Inverted nipples can you breastfeed

For mothers with inverted or flat nipples, the baby is more likely to attach and feed well if they become used to breastfeeding from very early on. It helps to avoid bottle teats and dummies soon after birth, as these are very different in shape to an inverted or flat nipple.

If supplements are medically required, a cup or syringe may be better choices. If possible, avoid medications during labour so the baby is more likely to be born fully alert, with their inborn feeding-related reflexes intact, for the first feeds.

During the first few days when colostrum is being made, before the breastmilk comes in the mother's breasts are soft which can make it easier for some babies to attach. If the breasts become full or engorged , the baby may find it harder to attach. A little hand expressing or reverse pressure softening can help to soften the area around the nipple making it easier for the baby to attach. They might stay that way, too.

The baby actually needs to latch onto your areola the skin that surrounds the nipple and should bypass your nipples entirely, so it's not like your nipple has to protrude for milk to emerge. But it might still be unpleasant because your skin needs to stretch to accommodate nursing. And, since inverted nipples are attached to the surrounding breast tissue, they may hurt and bleed a bit when they detach and protrude, O'Connor explains.

While this obviously won't feel good for you, it shouldn't cause nursing problems, she says. Using a nipple shield, which is a thin, soft, silicone cover that goes over your nipple and allows milk to flow to the baby, can also help the baby latch on better.

They should be able to give you tips in advance of giving birth that will make the process easier. And if the above methods haven't helped solve breastfeeding issues you suspect are due to inverted nipples, talk to your child's pediatrician or see if you can find a certified lactation consultant near you.

You can successfully breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples. Get personal advice from our lactation consultants. With flat nipples, there is no need to do anything.

Your baby's strong suck will help to draw out flatter nipples. If one or both of your nipples are inverted, you may find that breastfeeding takes more time and patience at the beginning. Get help from a lactation consultant to draw out the inverted nipple before attaching your baby. Find a lactation consultant in your area on the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland's website.

You may have to apply suction to draw out the nipple before putting your baby to the breast. Do you know anyone who has had concerns about breastfeeding with inverted nipples? For more tips and helpful advice follow us on our Medela Australia Facebook. Discover our new range of pacifiers — made in Switzerland. Choose a location. Your breastfeeding journey. Events overview News overview.

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