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breastfeeding Getting a Good Latch and Breastfeeding Holds to Try

Getting a good latch is one of the most important parts of breastfeeding. A good latch helps your baby get milk easily and helps keep feeding comfortable for you. Since babies eat often, feeding should not hurt.

The way you hold and position your baby can make a big difference.

Flower top shape
Flower down shape

breastfeeding Getting a Good Latch and Breastfeeding Holds to Try

Getting a good latch is one of the most important parts of breastfeeding. A good latch helps your baby get milk easily and helps keep feeding comfortable for you. Since babies eat often, feeding should not hurt.

The way you hold and position your baby can make a
big difference.

baby latch How to Help Your Baby Latch Well

When bringing your baby to the breast, aim for a position that helps them open wide and latch deeply.

Here are some helpful tips:

1

Let your baby’s chin touch the breast first

2

Your baby’s head should be slightly tilted back

3

Point the nipple slightly upward, toward the roof of your baby’s mouth

This helps your baby open wide and take more of the breast into their mouth.

Woman breastfeeding her infant child

healthy baby Supporting Your Baby During Feeding

Use one arm to support your baby’s back. Place the palm of your hand at the base of their neck, not on the back of their head.

This position helps your baby stay comfortable and latch more easily.

MAKE SURE YOUR BABY IS:
  • ✓ Facing your body
  • ✓ Tummy to tummy with you
  • ✓ Not needing to turn their head to latch

baby List Breastfeeding Holds to Try

Different holds can work better at different times. You may find one feels best, or you may switch between them.

Cross-Cradle Hold

In this hold, your baby is held across your body, with your opposite arm supporting them. Many parents use this hold when working through latch discomfort.

This position can be helpful if:
  • ✓ In the early days of breastfeeding
  • ✓ If your baby is still learning to latch
  • ✓ If your baby is small or sleepy
  • ✓ If you want more control while helping your baby latch
Football Hold

In this hold, your baby is tucked along your side, next to the breast. This hold gives you good support and visibility while feeding.

This position can be helpful if:

  • ✓ You had a C-section and want to avoid pressure on your belly
  • ✓ You have larger breasts
  • ✓ You are breastfeeding twins
  • ✓ You have very full breasts or a strong milk flow
Woman sitting in chair holding baby

notebook Signs of a Good Latch

With a good latch, you may notice:

  • ✓ Feeding feels comfortable or pain-free
  • ✓ You hear or see your baby swallowing
  • ✓ Your baby has at least 6 wet diapers and 3 poopy diapers each day

These are signs your baby is getting enough milk.

Tip!

If the latch feels uncomfortable, gently break the latch and try again. It’s okay to try more than once.

healthy people When to Get Help

Breastfeeding should not hurt. Pain is a sign that something may need adjusting.

If you have latch pain, discomfort, or questions, reach out for support. Your local WIC office and breastfeeding support staff can help you troubleshoot and feel more confident.

You don’t have to push through pain and you don’t have to figure this out alone. Help is available.

REFERENCES:

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 23). 7 Common Breastfeeding Positions.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breastfeeding-positions

La Leche League International. (2026). Positioning.
https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/positioning/

WIC Breastfeeding Support. (2026). Steps and Signs of a Good Latch.
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/steps-and-signs-good-latch