How to fix a latch that makes a nipple look like lipstick?

Understanding Lipstick Nipple Latch
The term lipstick nipple latch refers to a specific breastfeeding issue where the nipple appears flattened or elongated, resembling the shape of a lipstick. This condition typically arises when a baby latches onto the breast incorrectly, often resulting in discomfort for the mother and inadequate milk transfer for the baby. Recognizing and addressing this problem is crucial for a successful breastfeeding experience.
Why Lipstick Nipple Latch Occurs
Lipstick nipple latch usually occurs due to a shallow latch. This can happen for several reasons, including the baby’s positioning, the way they open their mouth, or even the mother’s breast shape. When the baby does not take enough of the areola into their mouth, the nipple is compressed, leading to the characteristic lipstick shape. This not only causes pain but can also affect the baby’s ability to extract milk effectively, potentially impacting the mother’s milk supply.
Signs of Lipstick Nipple Latch
Mothers may notice several signs indicating a lipstick nipple latch:
– Nipple shape: After breastfeeding, the nipple appears flattened or elongated.
– Discomfort: Pain during or after nursing sessions.
– Ineffective feeding: The baby may seem unsatisfied or fussy after feeding.
How to Fix Lipstick Nipple Latch
Correcting a lipstick nipple latch involves several strategies aimed at improving the baby’s latch technique. Here are some effective methods:
1. Positioning: Ensure that the baby is positioned correctly. The baby’s head should be aligned with the mother’s breast, and their body should be facing her. This alignment encourages a deeper latch.
2. Encouraging a Wide Mouth: Before latching, gently stimulate the baby’s lips with the nipple to encourage them to open their mouth wide. A wide mouth allows for more of the areola to be taken in, which is essential for a good latch.
3. Breast Compression: While nursing, gently compress the breast to help guide the nipple into the baby’s mouth. This can help the baby latch more effectively and draw more milk.
4. Repositioning: If the latch feels painful or the nipple appears lipstick-shaped, gently break the latch by inserting a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth and reposition them. Aim for a deeper latch by ensuring more of the areola is included.
5. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: If difficulties persist, seeking help from a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support. They can observe the latch and offer tailored strategies to improve it.
6. Practice and Patience: Like any skill, achieving a good latch takes practice. Mothers should be patient with themselves and their babies as they work towards a more effective breastfeeding technique.
Conclusion
Addressing a lipstick nipple latch is essential for both the comfort of the mother and the nutritional needs of the baby. By understanding the causes and implementing effective strategies, mothers can enhance their breastfeeding experience, ensuring that both they and their babies thrive during this important time.

Why do my nipples look weird after breastfeeding?

The most frequent reason for this is due to your baby compressing your nipple during a breastfeed. When you notice your nipple is white after breastfeeding, you may see that the end of the nipple is also flattened, creased or pointed; imagine the shape of a new lipstick – that’s a misshapen nipple!

What is considered a bad latch?

Signs of a bad latch
Latch is uncomfortable and pinching may happen. Milk leakages due to weak latch between your baby’s lips and your areola. Clicking sounds due to baby swallowing air and bad latch. Your baby may get easily frustrated due to bad latch.

Why does my nipple look like lipstick after latch?

Nipples can vary considerably in their elasticity (flexibility/stretchability) and therefore more elastic nipples can look “lipstick” shaped without there being any problem. And if a baby is clamping a lot with a lot of high milk/supply from mom’s end, they are going to tend to flatten the nipple.

What do nipples look like with bad latch?

If your baby is not latched properly, you may notice a crease across the tip of your nipple when it comes out of your baby’s mouth. It may be shaped like a new tube of lipstick. Or it may look white at the tip.

How do you fix an improper latch?

You could try a hold that mimics the latch direction from the side with the good latch. So if right side works in cradle hold, try football hold on the left, or vice versa. Or koala hold with flipple technique to get a deeper latch on either side.

What do nipples look like if flange is too small?

Signs of flanges that are too small:
Cracks at the base of the nipple. Skin breakdown from excessive friction. Trouble removing milk. Often, but not always (elasticity is a factor here), the damage will be isolated to the nipple as the areola can’t be pulled into the flange at all.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

Does tongue tie cause lipstick nipple?

Things that a breastfeeding mother might experience that could indicate a tongue tie include: Nipple pain at latch and throughout a breastfeeding session. lDamaged, blistered, or bleeding nipples. The nipple appearing distorted into a wedge shape (like a tube of lipstick) after feeding, sometimes with a line at the tip.

What is the flipple technique?

The Nipple Tilt Technique
This is also known as the “flipple” technique. Hold your breast with your thumb on top and your fingers on the bottom. Place your thumb well back from the base of the nipple. This is in line with where your baby’s upper lip will be once she has latched.

Can babies gain weight with a shallow latch?

If a mother has an abundant supply, then sucking works just fine initially, and the baby will gain weight appropriately, even with a shallow latch.