Have you ever noticed that some babies are born really big, calloused lips?
Well, there’s a fascinating reason why this happens.
According to Midwife Cath, some babies are born with huge lips because they’ve been sucking on their thumbs in the womb.
“Some babies will be born with a sucking blister because they’ve been sucking their fingers in utero,” she told Mamamia.
This finger-sucking leads to calloused lips or ‘sucking blisters’ which makes their lips look larger than normal.
“They’re completely safe, and softer than you’d think, and the callouses will fall off in their own time,” Midwife Cath explained.
“Just make sure you don’t pull them off yourself,” she added.
The sucking blisters or callouses are also common in newborns who are breastfeeding or bottlefeeding.
“Everything that happens to a newborn, happens for a reason,” Midwife Cath assured us.
“This is Mother Nature’s clever way of providing a grip for the nipple.”
So there you have it – mystery solved. And thank you, Mother Nature.
LISTEN: Midwife Cath warns against getting bouncing contraptions for babies. Post continues after audio…
Top Comments
“Everything that happens to a newborn, happens for a reason,” Midwife Cath assured us.
Well I'm glad midwife Cath said it, otherwise I wouldve though babies died, got sick, stopped breathing, had heart attacks, seizures, disabilities, birth abnormalities etc. for nothing.
Perhaps take that line out. It's the dumbest thing Ive ever heard from a midwife, and my baby did die. I might be being 'precious' but I'm grieving and that's an incredibly hurtful thing to say to any mum whose baby has suffered or died. There are a lot of us too, I'm just not afraid to say it.
I’m so sorry Banshee :( thinking of you.
Sending love to you Banshee,
Thank you for speaking for all who have lost an angel.
Not a parent, but that line really stuck put to me too, for the same reason. Please edit these stories mindfully, MM.
I'm sorry about your wee one, Banshee.
I’m sorry for your loss. Reading the article I think that comment was taken out of context.