Community› The Bump Message Boards› Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
New Discussion

Flat nipple = lopsided, any advice?

SassyFlatsSassyFlats member
in Breastfeeding
Hey guys! I looked through the first couple of pages of posts but didn't see any topics about my issue. I hope I didn't overlook something obvious.

My baby is 2 1/2 weeks old and so far breastfeeding is going okay. Not great, not terrible. Some feedings are easy and some are super challenging. But the main issue I'm having is with my right side-- my nipple is somewhat flat on that side and LO much prefers to nurse on my left for that reason. I'm trying to pump the right side so that I can a) build up a stash of milk for when we introduce bottles, and b) hopefully help bring out the nipple, which does seem to be happening VERY SLOWLY.

My problems are: my poor left nipple is sore and gets kind of chapped. She nurses 90% of the time on that side. She'll take the flat side for a few minutes if I'm lucky, then want to switch to the left-- sometimes going after my nipple like a little vampire because she has to work so hard to latch on the opposite side, I think. Other times she just screams at my boob like I'm the worst mom ever for wanting her to use a flat nipple. My left side also gets engorged but my right does not. Finally, completely vain and selfish... my right boob is looking much smaller than my left and I feel really self-conscious about it.

Can you guys offer any suggestions or experience with this? Any other ways to encourage her to nurse on the right and even out my supply? Advice for bringing out my flat nipple? I'm really uncomfortable with one full, sore breast and I just want to give my poor left nipple a break!

Thanks!

GREEN to PINK on 3.14.14 
Report Reply to Post

Re: Flat nipple = lopsided, any advice?

  • vvvvvfeevvvvvfee member
    this article is pretty comprehensive and has lots of suggestions.

    it sounds like you're doing the right thing- i would keep pumping the flat side while your LO nurses on the other side. you can also try to offer her the flat side immediately after pumping because the pump will draw out the nipple. use lots of lanolin or coconut oil to help soothe the overused nipple.  stick with it, though-- it should improve with time, and your LO will get stronger and have better head and neck control and will be able to latch better. 


    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • BootsOrHeartsBootsOrHearts member
    You could try a nipple shield on the flat side.
    **Warning: Losses and living child mentioned**
    BFP#1 1/31/12, EDD 10/6/12 Harrison Gray born sleeping @ 18w6d. You changed our lives little guy.
    BFP#2 EDD 10/29/13, C/P 2/25/13, Bye little Ish, we barely got to know you.
    BFP#3 EDD 12/21/13, Baby Boots born 11/23/13 My rainbow baby!
    image

    imageView Full Size Imageimageimage
    January PAL Siggy Challenge: Good Advice
    image
    image

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"