Nipples

Charla1224

My boobs have always been rather big but of course now they're huge. As they've grown I've noticed that my nipples have become flatter. Before baby they got like this sometimes but not very often. As my breast have grown they seem to stay flat. 
Question for STMs. Does anyone have experience BF with flat nipples? Are there exercises I can do now to help encourage them to come out before LO arrives? Should I be wearing nipple shields? I'm afraid I'll have a lot of difficulty and pain trying to BF because my damn nipples aren't cooperating. 

JennyS86

You might be able to use nipple shells to help bring out nipples a little bit before delivery.  The link below is used for sore nipples as well as flat nipples. 

You may need to use a nipple shield to help baby latch if LO has trouble nursing, but you may not.  I would try without the shield at first, and have a lactation consultant watch your LO feed before moving to the shield.
Good Luck!

https://www.diapers.com/p/medela-softshells-inverted-nipples-kit-4-ct-310080?site=CA&sku=MED-054&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&utm_content=pla&ca_sku=MED-054&ca_gpa=pla&ca_kw=&cvosrc=cse.google.MED-054&cvo_crid=42636172417

PYLWhammy

From what I understand, you should only use a nipple shield under the guidance of a lactation consultant. And many, many women successfully breastfeed with flat nipples . I have 'em too - as a FTM, I am a bit worried about difficulties with latch, but figure the hospital's lactation consultant will help me and baby get the hang of it.

kami09

Lactation consultants are great & I would always keep in touch with my local LLL if I had questions. I had flat nipple and EBF for over a year! So don't worry!! 

araecasey

I had flat nipples most of my life and I'm still breastfeeding my toddler. No nipple shields or exercises necessary during pregnancy! You can buy a nipple everter on amazon to use immediately postpartum to pull your nipple out for easier latching, but after you and baby get the hang of things, it shouldn't be an issue. You may not need the everter at all, or your hospital may give you one, but it's something I'd plan to have on hand those first few days just in case. Alternatively you could use your pump for 10 seconds or so before latching baby to pull your nipple out and help baby get latched on easier.

So you're noticing that as your breasts increase in size, your nipples are becoming flatter. Keep in mind that this effect will be exaggerated when your milk comes in. You might do some reading on a technique called reverse pressure softening, especially if you're planning a medicated birth where you'll be receiving IV fluids. Reverse pressure softening pushes fluids away from your nipple, which will give your nips a better shot at everting. 

I agree with @PYLWhammy to avoid nipple shields unless absolutely necessary and under the careful guidance of an IBCLC.

lbachran

OP, is there a breastfeeding class offered by the hospital (either the one you are delivering at or another nearby)? We went to one on Saturday and were told that babies can nurse very successfully with inverted nipples, shields not required. If you can attend a class, definitely consider going or request time with a lactation specialist post delivery. Although lots of hospitals have one on staff, we were advised that many mom's never get time with them due to the number of deliveries. Because you may need a little more help getting a proper latch, be insistent that a lactation specialist watch you feed.

Charla1224

@araecasey I was hoping you would answer. Thanks so much for your help!

@lbachran I have attended a class at my local hospital but, honestly it was extremely basic and not too informative. Luckily the hospital I'll give birth at provides me with a lactation consultant throughout my stay, hopefully that will help. 

araecasey

Happy to help! Boob stuff and postpartum care is basically my bat signal. 

Be careful relying just on hospital lactation help, that's a very limited resource (2-3 days) and not all lactation departments are created equally. My lactation consultant left me high and dry after a rushed 10 minute appointment. Those 10 minutes were heaven, but my breastfeeding relationship would've been toast had I relied on her alone. Breastfeeding is best learned in community, find other seasoned nursing mamas around you, they'll be your safety net--for free! 

saraleigh2

Since you are worried about it you might consider finding a local la leche leauge meeting that way you have local support to help you w/BF. It's really helpful (my birth class required my husband and I to go). 

araecasey

saraleigh2 said:

Since you are worried about it you might consider finding a local la leche leauge meeting that way you have local support to help you w/BF. It's really helpful (my birth class required my husband and I to go). 

Rock on! A++ for your birthing instructor!

camillaandcarson

Go visit LLL while pregnant.  For me it was easier to go during pregnancy than in the throws of newborn sleep deprivation.  Plus, it made connections that helped me when I needed someone to come to my house to help me with my new baby.