As a mother of five beautiful children and a midwife with over two decades of experience helping new mothers, I’ve witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges of breastfeeding. One thing I’ve learned is that proper latching is essential for successful breastfeeding – it’s the foundation that makes everything else possible. When your newborn latches correctly, you avoid pain, ensure they’re getting enough milk, and build a beautiful bonding experience that works for both of you.
Why Proper Latching Matters
The first few days of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. With hormones surging, little sleep, and a tiny human depending on you for nourishment, it’s no wonder many mothers feel anxious about getting it right. I remember when my first son was born – despite all my professional knowledge, I still struggled with latching in those early days.
Proper latching matters for several important reasons:
- It prevents nipple pain and damage: When your baby latches correctly, they draw in not just your nipple but a good portion of the areola, preventing the pinching and friction that causes soreness.
- It ensures efficient milk transfer: A good latch allows your baby to extract milk effectively, helping them get the nutrition they need.
- It stimulates milk production: Effective milk removal signals your body to make more milk, establishing a healthy supply.
- It reduces frustration for both you and baby: When feeding goes smoothly, it’s a more peaceful experience for everyone.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies who latch properly tend to gain weight appropriately and have fewer feeding issues overall. As one mother I helped recently told me, “Once we fixed our latch, it was like night and day – my pain disappeared and my baby seemed so much more content.”
Recognizing the Signs of a Proper Latch
Before diving into techniques, let’s talk about what a proper latch actually looks like. This knowledge will help you evaluate whether your efforts are working.
How to Know Your Baby is Latched Properly
When your newborn has a proper latch, you’ll notice:
- Your baby’s mouth is wide open (like a yawn)
- Their lips are flanged outward (especially the bottom lip)
- Their chin is touching your breast
- Their nose is close but not pressed against your breast
- You can see more areola above their top lip than below their bottom lip
- You hear rhythmic swallowing after your milk comes in
- Feeding feels like a tug or pull, not pinching or biting
- Your baby’s ears wiggle slightly during active feeding
I’ll never forget helping a mother of twins who was at her wit’s end with painful feeding. When we finally achieved proper latches with both babies, she burst into tears of relief. “I didn’t know it wasn’t supposed to hurt like that,” she said. Many mothers don’t realize that while breastfeeding can feel strange at first, severe pain is not normal and usually indicates a latching issue.
Essential Proper Latching Techniques for Newborns
Now let’s get into the specific techniques that will help you and your baby achieve that perfect latch. I’ve taught these methods to thousands of mothers over my years as a midwife, and I use them myself with each of my children.
Finding the Right Position
Proper latching begins with positioning. Before your baby ever opens their mouth, how you hold them sets the stage for success.
- Get comfortable: Use pillows to bring your baby to breast height so you’re not hunching over. Your back, arms, and shoulders should be supported.
- Position your baby “tummy to tummy”: Your baby’s whole body should face you, not just their head. Their ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line.
- Support your breast if needed: Using your hand in a “C” shape (thumb on top, fingers underneath, well back from the areola), support your breast without pinching.
- Hold your baby close: Their nose should be level with your nipple before latching begins.
One mother I worked with struggled terribly until we realized she was trying to breastfeed while sitting perfectly upright without proper support. Once we built her a “nursing station” with the right pillows and support, her baby latched easily.
The Perfect Latch Technique
Now for the moment of truth – proper latching technique itself:
- Tickle baby’s lips with your nipple: This stimulates their rooting reflex, encouraging them to open wide.
- Wait for the wide gape: Patience is key! Wait until your baby’s mouth is open very wide, like a yawn.
- Bring baby to breast quickly but gently: When they open wide, use your supporting arm to bring them onto your breast, leading with their chin.
- Aim your nipple toward the roof of their mouth: This helps your baby draw in a good portion of the areola.
- Ensure deep attachment: Your nipple should be far back in your baby’s mouth, with their gums over your areola, not on your nipple.
I often tell mothers to think of it like a sandwich – you slightly compress your breast (if needed) and aim it toward the roof of your baby’s mouth, not straight in. This technique changed everything for my third child, who had struggled with shallow latching.
Correcting a Poor Latch
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, babies latch incorrectly. Here’s how to fix it:
- Break the suction first: Insert your clean pinky finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth, between their gums, until you feel the suction release.
- Remove baby gently: Never pull your baby off without breaking the suction first – ouch!
- Reassess positioning: Make any necessary adjustments to your or your baby’s position.
- Try again: Be patient and keep trying. Sometimes it takes several attempts.
I remember my fourth baby would often latch, suck twice, then pull away. We’d repeat this dance ten times before settling into a good feed. Persistence pays off – by day five, she was latching perfectly on the first try.
According to the La Leche League International, most latching issues can be resolved with proper technique and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or experienced midwife if you’re struggling.
Common Latching Challenges and Solutions
Every baby is unique, and proper latching techniques for newborns sometimes need adaptation. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
When Your Baby is Sleepy
Some newborns are so sleepy they don’t open wide enough for a proper latch. If this happens:
- Unwrap your baby from swaddling to wake them up
- Change their diaper before feeding
- Try skin-to-skin contact to stimulate feeding instincts
- Express a few drops of milk onto your nipple to entice them
- Gently rub their cheek or stroke under their chin
My second daughter was so sleepy after birth that we had to use cool washcloths on her feet to wake her enough to feed. Within a week, she was feeding enthusiastically without any wake-up tricks.
When Your Nipples Are Flat or Inverted
Some mothers have nipple shapes that make latching more challenging:
- Try breast massage before feeding to help your nipple protrude
- Use a breast pump for 1-2 minutes before feeding to draw out the nipple
- Consider temporary nipple shields as a transitional tool (with professional guidance)
- Try the “sandwich technique” more deliberately, compressing your breast to make the nipple more prominent
I’ve worked with mothers who believed they couldn’t breastfeed due to inverted nipples, only to find great success with these techniques and some patience.
When Your Baby Has a Tongue or Lip Tie
Some babies have restricted oral tissues that make proper latching difficult:
- Look for classic signs: heart-shaped tongue when crying, difficulty extending tongue, upper lip that won’t flange outward
- Seek assessment from a healthcare provider experienced with ties
- Consider all options for addressing ties, from exercises to revision procedures
- Work with a specialist on compensatory techniques while deciding on treatment
One mother I helped was nearly ready to give up breastfeeding due to excruciating pain, despite seemingly good positioning. After we identified and addressed her baby’s tongue tie, feeding became comfortable within days.
Special Techniques for Special Situations
Proper Latching for Premature Babies
Premature babies may need extra support with latching:
- Use more intentional breast support: The “dancer hand” position (supporting your breast with your fingers and your baby’s jaw simultaneously) offers extra control
- Consider biological nurturing positions: Semi-reclined positions sometimes help premature babies use their natural reflexes more effectively
- Be patient with non-nutritive sucking: This helps premature babies develop the necessary oral skills
- Celebrate small victories: Even brief periods of proper latching are meaningful progress
Latching After a C-Section
Finding comfortable positions for proper latching after a cesarean birth can be challenging:
- Try the “football hold” to keep weight off your incision
- Use extra pillows for support
- Consider a nursing stool to bring your knees up and support your back
- Ask for help positioning your baby in the early days
After my emergency C-section with my fifth baby, I found that lying on my side to nurse was much more comfortable than sitting up. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works.
Creating Your Breastfeeding Support System
Achieving proper latching for newborns is easier with support. Here’s how to build your network:
- Connect with a lactation consultant ideally before birth
- Attend breastfeeding classes to practice with dolls before your baby arrives
- Join mother-to-mother support groups like La Leche League
- Prepare your partner or support person to help with positioning
- Set up “nursing stations” around your home with everything you need
One of my favorite memories as a midwife was watching a grandmother who had never breastfed herself become her daughter’s biggest breastfeeding supporter after attending classes together. Knowledge is empowering for everyone.
When to Seek Help
While perseverance is important, know when to ask for professional help with latching:
- If you’re experiencing significant pain beyond the first minute of feeding
- If your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or severely damaged
- If your baby isn’t gaining weight appropriately
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about feeding
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. In my 20+ years as a midwife, I’ve never met a mother who regretted getting breastfeeding support.
Final Thoughts on Proper Latching
Mastering proper latching techniques for newborns takes practice and patience. Like any new skill, it typically gets easier with time. The first two weeks are usually the most challenging – if you can make it through those, you’re likely on your way to a rewarding breastfeeding journey.
Remember that the perfect latch feels comfortable for you and effective for your baby. Trust your instincts, but don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. You and your baby are learning together, and that journey – with all its challenges and triumphs – is something to cherish.
As I tell all the mothers I work with: this intimate dance of feeding your child is both an ancient art and a new discovery between you and your baby. Be patient with yourself and celebrate every small success along the way.
