Why is my babys top lip tucked in while breastfeeding?

Understanding Your Baby’s Tucked-In Top Lip While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural yet complex process that can sometimes present challenges for both mother and baby. One common concern among breastfeeding mothers is when their baby’s top lip appears to be tucked in during feeding. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, primarily related to the baby’s oral anatomy and latch technique.
What is Lip Tie?
One of the primary reasons for a tucked-in top lip is a condition known as lip tie. This occurs when the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums, is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict the movement of the lip, making it difficult for the baby to flange their lip outward while latching onto the breast. A proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding, as it allows the baby to take in enough milk and ensures comfort for the mother.
Impact on Breastfeeding
When a baby’s top lip is tucked in, it can lead to an improper latch. This may result in the baby not getting enough nipple and areola into their mouth, which can cause discomfort for the mother and may hinder the baby’s ability to feed effectively. Mothers often report that a tucked-in lip can lead to a “smacking” sound during feeding, indicating that the baby is struggling to maintain a good seal.
Signs of a Poor Latch
A poor latch can manifest in various ways, including:
– The baby not flanging their lips outward.
– The mother experiencing pain during breastfeeding.
– The baby making unusual sounds while feeding, such as clicking or smacking.
If you notice these signs, it may be beneficial to consult with a lactation consultant who can assess the latch and provide guidance on how to improve it.
When to Seek Help
While a tucked-in top lip can be a normal variation in some infants, it’s essential to monitor the situation. If breastfeeding becomes painful or if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding efficiency, seeking help from a healthcare professional is advisable. They can evaluate for lip tie or other issues that may be affecting the breastfeeding experience.
In conclusion, a tucked-in top lip during breastfeeding can be linked to anatomical factors such as lip tie, which may affect the baby’s latch and feeding efficiency. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate breastfeeding challenges more effectively, ensuring a positive experience for both mother and baby.

How to tell if lip tie is affecting breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
When the baby suckles less tissue, painful nursing is also a result. One sign (not always present) is a callus on baby’s upper lip, directly at midline. While not always an indicator of a problem, it’s typically associated with an upper lip-tie. It’s simply a reminder to flip the lip!

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.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

What does a poor latch look like?

You’ll know your baby didn’t latch on properly if you see indentations in their cheeks when they suckle, hear clicking noises or notice their lips curled inward. They may also move their head frequently or not do any swallowing. Incorrect latching may also cause pain for you.

How should baby’s lips look while nursing?

The top lip isn’t supposed to flange out (turn outwards) while breastfeeding. The idea of fish lips is simply not correct. The upper lip is supposed to sit neutrally on the breast, not turn out.

Why does my baby’s top lip curl under when bottle feeding?

So, babies who flange the top lip are doing so because they are compensating for a shallow latch due to poor positioning or a tongue tie.

What are four signs of good breastfeeding?

When your baby is well attached:

• their chin touches your breast.
• their mouth is wide open.
• their cheeks are round and full, not sucked in or dimpled.
• their sucks become slower and longer.
• you can see some of your breast above your baby’s top lip.
• you feel a strong, drawing sensation.

What does lip tie latch look like?

Lip-ties look different depending on the severity of the tie: a small, string-like appearance on one end of the spectrum and a wide, fanlike band of connective tissue on the other. The Kotlow classification system uses four grades to rate the frenulum based on appearance.

Why does my baby bury her face while breastfeeding?

Not enough milk at the moment.
Baby isn’t getting as much milk as they would like at that moment. A baby popping on and off for this reason tends to bury his head into the breast, then yank back with the nipple still in his mouth before popping off and crying.

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.