Is breast feeding possible with inverted nipples?

[immy11]

I'm still pregnant with my first but i'm really worried about breast feeding. My nipples are inverted. They come out when i squeeze them but they're not that big when they're out.
I know baby latches on to the whole nipple but i also know inverted nipples can be difficult. Is anyone feeding with inverted nipples?

 

[nevernormal]

My mom had this problem when she bf her first baby 27 years ago (she bf us all but didn't have issues with the inverted nipples after the first one). That was before they really had lactation consultants so readily available and nurses at the time weren't really clued in about bf either, at least where she was. She told me that what she did was "used common sense" (her words) and took an ice cube and rubbed her nipple to make it stand out a lot before she tried to latch on. Pretty sure she didn't have to do it beyond the initial latch, definitely not long term! The problem sorted itself after she was able to latch successfully.. I think a common approach today is to start with a nipple shield.

 

[summer rain]

Yes its more than possible to BF with inverted nipples so please don't worry. You may find after the birth your nipples come out on their own for a few days at least. You can also wear breast shells in your bra from 32 weeks; the medela nipple formers are specifically designed for this, these will draw the nipples out slowly and hopefully make them stay that way. Other options are pumping a tiny bit before feeds, just enough to draw the nipples out, and nipple shields- though these are best used as an absolute last resort because they can cause milk transfer issues xx

 

[Tacey]

It certainly is possible There's some great information here. I think it's worth getting some numbers of people like a local La Leche League group, peer supporters etc. and maybe go to meetings of breastfeeding support group before the baby comes so you can get any niggles sorted early on.

 

[CertainTurton]

Yes it is possible I did it! I didnt really twig that I would have a problem until after my LO was born (silly I know!) and I wont lie to you, we did have a struggle at the beginning. I was also very dopey an sore from a general anaesthetic c section so Im sure it would have been easier without that.
Anyway, I would certainly recommend doing as much as you can beforehand e.g stimulation and wearing the cups to bring them out. I also used nipple shields for the first 3 months (when she eventually latched without them! ). The medela ones were best. I wish I had thought of the ice in the hosp as I am sure that would have helped - the hosp was soo hot!
I will also say that my nips are still a lot more perky now even though I stopped feeding about 6 months ago - hoping they stay this way
Good Luck and it is certainly worth trying!

 

[PepsiChic]

I have very inverted nipples, I really recommend the Latch Assist by Lansinoh. Its very small (good for being discreet) but very strong!

 

[Kellen]

I was unaware that my right nipple was inverted until after my LO was born. A LC in the NICU pointed it out to me, as we were able to latch on the left, but had issues with the right side. After trying to pump before feeds, using ice to bring it out we finally resorted to nipple shields. They were amazing. My girl was able to latch and was actually happy feeding (before we would both end up exhausted and in tears). The shield did not hamper my supply.

At 3 weeks old my wonderful nurser decided to stop nursing. Why? Because she didn't want the shield anymore. I ditched the shield and she was big enough to pull the nipple out all by herself. Now at 5 months my previous inverted nipple is now permanently pointy. It will take work and it might be painful, but it is entirely possibly and incredibly rewarding. Kudos to you for taking the initiative to figure this out before baby arrives.

 

[immy11]

Thank you all so much for your advice, it looks like I should defiantly get some nipple shields just in case and i'm determined so i'm ready for some hard work. Thanks again everyone for being so helpful x