Inverted nipples - feel rubbish after breastfeeding class

[stegasaurus]

I went to my antenatal breastfeeding class today. I'm 37 weeks pregnant and have always planned on trying breastfeeding but have inverted nipples. The lady leading the class mostly talked about how important it is to get your nipple far enough into the baby's mouth so it reaches the soft palate towards the back. That isn't going to be possible for me as my nipples don't stick out at all. Does that mean I am not going to be successful at breastfeeding? Is there anything I can do? I couldn't ask her as it was a large class and I didn't want to discuss the shape of my nipples in front of everyone.

Mine were inverted. Soon popped out. Done 4 and a bit years of breast-feeding. Don't worry.

I have an inverted nipple and i feed. i can just pop it out though. it wont stay out on its own but does with the suckling. dont know if that helps.

Yes you can breastfeed. It sort of pops out when you start breastfeeding. Just focus on getting baby latched on and drinking, the nipple will sort itself out.

I think you can get a little device to pop your nipple out - or some people use a breastpump to draw it out before putting the baby on.

One of mine was(is) inverted. If I'm absolutely honest, DD did seem to have a bit more trouble with it early on, and favour the other one (but that could have been a coincidence). I fed her for 2 years, so of course it doesn't automatically mean you'll be unsuccessful! I used to roll the nipple between finger and thumb to try and make it stick out a bit before latching DD on - I think AVent or someone also sell things that are supposed to pull the nipple out a bit, although I never used them

When DD came off at the end of a feed it would always be sticking out massively anyway, (although it would go back in again before the next feed).

My SIL was given a pump thing to use in hospital with her newborn to get hers more pointy out. She's BF really well now.

There's a gadget for everything!

Don't worry too much. It may not be a problem.

I, too, had inverted nipples, but breastfed three dc. Dc1, my most gentle feeder, permanently changed the shape of my nipples, so that they now poke out.

If your nipples ever stick out at all, eg when you're cold or (ahem) excited, then they will pop out if their own accord when you breastfeed.

If they don't, then you may like to consider using something like a Nipplette to encourage them. Remember, you don't need to get them sticking out permanently, only just before a feed. The baby will do the rest for you.

Also, talk to your midwife, make sure she's aware in case you need a bit of extra help getting started. She will probably be able to put your mind at rest too!

If you have a home bargains shop near you, the little gadget is £1.99 in the baby section, next to the cheapest milk storage bags I've seen (1.99 for 25 sterilized bags)

LLL has a leaflet about b/f with inverted nipples here A3 sheet, £1.25 each

I had one v stubborn inverted nipple. I Could only get it out with suction - avent niplette was ok, but Lansinoh do a latch assist (got mine on amazon) or a lot of tweasing with my fingers. However, it would then pop back in before DD could start sucking. After 5 days hell where she only fed on the other side, a lovely MW suggested using a nipple shield- boots own brand is a v soft silicone. DD could suck from it straight away and the nipple has gradually got more sticky outy- I still have to squeeze it out manually but at least it then stays out!!

You can always try expressing then bottle feeding for the first few days (I did, with formula top ups). Using the nIpple shield helps prevent nipple confusion ( I think - DD had no probs switching, even mid feed!) the mw also reassured me that modern nipple shields don't cause suPply problems. 4 months on, I'm still using one. It's a bit of a PITA but totally manageable!

Good luck- and try not to stress. If it doesn't work then chances are it wouldn't have worked with "normal" nipples anyway. And remember, just because "breast is best" it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with formula. A happy healthy baby and a happy healthy mum are all that matter!

What Santa said - I had one flat and one inverted nipple. Flat one popped out well enough. DD had problems latching onto inverted one to start with so I had to do a lot of work pinching it into a shape for her to grab. Used nipple shield for a few weeks and that helped, then after a few weeks when dd was used to feeding and nipple was getting easier to draw out she was able to nurse directly. It only ever comes out about half a cm but thats enough for her to feed. I can also pump quite well from it. Always sinks back in very quickly and looks a bit like mashed meat but looks aren't everything!

Mine corrected once ds was born. A nipple shield or breast pump may help initially otherwise to ease them out

Nipple come in all shapes and sizes and your baby will not know what normal is or is not, the key is if your nipple come out with suction your baby will work out what to do himself. Relax, if women couldn't bf with inverted nipples we would be out of the picture entirely as all our babies would not have survided!
:-)