My baby's mouth is too small to latch! How can I make breastfeeding easier?
- jaimiezaki
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Baby's mouth too small to latch? Here's what you need to know...
You imagined the snuggles, the bonding, and that sweet milk-drunk baby face. But now you're stressed, sore, and maybe wondering if your baby’s mouth is just too small to latch.
If someone told you that—especially in the hospital—you’re not alone. But I want to gently challenge that belief. Because in nearly every case I’ve seen, the issue isn’t that a baby can’t breastfeed... it’s that no one showed you how.
Let’s unpack the truth behind what’s really going on when it seems like your baby’s mouth is too small to latch—and what you can do about it.
“They Said Her Mouth Was Too Small to latch…”
I’ll never forget the message I got one Sunday morning. A sweet woman reached out on behalf of her sister, who was devastated after being told by the hospital staff that her baby’s mouth was too small to breastfeed.
Her baby was days old, and they were already talking about switching to formula. Mom was heartbroken—and about to head home hours away from support.
I couldn’t get to her in person, but I knew exactly what was happening.
Because here’s what that phrase usually means:
Baby wasn’t positioned well
The latch technique didn’t trigger their reflexes
There was unaddressed body tension from birth
Not that her baby’s mouth was actually “too small.”
Why Your Baby Can Breastfeed (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It Right Now)
✔️ Full-term babies—and even many preemies—have mouths that are capable of latching deeply and effectively.
✔️ If it feels like their mouth just won’t open wide enough, it’s often a reflex issue—not a size issue.
✔️ Many new moms are told to “shove the boob in” or “just try harder,” which can actually make the problem worse.
But with the right technique, support, and sometimes gentle bodywork, most babies can and do go on to breastfeed beautifully.
Hey, Mama - If you're struggling with breastfeeding - dealing with uncomfortable latches, worrying about milk supply, or wondering if your baby has a tongue tie, but you don't know where to turn next? Here's your answer!! The Breastfeeding Success Bundle includes 3 Essential Breastfeeding Guides to answer the most common breastfeeding questions & fix the most common mistakes. This bundle is worth $99 -- available now for just $27!
Joyful breastfeeding is closer than you think!
Helping your baby get a good latchwith a small mouth
Good latch starts with good positioning.
That means:
Baby’s body and spine in alignment
Chin angled up and forward
Lower lip brushing the breast to stimulate a reflexive gape
YOU leaning back, not hunching forward
If your baby had a long or difficult birth, their jaw and neck might feel tight—just like our bodies get tense after strain. That tension can prevent a wide-open mouth.
That’s where things like gentle jaw massage or a few sessions with a pediatric chiropractor or craniosacral therapist can work wonders.
Real Story: A Four-Pound Fighter Learns to Latch
One of my clients had a tiny preemie—just four pounds—with a diagnosed tongue tie and flat-out refused to give up on breastfeeding.
She was told her baby wouldn’t be able to latch without surgery.
We focused on body alignment, reflex-based latch techniques, and supportive bodywork.
Her baby latched. And breastfed. And never needed that release.
Because technique, positioning, and support made all the difference.
Still Struggling? Here’s What You Can Do Next
If you’ve been told your baby’s mouth is too small to breastfeed, or you’re constantly hearing “just use a bottle,” please know: There’s a better way.
🌿 Download the Breastfeeding Success Guide Bundle — it walks you through the exact steps to a deep latch and confident start.
🌿 Or get 1:1 virtual support where we work together for 3–6 weeks so you’re never left Googling at 3am again.
Preparing While Pregnant? Even Better.
If you’re still expecting and want to avoid this stress altogether, my Breastfeeding Prep & Thrive Program is designed for you. You'll get:
Personal prenatal consults
Immediate postpartum guidance
Ongoing support for your first six weeks
Because breastfeeding prep shouldn’t start after baby arrives.
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
Breastfeeding Resources Available:
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