Signs of a Good Latch

A good latch-on is important for your baby to breastfeed effectively and for your comfort. During the early days and weeks during breastfeeding, it can take time and patience for your baby to latch on well.

Your Baby Knows How To Latch-On Video Length: 5 minutes 4 seconds Courtesy of Ameda

• How it feels is more important than how it looks. The latch feels comfortable to you, without hurting or pinching.
• Your baby's chest is against your body and he or she does not have to turn his or her head while drinking.
• You see little or no areola, depending on the size of your areola and the size of your baby's mouth. If areola is showing, you will see more above your baby's lip and less below.
• When your baby is positioned well, his or her mouth will be filled with breast.
• The tongue is cupped under the breast, although you might not see it.
• You hear or see your baby swallow. Some babies swallow so quietly, a pause in their breathing may be the only sign of swallowing.
• You see the baby's ears "wiggle" slightly.
• Your baby's lips turn out like fish lips, not in. You may not even be able to see the bottom lip.
• Your baby's chin touches your breast.