How Can I Help My Baby Get a Wider Latch When Breastfeeding?
One thing I see so often when working with mamas is pain during breastfeeding or concerns about low milk supply. And one of the very first things we look at in a feeding consultation is how a feeding session is starting.
Because those first few seconds of latch? They matter more than you might think.
Why Latch Matters for Comfort and Milk Supply
A shallow latch can lead to:
Nipple pain or discomfort
Inefficient milk transfer
Fussiness at the breast
Concerns about low supply
One of the biggest factors in creating a comfortable and effective latch is something we call a wide gape—which simply means how wide your baby opens their mouth when latching.
A wider latch allows your baby to take in more breast tissue, not just the nipple, which leads to better milk transfer and less discomfort for you.
Start with Nose to Nipple
One of the simplest ways to encourage a deeper latch is to line your baby up nose to nipple, not mouth to nipple.
This positioning gently encourages your baby to tilt their head back slightly, which naturally helps them open their mouth wider before latching.
It might feel like a small shift, but it can make a big difference in how the latch feels.
“Flex the Hips to Open the Lips”
Another really helpful tip is to focus on your baby’s positioning—specifically their hips.
When your baby’s hips are slightly flexed, like in a football hold, and their feet are pressing into something stable (like the back of a chair or your arm), their body feels more supported.
And when their body is supported, it often leads to a wider, more open mouth.
We like to say: “flex the hips to open the lips.”
Small Adjustments, Big Impact
When you combine these two techniques—nose to nipple and hips flexed—you’re setting your baby up for a deeper, more effective latch.
And that usually means:
Less discomfort for you
Better milk transfer for baby
A more relaxed feeding experience overall
The truth is, breastfeeding doesn’t always require big changes. Sometimes it’s the smallest adjustments that create the biggest improvements.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’re navigating discomfort or challenges right now, I want you to know—you’re doing a great job.
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. With the right support and a few simple tweaks, breastfeeding can feel so much better for both you and your baby.
Let us know what other questions you have, or schedule a feeding assessment with our CLC, Kaitlyn, today!