Signs Your Baby Has a Good Latch — And What to Do If They Don't
If you're a new parent, the word 'latch' probably came up in every antenatal class, every midwife appointment, and every conversation about breastfeeding you've had. And for good reason. The latch — how your baby takes the breast — is the foundation of everything. Get it right, and breastfeeding tends to go well. When it's off, it can lead to pain, poor milk transfer, and a difficult start that doesn't have to be that way.
The good news is that latch problems are common and, in most cases, fixable. In this post, I'll walk you through exactly what a good latch looks like, the signs to watch for, and what to do if something doesn't feel quite right.
What Does a Good Latch Actually Look Like?
A good latch is about more than just getting the nipple into your baby's mouth. It's about how much of the breast your baby takes in, the position of their lips and jaw, and the way they suck and swallow.
When a baby latches well, they take a large mouthful of breast — not just the nipple. The nipple ends up deep in their mouth, near the soft palate, where it doesn't get compressed or damaged. This is what allows milk to flow freely and keeps feeding comfortable for you.
Signs Your Baby Is Latching Well
Here are the positive signs to look for during and after a feed:
Your baby's mouth is open wide, with lips flanged outward (like a fish) — not tucked in
You can see more areola above the top lip than below the bottom lip
Your baby's chin is pressing into your breast and their nose is clear or just lightly touching
You can hear or see your baby swallowing — this might sound like a soft 'kuh' or gulping sound
Feeding is comfortable — you may feel a strong pulling sensation, but not pain or pinching
Your baby comes off the breast on their own and looks satisfied
Your nipple looks rounded (not flattened, creased, or lipstick-shaped) after the feed
If most of these apply to you, your latch is likely working well. Trust what you're seeing — and if feeds feel comfortable and your baby is gaining weight, you're doing a great job.
Signs the Latch Needs Some Attention
Not all latch problems are obvious. Some are subtle but can build up into bigger issues over time — cracked nipples, low milk supply, or a baby who seems unsettled after feeds. Watch out for these signs:
Pain that doesn't ease after the first few seconds of latching on
Nipples that look flattened, creased, or lipstick-shaped after a feed
Your baby's lips are tucked in rather than flanged out
Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding — this suggests your baby is losing suction
Your baby seems to feed for very long periods but still seems unsatisfied or hungry
Cracked, bleeding, or very sore nipples
Poor weight gain or fewer wet and dirty nappies than expected
A note on pain: it is normal to feel some tenderness in the first few days of breastfeeding as your body adjusts. But persistent pain, or pain that feels sharp, burning, or stabbing, is a signal that something needs adjusting. Pain is not something you should push through — it is your body asking for help.
Common Reasons for a Poor Latch
A difficult latch can have a number of causes, and it's worth understanding what might be behind it rather than assuming it's something you're doing wrong:
Positioning — how you're holding your baby relative to your breast makes an enormous difference. Small adjustments to angle and support can transform a feed.
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) — if your baby has a tight frenulum under their tongue, it can restrict their ability to latch deeply and transfer milk effectively. This is something an IBCLC can assess.
Flat or inverted nipples — these can make it harder for a baby to latch initially, but with the right support and technique most parents can breastfeed successfully.
Engorgement — when breasts become very full and firm, it can be harder for a baby to get a deep latch. Softening the areola before feeding can help.
A baby's anatomy or muscle tension — sometimes babies have tight muscles from their position in the womb or from birth, which can affect how they open their mouth and latch.
What to Do If You're Struggling
First, and most importantly: struggling with latch is incredibly common, and it is not a reflection of your ability as a parent or your baby's ability to feed. It is a skill — for both of you — and most issues can be resolved with the right support.
Here are some practical first steps:
Try skin-to-skin contact before a feed. It activates your baby's feeding instincts and can help them latch more intuitively.
Experiment with feeding positions. The cradle hold is often taught first, but it's not right for everyone. Try the rugby hold, laid-back feeding, or side-lying — different positions suit different babies and bodies.
Wait for a wide, gaping mouth before bringing your baby to the breast. Tickle their top lip with your nipple and wait for them to open wide before latching.
Make sure your baby is tummy-to-tummy with you, with their head free to tilt back slightly — this helps them get a deeper latch.
Contact your midwife, health visitor, or a local breastfeeding support group if you're in the early days and struggling.
If you've tried the basics and things still aren't comfortable or feeding isn't going well, this is where seeing an IBCLC-qualified lactation consultant can make a real difference. An IBCLC can observe a full feed, assess your baby's oral function, identify the root cause of difficulties, and give you a personalised plan — not generic advice.
When to Seek Help Urgently
Get support as soon as possible if:
Your baby has fewer wet nappies than expected for their age
Your baby is losing weight beyond the normal 7–10% in the first week and not regaining it
You are in significant pain with every feed
Your baby seems unable to stay latched for more than a few seconds
You have any signs of mastitis — a hot, red, painful area of the breast, with or without flu-like symptoms
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Latch problems are one of the most common reasons parents reach out to me, and they're also one of the things I most love helping with — because when we get it right, the transformation in a feeding journey can be remarkable.
I offer initial lactation consultations at home across Thanet and Kent, as well as online appointments. In our session, I'll sit with you, observe a full feed, and give you clear, practical guidance tailored to you and your baby — not a leaflet and a wave goodbye.
Ready to get some support?
If you're struggling with latch, or simply want to make sure breastfeeding is going as well as it can be, I'd love to help. Book an initial consultation or get in touch to find out more.
→ Visit the Services page to see consultation options and prices
→ Book your consultation directly at the Book a Session page
About the Author
Abigail Ruffy is a Midwife and IBCLC-qualified Lactation Consultant based in Thanet, Kent. She provides home visit consultations and online appointments to families across Kent, supporting parents with all aspects of breastfeeding and infant feeding. She is also currently training as a Birth Trauma Resolution Practitioner.
Website: breastfeedingwithabigail.co.uk · Email: abigailibclc@gmail.com
