Breastfeeding: Mastering the First Latch | From a Certified Lactation Consultant & Mom of 3

This blog post was written by the Infant Insights SLP and Certified Lactation Consultant specializing in infant feeding.

I won’t be the first to congratulate you on your squishy new babe, nor the first to tell you that breastfeeding can be hard. But hopefully, I’ll be the first to offer a quick, easily digestible guide to help you and your baby master the first latch, setting you both up for success in this breastfeeding marathon.

Quick Disclaimer

Your baby’s latch will evolve—what works on the first try might look different by the 6th, 20th, or even 100th attempt. But starting off with confidence sets you and your little team up for success.

Preparing for Success

If you’ve made it through the birthing process, you already know mindset matters. Our bodies are designed to breastfeed. If you feel yourself starting to worry, just remind yourself of this.

In these first days, mental and physical comfort are crucial. Whether you’re still in the hospital or back home, find a cozy spot to feed your baby where you feel relaxed. Being prepared and comfortable can make a world of difference. Here are my top tips for getting comfy:

• Find a spot to sit where you are supported and comfortable.

• Have a nursing pillow and some blankets nearby. Sometimes we need to adjust the amount of support, and rolled-up blankets are so easy to adjust.

• Keep a water bottle handy—breastfeeding makes us thirsty, and you might be here for a while.

• Have some extra burp cloths or rags within reach. 

Latching Step-by-Step

Step One: Watching for Baby’s Cues

This is actually more like step zero. As soon as your baby starts showing signs of hunger, it’s time to get ready! But how do you know when your baby's hungry? Look for these cues 👇 

• Open mouth

• Head turning from side to side

• Nuzzling close to you with an open mouth (called rooting)

• Bringing hands to her mouth

The closer your baby is to your milk supply, the more cues she’ll show. Missing these cues can lead to frustration, and an upset baby often falls asleep at the breast before getting a good feed.

(Dealing with a sleepy baby at the breast? Scroll to the bottom for troubleshooting tips!)

Step Two: Positioning

Remember this:

Tummy to mummy, nose to nips.

Hold your baby close to your breast—she’s likely rooting around, ready for a snack! Proper positioning is key. If her head is turned too far or she’s too far from the nipple, she may have to stretch, which can make latching and suckling less effective.

Here’s how to get started:

• Use the same hand as the breast you’re feeding from to support your baby’s head (right breast, right hand), with the opposite arm supporting her back and head.

• Rest her head in the crook of your elbow on the feeding side.

• Recline back as if you’re settling in for a movie. Position your baby diagonally across your torso, tummy to tummy, with your arm cradling her side and back for support.

There’s no right or wrong method—just go with what feels comfortable.

Make sure your baby’s tummy is turned toward your body, her shoulders in line with her ears and hips, and her hips flexed (knees bent like a little froggy). Use blankets, pillows, or your partner for extra support. It might seem like a lot now, but it’ll feel like second nature soon!

Once your baby is aligned with your body:

1. Position your nipple at her nose, then move her back about an inch or two.

2. She should tilt her head back slightly and open her mouth wide, like a big yawn.

3. Let your baby move to the breast rather than pushing her into it. Her chin and bottom lip should touch the breast first, with more of the lower part of your areola in her mouth.

Her nose and chin should be close to or touching your breast. (Fun fact: babies’ noses are perfectly shaped to breathe easily while nursing!)

If the latch feels painful or she comes unlatched, no worries—just start back at the top: nose to nips!

Common Challenges and Solutions

Pain

A bit of nipple discomfort is normal as you start your breastfeeding journey, especially with your first baby. But if the pain is intense—making you wince or dread the next latch—that’s a red flag.

Ongoing pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can affect your body’s response, potentially impacting milk production and flow. Sometimes adjusting your latch or trying different positions can help, but other times, further investigation is needed to uncover the root cause. Nursing pain is no joke, reach out to Lacey inside Bloom for help!

Sleepy Baby

Being born is hard work, and newborns often become sleepy during feeds. If your baby tends to doze off quickly at the breast, try these strategies:

• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Keep baby in just a diaper against your bare chest. The closeness can help keep her alert.

• Switch Nursing: Change breasts when she starts to nod off to re-engage her.

• Light Stimulation: Gently rub her back, feet, or hands to keep her awake.

• Cool Cloth: Use a damp, cool washcloth to gently dab her face or neck if she’s particularly drowsy.

• Diaper Change: A quick change mid-feed can wake her up and reset the session.

• Talking or Singing: Softly speaking or singing can keep her connected and engaged.

If none of these tips seem to work and your baby consistently starts feeding upset and quickly falls asleep, she might be signaling that feeding is too difficult. This could be a sign to reach out to a lactation professional for more personalized guidance. 

Building Confidence

Breastfeeding can feel like an uphill climb at first, but with each feed, you and your baby are learning together. Trust your instincts and celebrate the small wins—whether it’s a successful latch or just getting through a feeding session without a hiccup (literal or figurative). Confidence builds over time, and before you know it, you’ll feel like a pro.

No two nursing experiences are the same—not even with the same mom and different babies. What worked like a charm for one might be a bit trickier with another, and that’s okay. Every journey is unique, and the important thing is finding what works for you and your baby.

At Infant Insights, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you ever need a little extra help or just want some personalized guidance, our online consultations are a great way to get the support you need. Remember, you’re not in this alone. Whether you’re feeling like a breastfeeding champ or wondering if your baby is running the show (hint: they often are), we’re here to help you navigate it all.