Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To hate my areoles with a passion

97 replies

increasinglyconcerned · 09/10/2024 21:38

They've always been large. A boy at school kindly told people I had 'burger nips' before I knew what that meant.

I've always been so self conscious of them. When I had DC I couldn't breastfeed in public because unlike other people who could fit an entire areola in baby's mouth, mine spread across what felt like my entire boob and was especially dark due to pregnancy hormones.

I tried to use cover shawls but people kept asking me why I used it. In the end I gave up and just pumped/bottle fed in public.

Now I'm back with a newborn and so upset I can't just enjoy my breastfeeding journey again. I see mum's just causally putting their newborns on their boob without anything on show, and posting breastfeeding pics of literally a boob and a baby.....

I've decided as soon as breastfeeding is done I'm going to treat myself to getting them reduced. My boobs are a good size so no implants but maybe a lift.

Is this wild? I just feel like I want to do it for me. Does anyone else have something they hate and want to change just for themselves?

OP posts:
Bigearringsbigsmile · 09/10/2024 21:40

How did a boy at school know what your nipples look like? .this sounds mad to me

increasinglyconcerned · 09/10/2024 21:40

We were seeing each other. I was 16.

OP posts:
Ohthatsabitshit · 09/10/2024 21:42

You’ve let a 16 year old boy being a dick live in your mind all these years?

rubeexcube · 09/10/2024 21:42

Mine are too OP, someone made a comment once when I was on a beach sunbathing topless (never again) when I was 18. A friend also commented when we were getting changed once (cheers for that).

Now - I don't mind. They come in all shapes and sizes so it's normal, it's just that porn etc convinces women we have to look a certain way.

WigglyVonWaggly · 09/10/2024 21:47

I don’t think you can have them reduced with a breast op, can you? Wouldn’t it reduce the size of your breast if they had to remove several inches of skin to create a trimmed nipple? Sorry if I’m being thick - I just can’t work out how they do it! Tbh it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks - if your nipples aren’t on show all the time but you still feel unhappy then clearly it’s a very personal thing so then why not have the op. You can get semi permanent makeup done on the scars.

Flustration · 09/10/2024 21:49

Just googled burger nips.

They're lovely! I bet you have gorgeous boobs (in a very non-pervy way!!!)

I get that it harder to breastfeed discreetly in public, but they sound beautiful - not to mention they will have kept two of your children alive! Be kind to them, they've given you excellent service.

Oodiks · 09/10/2024 21:50

I was never happy with my nipples because they were too soft and pink looking, but since breast feeding my DD I'm happy with them because they did that job perfectly!

WoopsLiza · 09/10/2024 21:51

Ah I know what it's like to feel like you have a completely awful physical flaw. I had a birthmark.on.my face (which gradually disappeared) and I have a lazy eye, which can be so embarrassing when people whose dominant eye is the opposite one to mine can't see I am looking at them (and start going: ME? ARE YOU TALKING TO ME? I CANT TELL WHERE YOU ARE LOOKING. Why do people see to do this at 100 decibels minimum???)

I expect your 16yr old bloke was just ineloquent and that he found them striking. He was just a terribly awkward communicator. You can't carry his assessment around as if he was the one true king of boobs. I bet subsequent partners have loved them and felt they were a lovely part of what they were attracted to in you. It's such a shame to see yourself permanently through his eyes. I also bet most people do not bat an eyelid when you breastfeed and have no strong feelings about them.

I think upu have a right to make yourself comfortable any way you thing would work. But at least give yourself the chance to see it differently before you undertake treatment. This spotty 16 year old can't be in charge if your on going boob health and situation! At least try and let go of that before you make decisons

Redplenty · 09/10/2024 22:04

I think people asking why you're covering up shows noone cares what your nip region looks like. You're feeding a baby. That's amazing.

FWIW, my nipples have gone from dainty little things to the sort of bollards that would derail a train. But I wap them out because baby wants to feed.

Yelloworangetomato · 09/10/2024 22:07

No don't butcher yourself.

ToBeOrNotToBee · 09/10/2024 22:10

Large areolas are gorgeous and sexy as hell.
I have the same, as do all my sisters. The compliments from men over the years has done wonders for my ego.

Honestly, that 16 year old didn't know what he was talking about. He was a 16 year old boy and probably said it to mask his own insecurities.

Please don't butcher yourself for such a non issue.

PrawnofthePatriarchy · 09/10/2024 22:10

I was the opposite of you, OP. My nipples were discreet and pale pink. I always wished they were bigger, bolder and brown.

Sometime in the second trimester my nips became bigger and darker. I was so delighted!

Isn't it a bit like hair? When you're a teen you always want different hair to what you've got. Same, I guess, with nipples.

FirecrackerK · 09/10/2024 22:10

Same here OP. Also had an ex at school comment! Damaged my self esteem for a while.

Now I don't really think about it. My DP cant get enough of my boobs which makes me feel gorgeous tbh. How is yours with your boobs?

I don't know, to me a 'treat' is a chocolate bar, not a major procedure. I don't want to be judgemental but I think acceptance of our bodies is important.

stealthninjamum · 09/10/2024 22:11

Op I’m sorry that nasty shit made you feel bad about them but I don’t think surgery is the answer. Fwiw mine are quite big too and I was really self conscious about breast feeding in public but all my boyfriends have been very complimentary about my boobs. I would worry that having an operation might give you scars or loss of sensation.

ExquisiteEmelda · 09/10/2024 22:11

I have large ones too!!
I remember years ago when the health visitor was showing me how to breastfeed properly and she said ‘oh I can still see your areole behind baby’s head, you must have really big ones’. Yeah thanks for that, love 😆

You don’t need to change them, OP, we’re all different and they do their job, which is the main thing.

Definitelynotem · 09/10/2024 22:12

I have the same thing OP, although on small tubular breasts so I think they look even worse! I looked into surgery but decided it wasn’t right for me and have been working on my self esteem instead. Nothing wrong with surgery though if it’s right for you.

outdamnedspots · 09/10/2024 22:13

Bloody hell, I can't believe you have let what some little shit said to you affect your life so much!

Your husband must like them! And your breasts are feeding your baby. Nobody will be looking at your boobs. Feed your baby and be proud.

Summerdew · 09/10/2024 22:15

I bet they are gorgeous, but if you don’t like them and can afford surgery and want it then go for it. It isn’t butchering yourself, you aren’t a piece of meat. It’s doing something for you that’s nothing to do with anyone else. To reiterate I bet they are lovely but it’s your call and it’s not bad whatever you decide to do.

Negangirlxx · 09/10/2024 22:15

Since I got pregnant, and my boobs have totally changed, I hate them. My nipples are huge, and dark, compared to how they used to be, and I am so depressed when I look at them. My partner keeps trying to reassure me that they’re fine, and they’re there to do a job etc. but it has affected me mentally. Maybe I will feel different when baby is here, who knows? But I know it can be so hard when they change so much.

Phonicshaskilledmeoff · 09/10/2024 22:18

Have you ever breastfed in front of a mirror. Once I did that, I didn’t feel quite as revealed. Others can’t see anywhere near as much as you think they can.

i absolutely want/need a tummy tuck. I think about it multiple times a day.

WashableVelvet · 09/10/2024 22:19

I had to google what it meant, and there’s a super hot Nicole Scherzinger showing hers off in a sheer top. Which makes me think a lot of people must love them!
Mine are the opposite and I always wanted ‘proper’ ones 🤷‍♀️

VWAirbag · 09/10/2024 22:19

I thought big nips were a good thing? (From the pov of looking sexy to men- obv they are all actually good.)

Sorry this teenager has upset you for so long but it sounds like you are worrying about nothing.

BMW6 · 09/10/2024 22:20

Don't go for surgery OP - evict that boy from your head!

Lots of women would love to have your boobs.

They are yours and perfect

Trallers · 09/10/2024 22:20

Do bear in mind that the only breasts you see are those which belong to women who were comfortable enough to let that happen.

There will be many who, like you, didn't want to be seen (for a variety of reasons, including some the same as you).

I feel strongly that coming to terms with the healthy body you have is far superior to unnecessary surgery, especially for mental health and happiness. I know many would disagree.

greengreyblue · 09/10/2024 22:21

We come in all shapes and sizes and colours. Learn to love yourself. There is no normal.