My baby only nurses on the nipple tip, not the whole breast — is it harmful?
⚡ Short answer: Nursing only on the nipple tip instead of the areola hurts you and doesn't give the baby enough milk.
Anonymous
bir anne · Mom
My baby only takes the nipple tip, not the areola; this hurts and I don't think he's getting enough milk — how do I fix it?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Nursing only on the nipple tip instead of the areola hurts you and doesn't give the baby enough milk. To fix this, try:
1. Right position: Baby's head and body in line, tummy facing you. Bring baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby.
2. Wide mouth opening: Push baby's lower lip down; when the mouth is very wide open, place the breast with the nipple going toward the roof of the mouth, not the tip of the lower jaw.
3. Fixing the latch: After baby starts nursing, check that his chin is on the breast, with more areola showing on top than on the bottom.
4. Unlatching: If it hurts, slide your pinky into the corner of his mouth to break the latch and try again.
If you get cracks or bleeding, lanolin cream can help (check with your doctor), and if it doesn't improve in a few tries, a lactation consultant's support would help a lot.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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