Inverted Nippples?

Theanywheregirl

I have inverted nipples and am worried about breastfeeding. My nipples come out when its cold so I know that they do come out. I have heard that having inverted nipples can be extremely painful to breastfeed with as well as difficult. None of my friends have this problem or ever met anyone that has. Has anyone gone through this?

BonnieG79

I didn't have this problem, however, my sister did.  In the beginning she would have to pump for a few minutes which would essentially pull her nipples out so the baby could latch on.  It makes BF a little less convenient, but it's well worth it.  Good luck to you!

BonnieG79

I guess I should also tell you that I don't think it was any more painful for her than for everyone else in the beginning.  Also, she didn't have to pump first the whole time she breastfed.  Eventually her nipples responded when needed.

aerissmom

I too have inverted nipples (although I didn't realize it until I was pregnant with DD #1 and the midwife mentioned it.) There are several things that you can do that are neither painful nor difficult. They make a "shell" that clips around your nipple that can help draw them out more, which you can wear now. (I found that it did not work for me but was offered as a solution by my midwife so it must work for others.) Once your LO is born, if he/she has difficulty latching, you can ask for a nipple sheild. It is a clear, silicone, cover that goes directly over your breast and then LO can nurse through it. It looks a bit like a tiny sombrero, lol. I needed to use one for 10 months with DD #1 because she was never able to latch on without it. It was inconvenient to make sure that I always had one with me, but it worked. With DD #2 I only used the shield  for 6 weeks, now I don't need it at all. I would begin the feeding with the sheild and then when her hunger had abated a bit, I would remove the shield and attempt to have her latch directly. This system enabled her to learn to latch without the sheild and was less stressful for both of us. Initially I had tried nursing her without it and she would be hungry and frantic trying to latch on and I would be upset that she couldn't. I hope that this information has given you some peace of mind.

Another thing to take into account is that most hospitals have a lactation consultant who checks in with all new mom's and makes sure that everything is going well with breastfeeding. They are a great resource while you are in the hospital and often have a number that you can call with any questions or concerns once you are out.