The key to breastfeeding is a great latch

Step 1: Notice your baby's hunger cues.

Your baby may:

* Move their head, looking for something to suck on

* Pull their hands and knees upward toward their face

* Make sucking noises and try to suck on anything they can find

Your baby will give you multiple cues at the same time (called “clustered cues”) when they need to tell you they are hungry. Your baby may even show you these hunger cues when they are sleeping! While in light sleep, they may begin to stir and have rapid eye movements (REM). They may then wake up and begin showing some of the hunger cues listed above. If their first hunger cues go unnoticed, they will begin to become upset and cry. Catching your baby’s cues before they cry will make latching easier.

Step 2: Get your baby in the right position for a good latch.

There are different ways to hold your baby to feed. You may choose positions that best support the needs of your baby or your body. Some examples of these holds include cradle, cross cradle, and laid back positions. Check out the upcoming breast or chestfeeding positions article to learn more.

Step 3: Put your baby's nose to your nipple.

Your baby will react by opening their mouth wide to show you they are ready to accept your nipple.

Step 4: Guide your baby to your breast or chest and position your nipple into their mouth.

Allow your baby to attach using a wide mouth. This will help them with swallowing. Your baby’s head should tilt back, their chin should be against your skin, and their tummy should touch or face your body.

Here are a few things you can look for to make sure your baby is latching properly:

With a great latch...

Your baby’s lips will be pressed outwards.
Your baby’s chin will be touching your skin.
Your baby’s cheeks will be rounded, not sucked in.
Your nipple will be pressed up against the very back of the roof of your baby’s mouth.
Your baby’s sucking motions will be long and deep, not short and shallow.
Your baby’s gulping will let you know they are getting milk.

Other things to consider...

Is breast or chestfeeding painful?

Breast or chestfeeding should not be painful. When your baby is first born, the feeding process will take some adjustment. Getting used to the process is different than being in pain. Pain could result from a poor latch. For example, your baby could be attached to the nipple only and not have enough of your breast or chest in their mouth. Feeding your baby in a laid-back position can help avoid a painful latch because it allows gravity to help. If your baby does not latch deeply the first try, unlatch and keep trying. You do not have to allow painful breast or chestfeeding to continue! If it causes you pain, get help. Talk with your healthcare provider, local WIC clinic, or a lactation consultant.

Are you experiencing cracked nipples?

Ouch! Cracked or bleeding nipples are sometimes the result of your baby not getting enough breast or chest tissue in their mouth for a proper latch. Talk with your healthcare provider, a lactation consultant, or a breast or chestfeeding staff member at your WIC agency if you are experiencing cracked or bleeding nipples, or other pain while feeding. It is important to get help as soon as possible. Ask how you and your baby can get a better latch to prevent more pain from occurring.