Inverted or Flat Nipples?? Please share your experience!

[mountainborn]

I found out that I had inverted nipples after my son was born, and spent 5 1/2 weeks pumping before the inversion was corrected and he could latch on for feedings. A good friend of mine had the same experience but spent almost 3 mo correcting hers. We were both very excited and determined to nurse from the moment we knew we were pregnant, so we did lots of reading. Somehow even all the books didn't prepare us at all for what we had to do. Even our midwives (although 100% excellent in other ways!) didn't catch it and reassured us that we would nurse, no problem. They said if our nipples everted when we were cold, then we were fine.

So now we're curious. How many of you had to overcome inversion or flat nipples? How did you do it? Did you start preparing during pregnancy? Have you found any literature that addresses this issue specifically? The only book I have that has come close is a LLL textbook for LCs.

Thanks for your help!

[Sharondio]

::: raises hand :::

Nobody told me. People looked at them, but nobody mentioned that they were flat (as opposed to inverted.) Mine never stuck out much, they just sort of crinkled.

Because I didnt know, I didn't do anything to prepare. When the time came, I basically nursed through it to get them permanently out. I think in the end, that's what it took. I won't lie to you, it was a rough couple of weeks, but once they were out, it got *tons* easier.

[MySunflowerBoys]

Also had flat nipples. Found out after birth of DS #1, had lots of difficulty getting him to latch at the hospital & had the nursing staff help with.every.feeding. Finally one said, you need to use a nipple shield & after we got the hang of that I was able to latch him on with the shield. I wore breast shells during the day in between feedings for the first 2 wks. We used the shield until he was 3 months old, then slowly transitioned to going without it. Ripped that sucker up & threw it away by 4 mos pp. LOL

Once my nipples stretched out from nursing, they've never shrunk back up. After almost 4 yrs of breastfeeding, those suckers are anything but flat!!!

[Nora'sMama]

I realized I had flat/slightly inverted nipples only like 3 weeks before DD was born and I talked to LLL, they said not to worry.

DD had latch issues.

We ended up using a nipple shield to help her latch. We weaned off it by about 3 weeks. So all's well that ends well, I guess!

I have heard of pumping to try and bring out the nipple or wearing nipple shells before the baby is born but LLL told me that anything you do pre-birth has not been shown to be effective.

[mountainborn]

Originally Posted by MySunflowerBoys

Once my nipples stretched out from nursing, they've never shrunk back up. After almost 4 yrs of breastfeeding, those suckers are anything but flat!!!

yeah, my son (18 mo now) is doing a good job of keeping my inversion from returning...can we say three inch nipples??

we used a nipple shield for a week in the middle of the 5 wks, but my baby was not getting enough milk with it and my supply was starting to be affected, so it was back to the pump.

i just want to interject that i have soooo much respect for all you pumping mama's out there. i whine about having to do it for 5 wks and some of you are still pumping for months. your kids are lucky to have you.

[ArtistMama]

Mine were also flat-ish. I had advice from my sister, though...she said that if you play with the nip a bit before trying to latch to get it to stand out, it will be easier and then the baby will fix the problem right up for you.

It worked for me. Though, we ended up using everything from finger-feeding with a dropper, to nipple shields anyway just because my daughter had a very bad latch to start.

We got through it all, and she was able to nurse without a shield after not too long a time.

[_betsy_]

I'm in the middle of this right now. Baby is two weeks old today, and I have flat nipples. Cracked, sore, painful nipples. I broke down last night and gave her a bottle of formula - she was hungry and I was sobbing from the pain.

Got nipple shields today, and it's better. Not painless, but better. Trying to find an LC in my area other than the brute at the hospital where I delivered.

Friends keep saying it gets better, but not until 6 weeks. Ugh, 4 more weeks of this?

[rmzbm]

My nipples were/are flat but I am one of the lucky few that didn't have any issues with it. Nursing just naturally brought them out.

[mountainborn]

Originally Posted by _betsy_

I'm in the middle of this right now. Baby is two weeks old today, and I have flat nipples. Cracked, sore, painful nipples. I broke down last night and gave her a bottle of formula - she was hungry and I was sobbing from the pain.

Got nipple shields today, and it's better. Not painless, but better. Trying to find an LC in my area other than the brute at the hospital where I delivered.

Friends keep saying it gets better, but not until 6 weeks. Ugh, 4 more weeks of this?

It will get better!!! Really really. The beginning was rough but I am so very glad that I kept going.

Do you have access to a good breast pump? Not only would you be able to feed her your own milk instead of formula, but it would keep your supply up and help your nipples to stand out better. I know using a pump might sound painful in your current condition, but it will really give your nipples a chance to heal while you work on your latching strategies. A good tip for pumping is to put lanolin (or a substitute) on the part of your breast that touches the pump, so it won't pinch the skin. And make sure your nipple is centered on the pump.

I had cracking and bleeding too - mine healed the best when I just expressed a little milk onto them and let it airdry. Sounds weird but it worked. And my son got some 'strawberry" milk too but don't worry, it won't hurt her at all.

I think the best thing I did to keep my sanity in those weeks was this: I realized that this nursing thing was going to be a difficult learning experience, for both me and Owen (my son). And I knew that neither of us learn very well when we are exhausted, overwhelmed, and screaming. So I opted for pumped bottles for most of the night feedings and saved my energy and emotional stability for day feedings, when I could actually remember some of the thousand tips I had been trying to practice. This allowed me to really give it my best shot when we did try to latch, and to avoid being too injured to even accomplish anything. I had guilt about this at first, like I wasn't really trying unless I tried every single time...but I think that would have just led to more injured nipples, discouragement and despair.

I was so so so fortunate to get a hand-me-down electric pump, but I know they are expensive. There are a few 'donate your pump" websites that might be able to hook you up, or you could ask some of the women from this board. I would send you mine but it has gone through five women and is on it's last legs!

Best of luck, feel free to pm me if you need to rant or anything.