The video below gives a good overview of what makes a good latch so you know what to look for. I'll summarize the main points in the notes below but be sure to watch the video for good visuals (yes, there will be breasts of a few mothers shown in the video below).

VIDEO NOTES

The goal is breastfeeding, not nipple feeding!  

A shallow nipple-sucking latch HURTS! A deeper latch lets the nipple get toward the back of the roof of the mouth where it is more comfortable. 

Always try to begin a feeding when baby is content, comfortable, and showing hunger signs (opening mouth/sucking hands) but not yet upset.

Position baby so their torso and head is in a straight line, not "crunched," with the chin slightly up, not tucked.

Use your nipple to tickle his/her nose or upper lip to encourage him/her to open up wide and move the mouth into position. Do your best to wait for a wide open mouth like a yawn before you latch.

As needed, gently pull your baby closer from behind their shoulders to help get a deep latch. Make sure the head has room to lean back a bit so that the neck is free and the chin is NOT tucked in to the chest.

HOW TO TELL IF THE LATCH IS GOOD:

• mouth is wide open
• chin is pressed into breast
• lips turned out
• cheeks are round, not sucking in
• doesn't easily pop off
• slow deep motions of jaw (after first fast sucks)
• should feel comfortable, not pinching!