If you’re dealing with difficulty latching while breastfeeding, you’re not alone. This is one of the challenging (and frustrating) parts of breastfeeding, especially in those early weeks.
Latch issues are one of the most common reasons new moms feel overwhelmed in the early days. One minute you’re told breastfeeding is “natural,” and the next you’re sitting there with a hungry baby, sore nipples, a pillow mountain around you, and absolutely no clue how something so “natural” can feel so complicated.
Breastfeeding may be natural, but it is also a learned skill for both mom and baby. It can take time, practice, and support to get a comfortable, effective latch. As babies grow, they become more efficient, skilled feeders, and that in-between stage can be difficult to manage.
The NHS describes breastfeeding as a skill that both you and your baby learn together, and notes that pain or a baby who does not seem satisfied after feeds may be signs baby is not latching well. (nhs.uk)
The good news? Most latch issues can improve with the right support, positioning, and feeding plan.
What Does Difficulty Latching Mean?
Difficulty latching usually means your baby is struggling to attach deeply and comfortably to the breast.
This may look like:
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Baby cannot latch at all
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Baby latches, then slips off
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Baby clicks while feeding
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Baby gets frustrated or cries at the breast
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Baby only sucks on the nipple instead of taking in more breast tissue
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Feeds feel painful
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Baby falls asleep quickly at the breast
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Baby seems hungry again soon after feeding
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Your nipples look pinched, flattened, creased, or misshapen after feeds
A shallow latch usually means the baby is attached mostly to the nipple instead of taking a deeper mouthful of breast tissue. Cleveland Clinic explains that a poor latch often means the baby’s mouth is only attached to the nipple, which can cause nipple pain; a deeper latch includes the nipple and much of the areola. (Cleveland Clinic)
Simply put, your baby needs more than “nipple only.” A deep latch helps baby remove milk more effectively and helps protect your nipples from pain and damage.
Why Latch Issues Happen
There are many reasons a baby may have latch issues. Sometimes it is one clear thing but more often, it is a mix of several small things happening at once.
Baby is Still Learning
In the first few days, latch struggles are common. Stanford Children’s Health notes that it is common for babies to have trouble latching or maintaining suction in the early days, but if the problem continues, additional help is needed. (Stanford Children's Health)
Your baby is learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, breathing, opening wide, staying awake, and transferring milk. It’s a lot to ask of a newborn - and a new mom who is exhausted!
Remember, you are just learning, too! It can take time to build the confidence you need.
Baby is Too Hungry or Too Frustrated
A very hungry baby may have a harder time latching calmly. If baby is crying, arching, or frantic, try calming them first with skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, or a small amount of expressed milk in a syringe before trying again.
An angry newborn can be one of the most difficult states to feed in, so it’s always best to try and reset the situation rather than forcing a feed.
This is one of the biggest “why did no one tell me?” newborn moments: sometimes the best way to get baby to latch is to pause the latch attempt.
Engorgement Is Making the Breast Too Firm
If your breasts are very full, swollen, or firm, baby may struggle to get enough breast tissue into their mouth. The Breastfeeding Network notes that when breasts are very full or engorged, expressing just enough milk to soften the breast may make latching easier. (The Breastfeeding Network). Reverse pressure softening or “breast gymnastics” can also help to move fluid and make the breasts easier to latch on.
You do not necessarily need to empty the breast first. Sometimes, just a little softening around the nipple and areola can help.
Positioning Needs a Small Adjustment
Sometimes latch issues are less about baby and more about the setup.
Baby may need to be closer, turned fully toward you, or supported differently. A small shift in baby’s body can make a big difference. Baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip should generally be aligned, and baby should come to the breast rather than you leaning your body toward baby.
Your back deserves better than the shrimp curl. At the end of the day, as long as you are comfortable and baby is comfortable and in a position where they can eat effectively, that’s all that matters. Use pillows to support you, not your baby.
Nipple Shape or Breast Shape Is Making Latch Harder
Flat, short, or inverted nipples can sometimes make latching more challenging. Larger breasts, very full breasts, or certain breast shapes can also change how baby attaches.
This does not mean breastfeeding cannot work. It just means you may need different positioning, hand support, pumping or hand expression before feeds, or temporary tools like a nipple everter or a nipple shield with lactation guidance.
Baby May Need Oral Function Support
Sometimes latch issues are related to how baby moves their tongue, jaw, lips, or cheeks. This can include tension, a tongue tie, a lip tie, or other oral function challenges.
An IBCLC can assess how baby is feeding and refer you to the right provider if something needs a closer look.
Signs of a Good Breastfeeding Latch
A good latch should feel like tugging or pulling, not sharp pain.
Signs baby may be latched well include:
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Baby’s mouth is open wide
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Baby’s lips are flanged outward
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Baby’s chin is touching or close to the breast
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There is plenty of space between baby’s chin and chest
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Baby takes in more than just the nipple
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You hear or see swallowing
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Baby has rhythmic sucking and pauses
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Feeding becomes more comfortable after the first few seconds
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Your nipple looks round, not pinched or flattened, after feeding
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Baby seems relaxed or satisfied after feeding
A latch may feel tender in the early days, especially while nipples are adjusting, but ongoing pain, cracking, bleeding, or toe-curling pain is not something you should just “push through.”
Signs Baby May Not Be Transferring Enough Milk
Latch is not only about comfort. It is also about milk transfer.
A baby needs to remove milk well to gain weight and help maintain your milk supply. Stanford Children’s Health explains that if baby does not remove enough milk, baby may have poor weight gain, and poor milk removal can also affect milk supply. (Stanford Children's Health)
A baby who is just “hanging out” on the breast (just a few sucks here and there - not a consistent suck, swallow, breathe pattern) likely isn’t transferring milk appropriately. This can be common in the early days where babies can be more sleepy.
Reach out to your pediatrician or IBCLC if you notice:
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Fewer wet or dirty diapers than expected for their age
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Baby seems sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
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Baby feeds for a very long time but still seems hungry
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Baby falls asleep quickly every time they latch
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Baby is not gaining weight as expected
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You have ongoing nipple pain or damage
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Your breasts still feel very full after feeds
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You are worried baby is not getting enough milk
When in doubt, get help sooner. You do not have to wait until you are crying in a nursing bra at 3 a.m. to deserve support.
How to Help Baby With Latch Issues
Here are some simple things to try if baby is having difficulty latching while breastfeeding.
1. Start With Skin-to-Skin
Skin-to-skin can help baby calm down and reconnect with the breast without pressure. Place baby on your bare chest, diaper only if possible, and give them a few minutes to settle.
This can be especially helpful before a feed, after a stressful latch attempt, or when baby seems frantic.
2. Feed Before Baby Is Too Hungry
Try offering the breast when baby shows early hunger cues, like stirring, rooting, turning their head, bringing hands to mouth, or making little mouth movements.
Crying is a late hunger cue. Once baby is crying, they may need help calming before they can latch well. If your baby is sleeping for long periods of time and waking up hysterical, consider seeing if you can start to stimulate them earlier. You can try and give a syringe of milk while finger feeding to help calm the baby first.
3. Bring Baby to the Breast, Not Breast to Baby
Get comfortable first. Bring baby close with their whole body turned toward you. Wait for a wide-open mouth, then bring baby in quickly and gently.
If you are leaning forward, twisting, or holding your breath, reset. You are not a human docking station. Baby comes to you.
4. Try a Different Position
Different positions can completely change the latch. There’s no perfect position (despite what social media tries to tell you) so try a variety until you find what works for you and your baby.
You can try:
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Cross-cradle hold
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Football hold
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Laid-back breastfeeding
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Side-lying position
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Koala/upright hold
Laid-back breastfeeding can be especially helpful because gravity supports baby’s body against yours. Football hold can be helpful after a C-section or with larger breasts. Side-lying can be a lifesaver when you are exhausted, as long as you can do it safely and stay awake enough to manage baby.
5. Shape the Breast
Some babies latch better when the breast is gently compressed or shaped. You can try holding your breast in a “sandwich” shape, with your fingers well behind the areola, so baby can take a deeper mouthful.
Think of matching the direction of baby’s mouth, not flattening the breast randomly.
6. Soften the Areola if You Are Engorged
If your breast is too firm, try hand expressing or pumping briefly before latching. You can also use reverse pressure softening, which gently moves swelling away from the nipple area.
The goal is not to drain the breast. The goal is to make the area softer so baby can latch more deeply.
7. Use Expressed Milk to Encourage Baby
Hand express a few drops of milk onto the nipple before latching. This can help baby smell and taste milk right away, which may encourage them to keep trying.
This is especially helpful for sleepy babies or babies who get frustrated waiting for letdown.
8. Break the Seal and Relatch if It Hurts
If latch is painful and stays painful, gently place a clean finger in the corner of baby’s mouth to break the suction, then try again.
Do not pull baby off while suction is strong. Your nipples have been through enough.
9. Consider a Nipple Shield With Lactation Support
A nipple shield can be helpful for some latch issues, especially when baby is struggling to stay attached, baby was born early, nipples are flat or inverted, or mom is experiencing pain and needs a temporary tool to continue breastfeeding.
Cleveland Clinic describes a nipple shield as a thin silicone device that covers the nipple during breastfeeding and may help babies who are having issues latching. (Cleveland Clinic) La Leche League GB also describes nipple shields as tools that may help a baby who is having difficulty learning to breastfeed. (La Leche League GB)
That said, nipple shields are best used with support from an IBCLC or lactation professional so you can monitor latch, milk transfer, baby’s weight, and your supply and help you transition from the shield when ready.
When to Ask an IBCLC for Help
It’s never too soon to reach out for help. Contact an IBCLC or lactation professional if:
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Baby cannot latch
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Latch is painful beyond the first few seconds
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Your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or damaged
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Baby is not gaining weight well
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Baby has fewer wet or dirty diapers than expected
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Baby clicks, slips off, or cannot stay latched
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Feeds are taking a very long time
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Baby seems unsatisfied after feeds
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You are using a nipple shield and want help with fit, transfer, or weaning
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You feel anxious, defeated, or unsure what to do next
An IBCLC can observe a feed, check positioning, assess baby’s milk transfer, and help you create a plan that fits your body, your baby, and your goals.
Can Latch Issues Affect Milk Supply?
Yes, they can.
Milk supply is built and maintained by milk removal. If baby is not latching deeply or transferring milk well, your breasts may not get the signal to keep making enough milk. Stanford Children’s Health notes that poor milk removal can affect milk supply. (Stanford Children's Health)
That does not mean one bad feed ruins everything. It means that if latch issues continue, it is worth getting support and protecting milk removal through feeding, pumping, or hand expression when needed.
What If Breastfeeding Feels Emotionally Hard?
Latch issues are not just physical. They can feel deeply emotional.
When baby will not latch, it can feel personal, even though it is not. When feeding hurts, it can make you dread the next feed. When everyone says “just keep trying,” but your baby is crying and your nipples hurt, it can feel impossible.
So let’s say the quiet part clearly: struggling with latch does not make you less of a mother.
You are learning. Your baby is learning. You deserve help that is practical, kind, and judgment-free.
FAQ: Difficulty Latching and Breastfeeding Latch Issues
Why is my baby having difficulty latching?
Baby may be having difficulty latching because of positioning, engorgement, nipple shape, prematurity, sleepiness, oral tension, tongue movement, or simply needing more practice. An IBCLC can help identify what is happening during a feed.
How do I know if my baby has a shallow latch?
Signs of a shallow latch include nipple pain, pinched or flattened nipples after feeding, clicking sounds, baby slipping off, short or frustrating feeds, or baby seeming unsatisfied after nursing.
Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?
Some tenderness can happen early on, but sharp, ongoing, or worsening pain is not something to ignore. Pain is often a sign that latch or positioning needs support. If you are cringing or crying through every feed, that is definitely not normal.
Can a nipple shield help with latch issues?
A nipple shield may help some babies latch, especially if baby struggles to stay attached or mom has flat or inverted nipples. It is best to use one with lactation guidance so milk transfer and supply can be monitored.
What should I do if my newborn will not latch at all?
Try skin-to-skin, hand express milk, keep baby calm, and get help from an IBCLC as soon as possible. You may also need a plan to protect milk supply through hand expression or pumping while baby practices latching.
When should I call a lactation consultant?
Call a lactation consultant if latch is painful, baby cannot stay latched, baby is not gaining weight well, feeds are very long or stressful, or you feel unsure whether baby is getting enough milk.
Final Thoughts on Difficulty Latching While Breastfeeding
If you are dealing with difficulty latching while breastfeeding, you are in good company.
Latch issues are common, but they are also worth supporting early. A deeper latch can protect your nipples, help baby transfer milk, support your supply, and make feeding feel more manageable.
Try small adjustments. Use tools when they help. Ask for support before you are completely depleted.
Breastfeeding does not have to look effortless to be beautiful. Sometimes the most beautiful thing is simply this: you and your baby, learning together, one feed at a time.
This blog was written by Katie Clark, IBCLC
Katie is an IBCLC specializing in complex milk supply challenges, pumping support, and prenatal preparation. She is dedicated to helping moms feel informed, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
