“Any mummies with inverted nipples? Is it possible to breastfeed?” asked one mum from our TAP community forum. We’ve got the answer here and now!
Breastfeeding plays a fundamental role in a child’s growth. Aside from keeping their tummies full and getting the nutrients they need, it also creates a special bond between the mother and the baby.
Wet nursing naturally comes next after birth. However, it may not be easy for some mums, especially for those who have a flat or inverted nipple. Although it will not affect your milk production, breastfeeding with inverted nipples can actually be a little tricky at first.
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What Are Inverted Nipples?
What are inverted nipples? Just as breasts differ per person, nipples may also vary in shape, size, or look. Most people have an erect nipple, but around 10 per cent of women have either an inverted or flat one.
You might be asking, what are inverted nipples and how can you identify if you have one? An inverted or retracted nipple simply means that the skin at the base of your nipple is attached to the breast tissue surrounding it. This is sometimes called an “innie.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, approximately 3 to 7 per cent of women are born with inverted nipples, and 87 per cent of them are born with inverted nipples on both breasts.
The type of your nipples can be identified depending on how they sit on your breasts. To identify what type of nipples you have, you can put a little pressure on your areola—the pigmented skin around your nipples.
Gently squeeze your areola and observe how your nipples will react. If it did not protrude, then you have a flat nipple. On the other hand, if it retracts or sinks, then it means you have an inverted nipple.
A person may have an inverted nipple for both breasts, but there are women with one inverted nipple while the other is protruded.
What Causes Inverted Nipples
The causes of nipple inversion can vary, including factors like congenital inversion, inflammation of breast tissue, mastitis, duct ectasia, breast surgery complications, and even breast cancer. It’s important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance regarding inverted nipples.
Photo by Mateusz Dach from Pexels
Can I Breastfeed If I Have Inverted Nipples
Contrary to popular belief, the presence of inverted nipples does not determine your ability to breastfeed. The shape or type of your nipples does not have an impact on your capability to nourish your newborn. Breastfeeding is about the act of providing breast milk to your baby, and it involves more than just the nipples.
According to Yvon Bock, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC),
“All women have different shapes and sizes of nipple and breast. The good news is babies are able to feed on a short nipple. You may need help at the beginning, but once you and your baby establish breastfeeding, your baby will be able to latch almost without help.”
It’s More Challenging, But Not Impossible
Breastfeeding with inverted nipples can pose additional challenges compared to protruded nipples. The inverted shape may require some extra effort and patience to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. However, it is important to note that with the right techniques and support, you can still breastfeed your baby effectively.
The Importance of Latching
A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding, regardless of nipple shape. In the case of inverted nipples, achieving a proper latch might require some additional steps. Encouraging your baby to take in more of the areola and providing guidance with positioning can help them latch onto the breast effectively.
Difficulties for Baby
Inverted nipples can make it more challenging for your baby to latch onto the breast. They may have difficulty grasping the nipple and areola, leading to frustration and crying during feeding sessions. Understanding these difficulties and seeking appropriate techniques and support can help your baby overcome these challenges and have a better breastfeeding experience.
The Impact on Mum
Breastfeeding with inverted nipples can also have an impact on the mother. The increased suction and improper latch due to inverted nipples can cause discomfort, soreness, and even potential nipple bleeding. It is important for mothers to take care of their nipples and seek support from lactation consultants or healthcare professionals to address any issues that may arise.
Inverted Nipples Breastfeeding Solutions
With the challenges that have been mentioned, you might already be thinking of ways how to correct inverted nipples for breastfeeding. Luckily, there are available tips and tools that can help you address the problem.
Listed below are some inverted nipple breastfeeding solutions. However, you need to keep in mind that the effectiveness of these may vary for different people.
1. Hand method
Before you breastfeed your baby, try to use your hands and fingers to help draw your nipples out. This is a natural method for correcting inverted nipples for breastfeeding.
You can roll your nipples between your fingers and your thumb to help them protrude. Another method you can use is by placing your fingers in a “V” or “C” shape just around your areolas. Gently massage and press to encourage your nipples to stick out.
2. Ice method
If your hands do not help in your attempt to extend your nipples, you can always open your fridge and use ice instead. With a small piece of ice, gently scrub it around the nipples.
The coldness of it will send chills to the whole body and can cause instant nipple erection. If you’re not a fan of directly touching the ice, you can also use an ice pack as an alternative.
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
3. Nipple formers
Some people already have flat or retracted nipples since they were born. Others start to notice this as they grow.
Puberty plays a part in forming your nipples. Just as your other body parts and your breast changes when you’re growing, so does your nipples—they begin to protrude more. However, if you notice that yours is not and you are concerned that this may affect your breastfeeding once you give birth, you can use Nipple Formers during and after pregnancy.
A nipple former is a silicone disc that is used to help prepare a flat and inverted nipple for breastfeeding in a non-invasive way. You can start by wearing it for an hour a day until your body gets accustomed to it. After a while, you can build on using it for up to 8 hours.
It will still be best to consult a professional on which part of your pregnancy is the best time to start using nipple formers. Some mothers also opt to still use it even after giving birth. You just have to pop them inside your bra an hour before you breastfeed.
4. Nipple shield
Another tool that can help your baby to latch on your breast is the nipple shield. It is a piece of silicone that is shaped like a nipple. This has holes on the end to let your milk pass through from your breast to your baby’s mouth.
Unlike the nipple former used before nursing, the nipple shield is used during breastfeeding. This acts like an extension of your nipple and can give the baby a natural breastfeeding experience. To use this, you need to make sure first that your breast is clean. Afterwards, put a few drops of your milk on the suction, and then place it on top of your areola.
Ensure that the placement of your nipple shield is aligned to your nipple.
5. Breast pump
A breast pump is not the most ideal way to feed a baby. However, if all the previous tricks and tools were of no use, you should consider using this instead. Initially, attempt to use a breast pump for a couple of minutes to help your nipples erect. If it still does not work, you can use pumping and feeding bottles as last resort.
Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels
6. Skin-to-skin contact
Flat and /or Inverted nipples may or may not be permanent. It will greatly help if you hold your baby skin-to-skin and frequently feed during the first few days when your breasts are still soft.
This will help practice both you and your baby for easier breastfeeding. With the sucking and pulling, your nipple might get more accustomed to breastfeeding and you might not need the help of any tools moving forward.
7. Ask for help
With all the struggles of breastfeeding, it will be best to always consult a professional to help you find the most effective method for your inverted nipple or breastfeeding concerns.
Professionals, such as your gynae, doula, or lactation consultant, can also educate you on different positioning techniques to help you and your baby have a painless and comfortable breastfeeding experience.
A flat or inverted nipple should not make you feel insecure because honestly, yours is as normal as the others.
This article was written by Jobelle Macayan and republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.