Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a skill you and your baby learn together — and the first couple of weeks can feel clumsy for both of you. The good news: most early problems come down to one fixable thing, the latch. Here’s a calm, plain-language guide to getting comfortable.
This is general information, not medical advice — check with your doctor, midwife or a lactation consultant if you have concerns about feeding.
What does a good latch look like?
A good latch means your baby takes a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple. Look for these signs:
- A wide-open mouth, like a yawn, before latching on.
- Lips flanged outward (turned out like fish lips), not tucked in.
- Chin touching the breast, nose free to breathe.
- More of the darker skin (areola) showing above the top lip than below.
- Slow, deep sucks with pauses, and you can hear or see swallowing.
- Comfort — after the first few seconds of drawing-in, it shouldn’t hurt.
If you notice pinching pain, a clicking sound, or your nipple comes out flattened and lipstick-shaped, the latch is probably too shallow. That’s common and fixable — see below.
The main breastfeeding positions
There’s no single “correct” hold. The best position is the one where your baby latches deeply and you can relax. Here are the four most parents start with.
| Position | Good for | Quick description |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-cradle | Newborns, learning to latch | Baby across your body, supported by the opposite arm so you control the head |
| Cradle | Older, established feeders | Baby’s head rests in the crook of your arm on the same side |
| Football (rugby) | After a c-section, twins, large breasts | Baby tucked under your arm at your side, feet pointing behind you |
| Side-lying | Night feeds, recovering from birth | You and baby lie facing each other on your sides |
A few tips for any position:
- Bring baby to you, not the breast to baby. Lift baby to nipple height with pillows or your arm.
- Tummy to tummy — baby’s whole front faces you, ears, shoulders and hips in a line.
- Support yourself first — relaxed shoulders, back supported, a drink within reach.
How do I fix a shallow latch?
If feeding pinches or your nipple looks pinched afterwards, don’t push through the pain. Reset:
- Break the suction gently — slip a clean finger into the corner of baby’s mouth.
- Get baby calm and ready, mouth at nipple level, head tilted slightly back.
- Tickle the upper lip with your nipple to trigger a wide, open mouth.
- Wait for the big gape, then bring baby on quickly, aiming your nipple toward the roof of the mouth so they take a deep mouthful from underneath.
- Check the signs above. If it still hurts, unlatch and try once more.
It can take several tries, and that’s completely normal. Many latches that feel “almost right” just need baby pulled in a little closer with the chin leading.
How long and how often should feeds last?
Newborns feed often — roughly 8 to 12 times in 24 hours is typical in the early weeks, including through the night. Feeds can be short or long, and that varies feed to feed. Rather than watching the clock, follow your baby: offer the breast at early hunger cues (rooting, hands to mouth, stirring) rather than waiting for crying.
If it helps you keep track of which side you fed on last and how things are going, our nursing timer logs feeds, durations and the last side used — handy in those foggy early-newborn days. When you’re weighing your feeding options more broadly, our guide on breastfeeding vs formula walks through it without judgement.
How can I make feeds more comfortable?
Once the latch is sorted, small comfort tweaks make a big difference over the long days and nights:
- Switch positions across the day so no single spot on your nipple takes all the wear.
- Support the breast lightly with a C-shaped hand if it’s heavy, keeping fingers back from the areola so they don’t block the latch.
- Let nipples air-dry after feeds, and a drop of your own milk rubbed in can soothe soreness.
- Look after yourself — keep water and a snack nearby, and feed somewhere you can lean back and breathe. A relaxed body lets your milk flow more easily.
These habits won’t fix a poor latch on their own, but alongside a deep latch they keep feeding sustainable rather than something you grit your teeth through.
When should I get lactation help?
You don’t have to wait until things feel hard. Reach out to a lactation consultant, midwife, health visitor or doctor if:
- Feeding hurts every time, or you have cracked, bleeding or very sore nipples.
- Your baby isn’t gaining weight or isn’t having enough wet and dirty nappies.
- Your baby seems hungry all the time, or is hard to wake for feeds.
- You see signs of a blocked duct or mastitis (a hot, red, painful patch, with feeling unwell).
- You simply feel stuck or overwhelmed — that’s reason enough.
Getting someone to watch a full feed can solve in ten minutes what feels impossible at 3am. Asking for help early is a sign of good parenting, not failure.
This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. For concerns about feeding, your milk supply, your baby’s growth or your own health, your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant is the best person to ask.