A couple months ago my doctor was giving me a breast exam and commented that my nipples were flat and this might make it difficult to breastfeed. She said that they will probably protrude by themselves by birth, but if they don't I might need an injection to make them protrude? I'm 28 weeks and they are still flat. When are they supposed to protrude if they will? Has anyone successfully breastfed with flat nipples?
2007-12-10 10:37:25 · 9 answers · asked by Sky 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
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 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 http://www.kellymom.com/newman/26baby_refuses_to_latch.html)
BREASTFEEDING WITH FLAT OR INVERTED NIPPLES
http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/invertednipples.html
Flat or Inverted Nipples
http://www.breastfeeding-basics.com/html/flat_inverted.shtml
Flat or Inverted Nipples
http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/flatinvnips.html
2007-12-10 11:25:41 · answer #1 · answered by sharkyincanada 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, congratulations.
It is quite possible to breastfeed with flat nipples. All you need is to buy a nipple shield (thin flexible plastic thing that has a nipple shape to it). You place it on your breast over your nipple and let your baby nurse on it. The suction will lift your flat nipple and also get your milk going. I'm not sure about the injection idea. I'd try the nipple shield if I was you.
Medela is great. I use one for when my nipples are sore and when I use the breast pump. Try:
http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/nipshield.html
The Medela nipple shield provides sensation deep in the mouth that stimulates the baby to keep sucking. As the milk begins to flow, the baby discovers that breastfeeding works! Over time, the mother’s nipples will become more pliable, and the shield is no longer needed to trigger the sucking reflex.
Blessings to you.
2007-12-10 23:33:26 · answer #2 · answered by phoenix4404 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the nipple shield. In the hospital, our lactation nurse said the same thing about my nipples and gave me the shields... I thought they looked really stupid and was hesitant to wear them (each one looks like a small round tupperware bowl with a flat silicone rubber top that lays against your skin, and a hole for your nipple to go through and create the suction.. the bowl shape is for any excess milk you may leak...), but you really cant see them under clothes too much.. and they REALLY help give your nipples a better shape for feeding.. they go back to normal when you stop wearing them, dont worry. You really dont feel them after a while also...
Hope this helps!
2007-12-10 20:21:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My cousin has inverted nipples and successfully breastfed two children, it took a bit to teach them to latch on to start with but once they learned how it was good. I think she used a breast pump in the last few months of pregnancy to help bring them out.
2007-12-10 18:45:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have small nipples, and used a nipple shield they gave me in the hospital...it is a very thin flexible piece that goes over your nipple. It sticks out so the baby can latch...and your nipple is sucked into it, and then you can remove it. It worked wonders! You will be amazed what your body can do. And the lactation nurse at the hospital will certainly be able to help! Congratulations!!!!
2007-12-10 18:47:39 · answer #5 · answered by momoftwo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My cousin had inverted nipples where they almost look like they are going in. They popped out and she was able to breastfeed but couldn't very long because she wasn't producing enough milk.
2007-12-10 18:40:36 · answer #6 · answered by Precious 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have one that before breastfeeing my first child was completely inverted. Yes you can breastfeed even if they dont "come out".
2007-12-10 18:40:25 · answer #7 · answered by Betsy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You won't need an injection. Let that baby at 'em, he'll take care of it. No worries.
2007-12-10 19:58:11 · answer #8 · answered by stephcarson 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can buy suction cups designed to bring out your nipples for breastfeeding.
2007-12-10 18:43:59 · answer #9 · answered by saz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋