You are not doing anything wrong — this is very common in the first days of life.
Part of BePeace Parenting help series
What might be happening?
You may notice your baby:
- Slip off the breast
- Suck only the nipple
- Cry or pull away while feeding
- Fall asleep quickly at the breast
- Make clicking sounds
You may notice:
Many mothers experience these signs in the first week — they usually improve quickly with proper latch.
- Pain while feeding
- Cracked or sore nipples
- Breasts feeling full even after feeds
- Worry that milk is not going in
These signs often mean the latch may not be deep enough.
Why this happens
In the first 1–2 weeks, both baby and mother are still learning how to breastfeed.
Babies have to learn how to open their mouth wide and hold the breast, and mothers are learning positioning and technique.
This is very common and does not mean your milk is low or that breastfeeding is failing.
This does not mean breastfeeding has failed.
What you should do now
- Sit in a comfortable, supported position
- Hold your baby close, facing you
- Bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby
- Wait for the baby to open the mouth wide
- Gently guide the baby to take more of the dark area (areola) into the mouth
- If it is painful, gently break the latch and try again
Try these steps calmly — you do not need to rush.
What to avoid
- Avoid early bottles or formula unless advised
- Avoid nipple shields or suction devices unless recommended by a doctor
- Avoid forcing the baby to the breast
- Avoid ignoring pain — pain usually means latch is not right
When to see a doctor
Most latch problems improve at home, but seek help if you notice any of the following:
- Feeding remains painful
- Your baby is not gaining weight
- Baby has fewer wet nappies
- Baby seems hungry even after feeds
- You feel worried, exhausted, or unsure
Early help can quickly correct latch problems.
Common Parent Questions
-
Is nipple pain normal when breastfeeding?
Mild discomfort in the first few days can happen, but pain or cracks usually mean the latch needs correction.
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Do I need nipple shields or devices to help latch?
Most mothers do not. In many cases, correct positioning is enough. Devices should only be used if advised by a doctor.
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Will my milk supply drop because of poor latch?
If poor latch continues, it can affect milk supply. Correcting it early usually restores normal feeding.
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Does a baby who latches poorly get enough milk?
Usually not. A shallow latch can reduce how much milk the baby gets. Correcting the latch improves milk intake.
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How long should a newborn feed if the latch is correct?
Most newborns feed actively for about 10–20 minutes on each breast, though this can vary.
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My baby keeps slipping off the breast — is that normal?
Yes in the first days. It usually improves as the baby learns to hold the breast better.
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Can a tongue-tie cause latch problems?
In some babies, yes. If latch does not improve with good positioning, a doctor should check for this.
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Should I express milk if my baby is not latching well?
Yes, expressing helps protect your milk supply until feeding improves.
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Will latch problems fix on their own?
Many do with gentle guidance, but early help makes recovery faster and easier.
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Is it okay to give formula if my baby is not latching?
Sometimes temporary supplementation is needed, but it should be guided by a doctor. Early guidance helps protect breastfeeding success.