Inverted nipples

heidiiwa · February 2015

Anyone else have inverted nipples? Mine have always been very inverted and I can't help worrying about being able to breastfeed. I brought it up to my OB, who advised me not to do anything before the baby is born because stimulation of the nipples can cause premature contractions. However, I have read elsewhere that it is best to wear nipple shields or cups to gradually draw the nipples out in the months prior to birth. I am 20 weeks 4 days now. The nipples never come out even with stimulation. I wish I could do something to help make sure I can breastfeed. Is it really ok to leave them alone until birth? I know I should trust my OB, but after all he's a man, not a lactation specialist, and he barely glanced at my nipples!

Redlipz · February 2015

Nipple shields are awesome! I would say don't worry about it till later also because nipple stimulation is proven to bring on contractions. If it's difficult once baby comes, ask a nurse for a nipple shield. And I would also talk to a lactation consultant when you get closer to due date or once you are in the hospital and if you have trouble with baby latching.

heidiiwa · February 2015

Thanks for the reassurance. Hoping for the best. But aren't there some women who can't breastfeed even with nipple shields and help after the baby is born? That is what I am afraid of...

amooraxo · February 2015

heidiiwa said:

Thanks for the reassurance. Hoping for the best. But aren't there some women who can't breastfeed even with nipple shields and help after the baby is born? That is what I am afraid of...

There are some woman with non-inverted nipples that can't or have trouble breastfeeding-- as I've heard it can be very common and is difficult. Each pregnancy and baby is different also. One of my dear friends could never breastfeed with her first-- baby wouldn't latch well, she wasn't producing enough milk and it was a very stressful situation for both mom and baby. Her second baby however, she had no troubles with at all and was about to breastfeed and pump for 18 months. Stay positive, do your research, read books-- check out online sites... there are some great breastfeeding ones. I think La Leche League and KellyMom are good...

tinybugsmom · February 2015

I would go to a local breastfeeding class or call the hospital/ your dr for a consultants name.... Ask them. Doctors are great but have very little breastfeeding training. So if you are worried ask a professional who can help answer questions and who has seen this issue many times. They will help you know when and what to do

mathistm · February 2015

A lactation specialist could probably help you with trying to achieve breast feeding. It sounds like something you would really like to happen.
Side note: I'm a big fan of the nipple stimulation during sexy time. Should I stop that at some point?

jbatch · February 2015

I had one inverted nipple and the other one was not inverted. When I started breastfeeding I had to pump for the first minute or so to get the nipple to stick out more so that my LO could latch. It wasn't a huge deal just a little annoying. After about a week my nipple was no longer inverted from all of the pumping and nursing pulling it out. I was able to breastfeed for a year without any trouble. If you are having trouble after the baby comes maybe you could try that trick.

housewifebecomesher · February 2015

The cups work after the baby arrives. I used them and the nipple shield and was able to nurse successfully for 4 months. Inverted/flat nipples are definitely not a showstopper but there are tons of factors that can affect your ability to nurse but it's really not worth worrying about now. Best thing you can do is educate yourself now! A class is great, a book, and as others mentioned Kellymom is a great resource. Good luck!

heidiiwa · February 2015

Thank you everyone for the great info. I will check out those sites.

DolphinLover2002 · February 2015

If you've ever watched teen mom 2, Kailyn used a nipple shield with her youngest son. It showed her using it several times on the show. I also had to use one with my ds. I successfully breastfed for 13 months. I pumped until a year. Unfortunately mine never popped out, so I had to use it the entire time. It is a pain, but it was worth it all to be able to feed my son. I'm sure it'll be the same this time around, and I'm ready for it.

Redlipz · February 2015

I remember having to perk up mine before feeding my daughter because they were a little inverted also and I did use a nipple shield when it was taking too long and baby was crying but they toughened up and it went great. With my second I only used it because it hurt and when I wanted to latch him quickly when we were out n about. He turns 3 this month and just weaned last month!

Schnurette · February 2015

I have one inverted and one "normal". With milk production and general body changes towards the end of pregnancy both were "fully functional". The breast feeding specialist I saw after DD was born kind of side-eyed me for saying I had an inverted nipple and I had to explain that usually it is. I'm 21 weeks now and the inverted one is still inverted at this point.

You might find the same thing happens if you wait it out!

Just as a side note - I also had a breast pump and I could be wrong but I don't think that thing would allow inverted nipples to stay inverted. Might be something to try as well.

Unknown · February 2015

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eeyoreem · February 2015

I had inverted nipple with ds and used a shield under the direction of a lactation consultant, we could never wean from them and used them for 16 months. It was a pain so I'm going to definitely try without this time, they come out more now. Get a lactation consultant to help and use them as a last resort. Babies "breastfeed" not nipple feed so it's possible you won't need it.