CORRECT LATCH

• Baby’s lips are around the nipple AND the areola, not just the nipple.
• The top lip will be closer to the nipple, and some areola shows above top lip.
• More areola is taken in with the lower lip than the top lip.
• Baby’s chin is close against breast.
• Baby’s lips are “flanged,” not tucked in.
• Some babies swallow too quietly to hear, so listen for a slight pause in baby’s breathing which shows he or she is swallowing.
• You see a “wiggle” at the junction of baby’s temples and ears.
• Baby has enough wet and dirty diapers.

INCORRECT LATCH

• You feel pain.
• You hear clicking or sucking noises.
• Your baby comes off easily from the breast.
• Your baby swallows little or not at all at the breast.
• Baby’s lips are tucked in instead of turned out (flanged).
• Your nipple is flattened or creased after feeding.
• Baby does not have enough wet or dirty diapers.