Breastfeeding Positions & Latch: A Step-by-Step Guide with Fixes for Pain
Introduction
Achieving a comfortable, effective latch is one of the most important steps in successful breastfeeding. When your baby is well-positioned and latched deeply, you’ll see better milk transfer and reduce the risk of nipple pain or damage. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to position your baby, how to latch step-by-step, what to do when it hurts, and when to seek extra support.
Why the right latch matters
A proper latch enables your baby to compress milk ducts and transfer milk efficiently, which signals your body to keep producing. It also protects the nipple from trauma and helps ensure your baby is getting enough milk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), frequent feeding in the early days helps build supply and supports transfer.
Step-by-step: How to achieve a deep latch
1. Get comfortable & align baby
Choose a position that supports you and baby (arm pad, pillow, lean-back, etc.).
Sit upright, shoulders relaxed. Baby’s body facing yours, belly to belly, ears-shoulder-hip in a line.
Bring baby to you rather than reaching your breast toward baby.
2. Stimulate a wide open mouth
Brush the nipple gently on baby’s upper lip or nose until they open wide.
When the mouth opens, aim the nipple toward the roof of baby’s mouth.
3. Bring baby in with chin first
Chin touches breast before the tip of nipple.
Baby grasps a good amount of areola (more visible above nipple than below).
4. Check signs of a good latch
Baby’s cheeks full and rounded (not sucked in).
You hear or see swallowing after milk lets-down.
No persistent pinching or discomfort for you after the first few seconds.
Areola above nipple visible more than below.
5. Adjust if needed
If pain within the first moments persists: break the suction (insert clean finger at corner of baby’s mouth, remove, then re-latch).
Try a different position (cross-cradle gives more control for first latch attempts).
Common positions & when to use them
Laid-back (biological nurturing): You lean back slightly, baby lies semi-reclined on you. Great for newborn reflexes and when you’re tired.
Cross-cradle: You hold baby across your body, one hand supporting the head. Ideal for baby learning to latch.
Football (clutch) hold: Baby tucked under your arm (on same side as feeding), useful after C-section or when you have larger breasts.
Side-lying: You lie on your side with baby facing you. Perfect for night feeds or if you need more rest.
All of these positions allow you to adjust cues and comfort, helping achieve better latch mechanics.
Troubleshooting: When it hurts
Pain / pinching sensation often means the latch is shallow (baby only latched on nipple, not enough areola). Solution: break latch, follow step-by-step again, aim deeper.
Clicking or smacking sounds might mean air is entering—check that baby’s mouth is sealed, chin down, nose clear, and baby is encouraged to take more breast.
Nipple looks compressed or flattened after feed (“lipstick shape”) means breast is being compressed rather than milk flowing freely — reposition, check that baby is not bunching breast tissue, aim for a wide mouth opening.
Supply concerns + pain: Painful feeding can lead to avoidance and decreased stimulation, which can impair supply; if latch issues persist, seeing an IBCLC can help preserve your supply and comfort.
When to seek professional help
If you have:
Significant, lasting pain after repositioning
Baby not swallowing or seems sleepy at breast + few wet/dirty diapers
Poor weight gain trends
Suspected anatomical issues (e.g., tongue-tie)
These warrant a consult with an IBCLC or lactation specialist. Early support improves outcomes and protects supply.
FAQs
How long should a feed last?
There’s no fixed “ideal” time. With an exclusively breastfed baby, expect somewhere around 8–12 feedings in 24 hours in early weeks. CDC Watch for signs of good transfer—swallowing, baby content, good diaper output—rather than the clock.
Do nursing shields solve pain?
A shield might temporarily reduce pain, but if latch mechanics are off, using a shield long-term can reduce stimulation and transfer, risking supply. Use only under guidance of a specialist.
Can I pump while we’re fixing latch issues?
Yes—but ensure you’re using correct flange size, avoid oversuction or long pump sessions meant to “make up” for poor latch (which can lead to trauma or oversupply). A balanced plan protects both supply and comfort.
Start by focusing on positioning and achieving a deep latch—this is the foundation for a successful, comfortable feeding relationship. If you’re still experiencing pain or poor transfer despite good mechanics, don’t wait—reach out for support.
If you’re dealing with persistent latch pain, shallow feeding, or low supply concerns—book a 1:1 lactation consultation with our IBCLC team today. We’ll work together on positioning, fit, and comfort so you can feed with confidence and ease.
I am a registered nurse in the State of Florida and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The content on this blog page is for informational and educational use only. I have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information shared is accurate, but I cannot guarantee that it is free from errors. The information shared here does not take the place of a medical provider, nor establishes any kind of client relationship with myself as a registered nurse or a lactation consultant. I am not your IBCLC or RN unless you book a consult with me directly and we establish a patient/caregiver relationship.