fbpx

This is what your baby’s sucking blister could mean

This is what your baby’s sucking blister could mean

Welcoming a newborn into your family is a joyous occasion filled with endless moments of amazement and discovery. One common observation parents may notice is the presence of sucking blisters on their newborn’s lips. But what exactly does it mean when your baby has a sucking blister? Let’s dive into this topic and understand what you need to know.

 

What are Sucking Blisters?

Sucking blisters are small, harmless sores that can appear on the lips of newborns and infants. These blisters typically develop along the top of the mouth due to your baby’s natural sucking motions. It’s quite common and often nothing to worry about.

Why Do Sucking Blisters Occur?

In the womb, babies practice sucking, and some may be born with these blisters. As they start feeding, the friction from sucking on a breast or bottle may cause these small blisters to form. Usually, these blisters heal on their own within a couple of weeks.

When Should You be Concerned?

While the presence of sucking blisters is typically normal, it’s important to observe your baby’s overall well-being. If your baby is doing well—gaining weight, content between feeds, having regular wet and dirty diapers, and generally not fussy—there is rarely a concern. However, if you notice blisters along with other symptoms such as poor weight gain, fussiness, or difficulty feeding, it might indicate an issue with their latch.

The Importance of a Good Latch

A poor latch is one where the baby struggles to properly attach to the breast or bottle. This can lead to your baby needing to exert more effort to feed, potentially causing a sucking blister. Inadequate latching could stem from the latch not being deep enough or other issues like oral restrictions or body tension.

Finding a Solution

If you suspect the latch might be an issue, consider seeking a feeding assessment. A professional can help determine any underlying problems, whether related to the latch, oral restrictions, or body tension, and help provide a solution to ease feeding for both you and your baby.

Key Considerations

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Always observe if the sucking blisters accompany other symptoms such as irritability or weight issues.

  2. Seek Advice: If unsure, consult with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant to get professional insights and support.

  3. Feeding Assessments: Consider professional assessment to resolve any underlying feeding issues and enhance your baby’s feeding experience.

Conclusion

Sucking blisters are a common part of a newborn’s early life and are usually nothing to worry about. However, being attentive to your baby’s feeding patterns and overall health can help ensure everything remains on track. Should there be any concerns, early intervention can offer both reassurance and effective solutions. If you have questions or need further guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or share your queries in the comments below. Your journey through parenting is unique, and support is always within reach.

 

If you need more support

I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.

If you are struggling with your baby or child, you can reach out and we can help. We do in person and virtual feeding assessments. We also offer women’s health services and can help you achieve optimal hormonal health. Our services are often covered through insurance.

You can find the nurse closest to you here. If you need more help you can reach out to [email protected].

Thank you so much for being a part of our community,

Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP

SHARE THIS POST

Need Support?

Find Us Elsewhere

The Mama Coach- Content Campaign-18

About Us

The Mama Coach is a global team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

Our mission is to guide families through every stage of their parenting journey by providing evidence-informed education infused with non-judgmental support, compassion, and empathy.