Flat nipples...but want to breastfeed?

Question

How do I get my nipples ready for breastfeeding? 31 weeks pregnant

I found out my nipples are not flat or inverted. But any advice on breastfeeding I am well open to Thanks moms...lol

Answer 1

Kellymom.com has good info

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/invertednipples.html

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/invertednipples.html

http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/flatinvnips.html

Babies do not breastfeed on nipples, they breastfeed on the breast. Though it may be easier for a baby to latch on to a breast with a prominent nipple, it is not necessary for nipples to stick out. A proper start will usually prevent problems and mothers with any shaped nipples can breastfeed perfectly adequately. In the past, a nipple shield was frequently suggested to get the baby to take the breast. This gadget should not be used, especially in the first few days! Though it may seem a solution, its use can result in poor feeding and severe weight loss, and makes it even more difficult to get the baby to take the breast. (See handout #8 Finger Feeding). http://www.kellymom.com/newman/08finger_feeding.html

If the baby does not take the breast at first, with proper help, he will often take the breast later. Breasts also change in the first few weeks, and as long as the mother maintains a good milk supply, the baby will usually latch on by 8 weeks of age no matter what, but get help and the baby may latch on before. See handout #26 When a Baby Refuses to Latch On.
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/26baby_refuses_to_latch.html

Answer 2

Don't do anything to your nipples. Roughing them up and all that can actually cause you to go into labor! Not always, but it can do that.

I had one flat nipple. In the hospital I used a pump to help move it along and then once it was sticking out, I latched baby on.

Once home, I never used a pump and the nipple was no longer flat. It didn't take long at all, a day or two, before the nipple was "fixed."

Answer 3

You don't need to do anything to ready your nipples. Just latch the baby on as soon after delivery as possible, and nurse often!

If you can, it's a good idea to attend a La Leche League meeting or two before the baby comes. That way, you'll have some good support already in place if you need it.

Here's some good info. to start with:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp
http://llli.org/nb.html

Answer 4

I had some problems with my baby latching on correctly at first and it made it extreemely painful. I bought this thing called a nipple sheild. They sell it at target for $6. You put it on and use it for the first 2 min. then, take it off. I only had to use it for a couple of days and i no longer had to use it anymore. I found it to b a great purchase!

Answer 5

Roll the nipple between your fingers to get it out, do it a few times a day to toughen it up.
Then when you have the baby you will probably have to do it before he nurses to get it to stick out so he can latch on.
It's hard but with persistence is possible.