Can You Successfully Breastfeed With Flat Nipples?

Question

I just found out I’m pregnant and it was unplanned however I have twins who are 3 years old and I did not breastfed them. I am having one baby now and I’m considering breastfeeding or exclusively pumping for only financial reasons, since I’ll have 3 kids now. But My nipples are just so flat. Is it possible? Should I just pump? Advice and stories needed!

Answer

I had to use a nipple shield (after I stopped being stubborn getting bruised, blistered, and bleeding nipples!!) but it made all the difference. After 2-3 months I was able to drop the shield and carry on breastfeeding until we weaned at about 16-18 months. 
Now, my nipples are no longer inverted/flat!

Answer

I have inverted nipples, the left way worse than the right. A nipple shield didn’t work for me because it didn’t pull my nipple out enough to get a deep latch so he was just getting the tip of my nipple in and it was extremely painful. My son is now 6 weeks, and after many visits to the LC we’re doing ok. We just sort of kept at it, it still hurts some when he first latches but it has gotten much better. The other thing I used was Medela soft shells

Answer

I am using nipple shields...still figuring out the latch (it’s a bit painful for me) but he is definitely getting enough milk & it is much better for me than without the shield (he won’t latch at all without it). My Lactation consultant told me I can eventually go without it once he gets more established.

Answer

Me! I have flat nipples, and am currently 10 weeks into breastfeeding. My nipples are no longer flat and are starting to come out these last few weeks

Answer

I have one flat nipple. I used a shield for four months and it really helped to draw it out to the point where he could nurse without it.

Answer

I have pretty flat nipples and let me say it isn’t easy but so worth it.  They gave me a nipple shield in the hospital.  It was the wrong size.  I didn’t know that because I hadn’t researched them at all.  So look into shields and research them.  My daughter lost too much weight so I ended up exclusively pumping for awhile.  We pace fed any bottle she had.  Her and I both just got too frustrated with the nipple shield.  
At about six weeks old, my husband went back to work and pumping, feeding, taking care of baby and myself was A LOT without extra hands.   And an LC told me to try patching her again.  While we still needed the shield....she may latch better.  I tried and she did.  So I started breastfeeding via breast in the middle of the night.  I also found out my daughter prefers the Lansinoh shields to the Medela ones.  Now at four months old, she feeds great.  There are times when she pulls the shield off in the middle of a feed and nurses without it. My nipple doesn’t pull out much so I prefer she uses the shield to keep a good latch because I feel without it, her latch is too swallow. 
Good luck to you!!

Answer

It sucks and it’s a struggle figuring out what position is best for you to get the deepest latch BUT one day it’ll click and you’ll be no different then regular titty moms.
Lactation counselors and support groups are always recommended especially with flat/inverted nips.

Answer

You may need to use nipple shields for a while to draw the nipple out, and then put baby on your actual nipple after, but yes you can definitely breastfeed.

Can You Successfully Breastfeed With Flat Nipples?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey