The key to comfortable breastfeeding is a deep latch. A proper latch helps decrease nipple pain and makes it easier for your baby to transfer milk effectively, supporting healthy growth and protecting your milk supply. A deep latch also helps prevent sore nipples and complications like plugged ducts.

What Is a Shallow Latch?

A shallow latch happens when your baby does not have enough breast tissue in their mouth to comfortably and efficiently express the milk. A shallow latch can lead to pain during feedings, nipple damage, and low milk transfer, which may reduce your milk supply over time. For your baby to feed effectively, your nipple should reach deep in their mouth. Here is a guide to help you achieve a deep latch and enjoy a pain-free breastfeeding experience.

Signs of a Shallow Latch:

  • Pain during feedings, nipple soreness or visible damage
  • Misshapen or compressed nipples after feedings
  • Your nipple changes color during or after breastfeeding
  • Baby's lips are curled inward when latched
  • Narrow angle at the corner of your baby’s mouth when latched
  • Quick, shallow sucking without pausing to swallow   
  • You little one becomes sleepy during feedings but always seems hungry
  • Dimples in your baby’s cheeks or smacking noises during feeding
  • Frequent painful plugged ducts (known as ductal narrowing)

Signs of a Deep Latch:

  • Breastfeeding does NOT hurt
  • Your baby’s chin presses into your breast
  • Their nose is tilted slightly back, lightly touching your breast
  • Your baby's mouth is open wide, latching beyond the base of your nipple
  • Your nipple lands at the roof of their mouth, beyond the hard palate
  • You see rhythmic ear and temple movement during feedings
  • You can hear and see active swallowing
  • Nipple looks round when they come off the breast
  • They appear content and full after feedings

Tips for Getting a Deep Latch

Breastfeed On Cue

Feeding your baby on cue—rather than on a strict schedule—helps keep them calm and makes latching easier. When babies are very hungry, they often cry and tense up, and become harder to latch. Offering the breast when you notice early hunger cues can prevent frustration for both you and your baby.

Look for these early signs:

  • Stirring or waking from sleep
  • Turning their head when you touch their cheek
  • "Rooting" or seeking the breast
  • Making gentle sucking or smacking noises
  • Sucking on their hands or lips

Newborns typically need to feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, so watch for their cues throughout the day and night rather than waiting for crying. Bringing your baby to the breast early supports a calm, relaxed feeding. Waiting until they are upset can make latching more difficult and stressful.

Get Comfortable: Check Your Baby's Positioning

Good positioning sets the foundation for a comfortable, deep latch. Babies feed using their whole bodies, not just their heads and mouths. Your baby looks for a place to anchor their chin, push with their toes, and feel the warmth of your body. Adjust your body, baby, and breast to whatever feels most comfortable and relieves tension. Different breastfeeding positions work for different moms and babies. Many find that breastfeeding in a reclined or laid-back position helps improve feeding attempts. Experimenting with different positions can help you learn what works well for you and your baby.

Tips for Achieving a Deep and Comfortable Latch

A wide-open mouth and rooting, with tongue extended over the lower gum line, are signs that your baby is ready to eat. To achieve a deep latch:

  • Bring your baby to your breast, not the other way around.
  • Hold your baby close, supporting their shoulder blades and upper back for stability.
  • Position your baby comfortably, making sure their head, neck, and spine form a straight line.
  • Touch your nipple to your baby’s upper lip to encourage their rooting reflex.
  • When their mouth opens wide, bring your baby close and try to latch.
  • Check that your baby’s lips are flanged outward and their chin presses into your breast, which signals a strong, effective latch.

Try Adding Breast Compressions

  • Place your hand in a “C” shape using your thumb and fingers to hold and apply gentle pressure to shape your breast.
  • Make sure your baby’s mouth is open wide when coming onto the breast.
  • Continue holding your breast and gently massaging or compressing until your baby begins sucking.
  • You can use breast compressions throughout the feeding to encourage your baby to continue feeding efficiently and transfer more milk.

Try an Exaggerated Latch

  • Using a cross-cradle position, support your baby’s head using your thumb and fingers just below their ears.
  • Place your thumb on your breast near your baby’s nose and your fingers underneath near their chin.
  • Tilt your breast up toward your baby's nose. The bottom of your breast should touch your baby’s lower lip, triggering them to open their mouth wide.
  • Once their mouth opens, roll your nipple and areola deep into their mouth.
  • Make sure baby’s lips are flanged outward (not tucked in) and that their lower lip and upper lip create a wide angle.
  • Make sure your baby’s arms are hugging each side of your breast and not crossed in front over his or her chest.

When to Seek Help

It is important to seek help from a Lactation Consultant right away if you and baby are struggling with the latching process. Seek help if latching is painful, if your nipples change shape, are irritated, or damaged after feedings, or if you are worried your baby may not be transferring enough milk.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.