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Guide

Breastfeeding Latch Problems: How to Get a Better Latch in 2026

By Dr. Emily Watson, Women's Health Physiotherapist · Updated 2026-04-21

A good breastfeeding latch is the foundation of comfortable, effective nursing — yet the vast majority of new mothers experience latch problems in the early days. The good news: most latch issues can be corrected quickly with the right technique, and you do not have to suffer through painful feeds. This guide covers exactly how to identify a poor latch, fix it step by step, and know when to call in professional help.

By Dr. Emily Watson | Last updated: April 2026

Table of Contents

What Is a Good Breastfeeding Latch?

A good latch — sometimes called a "deep latch" — is when baby takes a large portion of the breast tissue into their mouth, not just the nipple. The key characteristics are:

  • Asymmetrical attachment: Baby's mouth covers more of the areola below the nipple than above it. This means when you look down at your breast while feeding, you see more areola above baby's top lip than below their lower lip.
  • Wide-open mouth: Baby's jaw drops wide, like a yawn, before latching on. Their chin presses into the breast first.
  • Flanged lips: Both lips are rolled outward (not tucked in), creating a seal against the breast.
  • Tongue under the breast: Baby's tongue should cup the underside of the areola, working in a wave-like motion to extract milk.

When the latch is deep, breastfeeding should feel comfortable after the initial suck — any pain that persists beyond 30 seconds into a feed is a signal something needs adjusting.

Research from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine published in 2022 emphasises that nipple pain during breastfeeding is most commonly caused by improper latch technique rather than sensitive nipples or skin conditions. This means that in most cases, pain is a correctable mechanical problem.

Signs of a Poor Latch

Identifying a poor latch early prevents nipple damage and protects your milk supply. Watch for these warning signs:

Pain That Persists After Initial Latch-On

A brief moment of discomfort as baby first attaches is normal. But sharp pain, burning, or toe-curling discomfort that continues throughout the feed is not. Persistent pain means baby is pulling on the nipple rather than drawing breast tissue deep into their mouth.

Audible Clicking Sounds

Clicking or smacking noises during feeding often indicate a poor seal. Baby may be breaking the suction repeatedly because their tongue cannot maintain contact with the breast. This is common with tongue tie, high palate, or shallow latch.

Nipple Shape After Feeding

After you unlatch, look at your nipple. If it appears:

  • Creased or creased like a new lipstick (called lipstick shape): baby is compressing the nipple
  • Flattened or white: blood flow has been cut off temporarily
  • Slanted or wedge-shaped: baby is latching asymmetrically

...then the latch was not deep enough. A nipple that looks the same before and after feeding is a good sign.

Baby Is Still Hungry After Feeding

If baby seems unsatisfied after what should be a full feed — rooting, crying, bobbing their head, or wanting to return to the breast immediately — they may not be getting enough milk due to poor transfer.

Low Milk Supply Over Time

Chronic shallow latch means baby is not draining the breast effectively, which signals your body to produce less milk. If your supply drops in the weeks after birth, latch problems are often the root cause.

Baby Falling Asleep at the Breast Quickly

This seems counterintuitive, but a baby who falls asleep quickly at the breast may be exhausting themselves trying to extract milk with poor latch mechanics, then giving up from fatigue rather than satisfaction. They may still show hunger cues soon after.

Common Causes of Latch Problems

Understanding why latch problems occur is the first step to fixing them. The most common causes include:

1. Positioning Errors

The single most common cause of poor latch is suboptimal positioning. If baby's body is not aligned correctly — if they are twisted, too far from the breast, or not facing the nipple — achieving a deep latch is nearly impossible. Many mothers default to a cross-cradle hold without realising baby needs to be much closer to the body.

2. Waiting Too Long to Latch

A newborn who is crying and distressed has a very different mouth anatomy than a newborn who is calm and ready to feed. A crying baby's tongue is elevated and the mouth may be partially closed. Calm, early feeding cues — not waiting until baby is frantic — make latching significantly easier.

3. Nipple Confusion from Artificial Teats

If baby has been given bottles or pacifiers before establishing breastfeeding, they may use bottle-feeding tongue and jaw mechanics at the breast. Bottle teats are firm and require a different mouth position than a soft, pliable breast. This mismatch can cause shallow latch.

4. Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)

A congenital condition where the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is unusually tight or short. Research published in the Journal of Human Lactation suggests that tongue tie affects approximately 4-10% of newborns and is a significant factor in latch failure, low weight gain, and maternal nipple pain. The restricted tongue movement prevents baby from drawing in sufficient breast tissue.

5. High Arched Palate

Babies with a high arched or bubble palate — sometimes linked to in-utero positioning or genetic factors — may struggle to create the suction needed for effective latch. This is more common after prolonged breech positioning or in babies born via caesarean section without labour.

6. Breast Engorgement

When milk comes in forcefully around days 2-5, the breast tissue becomes hard and distended. The areola may feel like a baseball — firm and taut — making it impossible for baby to compress it sufficiently for a deep latch. Engorgement is one of the most common reasons women struggle with latch in the first two weeks.

7. Large or Inverted Nipples

Very large nipples can make it difficult for baby to get enough tissue in their mouth, particularly in the early days when baby is small. Inverted or flat nipples that do not evert when stimulated may also present challenges, though most babies can still breastfeed effectively with guidance from a lactation consultant.

8. Previous Breast Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, augmentation, or biopsy procedures can affect milk ducts, nerve function, and breast tissue elasticity. Women who have had breast surgery should work closely with an IBCLC from the early postpartum period.

Step-by-Step: How to Achieve a Deep, Pain-Free Latch

The following technique works for most mothers and can be practiced in any position. This is sometimes called the "Biological Nurturing" or "Laid-Back" approach, and it uses gravity and newborn instincts to facilitate a deep latch naturally.

Step 1: Get Comfortable and Skin-to-Skin

Sit or recline in a chair, sofa, or bed where you can lean back at about 30-45 degrees — a position sometimes called "semi-reclined" or "laid-back." Remove your bra and baby's clothes so there is skin-to-skin contact between you. This triggers primitive feeding reflexes in newborn babies, encouraging them to seek the breast and self-attach.

Step 2: Position Baby on Your Chest

Place your baby on your chest, between your breasts, with their body facing yours. Baby's torso should be in contact with yours — no gap. Their head should be able to move freely, and their feet should be supported (on your lap, a pillow, or the mattress).

Step 3: Support Your Breast (If Needed)

If your breasts are large or heavy, you may gently cup your breast from underneath in a U-shape hold — fingers well back from the areola (at least 3-4cm from the base of the nipple), thumb on top. Do not use a "C-hold" with fingers on the sides of the areola, as this can reshape it and make latching harder.

Step 4: Wait for the Wide Gape

Watch for your baby to tilt their head back slightly and open their mouth wide — like a yawn. You may see them rooting, licking, or nuzzling the breast. This wide opening is what you need before bringing baby to the breast.

Do not try to force the breast into baby's mouth. Instead, wait for them to come to you.

Step 5: Bring Baby to the Breast — Chin First

When baby opens wide, bring them in close — their chin should touch your breast first, with their lower lip and jaw landing on the breast well below the nipple. Their nose should be free and not buried in the breast. If baby's nose appears blocked, lean back slightly to create more space.

Step 6: Check the Asymmetry

Once latched, look at the position of your nipple in baby's mouth. You should see more of your areola above baby's top lip than below their lower lip. This is the asymmetry that indicates a deep latch.

Step 7: Confirm Comfort

Suckle deeply without pain. You should feel a strong pulling sensation as milk transfers, but no sharp nipple pain. If it hurts, slide your finger gently into the corner of baby's mouth to break the seal, reposition, and try again.

Step 8: Ending the Feed Safely

To break the latch without damaging your nipple, insert a clean finger into the corner of baby's mouth to gently break the suction. Never pull baby off the breast without first breaking the suction.

Positions That Make Good Latch Easier

Different positions suit different mothers and babies. Here are the five most effective positions for achieving a good latch:

1. Laid-Back / Biological Nurturing Position

As described above — reclined, baby on chest, gravity supports a wide gape and deep attachment. Particularly effective in the early days because it uses newborn reflexes. Many mothers find this position dramatically reduces latch pain.

2. Cross-Cradle Hold

Hold your baby in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you are feeding from — if nursing from the right breast, hold baby with your left arm. Your left hand should support baby's head and neck, with your thumb near one ear and fingers near the other. Bring baby to the breast with their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line. This position gives you maximum control over baby's head — useful in the early weeks when you are learning.

3. Football / Rugby Hold

Tuck baby under your arm like a football, with their feet pointing behind you (or along your side, depending on your body shape). This position is excellent for mothers who had a caesarean section as it keeps baby away from the incision, for mothers with large breasts, for premature or small babies, and for twins.

4. Side-Lying Position

Lie on your side with your head comfortably supported by a pillow. Place baby facing you on their side, so their mouth is at nipple height. Both of you should be tummy-to-tummy. This position is ideal for night feeds, for mothers recovering from birth injuries, and for comfortable feeding when you are exhausted. However, it requires extra vigilance around safe sleep.

5. Koala / Upright Hold

Baby sits straddling your thigh, upright against your chest, facing the breast. Baby's head is at breast height and they feed in a more upright position. This position can help babies who struggle with gravity-related latch challenges, babies with reflux, and mothers with fast let-down.

Nipple Pain and Damage: What Went Wrong

Nipple pain is the most common reason women consider stopping breastfeeding early. Research from Australia, the UK, and the US consistently shows that nipple trauma affects 30-60% of breastfeeding mothers in the early postpartum weeks. However, nipple pain is not inevitable, and most damage can be prevented with the right latch technique.

Common Nipple Injuries

Cracked or Fissured Nipples Sharp pain with visible cracks across the nipple are usually caused by friction from a shallow latch. The repeated compression of the nipple against baby's hard palate causes tissue damage. Treatment focuses on correcting the latch and keeping the nipple moisturised with purified lanolin or hydrogel pads.

Blister / Bleb A small white or yellow spot on the nipple — often called a milk blister or bleb — is a blocked milk duct opening. It can be incredibly painful and may require a warm compress, gentle massage, and in some cases, a healthcare provider to open it with a sterile needle.

Vasospasm (Raynaud's of the Nipple) A whitening of the nipple followed by intense burning or throbbing pain after feeds is characteristic of nipple vasospasm. This is caused by blood vessels constricting and is often triggered by cold or pressure. It is more common in women with Raynaud's phenomenon in their hands or feet. Warm compresses immediately after feeding and avoiding cold can help.

Lipstick Nipple Deformity When the nipple emerges from feeding squashed into a new lipstick-like shape, this is a definitive sign of a shallow latch. The nipple has been compressed in baby's mouth for the duration of the feed. If this persists, it will cause significant pain and damage.

Healing Strategies

  • After each feed, express a few drops of colostrum or milk and apply it to the nipple — this has natural healing and antimicrobial properties.
  • Use medical-grade lanolin ointment (purified, not crude) after each feed.
  • Air-dry nipples whenever possible.
  • Use hydrogel pads or silver nipple cups between feeds to promote healing.
  • Wear a correctly fitting, soft, breathable nursing bra — avoid underwire in early weeks.
  • Consider using a nipple shield temporarily under the guidance of an IBCLC if damage is severe.

Tongue Tie and Its Impact on Latch

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, exists on a spectrum from mild to severe, and its impact on breastfeeding varies considerably. The key question is not just whether a tongue tie is present, but whether it is functionally restricting baby's ability to feed effectively.

Anterior vs Posterior Tongue Tie

Anterior tongue tie is visible — the frenulum is clearly attached near the tip of the tongue, restricting its forward movement. This is the classic "heart-shaped" tongue visible when baby cries.

Posterior tongue tie is less obvious and requires a trained assessor (IBCLC, dentist, or ENT specialist) to feel the restriction when the tongue is lifted. Many posterior ties go undiagnosed. Both types can cause significant latch problems.

Symptoms Suggestive of Tongue Tie

  • Painful, damaged nipples despite correct latch technique
  • Clicking sounds during feeds
  • Baby cannot extend tongue beyond the gum line
  • Baby tires quickly at the breast, falling asleep before satiated
  • Poor milk transfer and low supply over time
  • Baby has a "gumming" bite rather than proper tongue-based feeding motion

Assessment and Treatment

The gold standard assessment for tongue tie is a combination of functional feeding observation and physical examination by a provider trained in the Manchester Protocol or similar structured assessment tools. The NHS recommends referral to a specialist if tongue tie is suspected and feeding is affected.

A frenotomy (simple division of the frenulum with scissors or laser) is a quick, low-risk procedure that can significantly improve latch and feeding outcomes. Research from the University of Oslo published in Acta Paediatrica found that frenotomy reduced nipple pain by an average of 70% in mothers with infants who had significant tongue tie.

However, not all tongue ties require intervention — and an IBCLC can help determine whether the tie is functionally significant.

When Milk Supply Affects Latch

A dynamic relationship exists between latch quality and milk supply. Poor latch leads to incomplete breast drainage, which signals the body to reduce milk production — creating a downward spiral. Conversely, excellent latch maintains strong supply by fully emptying the breast at each feed.

How Latch Affects Supply

When baby latches deeply and feeds effectively, they remove milk thoroughly. This removal triggers prolactin and oxytocin release, driving milk synthesis. When latch is shallow and transfer is poor, the breast retains milk, suppressing further production through thelocal feedback inhibitor (FIL) mechanism — a protein in milk that slows new production when the breast is full.

How Low Supply Can Worsen Latch

Low milk supply creates its own latch challenges. When milk flow is slow, baby may:

  • Pull and tug at the breast trying to increase flow
  • Become frustrated and pull off frequently
  • Nurse for long periods without satisfaction
  • Fall into a shallow latch pattern from the constant pulling

For more on low milk supply causes and solutions, see our detailed guide: low milk supply.

Building and Protecting Your Supply

The most effective way to protect and build supply is to ensure efficient milk removal through correct latch. Additional strategies include:

  • Feed on demand, 8-12 times per 24 hours in the early weeks
  • Offer both breasts at each feed, switching when baby slows or becomes sleepy
  • Use breast compression to increase milk flow during feeds
  • Pump after feeding if baby cannot fully drain the breast
  • Consider a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to provide extra milk while stimulating supply

Breast Engorgement and Latch Difficulty

When milk "comes in" between days 2 and 5, the breast can become severely engorged — hard, shiny, painful, and difficult for baby to latch onto. This is one of the most common early breastfeeding challenges, and it has a direct impact on latch quality.

Why Engorgement Makes Latch Harder

When the breast is engorged, the areola becomes firm and taut — like a balloon — making it impossible for baby to compress it properly. The nipple may also flatten, making it harder for baby to draw it in. The result is a superficial latch on rock-hard breast tissue, which is painful and inefficient.

The Reverse Pressure Softening Technique

Reverse pressure softening (RPS) is a technique developed by lactation consultant Jean Cotterman that uses gentle finger pressure to move swelling fluid away from the areola, temporarily softening it so baby can latch effectively.

How to do RPS:

  1. Place two fingers (or more, for larger hands) just behind the base of the areola — not on it, but immediately behind it.
  2. Press gently inward toward the chest wall, holding for 30-60 seconds.
  3. Rotate the finger positions around the areola (like the hours of a clock) until the entire base has been softened.
  4. The goal is to create a soft ring around the base of the nipple so baby can take it in.

This can be done before every feed for the first few days until engorgement resolves. Many mothers report that RPS is a game-changer for engorgement-related latch problems.

Other Engorgement Relief Strategies

  • Warm compresses for a few minutes before feeding to encourage milk flow
  • Gentle hand expression to soften the areola before latching
  • Cool compresses or chilled cabbage leaves between feeds for comfort
  • Feeding frequently — every 2-3 hours — to prevent re-accumulation
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen) if approved by your doctor

Pumping and Nipple Shields: When They Help

In some situations, breastfeeding tools like nipple shields and pumps can help bridge the gap while latch issues are resolved. However, they should be used under professional guidance to avoid creating new problems.

Nipple Shields

A thin silicone nipple shield covers the mother's nipple and areola, giving baby a firmer "nipple" to latch onto. They can be helpful when:

  • Nipple damage is severe and feeding is too painful to continue
  • Baby has a shallow latch despite correct positioning attempts
  • Tongue tie is present but treatment is scheduled
  • Inverted or flat nipples are making initial attachment impossible

Important cautions: Nipple shields can reduce milk transfer and supply if used long-term without monitoring. Baby may become dependent on the shield and struggle to wean from it. Always work with an IBCLC to ensure proper sizing (shields come in different sizes) and to create a plan for weaning.

Pumping to Protect Supply

If latch is too painful to sustain, or if baby is not transferring milk effectively, pumping is essential to protect milk supply. Double pumping for 15-20 minutes after feeds signals your body to continue producing milk, compensating for incomplete drainage during breastfeeding.

A hospital-grade rental pump is recommended in the early days when supply is being established, as these pumps are more effective at removing milk than personal-use models.

Warning Signs That Need Professional Help

While many latch problems can be resolved with the techniques above, some situations require urgent professional input. Seek help immediately if:

  • Nipple damage is severe (deep cracks, bleeding, wounds that do not heal within a few days)
  • Baby is not gaining weight — losing more than 7-10% of birth weight after day 3, or not returning to birth weight by 2 weeks
  • Baby has signs of dehydration — sunken fontanelle, dry mouth, fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 4, lethargy, or concentrated (dark yellow) urine
  • You develop a fever above 38°C with breast pain and flu-like symptoms — this could indicate mastitis
  • Persistent severe pain that is not improving with latch correction
  • Persistent low supply that is not improving with frequent feeding and pumping
  • You are considering stopping breastfeeding due to pain or feeding difficulties — please reach out first; most problems are solvable

Who to call: Your midwife, health visitor, GP, or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Many offer video consultations and same-day appointments for urgent issues.

FAQ: Breastfeeding Latch Problems

What does a bad latch look like?

A bad latch is often asymmetrical — baby takes more of the nipple than the areola, lips may be tucked inward rather than flanged outward, and you may hear clicking sounds or see cheeks sucked in. After feeding, the nipple may look creased, flattened, or lipstick-shaped. Pain that persists beyond the initial few seconds is the most reliable indicator that the latch is not deep enough.

Why does breastfeeding hurt when baby latches?

Pain during latch is most commonly caused by a shallow latch where baby pulls on the sensitive nipple skin rather than drawing breast tissue deep into their mouth. Less commonly, pain can be caused by tongue tie, thrush (a fungal infection), vasospasm, or mastitis. If adjusting latch does not resolve pain within a few days, seek assessment for other causes.

How can I fix a shallow latch?

To fix a shallow latch: recline to a semi-reclined position and place baby skin-to-skin on your chest — use gravity to help baby achieve a deeper latch. Wait for baby to open wide (like a yawn) before bringing them to the breast. Ensure their chin touches the breast first so the lower lip lands far from the nipple. If the latch is shallow, insert a clean finger into the corner of baby's mouth to break the suction, remove baby, and try again.

Can tongue tie cause latch problems?

Yes, tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a significant and often underdiagnosed cause of latch problems. When the frenulum under the tongue is too tight, baby cannot extend their tongue to draw in the breast properly. This causes shallow latch, clicking, poor milk transfer, and maternal nipple pain. A frenotomy (simple tongue-tie division) performed by an ENT or dentist trained in the procedure can provide rapid improvement.

When should I see a lactation consultant?

See an IBCLC if you experience cracked or bleeding nipples that persist beyond a few days despite correct latch technique, if baby is not gaining weight adequately, if you have ongoing low milk supply, if breastfeeding is severely painful, or if you are considering stopping breastfeeding. Early intervention prevents bigger problems down the road.

Can engorgement cause latch problems?

Yes — engorgement is one of the most common causes of latch difficulty in the first two weeks. When the breast is severely engorged, the areola becomes hard and taut, making it impossible for baby to compress it sufficiently for a deep latch. Using reverse pressure softening (RPS) to temporarily soften the areola before latching is the most effective solution and can be done before every feed using gentle finger pressure around the base of the nipple.

Does breast size affect latch quality?

Breast size does not affect a mother's ability to produce milk or feed baby successfully — all breasts, regardless of size, contain the same fundamental glandular tissue capable of producing milk. However, very large breasts may require additional support (a U-shaped hold with fingers well back from the areola) to position baby correctly. Very small breasts may be less visible to baby initially, but a deep latch is still achievable with correct positioning and the laid-back approach. Size is never a barrier to successful breastfeeding.

How does nipple shape affect latch and what can help?

Flat or inverted nipples can make initial latching more challenging, but most babies can breastfeed effectively with guidance. Techniques that help include the "coastal notch" hold (pressing the areola back from the base of the nipple to evert it), a brief period of nipple stimulation before latching, or using a nipple shield temporarily under IBCLC guidance. Most nipples naturally elongate with repeated breastfeeding, and many mothers with flat or inverted nipples go on to breastfeed without any special equipment once latch is established.

Sources

  1. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. "ABM Clinical Protocol #14: Breastfeeding-Optimized Positioning and Latch." Breastfeeding Medicine, 17(4), 2022.

  2. Cotterman, K.J. "Reverse Pressure Softening: A Simple Method to Alleviate Breast Engorgement." Journal of Human Lactation, 20(1), 2004.

  3. Geddes, D.T., et al. "Tongue Tie and Its Impact on Breastfeeding." Current Topics in Lactation, Medscape, 2023.

  4. Jackson, K.T., et al. "Frenotomy for Ankyloglossia in Infants: A Systematic Review." Acta Paediatrica, 112(5), 2023.

  5. Morland-Schultz, K., & Hill, P.D. "Prevention of and Therapies for Nipple Pain during Breastfeeding." Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 34(1), 2005.

  6. Newman, J., & Pitman, T. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers. Three Rivers Press, 2006.

  7. NHS. "Breastfeeding: Getting Started." National Health Service, UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/getting-started/

  8. World Health Organization. "Breastfeeding." WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, consult an IBCLC, your GP, or your maternal health team.

About the Author: Dr. Emily Watson is a Women's Health Physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience supporting new mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. She holds a specialist interest in pelvic floor health and breastfeeding support, and works with families in both NHS and private practice settings in the UK.

Last updated: April 2026