BF with inverted nipples?

gingerkid9989

Hi ladies. So I have been researching BF and all that good stuff and I'm pretty sure I have inverted nipples. Self diagnosed of course so I could be wrong but I don't think I am.

My question is: does anyone have success stories about BF with inverted nipples? Should I consult with a LC now? I would like to be prepared as much as possible to be successful with BF. Thanks for your help!!

gingerkid9989

Thanks @kshayes0315‌ I'm definitely talking to my doc next week. that gives me hope though.

suitern

My friend just had her baby a few weeks ago and has them. She finds that the nipple shield helps and pumping a bit before hand to pull her nipple out helps as well. I would certainly ask your OB and talk to an LC before your LO comes to see what they recommend. Good luck.

Everyusernameistaken

We BF'd for 19 months after a rocky start with flat/mildly inverted nipples. I agree to talk to a LC now -- I was also given a shield when he was 3 days old which REALLY helped. I think I used it for 10 weeks or so? The shape of my nipples has totally changed, he basically "pulled them out," so hoping to have an easier time this go around
A piece of advice though, they say only to use a shield with LC supervision because it can impact supply. Good luck!!

gingerkid9989

@suitern‌ thanks!!

@Everyusernameistaken‌ thanks so much. You're story gives me hope. I am going to look into seeing a LC now.

MexiBride08

I did... And I did it For a year! At first it will tough. I did have to use a nipple sheild for 3-4 weeks until he was really strong enough to pull the nipple out with a good suck. The lansinoh nipple latch assist (amazon) also works wonders, as does just pulling and rolling you nipple before putting baby to your breast. These are all things LC had me do. I don't see a need to see LC now, but do plan on having one come by soon after birth. First few weeks if bf'ng are Difficult and this adds a Little to it, but it is definetly doable and gets easier. Pumping will also help draw out the nipple, but I hated it causing a let down and choking the baby right when I would put him on.

gingerkid9989

@mexibride08 Thanks so much for sharing your experience!  I hope that I can be as successful as you! 

T&HLove

I think it depends on how bad they are. Mine were slightly but breastfeeding actually corrected them.
My SIL has been having some difficulties due to hers, but they are still breastfeeding! GL to you

gingerkid9989

Thank you @T&HLove!  How could you tell that yours were inverted?  I read online that if you squeeze them and they kind of go in instead of pushing out, then they are inverted.

teenybean

This...are they truly inverted after stimulation? If yes you'll need some skills help in the beginning, but remember nipples of all shapes and sizes have persisted in the evolutionary sense because babies still nurse and do well. Also remember that you're really trying to get then to take an areola sandwich into their mouths not just a nipple.

gingerkid9989

teenybean said:

This...are they truly inverted after stimulation? If yes you'll need some skills help in the beginning, but remember nipples of all shapes and sizes have persisted in the evolutionary sense because babies still nurse and do well. Also remember that you're really trying to get then to take an areola sandwich into their mouths not just a nipple.

No... I don't think they are inverted after stimulation but it takes a lot to get them stimulated.  But with what you're saying about having the areola in there, maybe I won't have a problem!    Thank you!!

gingerkid9989

@mamakate12345 Thank you for sharing your success story!!  I hope that I can be successful too!  I'm going to take a BF class next month so hopefully I will be somewhat prepared when we try.