With all the reports of sore nipples, tension, and other issues, you might almost get the impression that breastfeeding is a permanently painful ordeal for new moms. However, many breastfeeding problems can be prevented from the outset by paying attention to a few key things. :) We’ve compiled 7 basic rules for proper latching to help ensure breastfeeding becomes a beautiful ritual for you and your baby from the very beginning.

1. Good preparation

Especially at the beginning, a breastfeeding session can take a little longer. In fact, breastfeeding is more like a leisurely meal than a quick snack: first comes the thirst-quenching, low-calorie Pre-milk from the breast, and only then does the more nourishing, calorie-rich Back milk follow as the main course. For this reason, it’s best to let your baby decide when the meal is over. And since it can sometimes take up to an hour, it helps to have everything you might need during this time within reach (book, magazine, headphones, …). A trip to the bathroom before breastfeeding can also be helpful sometimes. ;)

2. Comfortable posture

Make yourself truly comfortable while breastfeeding. After all, how can you convey the calm your baby needs if your back is aching, your leg is falling asleep, or your shoulders hurt? Cushions, (breastfeeding) pillows, and rolled towels are valuable helpers for finding a comfortable breastfeeding position.

3. Your Baby's Posture

So that your little explorer can drink comfortably, their nose or upper lip should ideally be positioned directly in front of your nipple, while their arms rest on the right and left sides of your chest. To protect their spine, make sure the ear, hip, and feet form a straight line. The rule "tummy to tummy" also applies, meaning your baby should always face you with their whole body.

4. Child to the chest, not chest to the child

To avoid tension caused by a hunched posture, always bring your baby into the correct position rather than leaning your breast toward your baby. This also helps your baby take in more of the areola, which can prevent breastfeeding problems and soreness.

5. Offering the breast

To offer your baby the breast at the beginning of a feeding session, you can hold it in the C-hold.

This involves grasping your breast with all your fingers from below, with only the thumb resting 3 to 4 centimeters away from the areola on top.

This way, you can guide your breast well and, for example, gently stroke your baby's upper lip with your nipple.

This triggers the sucking reflex, and your baby will open their mouth.

Once it is wide open, you can quickly bring your baby to your breast and "latch on".

6. Asymmetric positioning

The asymmetrical latch describes how your baby's mouth attaches to your nipple. But why is this important? The asymmetrical latch has various benefits—for you and your baby: your little explorer takes the nipple deeper into their mouth, which makes sucking easier and significantly reduces strain on your nipple. Additionally, it supports more effective emptying of the breast, helping to ensure your baby's weight gain without them having to suck for hours.

In these graphics, you can see the difference. The dashed line symbolizes your baby's mouth—while in the symmetrical latch (left image), the nipple is centered in the baby's mouth and points straight toward the throat, in the asymmetrical latch (right image), it sits in the upper part of the mouth and is therefore directed upward and toward the palate. Your baby's mouth is more open, and their lips are not tucked in. With an asymmetrical latch, your baby's head is also slightly extended, and they touch your breast with their chin. Signs that your baby may be latching symmetrically—and therefore not correctly—include, for example, a visible double chin, sucking or clicking sounds while feeding, or pain during breastfeeding.

7. Regular position change

By switching between different breastfeeding positions, you can avoid uneven strain, which can lead to sore nipples and tension. Additionally, depending on how your baby is positioned, they press on different areas of your breast with their face. When you change positions, all areas can be emptied evenly, which helps prevent milk stasis. An illustrative overview of the most common breastfeeding positions can be found in our magazine article "". Furthermore, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi explains the most important aspects of breastfeeding in this video.

If you have any questions or problems, you can always contact your midwife and/or a breastfeeding consultant. Even if it takes some time for you to get the hang of it, don’t worry—breastfeeding is not witchcraft. ;) You and your baby will surely soon become a well-coordinated team and be able to enjoy these daily moments of togetherness to the fullest!