So my doctor said I may have a hard time breastfeeding because...?

Question

my nipples are inverted. He said if they don't come out in the next couple of weeks I may want to use these little mold things that will "train" them to come out.

Anybody ever use these? Was it successful?

Just how much of a padded bra would I have to get to not have these nipple molds showing?

(oh I'm 15 weeks with my first)

Answer 1

TREATMENTS TO DRAW OUT A FLAT OR INVERTED NIPPLE
While it's very important to remember that most babies who latch-on well can draw out even an inverted or flat nipple, and that a baby does not "nipple-feed", there are several possible options for treating a flat/inverted nipple that may make latch-on easier for the baby. Some of these treatment measures can be employed before birth and others will want to be delayed until the baby arrives. Still others can be used as treatment options both during pregnancy and after breastfeeding has begun.


Breast shells. Breast shells, also referred to as milk cups, breast cups, or breast shields, take advantage of the natural elasticity of the skin during pregnancy by applying gentle, but constant pressure to the areola in an effort to break the adhesions under the skin that prevent the nipple from protruding. The shells are worn inside the bra, which may need to be one size larger than normal to accomodate the shell. Ideally, shells should be worn starting in the third trimester of pregnancy for a few hours each day. As the mother becomes comfortable wearing the shells, she can gradually increase the amount of time she wears them during the day. After the baby is born, these same shells can be worn about 30 minutes prior to each feeding to help draw out the nipple even more. They should NOT be worn at night and any milk collected in them should NOT be saved.

Hoffman Technique. Doing this technique several times a day may help loosen the adhesions at the base of the nipple. To employ this technique: place a thumb on each side of the base of the nipple - directly at the base of the nipple, not at the edge of the areola. Push in firmly against your breast tissue while at the same time pulling your thumbs away from each other. By doing this you will be stretching out the nipple and loosening the tightness at the base which will make the nipple move up and outward. This exercise should be repeated 5 times a day, moving the thumbs in a clockwise fashion around the nipple. It can be used during pregnancy and after baby begins breastfeeding.

Breastpump. After birth, the use of an effective breastpump can be helpful at drawing out a flat or inverted nipple immediately before breastfeeding to make latch-on easier for the baby. It also can be used at other times following delivery to help further break the adhesions under the skin by pulling the nipple out uniformly from the center.

Evert-it Nipple Enhancer. Available through La Leche League, this device helps to draw out the nipple by providing uniform suction similar to that obtained with a breastpump.

Nipple stimulation. After birth, if the nipple can be grasped, a mother can roll her nipple between her thumb and index finger for a minute or two and then quickly touch the nipple with a moist, cold cloth or ice wrapped in cloth (avoid prolonged use of ice as it can inhibit the letdown reflex and numb the nipple too much).

Pulling back on the breast tissue at latch-on. As you support your breast for latch-on with thumb on top and four fingers underneath and way back against the chest wall, pull slightly back on the breast tissue toward the chest wall to help the nipple protrude.

Nipple shield. ONLY TO BE USED AS A LAST RESORT, the nipple shield is a flexible nipple made out of silicone that is placed over the mother's nipple during feedings so that latch-on is possible for the baby. To prevent the baby from becoming too addicted to nursing with the shield, it should be removed as soon as the baby is latched-on and nursing well. The length of time during the feeding that the shield is used should also be steadily decreased. Possible problems associated with the use of nipples shields include a drop in the mother's milk supply and insufficient transfer of milk to the baby. Because of these possible risks, it is strongly recommended that you only use a nipple shield under the direct supervision of a lactation expert such as as a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader. It should be noted, however, that even with the possible risks of using a nipple shield, as long as the mother is aware of what to watch for, breastfeeding with a nipple shield is much more preferable to not breastfeeding!

Check out the sites below for more info!

Read up on the benefits of breastfeeding and solidify your determination and you can do anything :)

Goodluck!

Answer 2

I took a breastfeeding class at the hospital where I delivered my daughter (before I gave birth). I would recommend taking a class if you want to breastfeed. I remember the lactation specialist talking about inverted nipples and she had mentioned that many women with them can breastfeed, they just might have a more difficult time. The nipple molds your doctor is referring to are actually called breast shields. I know Madela makes them. You can find them at Babies R Us, and I believe Target as well. What I would do is buy a pair of the shells first. If you can see them through your current bras, then take them with you to the store to shop for a new bra and try them on with the shells. The bottom part of the shell, which has a center hole for your nipple, will press against your breast, so they may not even show through your current bra. If your breasts get fuller with your pregnancy (most women's do, mine didn't), it might cause your nipples to come out. If you can't find a breastfeeding class in your area, see if you can talk to the lactation specialist at the hospital. You can also check out www.lalecheleague.org. Good luck.

Answer 3

They're not bad--I didn't have inverted nipples, but they were practically non-existent when my milk came in, so i used the nipple shield for a few weeks so my son could latch.

as for padded bra--I put a regular nursing pad between the nipple shield and my bra, and all looked pretty normal. Of course, I was wearing loose clothing, too, being post partum, so tighter clothing may have more of an effect.

You should consider checking out the La Leche league website. Inverted nipples is a common problem, and there is no reason it should keep you from breast feeding.

Good luck, and congratulations on your pregnancy!

Answer 4

A friend of mine had inverted nipples and she needed assistance to breast feed from a lactation consultant. I am not sure re: the nipple molds, etc. You should ask your doctor to recommend a lactation consultant who is a specialist in that area and could guide you with details of what you need to do. Good luck.

Answer 5

they have other ways for you to when you give birth to help you breastfeed your baby if that is what you want to do. I would talk to a lactation consultant.. you might not have to do the molds to train your nipples to come out. get a second opinion prior to listening to your doc. My friend nina had the same prob but they gave her plastic nipples to put on when she breastfed and she had no problem with that at all... and the consultant showed her some exercises to do to make her nipples come out during feeding time. goodluck

Answer 6

my mom had a hard time brestfeeding me and my brother. hers were inverted as well. with me they told her to use nipple shields which are plastic things that protrude out where the nipple is to bring it out more. for her these didn't help and it was still hard for her to produce enough milk since we were having a hard time feeding. she even tried breast pumps with no success. she tried for about 2 weeks with us both and finally gave up. we're both healthy so nothing bad happened since she was unable to.

some women can and others have a very difficult time. who knows, maybe theres more help now with women who have inverted nipples than there was 20 years ago. if your determined then of course try but don't cause mental anguish to yourself. breast is best but is not always possible. goodluck when you give birth.

Answer 7

I had to use some big plastic things on my nipples for a few minutes before i breastfed. My son still did not want to breast feed and i had to give him a bottle anyway. I am not sure what the mold things are, but i would wear them for a few minutes before each feeding.

Answer 8

I had the same problem and those hard shells were uncomfortable. My nipples would not stay hard so the baby could not latch on. I finally just pumped and bottle fed. The shells did not work for me, but maybe they will for you. I believe that you have to wear them constantly for them to be effective. Good Luck.

Answer 9

you have a long time to go to week 40 and you may be ok. i have heard of those molds, kind of suction things, i don't think they will show no matter what kind of bra you wear. i'd get them right away and give it a try. i never had that problem but i'd listen to what the doctor says. also check your yellow pages for a breastfeeding group... try la leche league, they have tons of members who will be able to help you... good luck, it's worth it in the end...

Answer 10

I had planned on breastfeeding my daughter and after I had her the nurse said one of my nipples were like that too so she gave me one of those things and it worked but my daughter wasnt interested in breastfeeding anyway so i ended up giving her the bottle, but as far as I know they work.