Achieving a deep, comfortable latch is one of the most important parts of breastfeeding. It is a coordinated effort between you and your baby: your little one shows readiness cues, and you respond by guiding them into a position where they can feed effectively. A good latch should never hurt — breastfeeding should be a calm, positive experience for both of you. Beyond being a way to nourish your baby, breastfeeding also comforts, strengthens your bond, and supports their growth and development in profound ways.

Why the Latch Matters

When a baby breastfeeds directly at the breast, the mechanics are very different from bottle feeding. A deep latch encourages the lower jaw to widen and the palate to expand, as breast tissue fills the mouth and the tongue presses it firmly against the roof. This action not only improves milk transfer but also promotes healthy oral and facial development, including the dental arches, palate, and sinus space. Babies who feed only from bottles often use their oral muscles differently, which can influence future growth patterns of the jaw and teeth.

Breastfeeding also involves a chain of reflexive movements: rooting, gaping, tongue extension, and sucking. Each session is practice for your baby’s nervous system and muscles, reinforcing the pathways in the brain that coordinate feeding. If challenges like tongue tie, muscle tension, or birth-related restrictions get in the way, your baby may compensate by using alternative movements, which can ripple into other developmental areas down the line.

Steps for a Successful Latch

1. Start With Skin-to-Skin

Placing your baby directly on your bare chest helps regulate their breathing, heart rate, and nervous system. Skin-to-skin releases oxytocin, the hormone that supports bonding and stimulates milk flow. It also gives your baby the freedom to use their arms and legs to instinctively “crawl” toward the breast. Avoid swaddling or mittens, which can limit movement and sensory input. Babies often knead or massage the breast with their hands as they nurse — an important part of natural feeding behavior.

2. Get Yourself Comfortable First

Your comfort is essential. When your body is supported, your baby feels more stable too. A reclined or laid-back position allows gravity to help keep your baby close, while pillows can support your arms and back. With this setup, your body supports your baby’s weight and frees them to focus on coordinating their latch. When their hands rest on your breast, it also provides extra stability for their shoulders and neck.

3. Position Baby Below the Nipple

It is a common mistake to line up your baby’s mouth directly with your nipple, but this often results in a shallow latch. Instead, position your baby slightly lower than the nipple so they naturally tilt their head back, leading with the chin. Let your breast fall naturally, and if needed, use a rolled washcloth beneath for gentle support. Avoid holding your breast in a way that blocks your baby’s mouth or forces you to maintain the hold throughout the feed.

Support your baby by placing your hand on their shoulder blades, not the back of their head. Pressing the back of the head can cause them to push against your hand, tuck their chin down, and struggle to open wide. This disrupts natural reflexes like rooting and tongue extension. Allowing the head to tilt back freely enables the jaw, tongue, and hyoid bone to align for an effective, deep latch.

4. Chest-to-Chest, Chin-to-Breast

Hold your baby belly to belly with you, ensuring there are no gaps between your bodies. As they tilt their head back — similar to how you would when drinking a glass of water — the chin should touch the breast first. This chin-first contact helps your baby open their mouth wide, ready for a deep and effective latch.

5. Aim for a Wide, Deep Latch

Encouraging a wide, open mouth (gape) helps your baby take in more breast tissue, form a strong seal, and extend their tongue over the lower gum line. Ideally, the bottom lip lands at the edge of the areola while the top lip rests just above the nipple, leaving some areola visible above. In upright feeding positions, pull your baby in close to avoid gaps between your bodies. A reclined position naturally keeps you connected. Once attached, your baby should begin to nurse in a smooth suck–swallow–breathe rhythm.

6. Stay Relaxed and Calm

Babies are highly sensitive to your emotions. If you are anxious or tense, oxytocin — the hormone responsible for milk release — may be inhibited, making feeding more difficult. Aim to begin latching when your baby is calm, drowsy, or showing early hunger cues like rooting, hand-to-mouth movements, or lip-licking. Waiting until they are crying can make the process more stressful for both of you. Just as adults eat more calmly when not overly hungry, babies feed more effectively when they are settled.

7. Practice Every Feed

Every breastfeeding session is a chance to practice and improve. Your baby strengthens the reflexes and muscles needed for feeding, while you learn how to adjust positioning and support for comfort. Over time, the process becomes smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable. These practice moments also deepen your bond and meet both physical and emotional needs.

When to Get Help

If latching is painful, your baby seems frustrated, or feeding doesn’t feel effective, it may be time to reach out to  Lactation Consultant. A skilled consultant can assess for oral restrictions, muscle tension, or positioning challenges and offer personalized solutions.

Takeaway

Good latching is about connection as much as technique. With practice, patience, and support, you and your baby can develop a comfortable and rewarding feeding relationship that nurtures both growth and bonding.