The Two Most Important Questions:
Is it comfortable?
Is it effective?
(Is baby feeding well, transferring milk, and gaining weight?)
Even if positioning looks correct, if you’re in pain or baby isn’t feeding effectively, it’s time to reassess.
Latching-On Checklist
Before Latching:
Baby is showing feeding cues — rooting, mouthing, hands to mouth
Your and baby’s clothing are out of the way
You're in a supported position — back, arms, feet grounded
Baby’s head is at nipple height
Supporting Baby’s Body:
Baby’s weight rests against your torso/arm — not your lap
Baby is facing you fully — chest, knees, and chin aligned
Nose is in line with the nipple
Support baby’s neck and shoulders — avoid pushing the back of the head
Stabilising the Breast (if needed):
Hand flat on ribcage, fingers forming a U-shape
Gently shape the breast like a “sandwich”
Horizontal (U-Hold) for cradle or cross-cradle
Vertical (C-Hold) for football hold
Keep fingers away from areola
Beginning the Latch:
Point the nipple slightly up and away
Aim baby's lower lip well below the nipple
Encourage a wide-open mouth by brushing the upper lip with the nipple
Latching On:
Let baby open wide, then bring them to you
Roll the nipple onto baby’s tongue
Upper lip should “wrap around the corner” of the nipple
Bring shoulders in close so head naturally tilts back
Is the Latch Comfortable?
Baby’s cheeks touch the breast, mouth is not visible
Jaw opens wide — approximately 140°
Lower lip flanged outward and further from nipple than upper lip
Chin pressed into breast; nose may touch lightly or remain free
Baby’s head is slightly tilted back (think: “sniffing” position)
No pain, pinching, or clicking sounds
Is the Feeding Effective?
Short, quick jaw movements at first, then slow, deep motions (about 1 per second)
You hear swallowing every 1–3 jaw movements (“kuh” or soft “hic” sounds)
Rhythmic suck–pause–swallow patterns
Breasts feel softer after feeds
Baby feeds 8–12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks
Weight gain and output (wet/dirty nappies) are appropriate for age
Helpful Techniques
Breast Compression
Used to maintain milk flow and keep baby engaged during a feed.
See Jack Newman’s method:
IBC link
Australian breastfeeding association Video link
Breast Shaping for a Better Latch
C-Hold:
Thumb on top, fingers underneath in a “C” shape. Helpful in cradle/cross-cradle positions.U-Hold:
Fingers on either side, forming a “U” across the breast. Useful for football hold or larger breasts.
These holds help direct the nipple and offer structure to baby’s latch without interfering.
Use a Mirror
A hand mirror or positioning in front of a bathroom mirror can help you check latch and alignment — especially useful when feeding solo or learning how to manage larger breasts.
Wraps & Slings for Larger Breasts
A soft, stretchy wrap or nursing sling can help:
Support breast weight (rolled up under the breast)
Position baby more securely and comfortably
Reduce arm and back strain
Always ensure baby’s airway is clear and that their chin, not chest, is tucked into the breast.
Breastfeeding Positions
Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing): Reclined with baby tummy-down — encourages instinctual latch
Side-Lying: Ideal for night feeds or post-birth recovery
Football Hold (Clutch Hold): Useful after C-section, with twins, or for larger breasts
Cross-Cradle: Good for guiding baby’s head for a deeper latch
Cradle Hold: More relaxed once feeding is established
Upright Cradle: Great for reflux or overactive letdown
Baby-Led Positioning: Baby self-attaches while lying on your chest
Video Support
Watch detailed latch and position demonstrations:
Breastfeeding Support Video Library
Breastfeeding Latch and Positioning – YouTube
Techniques
The Flipple technique
What Is the Flipple (Deep Latch) Technique?
The Flipple Technique, also known as the Deep Latch Technique, is a gentle, hands-on method to help babies latch more deeply and comfortably onto the breast.
It’s especially helpful when:
You’re experiencing nipple pain or damage
Baby has a shallow latch
Baby has tongue or lip tie
Milk transfer seems inefficient despite frequent feeds
Step-by-Step: How to Do the Flipple
Watch for Feeding Cues
Baby is calm, alert, and rooting
Position Baby Well
Tummy-to-tummy with you
Head slightly tilted back (sniffing position)
Nose aligned with the nipple
Shape the Breast
Use your hand to compress the breast into a “sandwich” that fits the baby's mouth
Align the compression with baby’s mouth shape (horizontal for cradle hold, vertical for football hold)
Wait for a Wide Open Mouth
Like a yawn — don’t rush!
Flip the Nipple Up & Over the Bottom Lip
As baby opens wide, roll the nipple in from below — this helps baby take in more breast tissue below the nipple for a deeper latch
Bring Baby In
Move baby’s whole body in, not just the head
Chin touches breast first, then rest of face follows
How to Know It’s Working
Chin presses into the breast, nose may lightly touch
Lips flanged out (especially the bottom)
Deep jaw movements and rhythmic sucking
Comfortable latch (no pinching or sharp pain)
Watch This Helpful Demos
Flipple/Deep Latch Technique — YouTube Short (under 1 min)
These visual resources are great for seeing how the Flipple works in real time.
Final Tip:
The Flipple Technique works beautifully alongside laid-back breastfeeding and baby-led latching — especially in the early days while baby is learning and adjusting.