Need Suggestions for Flat/inverted Nipples and Breastfeeding

Hi. I do have inverted nipples as well. At the hospital we tried a lot and it worked at little. Someone told me to pump right before I was going to feed the baby and the nipples will be larger and easier for them to find. It works well. I was able to breastfeed my 3rd child. I was not that lucky with my first 2.
Good luck!

Also check out your local La Leche League. I have found the meetings and the leaders to be a huge help for me with any questions and/or issues I have had. Plus the support and encouragement has been a life saver.

I dont have inverted nipples, don't know anyone who does, but wanted to remind you that you are never alone. Even if we dont have the same issues, we can listen, support you and help you seek the answers you need. You can always seek out the lactation consultant in your delivering hospital, or local hospital if you are delivering at home. Good luck and congratulations.

Did you have the same issue with the first child? Google "La Leche League" a great source for breastfeeding issues.
Blessings

My nipples were also inverted, and I had no problems breastfeeding (we stopped when she was over 2 years old... my nipples are no longer inverted.). My only suggestion is that you "toughen up" your nipples prior to giving birth. Pinch the nipple between your thumb and forefinger, and "roll" back and forth. This will help with the initial discomfort of breastfeeding. That said, I did not "toughen" mine and all was well. Good luck!!!

Congratulations on making the decision to breastfeed!! The current research does not show that using a breast shell before delivery makes any difference- which is what you said you noticed.
There are different degrees of inverted nipples. The question for you is - are you ever able to make them "come out" If that is the case than the baby should also be able to. If not you might need an evaluation.
I would strongly encourage you to connect with a lactation counselor. If you are delivering in a hospital, call there and see if they have a lactation department. That way you can know to ask for a consult after you deliver. That is really the best time to determine if there is going to be an issue. Sometimes there is and sometimes there isn't.

The best of luck to you.

if you're in miami, FAITH PLOUDE at MERCY Hospital can help you. otherwise, seek out "THE" lactation consultant in your area and get a consultation...

I have inverted nipples and I didn't even think about them during pregnancy. I was given breast shells at the hospital, but in the rare moments when I was awake and not breastfeeding, the last thing I wanted to do was wear them. I ended up just throwing them away.

I did get a lot of help in the hospital. My baby was tiny, my breasts were huge, and we definitely needed some practice. I know all the breastfeeding books tell you not to use them, but I credit the nipple shield with teaching us both to breastfeed. She was able to breastfeed easily with them. After about a month, I tried to nurse without it about once a week. I was usually pretty frustrating for both of us. Then one time at about 2 months, she latched on easily and we've never used it since.

She is still breastfeeding at almost 8 months. I am pumping at work right now!

Good luck, it's so worth it!

Hi. I have inverted nipples and was unaware that it was supposed to be a problem while breastfeeding. There have not been any problems other than a few bleps (3 over the course of a year - same boob - PAINFUL!!!!) My beautiful baby latched right on after delivery when she was placed on my belly. It was so natural and amazing - good luck!

Hi Kelly,

You are not alone. I have a friend who has inverted nipples and she gave up on breastfeeding because back in her day nobody told her that she could indeed breastfeed. I highly recommend that you find yourself a reliable certified lactation specialist. You should be able to call Le Leche League (if you have one in your area) and ask for a referral...otherwise your OB/GYN or hospital should have a referral for you.

Kelly,
Congrats on your 2nd pregnancy. Were you able to BF your first child?
Anyway, I dont have inverted or flat nipples, but my son did have some latching issues. I saw a lactation consultant who helped us tremendously. She suggested a nipple shield. It helps pull inverted nipples out when you nurse. They can be a pain b/c you have to make sure they are always clean so the baby can nurse. They also say that using them can cause your supply to decrease....I personally never had that problem. But they are cheap & easy to use. YOu can get them at Target:

http://www.target.com/Medela-Nipple-Shield/dp/B000067PQ0/...

I hope this helps!! And I wish you the best with your new baby!!
H.

I used breast shields after I had the baby. With breastfeeding my nipples drew themselves out.

I used a breast shield when I first started nursing. I also worked with a couple of great lactation consultants. I successfully nursed three boys! It can be done. Just try not to get discouraged and it will eventually work out. I nursed all three of my boys for their entire first year and used the breast shield for only the first few eeks with all of them. good Luck! Just try and find a lactation consultant you like, it is great to have the support especially with your first baby. Good Luck and Congratulations!

Hi, Kelly. I had flat/inverted nipples, too, and they popped out naturally during my pregnancy. I'm not sure at what stage that happenned, but I remember that by the time my son was born, my nipples were ready to feed him. Actually, the first stages of breastfeeding will also help to get the nipples ready.

Even a nipple that isn't inverted or flat goes through changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They all get larger, as you can imagine.

I don't know what a breast shell is, so I can't help you there, but if you want to condition and encourage your nipples, you can try smoothing on and rubbing in something like olive oil or some other non-toxic or non-harmful oil. You can rub it into the nipple and areola (the dark area around the nipple) and gently stroke the whole area outward. This seemed to help me somewhat, but nature usually takes over and gets the nipple ready with or without much intervention.

I do recommend some kind of conditioning before giving birth, though, because the nipples can really hurt for the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding. I almost quit because of the pain, but one day, it just stopped hurting. Olive oil can't hurt you, and in fact, the most famous nipple cream is made from olive oil, so that's what I would recommend for conditioning the nipples before birth.

Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy, a healthy birthing, and a wonderful life!

Peace,
Syl