Inverted/flat nipples - supple cups or breast shells, or something else? « Back to Group Discussions

[hollyann]

Hi guys, one of my nipples is inverted or flat and I am hoping to get a head start on correcting or drawing out the nipple to avoid a potential problem after baby is born.  My midwife originally mentioned using a breast shell starting at 37 weeks, but I met a lactation consultant the other day who suggested using supple cups instead.  I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these, and what worked for them to get the nipple to protrude more before baby arrived. Any advice would be amazing!

[mlovesj]

With my first pregnancy (twins) I learned I had flat nipples just after the birth of my babies when the lactation consultant visited me postpartum in the hospital.  She recommended using the hospital grade pump to draw them out and it worked. I did use a shield for a few weeks to nurse one of my babies who was having latch issues, but the other baby never had problems, so I don't think it was my nipples.  Just a thought - you could try a hospital (or other good quality) pump.