The experience of breastfeeding can be deeply frustrating when a baby keeps popping off breast. This common behavior can transform a bonding moment into a source of stress and exhaustion for parents. Fortunately, frequent unlatching is almost always a sign that a small adjustment is needed, not a reflection of a supply issue or a permanent problem.
Is it normal for newborns to unlatch frequently?
While some unlatching is normal—babies need to pause, swallow air (burp), or signal a full stomach—constant and frantic unlatching is not typical and signals a problem that needs attention. Normal unlatching looks calm and controlled, often after a period of active suckling.
💡 Frequent, frustrated unlatching, especially when accompanied by crying or nipple pain, means a deeper mechanical or flow issue needs to be addressed.
Top reasons your baby keeps popping off the breast
Identifying the root cause is the first step toward a solution. Here are the most common "whys" behind a baby who won't stay latched.
Shallow latch or positioning issues
A shallow latch is one of the most frequent culprits.
💡 If your baby only takes the nipple tip and not enough of the areola, they may struggle to extract milk effectively, leading to nipple pain for you and frustration for them.
They will often slide off or repeatedly pull back, trying to correct the problem themselves. Correct positioning is foundational; ensure your baby is tummy-to-tummy, and their ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line. This position will encourage your baby to open his mouth wide if you don’t feel comfortable You might need to see a lactation consultant to find the best position for you and your baby
Forceful letdown (overactive milk ejection reflex)
Sometimes, the issue isn't the latch—it's the firehose. A forceful letdown means the milk flows too rapidly for your baby to manage. They may gag, choke, cough, or clamp down on the nipple to slow the flow, often followed by quickly pulling off the breast and crying in distress. This is a primary reason for repeated unlatching during the first few minutes of a feed. But don’t worry, there are solutions for this.
Anatomical issues (tongue or lip tie)
Structural limitations in your baby’s mouth can prevent them from extending their tongue or opening their mouth wide enough to create a deep, effective latch. A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie can make it physically difficult for the baby to stay attached. Watch for signs of hunger newborn behavior followed by clicking noises during a feed, which may indicate a poor seal due to an anatomical issue.
Discomfort and distraction
Babies unlatch when they are uncomfortable. Nasal congestion can make it hard for them to breathe while feeding, forcing them to pull off to gasp for air. Newborn hiccups during feeding is really common too and can distract your baby. Similarly, the discomfort caused by reflux or trapped gas can lead to arching, squirming, and popping off. Sometimes, around 3-4 months old, distraction takes over. Any sudden noise or sight can cause them to unlatch to turn their head and look. Furthermore, high levels of stress and milk supply are intrinsically linked; if you are very stressed, or tired, your letdown reflex can be inhibited, leading to a slow flow that frustrates your baby.
Slow milk flow or low volume
If your milk flow is too slow, especially towards the end of a long feed or if you have a lower supply, your baby may pull off in frustration. They are signaling that the effort they are exerting is not providing enough reward. This often looks like fussing, fidgeting, or giving up on the breast. Try to find a cause if it looks like you have a lower supply. Are you tired, stressed, could you be pregnant again ? In fact a new pregnancy will lead to lower supply and fussy baby.
Step-by-step solutions: how to encourage a deeper latch
Getting a deeper latch is the single most effective way to resolve most unlatching issues. Follow these steps:
- Prep the baby: Offer the breast at the first signs of hunger newborn displays (rooting, licking lips, fidgeting) before they start crying. A calm baby is easier to latch.
- Use skin-to-skin contact: Undress your baby down to a diaper and hold them chest-to-chest. This releases hormones that calm both of you, stimulates your baby’s natural feeding reflexes, and helps them self-attach more effectively.
- Position correctly: Ensure your baby’s body is supported and close to yours. When using a cradle hold, your baby’s nose should be level with your nipple.
- The "nose-to-nipple" technique: Tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple. Do not attempt to latch until they open their mouth wide, like a big yawn. Your nipple should point toward the roof of their mouth (their nose).
- Bring baby to breast quickly: Once their mouth is open wide, swiftly bring your baby's entire body onto your breast, aiming your nipple toward the roof of their mouth. Their chin should be pressed firmly into your breast, and their lips should be flanged outward.
- Break and re-latch: If the latch is painful or shallow, gently insert your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction before taking them off and immediately trying to re-latch.
When the problem is the milk flow (letdown issues)
Managing a quick or forceful letdown is essential to keep your baby comfortable and latched.
- Try laid-back (reclining) positions: Gravity is your friend. Lie back comfortably (semi-reclined) and place your baby tummy-to-tummy on top of you. This makes your baby work against gravity to feed, slowing the flow.
- Express the initial letdown: If you know your letdown is strong, hand-express or pump a small amount of milk (about half an ounce) just until the initial rapid flow passes. Then, quickly bring your baby to the breast once the flow has moderated.
- Burp frequently: If your baby is gulping milk from a fast flow, they are also swallowing air. Pause the feed and burp your baby frequently to relieve gas pressure that can cause arching and unlatching.
- Feed frequently : make sure you feed your baby frequently (not more than 2 hours between 2 feeds during day time) so your breast doesnt have time to get too full leading to decreasing the milk flow
When to seek professional help for a baby constantly pulling off the breast?
If adjustments to positioning and flow management don't solve the issue, it is vital to seek professional support. This is a sign of good parenting, not a failure.
Consult an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or your baby's pediatrician immediately if you notice any of these red flags:
- Maternal pain: Persistent or severe nipple pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, or pinched nipples after a feed.
- Poor weight gain: The baby is not gaining weight adequately or has too few wet or dirty diapers.
- Audible clicking: You hear loud, repetitive clicking noises during feeding, which can indicate a poor seal, often due to a tie or a shallow latch.
- Engorgement or mastitis: You frequently experience plugged ducts, mastitis, or painful engorgement.
- Consistent fussiness: Your baby is constantly pushing away or fighting the breast at every feed.
Understanding why a baby keeps popping off breast is the most crucial step toward resolving the issue. Whether the cause is a forceful letdown, a shallow latch, or simple discomfort, solutions are readily available. Remember that breastfeeding is a learned skill for both parent and child, and patience is key during this learning process. If the simple fixes described here are not working, or if unlatching is consistently accompanied by pain, clicking sounds, or poor weight gain, do not hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.
