Inverted/flat nipples?

Question

I’ve had inverted nipples my whole life and am now due with my first in March 2019. I’ve heard many times that women with nipples like mine can’t breastfeed, however I would really like to! I realize it may be a bit harder for me than others but I’m just wondering if there are any women here that have either inverted or flat nipples that could give me some advice or even just some positive stories. 
My sister has flat nipples and she was unable to breastfeed my nephew 6 years ago and I’m worried that I’m doomed.

Answer

I had one flat and one inverted. My son definitely preferred the flat one at first but I eventually had no problem with either. The lactation consultant at the hospital helped soo much. She showed me how to pinch my nipple and put it in baby’s mouth and eventually he would latch on and the nipple would get pulled out. A few weeks into breastfeeding, my son nursed like a champ on both sides and my nipples ended up kind of staying out.

Answer

I have flat nipples and we definitely had problems with our latch until I got help from a LC who showed me how to use a nipple shield and some other techniques on how to encourage a deep latch. The midwives at the hospital were no help whatsoever. They just didn't have the necessary training. Try to see a LC as soon as you can. When you have problems feeding in the first few days it can be really disheartening, and my baby did a lot of damage to my nipples in just two days. 
The adhesions inside the nipple make breastfeeding difficult and painful at first. The midwives kept on telling me breastfeeding is supposed to be a little painful when you first start, but I knew what I was experiencing was not normal. The shield did make the sessions longer, and it did slow my letdown, but I couldn't have fed without then in the first few weeks. 
We were able to wean off the shield after about 2 months. Again it was a bit painful as the shield had been a buffer between me and the baby, but feeding became easier and my nipples toughened up after 2 weeks. 
We're still breastfeeding now at 10 months and I no longer have problems with flat nipples. I could pretty much dial a phone with my nipple now.
There are some exercises/manipulation you can do on the nipple to help break down the adhesions that cause flat/inverted nipples, but I didn't know about them until after. If you wanted you could try them, but I'd speak to an LC first. 
You can definitely breastfeed with inverted/flat nipples, it may just take a little more work at first.

Answer

Nipple shields are my life now. I had flat nipples, and honestly as my pregnancy progressed they got a bit more pronounced. Pumping helped, too, after I gave birth. Good luck and congrats!

Answer

I have small flat nipples and I've successfully breastfed for 18 months thanks to a nipple shield. They're amazing and easy to use. So it's definitely possible. Sure it's been annoying at times and I've felt so jealous of people who don't need to use them, but I'm so incredibly grateful I got to breastfeed my son, and for so long! 🙏🏻

Answer

I used a nipple shield and then at 2.5 months just offered a regular nipple midway through feeding and wow - he took it! We have been without a nipple shield for 1.5 months now. Very freeing!

Answer

I have flat nipples and I use a nipple shield

Answer

Nipple shields are often used for those with inverted nipple, and they seem to work tremendously.

Answer

I pumped exclusively with my first because of this issue actually.  The pumping helped pull my nipples out... so this time I’m planning on trying again and possibly using my pump to help really pull my nipples out enough for a good latch.

Answer

Pumping and nipple shields

Answer

That’s the way mine are. I tried to breastfeed with my first two. And i was down with it before we would even leave the hospital. It’s the most painful thing ever. It was worse than giving birth. Not for me. This time I’m not even going to try to do it. Save myself some pain. Bottles work just the same.

Inverted/flat nipples?

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