Breastfeeding can be one of those things everyone assumes will “just click”. But if you’re a new mom, you already know it’s rarely that simple. Some babies latch like pros on day one, while others have an “on again, off again” relationship with your nipples.
Even tiny humans sometimes struggle to get latched on properly, which can leave you sore, frustrated, and questioning your life choices (it’s only normal). The good news? Most latch issues are totally fixable once you know what to look for. And honestly, it’s about so much more than just your baby’s lips with your nipple.
So, in this post, we’re going to go over the main signs of a bad latch. You’ll learn what to look for, how it compares to a good latch, and tips to help improve it. What to look for, the difference between a good and bad latch, and share tips. Soon, your little one will be feeding effectively and comfortably!
10 Signs Of A Bad Latch Every Mom Should Know
So, you’re having latch troubles, huh? I get it. Pretty much everyone runs into a wall at some point. The goal is to help you over the wall. These tips will help you protect your nipples, support your milk flow, and make feeding a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
And if you’re sitting there in your rocking chair late at night wondering, “When does breastfeeding become easier?”—I've got some encouragement for you there, too. It really does become more manageable with time and practice.
Good Latch vs. Bad Latch
A good latch is more than just figuring out the correct position. In fact, it’s a combination of efficiency, comfort, and effective milk transfer. When your baby is latched on properly, their chin presses into your breast, their nose is free, and their lips flare outward around both your nipple and areola. You’ll notice rhythmic sucking and swallowing, and over time, this helps with steady weight gain and protects your milk supply.
Good latch also reduces the risk of nipple soreness, which means feeding can feel comfortable, rather than painful. A bad latch, on the other hand, often feels painful, shallow, or really awkward. The baby may only take your nipple, their upper lip may be tucked in, or they might continue to break the suction. Ultimately, this prevents milk from effectively leaving the breast. Over time, this can affect your milk production and possibly lead to nipple damage.
What Are The Signs Of A Bad Latch?
A good latch is the key to protecting both you and your baby. So, recognizing a bad latch early is key. Some of the signs of a bad latch include:
Baby Falls Asleep Immediately
If your baby falls asleep almost immediately after starting to feed, it could be because they’re not getting enough milk. A proper latch really helps with active sucking and swallowing, keeping your little one alert and feeding longer. Adjusting breastfeeding positions or gently stimulating your little one can help them feed way more effectively and get the calories they need.
Nipple Damage
Cracked, sore, or flattened nipples usually signify a shallow latch. This can make feeding super painful and even affect your milk supply if it persists. Ensure your baby’s lips are sealing around both the nipple and the areola, and try repositioning or using supportive pillows. With a better latch (and some nipple balm) your nipples will stay healthy, and feeding will become more comfortable.
Slow or No Weight Gain
Even if your baby seems to nurse often, slow or no weight gain may be a sign of a shallow latch. It’s important to watch for signs of a good latch and consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant if growth appears slow. Ensuring your baby is getting enough milk from the breast protects their health and gives you peace of mind, too!
Inconsistent Milk Flow
If milk doesn’t flow steadily or your baby seems frustrated while feeding, it could be a sign that they can’t latch. Encouraging them to open their mouth wide and supporting their body helps them stay aligned and maintain suction. Correcting a bad latch straight away can improve both feeding efficiency and your individual comfort.
Persistent Pain
Some discomfort at the start of a feed is normal, but ongoing pain is a warning sign. I often say that pain that lasts beyond the first few seconds usually means your little one isn’t latched on properly. To fix this, gently break the suction, let your baby open their mouth wide, and bring them back to your breast with a deep latch. Proper alignment can make a huge difference in comfort and efficiency.
Lips Tucked In
Your baby’s lips should flare outward, forming a seal around your nipple and areola. If your little one has tucked lips, it can cause clicking noises, leaks, and sore nipples. Adjusting your breastfeeding position or supporting your baby’s body can help them form a better seal. Over time, this helps with better supply and more comfortable feeding.
Clicking or Smacking Sounds
Noises like clicking or smacking usually mean your baby is losing suction. This can happen if the latch is shallow or if the baby has a tongue or lip condition, such as a cleft lip. Watching your baby’s lips and jaw movements, and ensuring that they’re taking in enough breast tissue, often solves the problem. Correcting this early also protects your nipples and ensures your baby is getting enough milk in the long run.
Fussiness During Feeding
If your baby becomes fussy or frequently seems frustrated, it could be a clear indication that they’re struggling to latch. This tends to happen if they aren’t getting enough milk or if the latch is uncomfortable. Try to adjust your position, support their body properly, and encourage a wider mouth opening. When your baby is comfortable, chances are they (and you!) will have a much better experience.
Extremely Long or Short Feeds
If you’re experiencing longer-than-average feeding sessions, it can mean that your baby isn’t getting enough milk and working harder than they should. On the other hand, very short feeds could indicate that they’re either not getting enough milk or are uncomfortable.
Both can be signs of a shallow latch. Watch for other latching cues if you are experiencing either! In the meantime, try adjusting your position and aligning your baby’s head and body.
Frequent Latching and Letting Go
Both new and experienced mamas know that “on-again, off-again” struggle. One second, you’re having a great time, and the next, your baby won’t stay latched no matter what you do. First off, this is normal! We’ve all experienced it. Second, this may indicate that your baby is having trouble maintaining suction. This can happen if the latch isn’t deep enough or if they’re distracted or tired.
Try supporting their body and encouraging a wide-open mouth before latching. This can improve their grip and help them feed more steadily. And don’t stress if this takes a few tries and a little extra patience. Ultimately, your comfort is equally as important!
How To Get Baby To Latch Properly
Wait for an Open Mouth
Tickle your baby’s lips to encourage them to open their mouth. Then, work on bringing your baby to the breast, not the other way around. This helps them take in as much of the nipple and areola as possible. The deeper latch protects your nipple and promotes efficient feeding.
Break Suction if Needed
If feeding is painful, gently slip a finger into the corner of their mouth, break the suction, and try again. This prevents nipple trauma and allows your baby to relearn a proper latch without discomfort. Remember: consistency is key! This could take a few tries.
Try Different Positions
Experiment with a variety of positions, including cross-cradle, side-lying, or football holds. The right position can ensure your baby latches correctly and can even improve milk supply. Changing positions can also help if your little one tends to fall asleep too quickly or has a shallow latch.
Support Your Baby
Holding your baby properly can make a huge difference. Rather than focusing solely on their head, you want to make sure the head and body are aligned. Full support helps them stay aligned from nose to nipple, maintain suction, and feed efficiently. Additionally, supporting your baby’s shoulders, back, and bottom makes it easier for them to stay latched on properly.
Ask for Help Early
Never be afraid to reach out and ask for help—even experienced mamas sometimes need hands-on guidance. A lactation consultant can be a lifesaver when it comes to troubleshooting latch issues, especially since they can offer personalized support. Pair this with checking out these must-haves for first-time moms to make your life as a new mama easier.
Having latch troubles? I’m here to help you!
Latch challenges are incredibly common, but almost all of them are entirely fixable! With patience, support, and practice, you can help your baby feed efficiently while protecting your nipples and milk supply. A good latch encourages steady weight gain, makes feeding more comfortable, and gives you and your baby confidence. Remember, every adjustment is a step toward a smoother feeding experience. As always, don’t forget: you’ve got this, mama!
For extra guidance and support, here at One With The Pump, we have friendly lactation consultants, a huge range of FREE resources, and insightful blog posts. Each resource is designed to make your pumping and nursing journey easier and more empowering. See you there!
