Quick Answer

Most latching problems come down to a few common blockers, and nearly all of them are fixable with the right help. Flat or inverted nipples can make it harder for a baby to draw the nipple in, but most babies still feed well because they latch onto the breast, not just the nipple; drawing the nipple out before a feed and a deep latch usually solve it (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Tongue-tie restricts the tongue's movement and can cause a shallow, clicking latch and sore nipples; if positioning changes do not help, a quick procedure called a frenotomy can (Cleveland Clinic). A sleepy baby, common in the early days, may not wake to feed, so gentle waking every 2 to 3 hours and keeping them active at the breast helps. For any of these, an IBCLC lactation consultant is your best first call, and early breastfeeding support is recommended so you can feed comfortably (ICMR-NIN).

Author: Mylo Editorial Team, Mylo Parenting Desk
Medically reviewed by: Mylo Editorial Board, aligned with WHO, ICMR-NIN and NHS guidance
Last updated: 30 July 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your baby cannot latch, is not gaining weight, has very few wet nappies, or is hard to wake for feeds, please see a lactation consultant or doctor promptly.

Key Takeaways

• Most latching problems are common and fixable with the right support.

• Flat or inverted nipples: babies latch onto the breast, not just the nipple, so most feed well (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

• Draw the nipple out before a feed with hand expression, a pump or cold, and aim for a deep latch.

• Tongue-tie can cause a shallow, clicking latch and sore nipples; a frenotomy can help if needed (Cleveland Clinic).

• A sleepy baby may need waking every 2 to 3 hours to feed in the early weeks.

• Keep a sleepy baby active at the breast with skin-to-skin, undressing and breast compression.

• An IBCLC lactation consultant is the best first port of call for any latch problem.

Common Latching Blockers at a Glance

Flat or Inverted Nipples

Flat nipples do not stand out much, and inverted nipples turn inward, especially when stimulated. The reassuring news is that breastfeeding is about the breast, not just the nipple: a baby takes a good mouthful of areola, so most babies latch and feed well even with flat or inverted nipples (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Some babies simply need a little help drawing the nipple in at first.

What helps:

• Draw the nipple out before a feed using hand expression or a short burst on a breast pump, or a moment of cold, to make it easier to grasp.

• Aim for a deep latch with a big mouthful of breast, so the baby is not relying on the nipple alone.

• Try different positions; some babies latch better in a laid-back or reclined position, others more upright.

• Ask about a nipple shield as a temporary tool if latching is difficult, ideally with a lactation consultant's guidance.

• Get hands-on help early; an IBCLC can show you techniques for your specific shape.

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)

Tongue-tie is when the strip of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) is short or tight, restricting how far the tongue can move. Because effective feeding needs the tongue to extend and cup the breast, tongue-tie can make latching hard (Cleveland Clinic).

Signs to look for:

• A shallow latch that keeps slipping, or the baby cannot stay on.

• Clicking sounds during feeds and long, frequent feeds without seeming satisfied.

• Sore, cracked or misshapen nipples for you, and sometimes slow weight gain for the baby.

• The tongue cannot poke out past the lips or lift well, and may look heart-shaped at the tip.

What helps: first, a lactation consultant will try adjusting your latch and positioning, which resolves many cases. If feeding problems continue and tongue-tie is confirmed, a doctor may perform a frenotomy, a quick, simple procedure that releases the tissue and can improve feeding (Cleveland Clinic). Get it assessed rather than assuming; not every restricted tongue needs treatment.

A Sleepy Baby

Newborns are often very sleepy in the first days and weeks, and a sleepy baby may not wake to feed or may drift off after a few sucks. This is common, but it needs gentle management so your baby feeds enough and your supply gets established.

What helps:

• Wake to feed every 2 to 3 hours in the early weeks, aiming for 8 to 12 feeds in 24 hours, until weight gain is well established.

• Use skin-to-skin contact and undress your baby down to the nappy to rouse them.

• Try gentle stimulation: change the nappy, stroke the cheek or feet, or hand express a little milk onto their lips to encourage them.

• Use breast compression during the feed to keep milk flowing and your baby actively swallowing.

• Switch sides when your baby slows down, to spark another let-down and keep them feeding.

• Watch early feeding cues like stirring, mouthing or rooting, and feed then rather than waiting for a full cry.

If your baby is very hard to wake, feeding very little, has few wet nappies, or looks jaundiced, contact your doctor, as very sleepy feeding can sometimes signal a problem that needs checking.

General Fixes and When to Get Help

• Prioritise a deep latch. Nose to nipple, wait for a wide gape, and bring your baby on chin first.

• Protect your supply. If your baby is not removing milk well, hand express or pump to keep milk moving until latching improves.

• See an IBCLC lactation consultant early. Most latch problems improve quickly with hands-on help.

• See a doctor if your baby is not gaining weight, has very few wet nappies, cannot latch at all, or you have persistent pain.

Early, skilled breastfeeding support helps mothers feed comfortably and continue breastfeeding, which is recommended alongside timely complementary foods from six months and continued up to two years (ICMR-NIN).

A Note on Latching Problems and Milk Supply

It helps to keep two things separate. A latching problem is anatomical or mechanical, and no food or supplement can fix a flat nipple, release a tongue-tie, or wake a sleepy baby; those are solved by technique, tools and, when needed, a simple procedure or a lactation consultant. Where nutrition fits is afterward: if a latch problem has reduced how well the breast is drained, your supply can dip, and once feeding improves, frequent removal rebuilds it. Some mothers use traditional lactation blends to support supply alongside a good diet at that stage, such as Mylo LactoMama™ Lactation Granules, which use shatavari as the hero ingredient. Fix the latch problem first with proper help; treat supplements only as supply support.

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my baby having latching problems?
Common blockers include flat or inverted nipples, tongue-tie, and a sleepy baby, as well as a shallow latch or positioning. Most are fixable with help from a lactation consultant.

Can I breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples?
Yes. Most babies latch onto the breast, not just the nipple. Drawing the nipple out before a feed and aiming for a deep latch usually solves it (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

How do I know if my baby has tongue-tie?
Signs include a shallow, clicking latch, long or frequent feeds, sore nipples, slow weight gain, and a tongue that cannot poke past the lips or lift well. A lactation consultant or doctor can assess it (Cleveland Clinic).

Does tongue-tie always need treatment?
No. Many cases improve with better latch and positioning. If feeding problems persist, a doctor may recommend a frenotomy, a quick procedure that releases the tissue.

How do I wake a sleepy baby to feed?
Use skin-to-skin, undress them to the nappy, stroke the cheek or feet, and hand express a little milk onto their lips. Wake to feed every 2 to 3 hours in the early weeks.

How often should a sleepy newborn feed?
Around 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, roughly every 2 to 3 hours, until weight gain is well established. Feed at the first stirring cues rather than waiting for a cry.

Will a nipple shield help with latching?
It can be a useful temporary tool for flat or inverted nipples or difficult latches, but use it with guidance from a lactation consultant so it does not affect supply.

When should I see a doctor about latching problems?
If your baby cannot latch, is not gaining weight, has very few wet nappies, is very hard to wake, or you have ongoing pain, see a lactation consultant or doctor promptly.

References

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Flat or Inverted Nipples. hopkinsmedicine.org

2. Cleveland Clinic. Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia). my.clevelandclinic.org

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Difficulty with Latching On or Sucking. hopkinsmedicine.org

4. World Health Organization (NCBI Bookshelf). The physiological basis of breastfeeding. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

5. ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024. nin.res.in

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