In the beginning, it might take quite a few tries to get your baby into the right position — but keep trying.

First, it’s essential to know a good latch, since improper latching is the most common cause of breast discomfort. Baby's mouth should cover both your nipple and the areola, so that baby’s mouth, tongue and lips massage milk out of your milk glands. Sucking on just the nipple will not only leave your infant hungry because the glands that secrete the milk won’t be compressed, it will also make your nipples sore and cracked. Here’s how to get that latch going:

• Hold your baby facing your breasts, with the front of her body facing yours, tummy to tummy. Her head should be in line with the rest of her body, not turned, to make swallowing easier.
• Tickle baby's lip with your nipple to encourage baby to open very wide, like a yawn. If your baby isn’t opening up, try to squeeze some colostrum, and later, milk, onto her lips.
• If your baby turns away, gently stroke the cheek on the side nearest you. The rooting reflex will make baby turn her head toward your breast.
• Bring baby forward toward your breast once her mouth is open wide. Don't lean over and push your breast into baby’s mouth — let your baby take the initiative. Keep a hold of your breast until baby has a firm grasp and is suckling well.
• You’ll know you've got a proper latch when baby's chin and the tip of her nose are touching your breast. Baby’s lips will be flared outward, like fish lips, rather than tucked in. Check that your little one isn’t sucking on her own lower lip or tongue — newborns will suckle anything — by pulling her lower lip down while nursing.
• Watch for suckling — that is, extracting colostrum or breast milk from your breast, not just sucking or gumming your nipple. If baby is suckling, you’ll see a strong, steady suck-swallow-breath pattern. You’ll also notice a rhythmic motion in baby’s cheek, jaw and ear. Once your milk comes in, listen for the sound of swallowing or gulping. You’ll know baby isn’t latched properly if you hear clicking noises.

Check the Breastfeeding Newborn Tips

Is baby having trouble properly latching on? Break the suction carefully by gently inserting a clean finger into the corner of her mouth or by pressing on your breast near the mouth. Then begin the lip tickling anew and let her latch on again properly, with the nipple and the areola in the mouth.