a yawn. A small, tentative opening is not enough. When the mouth opens wide, bring your baby to your breast swiftly.

Step 4: Aim for a Deep Latch, Not Just the Nipple

Your baby's mouth should cover not just the nipple but a good portion of the areola — more of the lower areola than the upper. The nipple should be far back in their mouth, near the soft palate.

Signs of a good latch:

• No nipple pain after the first 30 seconds
• You can hear or see rhythmic swallowing
• Baby's lips are flanged outward, not tucked in
• Their chin is pressed into your breast, nose slightly clear
• Cheeks are full and rounded, not hollow

Signs of an ineffective latch:

• A clicking or smacking sound while nursing
• Visible nipple distortion after the feed: flat, creased, or lipstick-shaped
• Persistent breastfeeding pain throughout the feed
• Baby seems unsatisfied or feeds very frequently without weight gain

Step 5: How to Break the Latch Without Hurting Your Nipples

If something feels wrong, stop and re-latch. Don't pull the baby off directly, as that's how nipple injuries happen. Gently slide a clean finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction, then try again.

Night Feeding: How to Nurse Comfortably After Dark

Night feeding is one of the most exhausting parts of early motherhood, and one of the least talked about. Your newborn's stomach is small, so frequent feeds through the night are biologically normal.

The side-lying position is your best option after dark. Both you and your baby lie facing each other, reducing the need to sit up repeatedly. Ensure your sleeping surface is firm and safe, and stay awake during the feed. Once you're more confident with the latch, night nursing becomes significantly easier to manage.

Tools That Support Your Breastfeeding Journey

• A breast pump helps with engorgement, stimulates supply, and allows others to feed your baby with expressed breast milk
• Nursing bras that offer proper support make a real difference when breasts are heavy and sensitive
• Nipple creams and butters soothe soreness between feeds
• Hot and cold breast gel pads relieve pain and swelling, ease engorgement, and support milk flow
• If difficulty breastfeeding persists or you're concerned about weight gain, consult a lactation professional early

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my nipples so sore after breastfeeding? Sore nipples are almost always caused by a shallow latch. When the baby isn't drawing enough of the areola into their mouth, the nipple takes the full pressure of the suck. Correcting the latch usually resolves soreness within a few days.

I have cracked nipples, should I stop nursing? Not necessarily. Cracked nipples are a sign the latch needs adjustment, not that breastfeeding should stop. Air-dry nipples after each feed, apply a lanolin-based cream, and re-examine positioning. If cracking is severe or bleeding, see a lactation consultant promptly before continuing.

Why do I feel like I have no milk? In the first few days, your body produces colostrum, a small but highly concentrated fluid. It can feel like nothing is there. Breast milk typically comes in between day 2 and day 5. Frequent nursing is what signals your body to increase production. Perceived low supply in the early days is rarely actual low supply.

Can I breastfeed if I have flat or inverted nipples? Yes, in most cases. It may require additional technique and support in the early days. Read our detailed guide on breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples for more on this.

How long should each nursing session last? Anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes is normal in the newborn stage. Let your baby feed until they release the breast on their own rather than timing the feed.

When does breastfeeding stop hurting? With a correct latch, there should be no significant pain beyond mild tenderness in the first week or two. Persistent pain beyond that is a signal something needs to be looked at.

Is it normal to breastfeed so often at night? Yes. Newborns have small stomachs and breast milk digests quickly. Frequent night feeding is normal and temporary. It also plays a role in maintaining your milk supply, as prolactin levels are higher at night.

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You will not get this perfect on the first try. Most new moms don't. Your baby is also learning, since this is very new to them too. Give yourself at least two weeks before drawing any conclusions about whether nursing is working for you.

Breastfeeding pain is not something you simply have to endure. It is usually a sign that something can be adjusted to suit you and your baby.

This article is for general information and does not replace individualised medical advice. If pain, latch difficulty, or feeding concerns persist, please consult your doctor or a certified lactation consultant.

At Filocia, we believe that expecting mothers and new moms deserve access to the kind of honest, medically sound information that used to only exist behind a clinic door. It's time we started having more open conversations about our health and happiness, rather than behind closed doors.

If you have questions, or if something you read here resonated with your experience, write to us at care@filocia.com.