Latch Rescue! Troubleshooting Common Breastfeeding Pain and Issues

Hello, MilkMates! By now, you’ve mastered the why of the deep latch (Part 1) and the how-to of positioning (Part 2). But what happens when you’ve tried everything and it still hurts, or the baby keeps clicking and popping off?

Don’t panic! Pain and discomfort are usually signals that the latch needs a minor adjustment. This guide empowers you to become your own Latch Rescue Consultant by identifying common issues and knowing exactly when to call in professional help.

1. 🆘 First Rule of Latch Rescue: Breaking Suction Safely

Never just pull your baby off the breast! This is the fastest way to cause nipple damage!

1. Stop the Feed: If it hurts beyond the initial 30 seconds, it’s time to try again.
2. Insert Your Finger: Gently insert a clean finger (your pinky works best) into the corner of your baby’s mouth, between the gums.
3. Break the Seal: Wait until you hear the suction release.
4. Remove: Once the suction is broken, you can safely remove your baby and start the latch process over.

2. Common Latch Issues and Quick Fixes

Most problems fall into one of these three categories. Use the simple fix provided below:

Issue	What You See/Feel	The Quick Fix
Nipple Pain/Pinching	A sharp, burning, or pinched pain that lasts the entire feed. Nipple looks lipstick-shaped or flattened when baby unlatches.	Re-sandwich and Re-aim. Break the latch, take a moment, re-sandwich your breast tissue to get it deeper, and aim the nipple toward the roof of their mouth (high palate).
Shallow Latch/Tucked Lips	Baby’s lips are curling inward, or you see a small, tight circle of the mouth. Baby tends to slip back to the tip of the nipple.	Flange the Lips. Once latched, gently pull down on the baby’s bottom lip and gently pull out the top lip to ensure they are flanged outward (like fish lips).
Clicking/Air Swallowing	You hear a distinct “click” sound, or the baby is very gassy afterward.	Compress and Support. This often means the seal is poor. Try applying breast compression during the feed to keep the flow consistent, or ensure the baby’s head and neck are well-supported and aligned (Part 2).

3. The Red Flags: When to Call a Lactation Consultant (LC)

While many issues can be fixed at home, there are times when specialized, one-on-one help is necessary. Please contact a professional if you experience:

• Pain Persistence: Pain that is intense and never goes away, despite repeatedly attempting a deep latch.
• Severe Damage: Nipple damage that leads to bleeding, cracked skin, or signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or fever).
• Growth Concerns: Your baby is not meeting weight gain milestones, even with frequent nursing.
• Structural Concerns: A medical professional suggests your baby may have a severe tongue-tie, lip-tie, or other oral structure issue that prevents a deep latch.

Seeking professional help is not a failure; it’s an investment in your well-being and your baby’s nutrition!

We encourage you to find a certified IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) in the Philippines. They are the gold standard for skilled, clinical breastfeeding support. Check our Resources Page for a directory of trusted professionals in your area!