Has anyone used nipple formers? I have non existent nipples!

[Montythemooseisatitagain]

Currently pregnant with DC2. I wanted to breastfeed DC1 but with large breasts, flat nipples and an impatient baby I never could.

I tried nipple shields last time. They didn’t work but I will be getting some again.

I tried nipple formers before but I don’t think I used them properly. My nipples have come out a bit since DC1 but I think they’ll still be too flat.

Has anyone used nipple shields and do they work? If not, what else can I do to breastfeed?

I had a health visitor come to help once a week for 5 weeks and it didn’t help.
I went to a couple of breastfeeding cafes and that didn’t help. I saw a breastfeeding counsellor and she put me off!

I used them for one and they did work but they take a while to get the hang of so stick in there

Would you be in a position to see a lactation consultant perhaps? You are looking for someone with the qualification IBCLC. There is a website to find accredited people. You could email them beforehand to see if they have experience with flat /inverted nipples.

In theory nipple shape should not matter because you are not nipple feeding, you are breastfeeding. But if you had problems trying to latch before that probably isn't very reassuring!

I'd look for someone with experience. In the meantime I'll see what I can dig up :

Some discussion of using an ice pack (!) here and some alternatives :
www.analyticalarmadillo.co.uk/2016/04/supernanny-or-superninny-jo-frost-does.html

Discussion about use of nipple shields in a case of a mum with flat nipples and some backlash/arguing between the HCPs supporting her
www.analyticalarmadillo.co.uk/2011/12/nipple-shields-dont-throw-baby-out-with.html

General article with some tips
momlovesbest.com/breastfeeding-with-flat-inverted-nipples

I also found better search results by searching "flat nipples IBCLC" - (search inverted too) it seems to throw up articles written by seasoned professionals rather than just general info from places like babycentre.

Second speaking to a professional, but just wanted to say I have flat nipples and found the Medela shields we were given in hospital didn't really work for us, but when I started using the Mam ones they were much better. After a few weeks of using those I now don't need them ad my nipples seem to pop out at let down.

Definitely speak to a specialist lactation consultant (I paid privately and it was so worth it). I had the same physiological challenge in terms of flat nipples. I used nipple shields (but kept trying without and that worked periodically at first and then eventually didn’t need the shields any more). I also had the little contraption that was supposed to pull nipple out but it wasn’t helpful really - I was supposed to leave it on all day during pregnancy to stretch the nipples I think, which I did try). Overall I think the above combined - and especially the private lactation consultant - got us through and helped us succeed x

I used these with my second as hadn't been able to breastfeed my first due to having flat inverted nipples and it worked really well. It drew the nipples out and after a few weeks I didn't need them at all but went back to being flat and inverted once I had stopped breast feeding

hi what nipple shields did you use. TIA :)