How to latch-on

What a good latch looks like

Support your breast

• Hold your breast with your hand well behind the darker area around the nipple (areola).
• Place your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other.
• Turn your hand so your thumb is across form your baby's nose.

Position your baby

• Hold your baby so their head and body face your body.
• Your baby's nose should line up with your nipple.

Help your baby turn toward the breast and open wide

• Gently stroke your baby's cheek with your finger or nipple. This helps your baby turn their face toward you. This is called the rooting reflex.
• Touch your baby's lips with your nipple. This should make your baby open their mouth wide, like a yawn.
• If your breast feels very firm, you may need to express a little milk first to soften the area.
• Putting a small amount of colostrum on your nipple may help your baby latch and start sucking.
• Point your nipple toward the roof of your baby's mouth.
• Quickly and gently bring your baby onto your breast.
• Your baby's bottom lip should be farther from the nipple that the top lip.
• Your baby's lips should be turned outward, like fish lips. This usually happens when your baby opens wide before latching.

During a good latch

• Your baby will suck with steady bursts.
• You should hear swallowing.
• At first, your baby may suck quickly until the milk starts to flow.
• A good, deep latch should not pinch or hurt.
• Support your baby's head and neck so your baby is close to your breast.

After feeding

• When your baby comes off the breast, your nipple should look longer and evenly rounded.

If your baby falls asleep

• If your baby falls asleep in less than 10 minutes while nursing, keep using the same breast.
• Take your baby off the breast and burp them.
• Try to wake your baby by talking, rubbing their back or feet or removing some clothing.
• Then offer the same breast again.

Discomfort

• It's normal to have some discomfort when your baby first latches during the first week.
• If pain lasts longer than 7 days, call your lactation resource.

Who to call with questions

• If you have questions about your baby's health, feeding or weight gain, contact your baby's health care provider.
• If you have questions about breastfeeding, talk with your lactation consultant or nurse.