If you're having trouble getting a good latch, try: Moving to a quiet, calm place. Holding your baby skin to skin. While both you and your baby are undressed, hold your baby against your chest. Letting your baby lead. Support your baby's neck, shoulders, and hips with your hands. Offer your breast, but let your baby find your nipple on their own.

Breastfeeding latch, or simply latch, refers to how your baby’s mouth attaches to your nipple and areola when breastfeeding. Your baby needs to latch on to your breast to begin taking in milk and gain nourishment.

When a difficulty with latch-on or sucking persists beyond the first several days after birth, it can be discouraging. Although most babies will learn to breastfeed effectively if given time, it is important to work with the baby's healthcare provider and a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) if a baby has difficulty sucking.

Imagine a line from the tip of your baby’s nose to his ear lobe. Right at the midpoint of that line, far back towards the root of the baby’s mouth, is the PERFECT POINT. When your nipple is at the PERFECT POINT, your baby will have latched on to the right part of the breast, the lower areola.

It's common in the first days of life for a baby to have trouble latching on or maintaining sucking at the breast. If this problem doesn't go away, more help is needed. A baby must be able to remove enough milk from the breast through correct latch and sucking to gain weight.

Feb 28, 2025 · Getting your baby to "latch on" properly can take some practice. You can try different breastfeeding holds to help your baby get a good latch. Learn signs of a good latch.

Attach or latch your baby onto your breast. Encourage your baby to open their mouth wide and pull your baby close by supporting their back (rather than the back of their head) so that your baby’s chin touches your breast first.

A good breastfeeding latch is a crucial first step to successful nursing. Without a proper breastfeeding latch, your baby may not get all the milk they need, and nursing will be painful for you. To get a deep latch, make sure your baby opens wide …

Latching on is how your baby attaches to your breast to feed. Lots of people assume that this comes naturally, but in reality it's more of a skill that you and your baby need to learn together. Good attachment also helps prevent sore and cracked nipples, so it's important to get it right.

Once you get accustomed to positioning your baby and helping him/her get a good latch, breastfeeding can be a wonderful, pain-free bonding experience between you and your baby. If you need further assistance, many hospitals have lactation consultants.