Struggling with latching?

These simple tips can help make breastfeeding more comfortable for you and your baby.


Breastfeeding Latch: 6 Tips Every Mom Should Know

Latching is one of the most important — 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 — parts of the breastfeeding journey. A good latch helps prevent nipple pain, ensures your baby is effectively removing milk, and supports your milk production.


But frequently, moms are left alone to figure out how to latch their babies to the breast. 𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙛𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨. So here is some information and guidance regarding positioning and latching the baby:

𝟏) 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆, 𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆: Your baby shouldn’t be flat, like a board, against your chest. Instead, their body should be slightly angled back in relation to yours, allowing for more freedom of movement in the head and neck — still tummy-to-tummy.


𝟐) 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒆: When bringing your baby to the breast, guide them by supporting the base of the head and neck — not the back of the head. This allows them to tilt their head back naturally and open their mouth wide.


𝟑) 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕: Before latching, your baby’s chin should touch your breast. This helps them latch from the bottom up, taking in more of the lower portion of the areola (asymmetric latch).

A blonde mother tenderly holds her newborn baby in soft, dramatic lighting against a dark background.

𝟒) 𝑵𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆: A well-latched baby will have their nose slightly away from the breast — not buried in it. This positioning helps them breathe better and latch more deeply.


𝟓) 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌: Look for your baby’s forehead to be gently tipped back, with their nose pointing up and mouth wide open — like they’re taking a big yawn toward your breast.


𝟔) 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 — not the breast to the baby: This helps maintain your posture and ensures a deeper latch. Hold your baby close, aligned, and stable — then wait for a wide-open mouth before bringing them to the breast in one swift, gentle movement.



Breastfeeding is a skill — and like any skill, it takes time, practice, and support to be mastered. Nights can feel lonely but you’re not alone on this journey. If you feel unsure, you can always reach out to a lactation consultant for help.


Writen by Marcela Rios | Doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor

Posted on Instagram @barbaracrepaldiphoto on June 19, 2025.

≫ These images are part of the “Breastfeeding Moment” project by photographer Barbara Crepaldi, with the support of doula Marcela Rios. The goal of this project is to share valuable information and create beautiful memories for the featured mothers. Every two months, Barbara Crepaldi Photography will host a raffle for subscribed women. The winner will receive a studio breastfeeding shoot, and her photos and story will be featured on Instagram and here.

For more information on how to participate, please visit the instagram page @BarbaraCrepaldiPhoto.