How to Achieve Pain-Free Latching: Expert Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Many people tell new moms that it’s “normal” for breastfeeding to hurt, but the truth is, pain is a red-flag, not a rite of passage. While discomfort while you’re learning is normal, it’s still a sign that you need to make an adjustment… that’s the whole point of learning right? Make a mistake, and fix it.

When breastfeeding is painful, you’ll start dreading feeding time, could be at risk for nipple damage which could lead to infections, and usually you’ll either cut feeding time short, or the reason for the pain means your baby also isn’t draining the breast fully, which can negativley impact milk supply. 

In this post, we’re going to go deep into achieving a great latch from day one, so you can enjoy breastfeeding your baby! 

What Is a Deep Latch and Why Is It Essential?

Defining the Deep Latch

A deep latch is visually recognized by a wide open mouth that includes the areola, whereas a shallow latch is when baby is only using the nipple. I once heard a speaker at a lactation conference say “babies don't nipple feed, they breastfeed” and it’s such a great explanation of a deep latch… Babies need to include the soft breast tissue into their latch because this is how they stimulate the milk to flow, this fills the oral cavity for better suction, and the nipple is actually drawn back toward the soft palate to eject milk directly down the throat. 

A deep latch that includes the BREAST, not just the nipple, improves feeding comfort. When the baby is latched to the nipple only, damage occurs because the baby will compress the nipple in the way it is supposed to compress the breast. 

 Benefits of a Deep Latch for Mom and Baby

• • Reduced nipple pain and damage.
  • Efficient milk transfer leading to better weight gain in baby.
  • Less effort for the baby, promoting more efficient and  relaxing feeds.

The Key Steps to Achieving a Deep Latch

 Calm baby for breastfeeding

Feeding a very upset and fussy baby can be very difficult. It can be easier to get a deep latch when you’re working WITH your baby, not against. For this reason, it is essential to ensure you are catching early feeding cues, instead of waiting for baby to be SCREAMING. Crying is considered a late feeding cue, and this can mean they are impatient and uncooperative when latching.

If your baby is really upset and struggling to calm down, sometimes having another adult soothe the baby, walking outside for fresh air, or using what I call “the magic baby hold” can settle baby enough to be calmer for latching. 

 Aligning Baby’s Body for Success

Your baby’s position can make a huge difference in how well baby latches. One thing to check is that the front of your baby’s body is against your body. If their shoulders and/or hips are twisted away, this can lead to more difficulty supporting a deep latch. 

Encouraging a Wide-Open Mouth

Many people struggle to get a deep latch because the baby’s mouth “won’t open wide enough”.  The truth is, most people just aren’t triggering the baby’s mouth TO open wide! Encouraging chin extension and stimulating the gape reflex by touching the baby's chin to the breast can encourage a wider mouth for a deep latch. 

Common Challenges When Attempting a Deep Latch

 Shallow Latch Despite Attempts

If your baby is not getting a deep latch no matter what you try, you’re probably both going to feel frustrated. Here are some reasons your baby may not be getting a deep latch:  

•  Still need some positioning adjustments: If your baby seems well aligned but not quite comfortable, try switching from a football or cradle hold to a laid back position or side-lying position. These are my favorites for supporting a deep latch. 
•  Their chin is not extended enough: If you’re touching the back of your baby’s head or SMOOSHING their face to the breast, they may not be able to extend their chin well for a deep latch. Try supporting the neck and lower back of the head in a slight tilt back.  
• Engorgement is making the breast too hard - When the breasts are full and swollen, Reverse pressure softening can help soften the breast to allow for a deep latch. 

 When to Seek Professional Help

If you aren’t able to get a deep latch despite changing position, latching techniques, and being patient, then you might need to see a lactation consultant for extra support. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a small and simple adjustment you haven’t though of, other times there’s a deeper issue at play. If you are experiencing nipple damage, intense pain, a baby who can’t latch or gets a deep latch but immediately falls asleep wihotu feeding, a consult with an IBCLC is a good idea. 

It is really important that you know that just because the latch LOOKS like it’s deep, doesn’t mean it’s a good latch. Looking deep is important, but if it doesn’t FEEL like a good latch, then something on the inside isn’t working right. This is why I often tell people that it doesn’t matter how the latch LOOKS at the end of the day, what matters most is how it FEELS and if it WORKS. If you’re uncomfortable or your baby isn’t geting enough milk, something needs to change. 

Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Consistent Progress

Breastfeeding is a learned skill. It doesn’t always come naturally and can feel like you need 897 hands to get a good and comfortable latch. It won’t always be that way. While you’re learning, discomfort can be expected, but you never need to wait it out. That discomfort is a sign you need to make some adjustments, so check baby’s position , unlatch and try again. If it just doesn’t seem to be working, get a lactation consultant to help you out. 

• Make sure the chin isn’t tucked 
• Always make sure your baby’s body is in alignment to support a deep latch 
• If the latch hurts, unlatch and try again 
• You don’t have to suffer in pain 
• Managing engorgement can help prevent painful latches 

If you want to enjoy pain-free breastfeeding from day one, or you’re currently struggling with getting a good latch and need more support, Latching With Confidence was designed to help you prevent & overcome painful latches so you can actually enjoy breastfeeding. You’ll get a deep dive on good latches vs. bad latches, positions for a deeper latch, latch techniques you probably didn’t know, tips on managing engorgement, guidance on nipple healing, nipple shields, tongue ties, and so much more! The best part is I firmly believe that breastfeeding is not one size fits all, which means you probably will have some questions or challenges that need a little more insight. That’s why when you join the Latching With Confidence class, you get 30 day FREE inside the Confident MamaBear Society where you can bring your specific questions to our live Q&A calls, or ask them inside the support community for expert insight and guidance.

If you want to learn how to get a better latch so you can enjoy breastfeeding, join Latching With Confidence today.