North Shore Lactation

Latch Difficulties? Get Expert Help From Chicagoland's Most Trusted Team of IBCLCs.

If breastfeeding feels painful or frustrating, you're not alone — and it's often more fixable than it feels. Our IBCLCs find the cause and help you achieve a comfortable, effective latch.

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4.9300+ Reviews
  • Most Families Pay $0
  • Same-Day and Next-Day Visits
  • In-Home, Clinic & Virtual
  • Trusted By Thousands of Families
Common Signs

Is Your Baby Struggling to Latch?

Latch difficulties are one of the most common reasons families seek lactation support. A shallow, painful, or ineffective latch can affect your comfort and your baby's milk transfer — but it's usually something an IBCLC can identify and help correct.

  • Painful Latch

    Pain during feeding often points to a positioning, latch, or oral function issue that can usually be improved.

  • Clicking Sounds While Feeding

    Clicking noises can mean your baby is having trouble keeping suction and transferring milk effectively.

  • Baby Frequently Slips Off Breast

    Repeatedly losing the latch often comes down to positioning, coordination, or oral mechanics we can assess.

  • Long Feeding Sessions

    Feeding for long stretches without seeming satisfied can be a sign milk isn't transferring efficiently.

  • Frustration at Breast

    Pulling away, fussing, or relatching over and over often eases once the latch is corrected.

  • Slow Weight Gain

    When latch affects milk transfer, weight gain can slow — usually with a clear, fixable cause.

Not sure whether latch difficulties are affecting your feeding journey? A consultation can tell you exactly what's happening.

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You Are Not Alone

Latch Difficulties Are One of the Most Common Breastfeeding Challenges

If feeding feels painful, frustrating, or harder than you expected, you're far from alone — and in most cases, there's a clear path forward.

Mother smiling while holding her baby at home
  • Latch Challenges Are Extremely CommonShallow latch, painful feeding, and constant relatching are some of the most common reasons families seek lactation support — especially in the early weeks.
  • Most Latch Problems Are Highly TreatableSmall adjustments to positioning, feeding mechanics, or oral function can make a real difference in comfort and effectiveness.
  • You Don't Have to Figure This Out AloneAn experienced IBCLC can identify what's causing the latch difficulty, improve feeding comfort, and help you feel confident feeding your baby.
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How We Help

Personalized Latch Support From Experienced IBCLCs

Latch difficulties are rarely caused by just one thing. Our IBCLCs find what's getting in the way and build a plan tailored to your baby and your feeding goals.

  • Latch & Positioning Assessment

    We evaluate your baby's latch, positioning, and feeding mechanics to find what's making feeding uncomfortable or ineffective.

  • Positioning & Hold Coaching

    We work with you hands-on, feeding by feeding, to find the holds and techniques that make latching easier and more comfortable.

  • Milk Transfer Evaluation

    We assess how effectively your baby is transferring milk and whether the latch is affecting feeding efficiency.

  • Oral Function & Tongue-Tie Assessment

    We evaluate tongue and lip ties and other oral restrictions that can prevent a deep, effective latch.

  • Comfort & Pain Relief

    When a shallow or poor latch is causing pain, we correct the underlying mechanics so feeding stops hurting.

  • Written Feeding Plan

    You leave with a clear, realistic plan — shared with your pediatrician and OB/GYN after every visit.

Let's find out what's making feeding difficult — and what will help.

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Real Families, Real Results

Latch Success Stories From Chicagoland Families

All reviews from real patients on Google.

"As a first time mom, I always imagined being able to breastfeed but I was naive thinking it would come naturally to me and that I would be able to do it easily. After my baby was born I immediately struggled with getting him to latch. I was given assistance at the hospital but it was still a struggle. When I got home, I felt completely overwhelmed with everything I had been told/given and that's when I got some much needed support, guidance, and encouragement from Melissa at North Shore Lactation. Melissa helped simplify things for me. In a matter of one session, I was able to learn how to help my baby latch well onto both breasts."

— Molly

"Melissa was nice and very knowledgeable! Within one session and the provided resources I saw a significant improvement with getting baby to latch more effectively and pain free. I would highly recommend."

— Akia
Google
4.9
300+ Reviews

Compassionate care.
Expert guidance.
Real results.

All reviews from real patients on Google.

When to Seek Help

When Should You Reach Out for Help?

Many families assume a difficult latch is something they just need to push through. But breastfeeding shouldn't be painful or frustrating — and early support often makes feeding more comfortable and effective for both you and your baby.

It's worth reaching out if:

  • Breastfeeding is painful, or your nipples are sore or cracked
  • Your baby struggles to stay latched or slips off the breast
  • You hear clicking sounds or your baby isn't transferring milk well
  • Feedings feel long, frustrating, or exhausting
  • You simply want reassurance that feeding is going well
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Prefer to talk first?Call or text us at 847-220-4192
Where We Serve

Proudly Supporting Families Throughout Chicagoland

Enter your zip code to confirm we serve your area and bring expert lactation care to the comfort of your home.

Commonly Serving Families From:

the West Loop Western Suburbs McHenry County Napervilleand more

Your Latch Questions, Answered

Below are answers to common questions about latch difficulties, breastfeeding pain, and what to expect during a lactation consultation in Chicagoland.