What is the proper technique for a right‑side breast latch when breastfeeding?

Proper Right-Side Breast Latch Technique

The key to successful right-side breastfeeding is optimizing positional stability and maximizing intraoral breast tissue volume through proper maternal and infant body alignment, which prevents the common problems of back-arching, difficulty latching, and nipple pain. 1

Essential Positioning Elements

Mother's Position

• Sit comfortably with back support, ensuring your body is relaxed and not hunched forward, as maternal tension affects breast shape and protractility 2
• Bring the baby to the breast level rather than leaning forward or pulling the breast toward the baby, which creates poor attachment 2, 3
• Support your right breast from underneath with your hand in a "C-hold" (thumb on top, fingers below) if needed, keeping fingers well back from the areola to avoid interfering with the latch 2

Infant's Position

• Position the baby's entire body facing you with their head, shoulders, and hips aligned in a straight line—the baby should not have to turn their head to reach the breast 3, 4
• Hold the baby close with their nose level with your nipple before initiating the latch, allowing the baby to tilt their head back slightly 2, 1
• Ensure the baby's body is pulled in tightly against yours with no gap between your bodies, as positional instability is the most common cause of latch problems 1

Common Hold Options for Right Breast

Cradle Hold (Traditional)

• Support the baby's head with your right arm, with the baby's body lying across your lap and their left arm tucked around your waist 5
• The baby's head rests in the crook of your right elbow 3

Cross-Cradle Hold (Recommended for Learning)

• Support the baby's head with your left hand at the base of their skull (not the back of the head), giving you more control during latch 5, 1
• Your right arm supports the baby's body 3

Koala Hold (Upright Alternative)

• Position the baby straddled on your knee or lap in an upright position, skin-to-skin, which can be particularly helpful for babies with reflux or positional instability 6
• This mimics the koala's hold and allows gravity to assist with latch 6

Achieving Proper Attachment (Latch)

The Latch Sequence

• Wait for the baby to open their mouth wide (like a yawn) before bringing them onto the breast—do not push the breast into a partially open mouth 2, 3
• Aim the nipple toward the roof of the baby's mouth as they latch, not straight in 2, 1
• Bring the baby onto the breast in one swift movement when their mouth is maximally open, leading with their chin touching the breast first 2, 1
• Ensure the baby takes a large mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple—the goal is to maximize intraoral breast tissue volume 1

Signs of Good Attachment

• More areola visible above the baby's top lip than below the bottom lip, indicating asymmetric latch 2, 3
• Baby's chin pressed firmly into the breast with nose free or lightly touching 2, 3
• Baby's lips flanged outward (like fish lips), not tucked in 3, 4
• No pain for the mother—proper attachment should be comfortable after the initial few sucks 2, 1

Recognizing and Correcting Poor Latch

Warning Signs Requiring Repositioning

• Nipple pain persisting beyond initial latch indicates poor attachment and requires immediate correction 2, 1
• Baby back-arching, fussing, or difficulty staying on the breast signals positional instability, not necessarily tongue-tie or other anatomical issues 1
• Clicking sounds during feeding suggest the baby is losing suction due to inadequate breast tissue in the mouth 2, 1
• Nipple appears compressed or creased after feeding rather than rounded 2, 3

Correction Technique

• Break the suction gently by inserting your clean finger into the corner of the baby's mouth before removing them from the breast 5, 2
• Never pull the baby off without breaking suction, as this causes nipple trauma 2
• Reposition and try again immediately—most breastfeeding difficulties can be avoided if good attachment is achieved at first and early feeds 4

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not push the baby's head from behind onto the breast, as this triggers a reflex that causes the baby to arch away 1
• Avoid supplementing with formula unless medically indicated, as this undermines exclusive breastfeeding and can worsen latch problems by reducing feeding frequency 5
• Do not assume anatomical problems (like tongue-tie) without first optimizing positioning—positional instability is commonly misdiagnosed as requiring surgical intervention 7, 1
• Never tolerate ongoing pain—pain indicates poor positioning or attachment that must be corrected, not endured 2, 1

When to Seek Help

• Contact a lactation specialist within 48 hours if you cannot achieve comfortable, effective feeding despite repositioning attempts 7, 5
• Ensure feeding frequency of 8-12 times per 24 hours to establish adequate milk supply and prevent complications 8, 5
• Observe for improvement within 48-72 hours of any intervention; persistent problems beyond 7 days require reassessment 7