Anyone breastfed successfully with inverted nipples ?

[emilyvictoria17]

Hi, hoping someone can give me a bit of hope / encouragement here! Only in my second trimester but starting to think ahead to breastfeeding which I’d really like to be able to do. However I’ve always had it in my head that I might not be able to because my nipples are flat / inverted. I know it’s not impossible per se but from what I’ve read it may be harder. So I’m wondering if anyone has managed it successfully and whether there is anything I can do or buy during pregnancy (or afterwards) to draw them out / make things easier? I’m not against formula feeding if it has to be that - was formula fed myself as a kid and I know fed is best. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Yes I did.

Fed each until 2.5 and 3.

Had to persevere at first and used nipple shields to help baby learn what to do. I also have huge boobs which didn't help. I didn't let midwife sign me off until I could feed the first baby.

It was difficult at first but I am so glad I kept trying.

Good luck!!!

They used to make a thing called nipplete to help draw thy nipples out. Not sure if you can use it in pregnancy.

If there's a breastfeeding support group near you I'd contact them and mine up support for after birth.

I really wanted to but didn't manage it. I should have stayed in hospital a few hours longer and tried to get it sorted there before I went home, but didn't. And I didn't press the midwife on home visits either. I wish I had, so I guess I'm saying make sure you do if it's what you want!!

I managed it, but it was very difficult at first, and we almost had to go back to hospital because Dc wasn't gaining enough weight.

I used nipple shields, which helped, but I still had to use compresses because I ended up with cracking and bleeding. I recommend Multi Mam compresses.

Both times I had to use a breast pump, and did bottle feed expressed milk half the time in the earlier weeks. As Dc got older they got more adept, and I stopped using the pump - that was about 2 months in.
I then managed for a couple of years each with no problems. It's the first few weeks when the baby is tiny that is the hard part, then it just gets easy.

Thanks everyone - it’s good to know it’s possible for some people but not the end of the world if not. I’ve reached out to my local breastfeeding support service as per the advice. Appreciate everyone taking the time to respond x

I had inverted nipples and managed to feed both of mine - it was tough at first (but I think it can be for everyone!). I went to a support group a couple of times and one of the counsellors told me to remember that 'it's called breastfeeding, not nipple feeding' which always stuck with me.

To begin with I used a few different things - nipple shields which helped the baby get latched on and draw the nipple out and then breast shells in my bra (rather than breast pads) to help my nipples stay drawn out, and also I found them more comfortable than breast pads especially if I was feeling a bit sore. I did find it a bit sore to begin with - because my nipples were literally being stretched but it was definitely worth persevering. After a few weeks I didn't need any extra 'equipment' and it was very straightforward. My nipples have never gone back to being inverted despite not having bf for 6 years now - still can't quite get used to it though!

I'm really glad I found some support and persevered with it - to begin with it was really hard work - but with the benefit of hindsight I'm so glad to have done it.

Good Luck.

Yep. Till she was almost 5

One of my nipples is inverted but that was my baby's favourite breast! I just twiddled my nipple before feeding but found as the milk came in it perked both nipples. The nipple should be at the back of the baby's mouth anyway (at the soft palate) so it's only to stimulate their suck reflex. The action of the tongue and chin compresses the breast to squirt milk at the back of baby's mouth. Focus more on getting the positioning and attachment right and your baby will have no problems draining the breast. Feeding support midwives available on postnatal ward so just ask for help. I did! Enjoyed fully breastfeeding for one year and can't wait to breastfeed number 2 next year :-D Good luck x