Top 5 Latching & Positioning Tips from an IBCLC & Mom of 3
Let’s be real, breastfeeding can be hard, especially at the beginning. You’re tired, your body is recovering, and now you’re trying to figure out how to get this tiny human to latch onto your boob without feeling like you need a third arm.
As an IBCLC and mom of three, I’ve been there…more than once. These are the top five latching and positioning tips I come back to every single time, whether I’m helping a new mom or feeding my own newborn. Think of these as your go-to fixes when things feel off, like the latch is painful, baby’s fussy, or you’re both getting frustrated.
1. Roll Baby Towards You
Okay, this one is huge and so easy to miss in the early days. When you’re getting ready to latch, make sure baby’s whole body is turned toward you, tummy to tummy, not just their head.
Think about it: you wouldn’t want to drink your coffee with your head turned over your shoulder, right? You want the cup right in front of you. The same goes for baby. If they’re twisted or turned away, it’s way harder for them to get a good, comfortable latch.
Quick check: Baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip should be in one straight line.
2. Position Baby Like a Seatbelt & Have Their Arms Hug the Breast
Here’s a game-changer: lay baby across your body, like a seatbelt, diagonally from your shoulder to the opposite hip. This angle helps them feel more secure and lines them up for a great latch.
At the same time, position both of baby’s arms so they’re hugging your breast, not in between you or flailing out to the side. This allows for better extension of baby’s neck, which makes it easier for them to tilt their head back and get that nice, deep latch.
3. Nipple to Nose, Not to Mouth
This one feels weird at first, but it makes a big difference: aim your nipple at baby’s nose, not directly at their mouth.
Why? Because this usually puts baby’s chin in the lead, touching your breast first. That little chin press helps open their jaw wide, which sets them up for a deep latch.
4. Wait for the Big Gape (Like a Yawn!)
Here’s where patience pays off. Once baby’s lined up and ready, bring their chin to your breast first, then pause and wait for that big, wide mouth—like a yawn.
A newborn’s jaw should move as widely as a yawn when they start to latch. Anything less can be painful for you, and can also reduce milk removal, affecting milk supply and baby’s weight gain. But how does baby manage that big jaw movement? Thanks to some amazing reflexes they’ve been practicing for months before birth! All they need is a little touch on their chin to get those reflexes going.
When you see that big open mouth, hug baby close at the shoulders and let their natural feeding reflexes do their thing. No need to push your breast into a half-open mouth—just bring baby in gently and let them do the work for a comfortable, deep latch.
5. Lean Back and Ditch the Nursing Pillow
Once baby is latched, try leaning back just a little and ditch the nursing pillow. Let gravity do some of the work instead of holding baby up the whole time.
This laid-back position sets baby up for success by allowing them to use all the reflexes they’re born with, making feeding more comfortable and relaxed—baby naturally settles in, and you don’t have to support all their weight.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
There’s no such thing as a perfect latch every single time. Sometimes it takes a few tries. Sometimes you need to pause, reset, and start over, and that’s totally normal. You and baby are both learning together.
Remember, breastfeeding is like learning any new skill—riding a bike or a baby learning to walk. It takes repetition, practice, and time to become easier and more natural. Frequent nursing in those early days not only feeds your baby but also helps build the muscle strength and coordination they need to keep breastfeeding strong for months to come.
If things still feel off or painful after trying these tips, don’t try to tough it out alone, reach out for support. Sometimes just a small tweak can make a huge difference. At Women in Motion, we are here to support you every step of the way!
Check your lactation benefits