Latch 101: Signs Of A Deep, Comfortable Latch
One of the most common questions we receive is: How do I know if my baby is latched correctly? A deep latch protects your nipples, helps baby transfer milk effectively, and makes feeding more comfortable for everyone.
A deep latch happens when your baby’s mouth is opened wide and they take in not just the nipple, but a generous portion of the areola and breast tissue. The nipple rests deep in the mouth toward the roof of the mouth, allowing for a more efficient and more comfortable feeding.
Signs of a deep latch:
Instant, rhythmic sucking with regular pauses to breathe
A deep tugging sensation
Baby’s mouth is wide open, lips flanged outward
Chin is lifted off the chest and pressed into the breast
Nose is close but not buried or blocked by the breast
Latch is asymmetric, off center, with the nipple pointing towards the roof of the mouth and part of the areola visible by nose
Baby’s cheeks stay are pressed close to the breast and rounded (not sucked inward)
Signs of a shallow latch:
Clicking sounds
Nipple looks pinched or creased after feeding
Pinching, rubbing, or chomping sensations
Baby pops on and off throughout the feeding
Pain continues throughout the feed
Troubleshoot Your Latch:
Start with positioning:
Is the baby’s body in alignment? If not: turn their body so their ears, shoulders, and hips are all in a straight line and close against you. Head should not be turned to the side to latch.
Where are their arms? Your baby’s arms should be around the breast in a “boob hug” with one on each side. Arms should not be folded in against their chest or between you.
Can’t seem to get comfortable? Try switching to a different position. Some babies need different positions on each side to feel most comfortable. Try laid-back breastfeeding for natural positioning.
Look at the latch:
Is the latch asymmetric? Areola and breast tissue on bottom of breast is in the mouth, areola above the nipple is not in the mouth and slightly visible. If not: Use your thumb or forefinger to tilt the nipple towards the baby’s nose so when you pull them on, the nipple slides under the top lip and hits the roof of the mouth.
Is the baby’s head tilted back with their chin off the chest and buried in the breast and their nose free? If not: unlatch, scoot them towards your opposite breast, and try again with the nipple resting right above the the top lip to encourage them to tilt their head back, reaching up towards the breast.
Is the mouth wide? If not: touch the chin and lower lip to the breast at the edge of the areola with the nipple tilted away and resting just above the top lip. When they open wide, bring baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby. Bring them on so that their cheeks are against the breast.
Reset anytime the latch doesn’t feel right
A comfortable latch is possible—and you deserve it. If feeding feels consistently painful or stressful, an IBCLC can help identify what’s causing the issue. Our BABE team is here to support and guide you, helping you feel confident and empowered throughout your feeding journey!
