Getting a good latch: positions worth trying

A good latch is the single biggest factor in comfortable, effective feeding — and it often takes a few tries and a bit of adjusting to find what works for your body and your baby.

Signs of a good latch

• Baby's mouth is opened wide, taking in a large mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple.
• Lips are flanged outward, not tucked in.
• You feel tugging, not pinching or sharp pain — some initial tenderness in the first days is common, but ongoing pain usually means something about the latch needs adjusting.
• You can hear swallowing, not just sucking.

Positions to try

Cradle hold — baby's head in the crook of your elbow, tummy facing yours. The classic starting point for many.

Cross-cradle hold — you support baby's head with the hand opposite the breast you're feeding from, giving you more control while you're both still learning.

Football (clutch) hold — baby tucked under your arm like a football, feet pointing behind you. Often more comfortable after a C-section, and gives good visibility of the latch.

Side-lying — you and baby both lying on your sides, facing each other. Useful for nighttime feeds or while you're recovering.

A simple way to bring baby to the latch

Bring baby to the breast chin-first, nose level with the nipple, and wait for a wide-open mouth before pulling them in close — rather than leaning yourself forward into baby.

When to ask for help

If latching consistently hurts, baby seems endlessly frustrated at the breast, or weight gain is a concern, a lactation consultant can watch a feed and spot things that are genuinely hard to self-diagnose. This is common and not a sign you're doing something wrong — it's a hands-on skill for both of you to learn together.