Sucking Blisters On Newborn Lips: Is It A Bad Latch Or Normal?

First things first, let’s define what we’re looking at. A sucking blister, also known as a friction blister or a suck callus, isn’t a true blister in the way we think of one from a burn or a new pair of shoes. It’s actually a small, thickened patch of skin. Think of it like a callus a guitarist gets on their fingertips from playing—it’s the body’s natural way of protecting an area that’s doing a lot of new, repetitive work.

Your newborn’s lips are incredibly soft and delicate, but their sucking instinct is immensely powerful. From the moment they’re born, they are working those little lip muscles vigorously to draw milk. This constant friction and pressure against the breast or bottle nipple can cause the outer layer of skin on their lips to form a small callus. It’s a sign that your baby is putting in the effort to eat!

Common Characteristics of a Normal Sucking Blister:

• Location: Most often, you’ll see it right in the center of the top lip, but it can sometimes appear on the lower lip or in the corners.
• Appearance: It usually looks like a small, raised area of skin. It might be slightly paler than the rest of the lip or have a slightly translucent look. It’s typically not red, inflamed, or filled with fluid.
• Painless: A key characteristic is that it doesn’t bother your baby at all. It’s not tender to the touch and shouldn’t cause any fussiness during feeding.

These calluses can come and go, especially in the early weeks and months as your baby’s skin toughens up and they become more efficient at feeding. In the vast majority of cases, they are a completely harmless and normal part of being a newborn. They require no treatment, no special creams, and will resolve on their own over time.

This is the heart of the matter for most parents. While sucking blisters are usually normal, they can sometimes be a sign that your baby is working a little too hard to eat due to a shallow latch. A shallow latch means the baby is sucking more on the nipple itself rather than taking in a large mouthful of breast tissue (or the base of the bottle nipple). This can cause extra friction on the lips and may lead to other issues.

So, how do you play detective? You have to look at the whole picture—the blister is just one clue. The key is to assess both your baby’s comfort and your own (if you’re breastfeeding) during feeds.

Here’s a table to help you compare the signs:

A Gentle Reminder: A sucking blister by itself, with no other symptoms, is almost never a cause for concern. It’s when you see it paired with other signs from the ‘Potential Latch Issue’ column that it’s worth investigating further.

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a good, deep latch is the foundation of a successful feeding journey. It ensures your baby can transfer milk efficiently and keeps everyone comfortable. Let’s break down what a great latch looks and feels like.

For Breastfeeding Parents:

A good breastfeeding latch is about more than just getting the nipple in the baby’s mouth. It’s about helping them get a big mouthful of breast tissue.

• Wide Open Mouth: Encourage your baby to open their mouth wide, like they are yawning, before bringing them to the breast. Tickling their lips with your nipple can help.
• Flanged Lips: Your baby’s top and bottom lips should be turned outward, like fish lips, not tucked in. You may need to gently flip the top or bottom lip out with your finger.
• Asymmetrical Latch: You should see more of your areola (the darker skin around the nipple) above your baby’s top lip than below their bottom lip. Their chin should be pressed into your breast, and their nose should be clear.
• No Pain: After the initial few seconds of latching, feeding should not hurt. If you feel a pinching or biting sensation, gently break the suction with your finger in the corner of their mouth and try again.
• Audible Swallowing: You should hear or see your baby swallowing, especially after your milk lets down. It often sounds like a soft ‘kah’ sound.

For Bottle-Feeding Parents:

Yes, latch matters with bottles, too! A good bottle latch helps your baby control the flow of milk and prevents them from swallowing too much air.

• Wide Latch on the Base: Just like with breastfeeding, you want the baby’s lips to be wide and flanged around the base of the bottle nipple, not just on the tip.
• Paced Bottle Feeding: Try holding your baby in a more upright position and keeping the bottle horizontal to the floor. This allows the baby to be in control of the flow, rather than having gravity do all the work. It mimics the flow of breastfeeding and can prevent gagging and discomfort.
• Watch for Stress Cues: If your baby is splaying their fingers, looking wide-eyed, or letting milk dribble out of their mouth, they may be overwhelmed by the flow. Tip the bottle down to give them a brief pause before offering it again.

Perfecting the latch takes practice for both you and your baby. Be patient with yourselves—you are both learning a new skill together!

You are never alone on this journey. The newborn phase is a time for learning, and it’s also a time for asking for help. While sucking blisters are usually benign, if you’ve gone through the checklist and suspect your baby’s latch could be improved, or if you’re experiencing any feeding challenges, it is always a good idea to reach out for professional support.

Don’t hesitate to contact a professional if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent Pain: If you are breastfeeding and experience pain that lasts throughout a feeding session or continues after the first week.
• Nipple Damage: Cracked, bleeding, or severely painful nipples are not a normal part of breastfeeding and are a clear sign that the latch needs adjustment.
• Weight Gain Concerns: If your pediatrician is concerned about your baby’s weight gain pattern.
• Distress During Feeds: If your baby is consistently fussy, gassy, or distressed during or after feedings. This includes frequent clicking sounds, which can indicate they are breaking suction.
• Blisters that Look Atypical: If the spots on your baby’s lips look more like true blisters (filled with fluid), are bleeding, or seem to be causing pain. While rare, it’s important to rule out other issues like thrush or a cold sore.

Who to Call for Help:

1. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): An IBCLC is the gold standard for feeding support. They can provide a full assessment of both you and your baby, check for tongue or lip ties, and give you hands-on, personalized strategies to improve your latch and positioning.
2. Your Pediatrician or Family Doctor: Your baby’s doctor is your primary partner in their health. They track growth and development and can be your first point of contact for any concerns. They can also refer you to a lactation consultant.
3. Postpartum Doulas or Peer Support Groups: Sometimes, talking to other parents or a trained postpartum professional can provide valuable tips, encouragement, and emotional support.

Remember this: Reaching out for help is a sign of incredible strength and love for your baby. You are their best advocate, and ensuring they have a comfortable and effective feeding experience is one of the best things you can do for them.