To new moms with inverted nipples--first experience breastfeeding?

heidiiwa · June 2015

Would like to hear some stories about what worked for you. I'm at 37 weeks and worried about breastfeeding due to my severely inverted nipples. Today we did the hospital tour and I asked the nurse if they have breast shells, she said they don't and added that if I know I have inverted nipples, I should be wearing them already! This made me freak out a little bit and I ordered some, but I have heard conflicting info and my doctor seems to be against doing anything to my nipples before I'm in the hospital having the baby due to the risk of it causing contractions. But I really want to be able to breastfeed! Any reassuring stories?

HayesRN13 · June 2015

First off.. Don't be discouraged, many moms with inverted nipples successfully breastfeed. Most inverted nipples evert with stimulation. I would voice your concerns with your nurse when you are admitted so a lactation consult can be arranged. Also, there are lots of things to help you, breast shields are different than nipple shields.. I'm not sure if there was some confusion there, but nipple shields are great if needed... Should not be used however unless seen by a specialist and they recommend it.

heidiiwa · June 2015

Thanks...I know shells are different from shields... My understanding is that a breast shield is something you wear while nursing to get baby to latch, and a breast shell is something you can wear inside your bra when not feeding, and some types are recommended for drawing inverted nipples out. I just ordered the Medela SoftShells for inverted nipples. I also have Supple Cups for inverted nipples but my doctor told me not to use them until I check into the hospital so I can be monitored if they stimulate stronger contractions. I'm impatient and want something I can do now. It's frustrating when my doctor says to wait and other sources say I should be doing something now in the last weeks of pregnancy to prepare.

britneythebridexo · June 2015

I also have this same issue except mine are also flat too. It sucks and makes breastfeeding a challenge but don't give up. After breastfeeding with the nipple shield for about a month (I personally like the Medela contact nipple shield) it brought out my nipples. I wouldn't worry about doing anything before and just bring along a nipple shield in your hospital bag. A lactation consultant or even a nurse can help you along in the hospital after having baby. Even pumping your milk after your baby is born will help bring them out. I wouldn't worry about doing anything before either.

heidiiwa · June 2015

Thanks!

HayesRN13 · June 2015

Yes.. Nipple shields are great for patients with actual flat nipples, or inverted nipples that do not evert with stimulation.. Try not to worry or be discouraged, breastfeeding can be challenging enough without going into it already expecting failure. You can do it, use all the resources you can

good luck

Frogger5 · June 2015

My OB recommended a visit to the LC before birth - I went at 35 weeks I think. It wasn't all that helpful, but she did make some recommendations and reassured me it would probably be fine. She was not one of the militant LCs either, so we were able to discuss how it would look if it doesn't work out, etc., which was nice. The LC did recommend doing some things now, so if you're wondering, maybe see if you can set up an appointment with one now. At least then you'll have another opinion to consider!

starrysmile18 · June 2015

I have them. I successfully nursed with a nipple shield for nearly 5 months. The shield was necessary for several months, but between that and pumping, I don't think I'll need to use a shield this time around because it actually helped bring them out and not revert back in...

I was nervous too. Your LC at the hospital will have a shield to give to you. A lot of hospitals also sell them, so that's something to look into as well.

OnWayto3 · June 2015

I have one inverted nipple, and will readily admit that breastfeeding on that side was really difficult for both of my kids. I used a nipple shield for the first couple months, at which point things finally turned on their own. However, I became pretty lopsided because it was so frustrating to even bother on that side... Since it was more difficult for Baby to latch on, he became less interested in that side, thus much lower milk production.

All that said, there is definitely hope. I managed to make it work for both boys for over a year each-- you can, too, if you're dedicated to the process. As PP mentioned, your nipples do become used to responding to touch after awhile.

As for what to do BEFORE Baby arrives, the only thing I know of is to have someone stimulate them-- frequently-- to get them used to going out. That said, this may produce strong contractions, which you don't want at this stage in your pregnancy. Use caution.

Good luck!

klkonwi · June 2015

There is NOTHING wrong with using a shield! Breastfeeding is breastfeeding no matter how you have to accomplish it.

mindaa · June 2015

So for those who have pumped an inverted nipple - any tips for getting started? I've found that between how flat it is and hard my breast is, I can't get it far enough into the shield. Would a different size shield help? Bigger or smaller?

britneythebridexo · June 2015

I think the different sizes are for well different sized nipples. If you're really engorged maybe you could use a breast pump to take some of the engorgement off or massage or taking a warm shower? But I'm no professional though.

tiffanyclark87 · June 2015

I have flat nipples and the lactation consultants were amazing. I didn't do anything until I got to the hospital. They gave me shields to use, the hydro gel pads for sore nipples (AMAZING), the soft shell cups to put in while you are not nursing and a hand pump (all medela) to draw nipples out before feeding. Now all of this is time consuming and frustrating at times but my sweet girl is a week old today. My milk came totally in on Tuesday and tonight (3:30 am feeding) was the first pain free nursing session. Nipples still hurt while using the shield but it is so worth it and I'm hoping I can wean her off the shields in a couple of weeks. Good luck!!

medicmomma6115 · June 2015

My shield was a freaking lifesaver! I was discouraged from using it from some other BF moms, but I know that in order for my son to latch - I need those shields. My nipples and breast are extremely sore, but it's expected. My milk is in and we're nursing every 3-4 hours.

HayesRN13 · June 2015

I would totally be a spokesperson for nipple shields per my patients outcomes. "Nipple shields saves lives"

klkonwi · June 2015

^^^^^^ meeeee as well.

heidiiwa · June 2015

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Campbell6/publication/21568519_Randomised_controlled_trial_of_breast_shells_and_Hoffman's_exercises_for_inverted_and_non-protractile_nipples/links/0c9605173b0bc79129000000.pdf?inViewer=true

This is the only research study I could find about the effectiveness of preparing your inverted nipples while still pregnant, and it did not show any benefit to breast shells or Hoffman exercises before birth. This study came out in the 90s, and I think many older nurses and midwives who were trained before then still recommend preparing your nipples with shells and/or exercises, like the nurse at the hospital tour. Even the LaLesche league website still recommends preparing inverted nipples with shells and Hoffman exercises. It seems like it should improve outcomes, but so far the scientific evidence is lacking. More research is needed.

teather5 · June 2015

I'm using a shield with my 2 weeks old and it is amazing. Don't let others judge, just keep doing what you feel is best for you and your baby

heidiiwa · June 2015

Well I haven't had my baby yet, still waiting for the induction to take effect, but since my doctor OK'd me to use supple cups and breast shells in the hospital, I have been using them yesterday and today during my induction. Though there has been very little progress with my cervix, I'd like to think there has been some progress with my nipples. The supple cups seemed to make them a little softer and easier to draw out when I put them on for the second time this morning.

CanadaMom17 · June 2015

Pumping helped my flat nipple a lot. I had to pump the first 3 weeks on that side exclusively because lo couldn't latch, and then supplement her with that milk. She's latching now, the nipple is 'out' and it's all coming together. I found the shield completely useless for her since she's tiny, and even the 'smaller' size was huge for her mouth, it seemed.

heidiiwa · June 2015

Had my baby early this morning. Shortly after birth I tried breastfeeding, with the nurse's help with positioning and latching with a nipple shield he sucked pretty strongly and got some colostrum to come out! Have tried several times since then with mixed results. Bf-ing without the nipple shield is a no-go, could not latch at all, though I hope that will change as my nipples start to come out more. Even with the shield, sometimes he acts hungry till he gets to the breast and then just holds it in his mouth like he's forgotten what to do with it, and falls asleep without sucking. Other times he does some vigorous sucking. I still need an extra pair of hands for help with positioning.

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