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June 2012 Moms
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Breast Feeding Advice

KandieluvKandieluv member
in June 2012 Moms

Hello all,

I've lurked around this community board for a while now so I hope that you all do not mind me posting. I'm a FTM and I believe in breastfeeding your newborn however, I'm in a difficult situation. I haven't spoke to a Lactation Specialist regarding the difficult issue yet and I do plan to but I wanted to get some advice from anyone on here who's willing to give me any.

This is going to be TMI because I don't talk to anyone about it and it's a personal image issue, I was even nervous talking to my doctor about it Embarrassed. I have inverted nipples and I've been contemplating if I should breast feed or not. My breast does leak naturally but I can't seem to figure out myself if my baby is going to be able to latch on. The last thing I want to hear is that I cannot breastfeed because I don't have a nipple for my baby to latch and being a FTM, it's going to be very hard to hear that and that I can't give my baby any nutrients from my body that she deserves.

The nipples has been protruding which I would think is a good thing but if I can get some advice on how to overcome this difficulty other than speaking to a specialist, that will be greatly appreciated. 


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Re: Breast Feeding Advice

  • AndromedaEclipseAndromedaEclipse member
    From what I understand, it's totally possible.  Did you give birth in a hospital?  My hospital has a LC come around to help you for your first couple of times.
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  • cchill01cchill01 member

    It's nothing to be ashamed about and definitely NOT TMI.  Inverted nipples are a fairly common issue and can be overcome.   You may not have any problems at all or you may need additional assistance.  You can start to prepare now with shields and massage techniques.

    If you want to BF, I would definitely go for it.  Don't let what may or may not be an issue keep you from trying.

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  • mylittlesunshinemylittlesunshine member

    Ask the hospital about a LC to help, but it is totally possible to bf with inverted nipples.

    One thing they might recommend is wearing a breast shell. These not only help with sore nipples, but will help draw the nipple out. My LC said I could start wearing them at 37 weeks (because of nipple stimulation she didn't want to chance PTL) to help draw them out before giving birth. With DD1 I didn't start wearing them until after I had her which is fine as well.

    Here is the link to Medela's breast shells if you want more info.

    Another option would be looking into a nipple shield those first few days/weeks. These will also help draw the nipple out. However, it is recommended to wean off of these after a few weeks. I used one it really helped those early days.

     Here is the link to the shield.

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  • CaitlinJ22CaitlinJ22 member

    https://www.motherandchildhealth.com/Breastfeeding/Becky/inverted.html

    You should be fine. I have one that is flatter and before latching I have to roll my nipple slightly btwn my thumb and forefinger. Stimulation will make it protrude more. Its very common, so dont let anyone tell you you CAN'T BF bc of this. It make take more effort, but babies breast feed not nipple feed. You can either use your hands, use a pump to get your nipples to stick out more and then latch the baby, or they sell these:

    https://www.amazon.com/Medela-SoftShells-Breast-Inverted-Nipples/dp/B001XDKTXQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338315447&sr=8-2

    I have used them to protect my sore nipples, but they make your nipples protrude more and you can wear them under your bra or tank and when you take them off to nurse your nipple i ssticking out.

    I really would arm yourself with info, but dont think you cant BF bc of it. I have been to dozens of LLL meetings, and met many woman who BF fine with this issue.  

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  • octwed07octwed07
    No experience with your specific issue, but all i can say is that the LC i went to for DD was fantastic. We were having so many issues -- mostly supply related and because DD wasn't latching on correctly.  I would definitely look into what services your hospital has -- where we are delivering, they have LC onsite that can visit while you are still there to give you advice.  If you don't have one, look them up now to see what services they can provide you as soon as the baby is born and what items may be helpful (such as the breast shield, etc) that you can purchase ahead.  Good Luck!
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  • ChristineF44ChristineF44 member
    I was just reading "BreastFeeding for Dummies" last week which my older sister recommended (she's an OB/GYN) and there is some good information in the book about inverted nipples and tips and techniques.   I'm a FTM too and any extra info on breastfeeding is helpful for me.   Good luck!! 
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  • SugarhillHnASugarhillHnA

    Lots of moms with inverted nipples nurse with no issues.  You might have to use something like a shell to help draw the nipple out so baby can learn to latch, but otherwise it's totally doable.  The LC in the hospital gave me these (see link below) and they really helped my DD latch to one of my nipples that was kind of inverted.

    https://www.ameda.com/ameda-products/accessories#Breast shells

     

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  • emberlee3emberlee3 member
    Don't feel ashamed!  talk to an LC.  I have flattish/small nipples, and I needed a nipple shield for a few weeks with DS so he could latch.  It was no big deal.  Before long, my nipples got bigger and so did his mouth, and we had no problems for the next 11 months.  Good luck!
    DS born 8/8/09 and DD born 6/12/12.
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  • KandieluvKandieluv member
    Thank you all for your great advice and tips. I will surely look into the shields and hopefully I can be a successful breast feeder Smile
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