The Secret to a Good Latch (and How to Fix a Bad One)
Hey mama, let’s talk about one of the biggest game-changers in breastfeeding: your baby’s latch. A good latch is the difference between a comfortable, effective feeding session and one that has you curling your toes in pain. If you’re struggling with sore nipples, frustration, or a baby who just won’t seem satisfied, it most likely stems from a bad latch.
What a Deep Latch Looks Like
A deep latch ensures your baby is actually getting milk (and not just hanging out on the tip of your nipple).
Here’s what it should look and feel like:
Baby’s mouth is wide open before latching. It should be wide open like the baby is yawning.
Lips are flanged outward
Chin is pressed into your breast, you should be able to see the corner of baby’s nostril (that’s how you know they can breathe
You hear swallows. No smacking or clicking sounds.
No pain! A tugging sensation is okay, but pain that you would describe as your baby pinching, chewing, or biting is a red flag.
Why a bad latch threatens your nursing relationship
A bad latch threatens your nursing relationship. In many ways, it’s a vicious cycle that can be hard to get out of. When your baby latches shallowly this causes you pain and can cause physical damage to your nipples (cracks, bruising, blisters, bleeding, oh my!). Additionally, when you baby is sucking on just your nipple, it’s like you trying to drink out of a coffee stir straw: a lot of work with little reward. This can lead to the baby staying latched for extended periods of time, without getting the milk they need. Did I mention it hurts? And now it hurts for more than 45 minutes at a time?? Better to just fix the latch right away.
Common Latch Mistakes
When it comes to your nipples and latching, small mistakes can make a big difference. Here are a few things to avoid:
Letting the baby latch onto just the nipple. This leads to pain and poor milk transfer. This can be tempting if your baby hasn’t been feeding well and you think to yourself, “At least the baby is latched, I can handle the pain.” Please, for the sake of your nipples, don’t try to tough it out.
Pulling the baby off quickly. When your baby is latched and you want to take them off, always break the suction first with a clean finger. Otherwise, their suction will stretch your nipple to the max. Ouch.
Not supporting your breast. Sometimes a little hand positioning can help get a better latch. Think about shaping your breast like a sandwich for the baby. Compressing your breast will help them get a bigger mouthful of breast tissue, meaning a more comfortable latch for you.
Ignoring pain. Pain is not ‘normal’ and means something needs adjusting.
Tips for Pain-Free Breastfeeding
If you’re dreading every feeding, try these adjustments:
Chin to breast first. This will feel counterintuitive, but I’m telling you, it’s the secret ingredient to a good latch. Once the baby’s chin is touching the underside of your breast, rest your nipple just below the baby’s nose. Now wait. You are the boss, so wait for your baby to open WIDE, and then assertively bring the baby onto the breast, aiming your nipple for the roof of the baby’s mouth.
Bring the baby to you. Hunching over will just hurt your back and shoulders. If you find that you have latched the baby and you are hunched over, pause, lock your arm holding the baby to keep the distance between you the same, and slowly recline back. Relax those shoulders.
Try different positions. This allows the sore parts of your nipples a break.
If pain persists beyond the first 30 seconds, unlatch the baby and try again
Let’s Get That Latch Right
Have you tried everything, and breastfeeding still feels uncomfortable? Remember, a good latch is foundational to establishing a good nursing relationship. We want your baby to effectively get milk and be satisfied after feeding. It should also be a comfortable experience for you! Let’s troubleshoot together. Sometimes, a quick tweak is all it takes to go from painful feeds to smooth sailing.
Book a virtual latch check with me today—I’ll help you get a comfortable so you can enjoy your nursing relationship rather than dreading every feeding.
