Flat or inverted nipples can sometimes be problems when starting to breastfeed. It is a good idea to know your nipple shape before starting to breastfeed. Compare yourself to these examples.
Gently squeeze at the edge of the areola to see how your nipples react. There are three basic shapes.
Gently squeeze at the edge of the areola to see how your nipples react. There are three basic shapes.
Normal Nipples
These normally shaped nipples are easy for most babies to latch-on to. The nipple is erect at rest or becomes erect when it is stimulated or the mother is chilled. If you gently squeeze at the edge of this nipple it remains everted.
Flat nipples
These nipples can be difficult for an infant to attach to. They are flat and remains flat even when stimulated.
Occasionally lactation consultants recommend the use of breast shells prior to the baby’s birth. Regularly gently rolling and pulling the nipple it may help it become more erect. Do not wear breast shells or pull your nipples if you are at risk for preterm delivery.
The use of a breast pump just before feedings will help the nipples become more erect.
Check with your lactation consultant or knowledgeable health care provider to determine solutions that will work best for your situation.
Inverted Nipples
These nipples actually retract at rest or when stimulated. Try gently squeezing at the edge of the areola. Usually these nipples remain inverted.
Occasionally lactation consultants recommend the use of breast shells prior to the baby’s birth.
They may suggest a breast pump just before feeding the baby to pull these nipples out for the baby.
Check with your lactation consultant or knowledgeable health care provider to determine which solution will be best for your situation.
Check with your lactation consultant or knowledgeable health care provider to determine which solution will be best for your situation.
Provided for you by Lactation Education Resources. 2016
Feel free to duplicate.
Please be aware that the information provided is intended solely for general educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician for any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have received in this program.
Feel free to duplicate.
Please be aware that the information provided is intended solely for general educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician for any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have received in this program.
