• Before you start, sit somewhere comfortable, have a bottle of water handy, and a small snack.

step #1 – Chest to Chest

Place babe chest to chest, head in-line with her body (no head turn to find the breast)

Mouth level with the nipple without touching the breast

step #2 – Nipple to Nose

Using your thumb to the side of the breast, tilt your nipple up to the baby’s nose without pushing the breast towards the baby’s mouth

Step #3 – Big Mouth

Wait for your baby’s big mouth.  You can encourage this by tapping your nipple on your baby’s nose

Step #4 – Chin to Breast

Ensure your baby’s chin comes to the breast first by pushing your baby from behind the shoulders (not the back of the head).  Where the chin and bottom lip hit is where they’ll stay- this is crucial to getting a deeper latch!

Step #5 – Bring Baby to You

As you bring your baby up and over towards the nipple, you can use your thumb to gently push the breast and nipple into the upper part of your baby’s mouth.  The Baby’s tongue needs to be down

Step #6 – Hold the Latch

Hold your thumb in position for 5-10 sucks so you don’t bounce your baby off the breast before suction has established

Step #7 – Allow the nipple to stretch

Your baby’s latch should be comfortable after 10-15 seconds.  Your nipple should be as far back as the soft palate of your baby’s mouth, the stretching can be uncomfortable but will settle as your baby feeds.

Step #8 Double Chin and Flanged lips

Lips should be flanged like a plunger, NOT in a ‘sucking on a straw’ position.

The Baby’s chin and nose tip should be touching the breast, with a double chin visible to confirm a deep latch

Step #9 – RELAX

If more comfortable change your arms to the cradle position, be careful not to dislodge your baby- think like a ballerina.

Drop your shoulders and take a breath- You did it!!!

  • If in doubt, start at step one and try again
  • If you or your baby are getting flustered do a reset by placing the baby upright on your chest and taking a breath
  • Focus on one step at a time for each feed- once you feel one is mastered focus on the next to tweak your latch and get the deepest latch you can
  • Check in with how the latch feels throughout the feed- your baby may slip off as they rest or get tired. If in doubt break the latch and start again at step 1

If you are having trouble achieving a comfortable, deep latch get help from your hospital midwife or book a Lactation Consultation.  Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt- quite often it’s the smallest change in your positioning to make the biggest difference in your latch

  • Amy, The Postnatal Midwife