Flat nipples advice needed please

[babyhopes2010]

i had a horrible experience with try to bf my first, the hospital made things alot worse but i dont want to dwell on it..........i turned to ff and altho she is healthy i regretted it instantly.

this time im desperate to bf. i cant fail again

trouble is is i have flat-ish nipples when they are erect they are like 1cm high.

this has got to causes problems surely? since the bf mommys i know have HUGE long nipples like bottle teats

has anyone got any advice for me?

 

[summer rain]

I have fairly flat nipples too and they have never stayed out despite BF five kids. With my youngest for the first few days my nipples stayed quite perky and he could latch on by himself easily but after a few days they went flat again, it hasn't really caused any major problems it just means I have had to return to 'sandwiching' my nipple and areola to stuff it in baby's mouth and that he sometimes unlatches a few times throughout a feed. Haven't ever needed to use shields or anything. Flat nipples can sometimes be an advantage, if your baby has a small mouth it can be easier for them to latch onto flat nipples than large protruding ones, it seems in many cases women with flat nipples are less prone to cracking and soreness as well xx

 

[Unbridled]

I have flat nipples and large (HH size) breasts. The nurses at the hospital gave me a Medela nipple shield and it was the only way I could get Maddox to latch when he was a newborn. We used it until he was fifteen weeks--against the advice of his pediatrician, who swore it would affect my supply if used long term. It didn't though, and at fifteen weeks he just latched on by himself and we never used it again. I highly recommend a shield to anyone who is struggling with flat nipples. They aren't perfect, but they are a BIG help if used properly.

 

[IrelandsOwn]

I have flatfish nipples too (although when it comes to bfing they were the least of my problems!) My daughter is very good at drawing them out though and latches well now. Don't stress about it, try to think positive. And feeding your baby formula is not failing, by the way. It's doing what works for you