How To Latch

Watch how to latch properly

Watch the how to latch animation in the first few seconds of this video.

Watch babies latching, and an animation showing how to latch (until 2:25 into this Global Health Media video).

Latching well

Make sure that your baby is properly attached (latched) to your breast. If they are latched well to your breast, your baby will get a good feed, your breasts and nipples will be comfortable and you will have a good supply of milk. 

Hold baby's body close

Hold your baby's whole body close with their nose level with your nipple.

Let baby's head tip back a little

Let your baby's head tip back a little so that their top lip can brush against your nipple. This should help your baby to make a wide open mouth.

Baby's mouth is open wide and their chin touches your breast first

When your baby's mouth opens wide, their chin is able to touch your breast first, with their head tipped back so that their tongue can reach as much breast as possible.

With their chin firmly touching and their nose clear, their mouth is wide open and there will be much more of the darker skin visible above your baby's top lip than below their bottom lip. Your baby's cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed

It can take time

It takes time and patience for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed.

Get the right help

Ask to be shown how to feed your baby.

With the right help almost all mothers can breastfeed. Ask for help early. Your midwife, lactation consultant, La Leche League, Well Child nurse, or PlunketLine will all help you if you need more support and information.

See the main page on latching with video and translated key messages