Lipstick Nipple After Breastfeeding – 5 Helpful Solutions for Comfortable Nursing

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process that provides crucial nourishment to your little one. However, it’s not always an easy journey, especially when it comes to the health of your nipples. One common issue that breastfeeding mothers experience is known as lipstick nipples.

Lipstick nipple after breastfeeding, also called “blanched” or “creased” nipple, is a condition where the nipple becomes compressed and flattened, resembling the shape of an unused lipstick. This occurs when your baby latches onto the breast incorrectly, causing discomfort and even pain for the mother.

In this article, you will see the different ways breastfeeding can affect you, what to do to avoid these challenges, and, most importantly, how to reduce the chances of a Lipstick nipple.

Effects Of Breastfeeding On Your Nipple

Generally, after giving birth, whether you choose to breastfeed your baby or not, your breasts will undergo some changes. From enlargement to sore breasts or sore nipples. Breastfeeding or not placing your baby properly to breastfeed may result in any of the following:

1. Sore and cracked nipples

After giving birth, you will have sore and cracked nipples for the first two to three weeks as the breast begins to produce milk. The good news is, it will go away with proper latching and a little patience.

2. White color nipple

If your nipple turns white after breastfeeding, it could be that your baby was not latched properly, restricting blood supply to your nipple.

Please note that this could also be a sign of an underlying illness. So, if you place your baby properly and still experience white nipple color, then you should see a doctor.

3. Lipstick nipple

A lipstick nipple is another sign of a poor latch. If after breastfeeding you notice your nipple is slanted or has taken the shape of a new unused lipstick, it is a sign that your baby didn’t latch deeply enough.

4. Nipples may look bigger

When you breastfeed, your baby drags out your nipple, so if you have an inverted nipple, your nipple will look bigger and it’s likely to stay that way.

5. Saggy look

With all the sucking your baby will be doing, your boobs won’t look as picky as they were before you gave birth, but that’s okay and shouldn’t make you hard on yourself. Remember, you have a reward for all the stress and your baby is worth it all.

Causes Of Lipstick Nipple

Lipstick nipples are often caused by improper latching during breastfeeding. If your baby isn’t latching well or deep enough, the nipple can become compressed and take on the appearance of a flattened lipstick. This can be uncomfortable or even painful for the mother.

In some cases, the underlying cause of poor latching may be related to your baby’s oral anatomy. For example, a lip tie or tongue tie can make it difficult for your baby to latch properly. These conditions occur when the frenulum, the tissue that connects the tongue or lip to the mouth, is too tight.

If your baby is experiencing pain or discomfort while nursing, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your baby’s oral anatomy and recommend any necessary treatment, such as a frenectomy.

Another possible cause of lipstick nipples is a bacterial infection in your baby’s mouth. Thrush, a common fungal infection in infants, can cause white patches on the tongue and gums, as well as redness and soreness in the mouth. lipstick nipples can be a sign of improper latching during breastfeeding, which may be caused by factors such as lip or tongue tie, or a bacterial infection.

Methods for Correcting Lipstick Nipple

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting a lipstick nipple after breastfeeding.

1. Get Medical Clarification

Check your baby first if you notice you have lipstick nipples, especially if they are accompanied by pain. Also, check for deformities such as tongue tie or lip tie in your baby.

A tongue tie is similar to a lip tie. It can be easily corrected at the hospital if it is seen early enough. The earlier it is corrected, the easier it will be for the child. Some babies can even start sucking properly immediately after tongue tie surgery.

In a situation where your baby was declared free from any kind of issues like that but you are still finding it difficult to make your baby latch properly, please take your baby back to the hospital for another checkup.

2. Create a Conducive Environment

Now that you’re certain your problem isn’t medical, try feeding your baby in a less raucous and distracting environment for both you and your baby. You can’t be breastfeeding and be screaming at someone to do something or not to do something. You might startle the baby from sucking on the breast.

Being in a calm space will also help you concentrate and focus on the baby to observe the progress of the feeding.

3. Create Bonding Moments

Bonding can help your baby find his way around your body and locate your breasts.

Give your baby access to your bare skin and create that mother-child bond.

4. Support, Not lead

Your baby will want you to hold his body while he sucks. Offer him that support after bringing out your breast. Allow him to find your nipple by himself.

5. Gently open his mouth wider

When your baby has noticed the breast and is ready to suck, watch him open his mouth wide enough to suck. But if he isn’t opening his mouth wide enough, gently help him. You can achieve this by teasing your baby with your breasts.

When he opens his mouth to take in the breast, pull on his chin gently so he can open it wider, then target your nipple to go past his gum. If you can achieve this, both you and the baby will have a good feeding time.

6. Discontinue and start over

If you notice any pain while breastfeeding, that’s a sign that your baby is not properly latching. Disconnect and start again. If, after some seconds, your baby starts crying again, then it’s a sign that he’s not getting enough milk. Discontinue and start over, ensuring this time that both of you are comfortable.

 If your baby’s mouth is curled outward and his mouth is covering the entire nipple, then he is latched properly, but if he wraps his mouth around the base of the nipple, then your baby isn’t latching deeply enough. You have to remove his mouth and start over.

You can remove his mouth from the breast by placing a finger along the side of the nipple and into your baby’s mouth. This attempt can make your baby upset and fussy, but it’s much better to re-latch and have a proper pain-free breastfeeding experience.

7. Raise your nipple upward

When your baby opens his mouth, your target should be to get past his gums by aiming towards the roof of his mouth. This process will get both the areola and nipple into his mouth, aiding him to latch deeply and correctly.

8. Let your baby’s chin rest against your breast

Put your baby close to you in such a way that his chin is against your breast. Let his chin be a bit tilted upward. Ensure that both you and the baby are comfortable.

When your baby is lying on your arm in a laid-back position with his chin against your breast, it will help him take in your nipple more comfortably and reduce the chances of having a lipstick nipple.

9. Focus on your baby’s lower lip.

If you can get your baby’s lower lip to come in contact with your breast before he finally takes it all in, it will be an easy way to reduce the pressure that would have resulted in lipstick nipple after breastfeeding.

10. Try to reduce your breast size

Hold your breast in your hands and squeeze to reduce the size before placing it in your baby’s mouth. This will help him take it in better, especially if you have a bigger nipple.

11. Try other styles

Don’t just depend on one style to get your baby to feed.  There are other methods you can try in order to get your baby to feed. You can try dangling feeding, cradle holding, rugby ball holding, or side lying.

All these other methods could make your baby feel more relaxed and give him room to take in more flesh.

12. Use a nursing pillow.

A nursing pillow can be very helpful when the intention is to support your baby’s alignment and give him comfort. A breastfeeding pillow is highly recommended for breastfeeding. It brings your baby closer to the breast.

13. Try a nipple shield.

A nipple shield is a nipple-shaped sheath worn over the areola and nipple during breastfeeding. Maybe it’s time you tried using a nipple shield. It’s used in severe cases and should not be used for too long. If you choose to use a nipple shield, let it be monitored by an expert.

If you have tried all you can and you and your baby are still having problems with latching and you are experiencing lipstick nipples, then you should consult your doctor. This way, you will know if you should try using a nipple shield to stop your nipple from having the lipstick shape.

How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Latching Properly?

1. Painless breastfeeding

Whether it’s a few days after giving birth or a few months later, and you feel severe pain all through when your baby is feeding, then it’s a sign that your baby is not latching properly. You should be able to feed your baby after he has sucked for at least a few seconds.

This is one of the easiest ways to tell if your baby is latching properly.

2. When your baby’s chin touches your breast

When your baby is sucking and his chin touches your breast, it’s a sign that he is taking in as much of your nipple as he can. It’s okay if your baby’s nose touches your breast. What isn’t okay is when your baby’s head is turned to the side or is crooked at the neck.  If your baby is in good alignment, then you can be sure he is properly placed. There is a tendency that he is sucking well.

3. Round nipple

No matter the size of your nipple, when you latch properly, your nipple will be round after breastfeeding. But if it looks like a lipstick, then it is not properly latched.

4. A healthy and well-fed baby

Is your baby healthy fed? If yes, then it means he is latching properly because if your baby isn’t latching properly, it means your baby isn’t taking in enough milk and that can lead to malnutrition, especially when it’s an exclusive feeding.

5. When you hear your baby swallowing.

If you are hearing the sound of swallowing, then you can be sure that your little one is sucking, and that means he is latching properly. Also, ensure it isn’t sucking in the air.

Can A Good Latch Go With A Lipstick Nipple?

If you experience lipstick nipple while breastfeeding, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s important to remember that sometimes this can happen even if you are doing everything correctly. It’s typically caused by improper latching, which can cause the nipple to become compressed and flattened.

In some cases, the nipple will return to its normal shape on its own after your baby has finished nursing. This is a good sign that your baby is latching and eating well, so there is usually no need to worry.

However, if you continue to experience discomfort or pain while breastfeeding, or if your baby seems fussy after feeding, it’s important to seek advice from your healthcare provider. They can assess the situation and determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

While lipstick nipples can be a common issue during breastfeeding, it’s not always a cause for concern. If it happens occasionally and your baby seems to be feeding well, there is usually no need to worry. However, if you experience ongoing discomfort or your baby is fussy after feeding, seek advice from your healthcare provider to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed.

Last Words

Breastfeeding can be challenging for both first-time and experienced mothers, especially in the first few days after giving birth. Common issues include cracked and sore nipples, which can make proper latching difficult and painful.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may have different feeding patterns, so it can take time to figure out when your baby is eating well. However, if you feel ongoing pain or discomfort while breastfeeding, it’s important to seek advice from your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and offer professional advice and support.

If you are experiencing lipstick nipple after breastfeeding without pain, there is usually no need to worry, as the nipple should return to its normal shape on its own. The key to correcting this issue is proper latching. Make sure your baby is latching correctly, with their mouth covering as much of the areola as possible.

If you experience pain while breastfeeding, it’s likely a sign that your baby is not properly latched. Look for other ways to position your baby for feeding to achieve a deeper and proper latch. You can also seek guidance from a lactation consultant or other breastfeeding support resources.

Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby, and it’s normal to encounter challenges along the way. Be patient with yourself and your baby, and don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals and other resources as needed. With time and practice, breastfeeding can become a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.