Inverted/Flat Nipple

spencermaegan · November 2012

I don't post on this board much but I thought what better place to come to with a BF question than the BF board. I think one of my nipples is flat and I've read this can be somewhat of a problem when trying to BF. I really want to be successful as I want LO to get the most benefits possible. My birthing instructor had mentioned at 37w you could begin wearing a shield and this would help to bring the nipple out before little arrives. I think the shield she had was a Medela.

Has anyone tried this before and if so did it work and how often did you wear the shield? Are there any dangers or drawbacks from using the shield? If this didn't work what other methods were successful for you?

TIA

****should be shell...not shield****

stephnews · November 2012

The nipple shell (probably what she showed you) I used didn't do much to draw out mine beforehand. But you might need a nipple shield at first to help baby latch on or pump for a couple minutes. (Just know there are different sizes of nipple shields. I didn't know that with DS#1 and using the shield hurt more than not using it until I got a bigger size)

Lansinoh also makes a "Latch assist" which looks like a little bulb syringe that sucks the nipple out for a second. Walgreens has them online. Some babies can latch without assistance though and draw it out themselves.

spencermaegan · November 2012

Thanks for the additional ideas! I'll probably buy a couple different things in case and try with LO on her own first and see what happens. I just couldn't imagine trying to explain to DH what to get if I ended up needing something soon after LO arrives.

credcat7 · November 2012

the LC at the hospital gave me 2 madela nipple shield to use the BF and the work GREAT....I have flat nipples. In a perfect situation where I am rested, hydrated, relaxed and she is chill, not squirmy and not super hungry.. we can work on latching with out them... but for most feedings... the sheild (shell) is a life saver

abbieaggie · November 2012

I have flat nipples, one more than than the other and had latch issues with my first two. I tried the Medela nipple shield, a SNS feeder to help baby latch and draw the nipple out naturally, etc. Nothing seemed to work, I ended up EPing . For this 3rd pregnancy, my midwife says my nipples have improved but that at the 39 week mark I can use my pump to draw nipples out (not sooner since it can cause contractions) and also try rubbing nipple cream on them to soften them some (keep in mind this will cause "grease" marks if you don't use breast pads though). GL

TJ1979 · November 2012

I have one flat nipple, and one "normal" nipple. LO actually latched much better on the flat one. Google laid back nursing and watch the video. This method allows LO to pull the nipple out on their own. Also, sometimes you can pull the nipple out yourself with a little massage or something. GL!

aylafsu88 · November 2012

I have the same problem and was so worried I would not be able to BF. I did wear the shells around 38 weeks. They did help draw out the nipples but the nipples went flat in less then 5 mins. There are no dangers of wearing the shells and the biggest issue I had was that they were a little uncomfortable. Once LO was born I never used them because they were a PITA to take on and off. I have been able to successfully BF! I would recommend you work with a good LC. It was very hard in the beginning and I constantly check her latch to make sure she is had enough of the areola in her mouth. The biggest thing is that she would slip down/off of the boob because they was not much nipple for her to latch onto. Now that her mouth is bigger and she has drawn my nipple out some I do not really have those problems anymore. You can do it! GL!

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