I'm DETERMINED to breastfeed!

[sugarandspicex4]

I have severely inverted nipples so I've always dealt with latch problems because even with a nipple shield, my kiddos can't pull the nipple out enough to get a decent latch. I ultimately end up a human cow who needs to be pumped 6x a day.

Has anyone with severely inverted nipples successfully gotten past latch problems? The LCs at the hospital couldn't even help me and I really would prefer breastfeeding over exclusively pumping. I still plan on pumping for the sake of my sanity (haha) so DH can eventually handle 1 or 2 of the feedings for me but I'd like most of her feedings to be at the breast.

If you have any tips, please let me know. TIA

[Parker'smommy]

Originally Posted by sugarandspicex4

I have severely inverted nipples so I've always dealt with latch problems because even with a nipple shield, my kiddos can't pull the nipple out enough to get a decent latch. I ultimately end up a human cow who needs to be pumped 6x a day.

Has anyone with severely inverted nipples successfully gotten past latch problems? The LCs at the hospital couldn't even help me and I really would prefer breastfeeding over exclusively pumping. I still plan on pumping for the sake of my sanity (haha) so DH can eventually handle 1 or 2 of the feedings for me but I'd like most of her feedings to be at the breast.

If you have any tips, please let me know. TIA

How old is baby?

I've heard of woman wearing special nipple shields that you wear that pull the nipple out and keep it out inbetween feedings. They say that it trains the nipple to stay out and eventually you can stop wearing them. Many woman wear them before baby is even born sometimes.

Have you talked to anyone at LLL?

[sugarandspicex4]

Baby is still cooking.
I know I'll encounter the same problem because it's been the same problem for the 2 I have tried to breastfeed. The pump does a fine job of pulling out my nipples for latching but I don't want to do that every time I need to feed. That would be inconvenient if I needed to feed her while out in public.

I've only talked to hospital LCs.

[texmati]

You have probably already seen this, but there is a product called latch assist for just this issue. (drawing out nipples discretely without the pump.)

I had ineverted nipples, but was lucky that a few months feeding my son have made them into 'outies'. The lc also showed us how to make a 'nipple sandwich'... basically gently pinchign the side of the areola together to make a 'nipple' for the baby to latch onto.

Perhaps post on FYT for a rec for a superb lc in your area? Mine was an absolute angel, but we are in texas.

[texmati]

Also, IME, the nipple shield makes it harder for the kiddo to draw out your nipple. Does your nipple ever un-invert besides at the pump? After a while, I found I was able to do it using my hands.

[sahmmie]

There's another produce called Nipplette by Medela. I didn't work for me, but it may be worth a try for you. We're all different.

I hope you can nurse this time. I had to pump and feed three babies and it was really tough.

[soso-lynn]

Medela breast shells come with an attachment you can use to correct inverted nipples. You can start wearing them while pregnant.

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com...verted-nipples