Introduction: Why Latch Matters So Much

A good latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding. When your baby attaches too shallowly, it can cause sore nipples, blocked ducts, and frustration for both of you. The good news? Shallow latching is common- and almost always fixable with the right guidance and a bit of practice.

Below, lactation experts share practical steps to help your baby achieve a deeper latch, easing discomfort and supporting a smoother feeding experience.

1. Understand What a Shallow Latch Looks Like

A shallow latch happens when your baby only takes the nipple (not enough of the areola) into their mouth. Signs include:

• Nipple pain or pinching sensation during feeding

• Flattened or misshapen nipple after nursing

• Clicking or popping sounds while baby feeds

• Baby frequently unlatching or seeming frustrated

• Poor milk transfer or slow weight gain

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to work on positioning and technique.

2. Start With Positioning and Comfort

A deep latch begins with your comfort first. If your back, neck, or arms are tense, it’s harder to guide your baby gently and confidently. Sit with full support—pillows behind your back, feet on the ground, and baby lifted to breast height (not the other way around).

Many parents find that using a supportive nursing setup, like the Comia Pillow, helps maintain optimal height and angle during feeding. Proper alignment reduces tension in your shoulders and lets you focus fully on your baby’s cues.

3. Use the “Tummy-to-Tummy” Alignment

Make sure your baby’s body is facing you directly—tummy to tummy, head and neck in a straight line. Their nose should be opposite your nipple before latching. Gently brush the nipple against their upper lip to encourage a wide-open mouth.

Once the mouth opens, pull baby in quickly and close, so their chin touches your breast first. This encourages a deep latch that includes more of the lower areola.

4. Try Different Breastfeeding Positions

Every baby and body is different, and sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference. Common expert-recommended positions:

• Laid-back / Biological Nurturing: Lean back slightly; gravity helps baby stay deep on the breast.

• Football hold: Great for moms recovering from C-section or needing more control over positioning.

• Cross-cradle hold: Offers strong support for baby’s head and good visibility for you to see the latch.

Some parents alternate between these positions depending on time of day, fatigue, or comfort. Using a structured nursing pillow like Comia Pillow can make switching positions easier while keeping the baby at an ergonomic height.

5. Break the Seal Gently if It Hurts

If you feel pain right away, it’s okay to start over. Slip a clean finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to release suction before unlatching. Then reposition and try again—this prevents nipple trauma and helps your baby learn the correct technique.

6. Encourage a Deeper Latch

A deeper latch means baby’s mouth covers more of the areola (especially the bottom part). Here’s how to help:

• Aim the nipple toward the roof of baby’s mouth before latch.

• Let the chin and lower lip make contact first.

• Watch for flanged lips (like “fish lips”), not tucked in.

• Listen for steady swallowing sounds rather than clicking.

Don’t worry if it takes practice—most babies need a few days to adjust.

7. Relieve Soreness and Promote Healing

If you’ve had a shallow latch for a while, nipples may be sore.
Soothing steps include:

• Letting expressed milk or nipple balm air-dry on skin

• Using warm compresses between feeds

• Allowing time for healing with short, frequent nursing sessions

8. When to Seek Extra Help

If your baby struggles to stay latched, gains weight slowly, or you continue to feel pain, a certified IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) can offer personalized guidance. Early help makes a big difference—sometimes one or two sessions resolve what felt impossible at home.

9. The Takeaway

Fixing a shallow latch is about comfort, patience, and practice—not perfection. Each feeding offers a chance for you and your baby to learn together. With supportive positioning, a calm setup, and gentle adjustments, most latch problems improve quickly.

And remember, you’re not alone. Reaching out for help doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re building a stronger foundation for a happier feeding journey. With tools like the Comia Pillow to support comfort and positioning, every small improvement adds up to a more relaxed, connected experience.