Description

Pain-free breastfeeding starts with the right latch

A good breastfeeding latch is the single biggest factor in comfortable breastfeeding. It doesn’t just protect your nipples from soreness – it also helps your baby draw milk effectively, which is what builds and maintains your milk supply.

Basics of Correct Breastfeeding Latch breaks the latch down into its individual components, so instead of guessing what went wrong every time a feed hurts, you can pinpoint exactly what to adjust.

What’s inside this guide

• The 4 components of a correct latch, step by step – choosing a comfortable position, lining baby’s nose up with your nipple, waiting for the wide “yawn” gape (100°+), and a simple 2-question latch check
• Signs of a good latch – what a wide gape, flanged lips and a steady suck-swallow-breathe rhythm look and sound like
• Signs of a poor latch – clicking sounds, ongoing pain and creased or “lipstick-shaped” nipples, and what they mean
• 4 illustrated breastfeeding holds – cross-cradle, cradle, football (clutch) and side-lying, with when each one works best (including after a C-section and for night feeds)
• Troubleshooting common latch problems – shallow latch, baby too far or too close, baby’s body angle, and a small mouth with a large nipple/areola (including the C-hold)
• A simple 3-step routine to build the habit – getting ready before baby wakes, positioning, and latching at the right moment
• The #1 early mistake to avoid – and how pillows and the right hold free up your hands to focus on the latch

Who this guide is for

• Expecting mothers who want to be prepared before baby arrives
• New mothers experiencing nipple pain or soreness during feeds
• Mothers worried their baby isn’t feeding effectively
• Anyone who wants a quick, practical reference to keep beside them while feeding

How to use it

Read it once in full before your next feed, then keep it nearby to check each component while you latch your baby. Most mothers find that one or two small adjustments – often waiting for the wide gape or getting the depth right – make the biggest difference.

Format

• 5-page illustrated PDF guide
• Instant digital download – read on your phone, tablet or print it

Created by

Prachi Shetye, Women’s Health Physiotherapist and Lactation Consultant – Pregnancy to Postpartum Roadmap.

This is an educational resource and is not a substitute for individual medical or lactation consultation. Illustrations are AI-generated for educational purposes. For personal use only – please do not copy, share or redistribute.

More help with your breastfeeding latch

Already dealing with sore or cracked nipples? Our free Quick Fix for Sore Nipples guide walks you through fast, practical relief. For calm, uninterrupted feeds, print the free Gentle Mama Door Sign for your nursery door. The NHS also has helpful guidance on breastfeeding positioning and attachment.