Baby Won't Latch? Common Breastfeeding Problems and How to Fix Them

Latch problems are the number one reason mothers stop breastfeeding before they want to. Research consistently shows that pain, poor milk transfer, and the despair of failed feeds in the early days lead many women to give up on breastfeeding entirely — not because they chose to, but because they didn't have the right support at the right moment.

The critical thing to understand is this: the vast majority of breastfeeding problems are fixable. A shallow latch can be corrected. Engorgement resolves. Sore nipples heal. Even tongue tie — once diagnosed — can be treated with a simple procedure. What makes the difference almost every time is identifying the specific problem and addressing it with accurate information and, where needed, professional support.

This guide covers the five most common breastfeeding latch and feeding problems, with specific, actionable fixes for each.

What Does a Good Latch Look Like?

Before troubleshooting problems, it helps to understand the target. A good latch is not just about comfort — it's about effective milk transfer. A baby can appear to be feeding and still be taking in very little if the latch is shallow. Here's what a correctly latched baby looks like and feels like:

If several of these signs are absent — particularly the flanged lips, the round nipple post-feed, or pain beyond 30 seconds — a latch issue is likely and worth addressing promptly.

A shallow latch — where the baby takes in only the nipple rather than a substantial portion of the areola — is the single most common cause of nipple pain, poor milk transfer, and early breastfeeding failure. The nipple is not designed to be compressed; it needs to sit deep in the baby's mouth where the hard and soft palate meet, so that the baby's jaw and tongue work on the areola to extract milk, not on the nipple tip.

How to Identify It

A shallow latch typically presents with: sharp, persistent nipple pain throughout the feed; a "lipstick-shaped" or flattened nipple after the feed; clicking or smacking sounds during feeding; a baby who seems frustrated or comes on and off the breast repeatedly; and slow or insufficient weight gain.

Three Specific Fixes

1. Asymmetric latch technique: Rather than aiming the nipple straight at the baby's mouth, position the nipple pointing toward the baby's nose. Wait for a wide-open mouth (as wide as a yawn), then bring the baby to the breast from below so the chin makes contact first. This encourages a deeper, asymmetric latch with more areola in the lower jaw, where the tongue does most of the work.

2. Nose-to-nipple positioning: Start with your nipple level with the baby's nose, not mouth. This naturally encourages the baby to tilt their head back and open wide before latching. Many mothers instinctively aim nipple-to-mouth, which produces a shallower result.

3. Biological nurturing (laid-back breastfeeding): Recline at 45 degrees and lay the baby tummy-down on your chest. Gravity pulls the baby's body into the breast, and the baby's natural feeding reflexes — which are strongest in this position — facilitate a deeper latch without requiring precise manual positioning. This position is particularly useful in the early days and for babies who come off the breast repeatedly in upright positions.

If you've tried these adjustments without improvement, an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can observe a full feed and provide hands-on corrections tailored to your specific anatomy and your baby's mouth shape.

Engorgement occurs when the breasts fill with more milk than the baby is removing — typically when mature milk "comes in" on days two to five postpartum. The breasts become swollen, firm, heavy, and painful, and the nipple and areola may flatten, making it very difficult for the baby to latch.

Reverse Pressure Softening — Step by Step

Before attempting a latch on an engorged breast, soften the areola using reverse pressure softening:

1. Place your fingertips in a ring around the base of the nipple, with fingers pointing inward toward your chest
2. Apply gentle, steady inward pressure — not pulling or squeezing, but pressing toward the chest wall
3. Hold pressure for 1–2 minutes. You are temporarily pushing fluid (lymph and milk) back into the breast tissue to soften the areola
4. When the areola feels softer and more pliable, latch the baby immediately (the effect lasts approximately 2–3 minutes)
5. Repeat as needed before each feed while engorgement is severe

Hand Expression to Soften

Alternatively, express a small amount of milk by hand before latching to soften the areola. The goal is not to empty the breast (which will stimulate more supply) but to remove just enough to make the areola pliable. Cup the breast with thumb and fingers around the edge of the areola, compress inward and forward, and release. Repeat rhythmically for 2–3 minutes.

When Engorgement Signals Mastitis

Engorgement is bilateral (both breasts), peaks in the first week, and gradually resolves as supply regulates to match demand. If you develop a hard, red, hot, painful area on one breast — particularly with a fever over 38°C (100.4°F), flu-like symptoms, or chills — this is mastitis, not simple engorgement. Mastitis requires antibiotic treatment. See your provider within 24 hours.

Cracked, bleeding, or severely sore nipples are almost never an inherent part of breastfeeding — they are almost always a symptom of an underlying latch issue that needs correcting. Treating the nipple pain without addressing the cause is the equivalent of taking paracetamol for a broken arm: it may take the edge off temporarily, but the underlying problem remains.

That said, while you're working on the latch, sore nipples need care:

Lanolin vs Breastmilk

Both are effective. Applying purified lanolin (USP-grade, not wool fat) after each feed creates a moist wound environment that promotes healing. Alternatively, express a small amount of breastmilk, rub it gently over the nipple, and allow to air-dry — breastmilk contains antibacterial properties and growth factors that support healing. There is no definitive evidence that one approach outperforms the other; use whichever is more accessible.

Nipple Shields: When Helpful vs When They Become a Crutch

Nipple shields — thin silicone covers worn over the nipple during feeding — can provide temporary pain relief and occasionally help certain babies (including those with tongue tie or premature babies) achieve an effective latch. However, they are a short-term tool, not a long-term solution. Shields reduce milk transfer efficiency, can confuse some babies about how to latch directly, and mask the underlying latch problem rather than solving it. If you are using a nipple shield beyond the first few weeks, work with an IBCLC to transition off it gradually.

Healing Timeline

With the latch corrected and consistent nipple care, most nipple wounds begin to feel significantly better within three to five days and are fully healed within two weeks. If pain is severe, constant (not just at feeds), or accompanied by shooting or burning sensations between feeds, consider thrush (fungal infection) or vasospasm as alternative causes — both are treatable.

Tongue tie is a condition where the lingual frenulum — the membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is short, thick, or positioned too far forward, restricting the tongue's range of motion. Approximately 5% of babies are born with a clinically significant tongue tie, though estimates vary depending on diagnostic criteria used.

Symptoms in Baby

• Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding (tongue losing suction)
• Coming on and off the breast repeatedly, seemingly frustrated
• Difficult or prolonged feeds (45+ minutes) without adequate transfer
• Poor weight gain or failure to regain birthweight
• A "heart-shaped" or restricted tongue when baby tries to extend it

Symptoms in the Mother

• Severe, persistent nipple pain (often described as sharp, burning, or crushing)
• Nipples that appear creased, flattened, or "lipstick-shaped" post-feed despite working on latch
• Low milk supply developing over time due to inefficient milk removal
• Recurring mastitis or blocked ducts (caused by incomplete breast drainage)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Tongue tie is diagnosed by a trained clinician — ideally an IBCLC or medical professional with specific tongue tie assessment training. Assessment involves both visual examination and functional evaluation of how the tongue moves during feeding.

A frenotomy (tongue tie release) is a quick, low-risk procedure involving division of the frenulum with sterile scissors or laser. In babies, the procedure takes seconds, requires no anaesthetic, and involves minimal bleeding. Breastfeeding can resume immediately. Research shows that frenotomy significantly improves maternal nipple pain and breastfeeding comfort in most cases, though post-procedure exercises and continued lactation support are important for best outcomes. Success rates for resolving breastfeeding difficulties with frenotomy are generally reported at 70–90%.

Low milk supply is one of the most frequently cited reasons women give for stopping breastfeeding — and one of the most commonly misidentified. True insufficient milk supply is relatively uncommon (affecting around 5% of women due to physiological causes). Far more frequently, what feels like low supply is perceived low supply: the baby seems unsettled, feeds frequently, and the mother's breasts feel soft and "empty" — all of which are normal and not indicative of insufficient milk.

Distinguishing Real vs Perceived Low Supply

Indicators of genuine supply issues include: baby not regaining birthweight by day 14, fewer than 6 wet nappies per day after day 5, a baby who feeds for extended periods without any periods of contentment, and little or no milk when pumping. The most objective measure is a weighted feed with an accurate infant scale — feeding the baby, weighing before and after, and calculating the actual volume transferred.

Galactagogues: Evidence Ratings

• Fenugreek: Widely used but evidence is weak and inconsistent. Some studies show modest benefit; others show no effect. Not recommended as a first-line approach, and can cause GI upset and a maple-syrup smell in sweat and urine.
• Oats: Modest supporting evidence and anecdotal consensus. Low risk, widely accessible, and many women report benefit. A reasonable addition while addressing supply fundamentals.
• Domperidone: Prescription-only medication that works by increasing prolactin. Has reasonable evidence for increasing milk supply. Only available by prescription due to rare cardiac side effects; discuss risks and benefits with your prescriber.

Power Pumping Protocol

Power pumping mimics a cluster feeding session to stimulate a supply increase. Once daily, replace one pumping session with: pump 20 minutes → rest 10 minutes → pump 10 minutes → rest 10 minutes → pump 10 minutes. Repeat daily for 3–7 days. Results are typically seen within 48–72 hours. Do not power pump more than once per day as this can lead to oversupply.

Supply and Demand Fundamentals

Milk supply is governed by one principle: the more milk removed from the breast, the more is produced. The most effective intervention for low supply is almost always more frequent feeding or pumping. If you are feeding 8 times in 24 hours and milk is not increasing, adding a pump session between two feeds can be the critical missing step.

When to Call a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Many breastfeeding problems can be addressed with information and positioning adjustments. But some situations benefit strongly from a professional, hands-on assessment. Contact an IBCLC if:

• Nipple pain persists beyond the first two weeks despite trying positioning changes
• Baby has lost more than 10% of birthweight, or hasn't regained birthweight by day 14
• Feeds are lasting longer than 40 minutes at every session without a period of contentment
• You've had two or more episodes of mastitis
• You suspect tongue tie based on the symptoms above
• You want to increase supply and have already optimised feeding frequency

Quick Reference: Breastfeeding Problems at a Glance