Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples: Tips and Strategies
Many women have naturally flat or inverted nipples, and this can make it more difficult to breastfeed. However, with the right support and resources, most mothers with flat or inverted nipples are able to breastfeed successfully
What are flat or inverted nipples?
Flat nipples are nipples that do not protrude from the areola, but instead lie flat against the breast. Inverted nipples are nipples that are drawn inward into the breast, rather than pointing outward. Both of these conditions can make it more difficult for a baby to latch onto the breast during breastfeeding
In this blog post, we will provide tips and strategies to help make breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples a positive experience for both you and your baby
Seek support from a lactation consultant
A lactation consultant can provide valuable advice and support for mothers with flat or inverted nipples. They can help with positioning and latching techniques, as well as recommend products to make latching easier
GET A PROPER LATCH
Latching refers to the way a baby attaches to the breast during breastfeeding. A nipple that sticks out is easier for the baby to find and hold, making it easier to establish a proper latch. However, flat or short nipples can be challenging for the baby, especially during the early stages of breastfeeding. In some cases, the effects of birth medications or birth trauma may also impact a baby’s ability to latch or adapt to differences in nipple anatomy. The stimulation of a deeply placed nipple in the baby’s mouth activates the sucking reflex by pressing on the hard palate, but a flat or soft nipple can leave the baby feeling confused and disoriented, as it may not provide the same level of stimulation.
To help with latching and provide the stimulation that a baby needs, there are several techniques that can be used to make a flat or inverted nipple more protruding. These include:
- Stimulation: Massaging the nipple between your fingers, using cold stimulation, or allowing the baby to lick and move around on the breast can help make a flat nipple more erect.
- Pulling back on the breast tissue or areola during a latch: By pulling back on the breast tissue as the baby opens their mouth to latch, it can help the nipple to become more protruding.
- The “nipple nudge”: This technique involves pushing up into the breast through the areola and behind the nipple to expose it for the latch.
- Keeping breasts soft: Nipples can flatten out when breasts are full or engorged, and those that were already flat may seem to disappear completely. To avoid this, it’s helpful to practice latching before your milk comes in while your breasts are still soft. Expressing or pumping some milk or using reverse pressure softening can also help soften an engorged breast and make it easier for your baby to latch.
Adequate skin-to-skin contact
Spending time skin-to-skin with your baby, especially immediately after birth, can help to stimulate the production of milk and encourage the baby to latch.
Avoid certain positions
Certain breastfeeding positions, such as the cradle hold, can put pressure on the nipple and make it more difficult for the baby to latch. Positions such as the side-lying position or the football hold can be more effective for mothers with flat or inverted nipples.
Use a nipple shield
In some cases, using a nipple shield can help a baby to latch onto the breast and can make breastfeeding easier for mothers with flat or inverted nipples. Nipple shields should be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant to ensure proper use.
Devices to help evert nipples
Pumping for a few minutes can help to draw out the nipple and make it easier for the baby to latch. This involves using a breast pump or hand expressing while also gently massaging the breast to encourage the nipple to protrude.
Suction devices assist in drawing out the nipple
Always Use with guidance of a lactation consultant
Commmerciall brands include Supple Cups, Latch Assist, Evert-it Nipple Enhancer and the Niplette
Homemade Device; making your own suction gadget from a plastic syringe that is a little larger in diameter than your nipple
BREAST SHELL:wearing breast shells inside a bra was suggested as a way to help protrude the nipple by applying pressure to the base. However, research has shown that these shells can cause discomfort, pain, skin irritation, and embarrassment, and have no advantage in helping with nipple protrusion.
Avoid pacifiers and bottles
Using pacifiers or bottles can interfere with the baby’s ability to latch onto the breast and can cause nipple confusion. If necessary, these items should be introduced after breastfeeding has been established.
Be patient and persistent
It’s important for mothers to be patient and persistent, as it may take some time to find the right techniques and products that work for them. With the right support and resources, it is possible to breastfeed successfully with flat or inverted nipples.
Breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, it is possible to breastfeed successfully. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for help and support. With patience and persistence, you and your baby will soon be able to enjoy the many benefits of breastfeeding.
