Latch (breastfeeding)

A good latch promotes high milk flow and minimizes nipple discomfort for the mother, whereas poor latch results in poor milk transfer to the baby and can quickly lead to sore and cracked nipples.

In a good latch, both the nipple and a large portion of the areola are in the baby's mouth.

The nursing hold that works best for mother and baby is sometimes discovered through trial and error.

Recommendations for nursing mothers is to: Latching on is facilitated by secretions from the nipple that are reported to help align the infants' head with the mother's breast and thought to promote latching and sucking.

A bad, uncorrected latch can damage the nipple and compromise milk flow for the baby.

The infant's head should be slightly tilted back to make nursing and swallowing easier.

If the baby is not latching on well and doesn't seem to be gaining weight mothers are advised to contact the pediatrician or nurse to ask about this.

[4] Lactation consultants are experts in helping mothers teach their babies to latch better.

A good latch. The lower portion of the areola is well within the baby's mouth, which is opened wide. Lips are flanged out.
The process of achieving a good latch (1 minute 7 seconds)
How breastfeeding latch affects milk flow (12 seconds)
A shallow latch, where the tongue does not have good contact with the areola, leads to pain and poor milk flow.
Latching illustration