Flat or inverted nipples?

Question

I learned of this problems existence while creating my registry and trying to figure out what those nipple shields are used for. After looking at some pics and doing the suggested "pinch" test, I'm now convinced I have flat nipples and will not be able to breastfeed without problems. Does anyone else have this issue? Is there anything I could start doing now to extend them?

Answer

Just came across this:

"Remember that babies BREASTfeed, not NIPPLEfeed. As long as baby can take a good portion of the breast into his mouth (baby's mouth and gums should bypass the nipple entirely and latch on to the areola), most types of flat or inverted nipples will not cause problems with breastfeeding."

Answer

I have inverted nipples and breastfeeding was a challenge. I tried to have baby latch on in the beginning and they just couldn't get the stimulus needed to start and hold on. Everyone told me a breast shield was a last resort, so I tried and tried and tried in the hospital and became sad and frustrated and felt like I had no choice but to give a bottle so my baby could eat. I felt like a failure, especially after watching all the hospital videos on why "breast is best".

Then I broke down and got a breast shield... instant latch! It was a real blessing for me.

It took almost double the time for me to feed the baby, and there were a couple concerns about her not getting enough because it took more effort, but all in all it totally worked.

I had to use them for the first 4 months, but after that amount of time baby had managed to... well... suck them into out position ;). I was able to slowly transition her from shield to bare breast.

I am now pregnant with baby two and they have not retracted, so I don't think breastfeeding will be as difficult this time.

Don't lose hope! You can make it work.

Answer

I used nipple shields and breastfed just fine. They are just annoying and I always lost them. Hopefully you will have someone in the hospital check in on how your doing and if you need it they should suggest but you can always ask. They will provide them.

Answer

My SIL has inverted nipples and is currently having no problems breastfeeding my 5 week old nephew! She was very worried about it before the baby was born and immidiately after he was born at the hospital waiting to go see them, first thing I asked my BIL was if she is breastfeeding and he said that he latched on right away. I also just spoke to a woman this weekend who had 2 kids and inverted nipples and never had any issues breastfeeding. Her kids are in their 20's, so I assume before nipple shields were around. Speak to your lactation consultant, it's a lot more common than we realize. Hope this helps.

Answer

Lansinoh makes a little tool that can help, I think it's called the latchassist nipple everter, that what it's called on Amazon at least :)

Answer

I have flat nipples and it was torture getting my oldest to latch on so much so I gave up and just pumped. With baby 2 I didn't even try but since I'm going to be a SAHM with this baby I've decided to go to lactation classes to learn.

Answer

Mine aren't flat or inverted but I still had issues feeding my first son. My ob told me it had more to do with my medicated labor than anything else. My son just wasn't interested in trying. He wanted to sleep a lot. It's good you're learning about possible bf issues now bc it's hard to figure out when you have a little one that needs almost constant attention. You'll be way ahead of the game. If you have a lactation consultant lined up I'm sure you'll know just what to do to feed your baby successfully in no time.

Answer

Mine are pretty flat and we were able to make it work! Don't be afraid to use shields/shells/pump to help you reach your goals :) good luck mama!!

Answer

Well I never knew I had flat nipples til right now by the pic lol . Didn't know it could cause problems. Crap.

Answer

I successfully breastfed my daughter with a nipple shield for a year. It's a little harder to manage, but doable. :)

Flat or inverted nipples?

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