Breastfeeding misshapen nipples

[TerryRose]

Hiya, I've been breastfeeding for 20 weeks now and in the last few weeks I've noticed my nipples are misshapen after feeds, I suspect it's because she's doing a lot of comfort feeding during the night and teething and perhaps this is causing a shallow latch whereas up until now she had a good latch .

I'm just wondering is this something I need to worry about? It doesn't hurt me but worried there will be consequences and I can't find a straight answer when I've looked this up .

Could it affect her getting the milk or cause problems if I was to breastfeed in the future?

Thank you

Do they look lipstick shape? If so it's a sign of a poor latch.

Is she still wetting lots of nappies?

@Bellfor yes slightly so I think it's because of the comfort feeding so not sure what to do

@seaborgium yup plenty wet and at her recent checkup they said her weight is perfect etc so she's getting enough but I suppose the worry is this could change so wondering should I see a lactation consult

At 20 weeks of age baby is knowledgable about bf! DS1 used to comfort feed a lot and deliberately put himself into a shallow latch to stop the milk coming out!

No it won't damage you and baby knows how to feed properly by that age so will be doing a deeper latch when they're actually hungry.

Feel free to introduce a dummy if you need a break, I was relieved when I did with DS1. Many nights spent carefully unlatching him and gently slipping the dummy in when he was asleep!

If you want her to have a deeper latch, the rugby hold is worth a try but if she's happy and thriving, and you're not in discomfort, it doesn't necessarily need changing. Would it be worth waiting until the teething/comfort feeding passes and then reconsider if she still has a shallow latch on "proper" feeds?

And yes! to pp suggestion of introducing a dummy!

I agree that at 20 weeks they know how to feed. If she's hydrated and growing and you're not in pain, then there's no need to worry. She's learnt to comfort feed and / or is slightly struggling with her usual position due to teething perhaps. She'll soon let you know if it's a problem by crying / fussing.

@Bellfor @careerchangeperhaps @seaborgium @Wotsitsits thanks so much for your advice , I've been using the dummy for a few minutes and that seems to help with the teething and my nipples 🤣😊