Latch: What "Good" Actually Looks Like, and Why Pain Isn't Something to Push Through

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is: "Is my baby latching properly?"

A good latch is the foundation of comfortable, effective breastfeeding. When your baby is latched well, they can transfer milk efficiently, your body gets the right signals to keep making milk, and feeding is more comfortable and enjoyable for you both.

So what does a good latch actually look like?

• Your baby's mouth is wide open before attaching to the breast
• Your baby spreads their tongue, "searching," before latching on
• Their bottom lip and chin sit closer to the edge of the areola than to the nipple
• A good amount of areola is in their mouth once latched, especially on the underside
• Their chin is touching the breast, and their nose is free
• You can hear or see steady swallowing
• Feeding feels comfortable, not pinching or painful

When a latch might need adjusting

If breastfeeding is painful, your nipples are damaged, feeds feel very long, or your baby seems unsettled or isn't gaining weight as expected, these are all signs the latch may need adjusting.

Most importantly: pain is not normal. It is not something you just have to push through, and it's not the price of admission for breastfeeding, however often that idea gets repeated.

The good news

Latch issues are very common, and they're very fixable. Small changes in positioning or in the timing of feeds can make a significant difference to both comfort and milk transfer. This isn't usually about starting over, it's about adjusting a few specific things that are getting missed.

If you're unsure about your baby's latch, or breastfeeding doesn't feel as comfortable or confident as you'd hoped, personalised support can help get you back on track. You can link in with one of the Best Start Lactation Consultants, and we'll help you and your baby work toward a pain-free latch.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Knowing what to look for changes everything

Most latch problems don't get fixed because no one's shown the mum what to actually look for, not because the fix itself is complicated. Once you know the difference between a deep latch and a shallow one, you can catch and correct issues yourself long before they turn into cracked nipples or a frustrated baby.

Inside the Best Start Breastfeeding Membership, you'll learn exactly how to recognise a good latch, what to adjust when something feels off, and how to protect your nipples while you and your baby get there together. You'll also have weekly group calls where you can bring your specific latch questions, plus a community of mums working through the same thing in real time. 

You get 12 months of access for one payment of $299, or $70/month if you'd rather spread it out.

[Join the Best Start Breastfeeding Membership →]

If you're unsure about your baby's latch, or breastfeeding doesn't feel as comfortable as you hoped, reach out. We'll help you get to a pain-free latch.

Eve Coote Best Start Lactation — "Evidence-based breastfeeding support for you and your baby."