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DRIf feeding hurts… there’s always a reason.
What you’re seeing here is blanching of the gums—a temporary whitening caused by compression.
Not suction.
Pressure.
A functional latch relies on the tongue to create a seal and generate negative pressure to extract milk without causing pain or damage.
When that system isn’t working efficiently, some babies compensate by clamping to stay latched. This can be very painful for mom.
On a finger, we can see it clearly.
During feeding… it can feel very different.
One of the reasons this can happen?
👉 Limited tongue mobility due to a tongue tie, which can make it harder to maintain suction.
That said—this is not the only cause of painful feeding, and it doesn’t point to a single diagnosis.
But it is a sign that the mechanics may need a closer look—often with the right support team in place.
@dr.lauracaylor
