I’m very much looking forward to breastfeeding, but am cautiously optimistic, as I do have inverted nipples. Are there any other momberries out there with the same thing? If so, how did you do with breastfeeding? What did you do to help the situation?
Thanks in advance for the help - so far none of my girlfriends/family I’ve talked to had even heard of inverted nipples, so it doesn’t sound like it’s super common. I know my mom has it, and did struggle with breast feeding, but she did do it, although doesn’t remember a lot about it.
Ok, I have no personal experience with this, but did work with a woman once who had this problem. Fair warning, I have no idea how accurate this info is because, again, it’s not my own personal experience. This is just what I was told…
The lady I worked with said breast feeding was extremely hard for her, and that she had to push her nipples “out” in order to have any success. She said it was painful and difficult, and she didn’t do it for very long before switching to formula.
I hope that you are able to find more information!
If you are on facebook, there are quite a few groups on there which may be able to help you find other women who have had the same issue. The two I “like” on there are Breastfeeding NZ & La Leche League. You can submit a question and the group will post it (anonymously if you request), in general the responses are really good. i.e: quite a few people reply and usually what they have to say is very helpful, or they know of another resource that could help you out.
I wouldn’t worry about the two pages I listed not being in your home country (I assume), the main idea is that you get the information and help you need in order to succeed with your breastfeeding goal. I’m sure you could also find some groups more local to where you are.
Another idea might be to go an see a lactation consultation BEFORE you have your baby, they should be able to give you tips and should have reading resources as well as information on other means of support available to you, groups etc.
Sigh. I too have this problem. [name]One[/name] nipple is considered flat. I don’t want to get you down, but breast feeding for me was not a good experience. I only breastfed for 4 months, and it involved a lot of pain and pumping. I was told to start by pumping a little to get the nipple to “come out” (which did seem to actually work). Side note: get an automatic pump. [name]Don[/name]'t even bother with a manual. They also have rubber nipple cover things that are supposed to help. I can’t remember what they are called, but you can get them at Babies R Us. They also gave me some at the hospital. I didn’t like them, but you might give it a shot. My daughter was just never able to latch properly with the flat nipple. It got to the point where she would refuse. This led to me having to pump most of the time, and my supply eventually dwindled. I wish you the best of luck. Worst case scenario, you will have to pump (which isn’t so bad because then other family members can take turns feeding the baby with a bottle, and you get some nice alone time with the pump).
Thanks for the suggestions, and thanks for sharing abelle2. I have done some “exercises” to help them come out, but really wanted to hear from been-there-done-that mamas. I know there’s lots of resources out there, but nothing quite compares to hearing it from someone who has dealt with it themselves.
It honestly makes me teary-eyed to think I may not be able to breastfeed long, or at all. But I don’t want to go into it with rose coloured glasses and think it will all work out for me - gotta be realistic. Anyone else’s personal experience would b
I too have one flat nipple that neither of my children would latch onto. I ended up pumping and supplementing with formula for about 8 weeks before I caved to just formula. I am really going to try and do it for 4 - 5 months this time. The problem I had was getting distracted by my son and then work when I went back and not pumping enough so my supply dwindled. I am thinking about setting an alarm or something so I pump every 3 hours to build up the supply. If there is a will there is a way! Good luck!
We’re due at the same time isirapjl - best of luck to you this time around. I think I will try to use the pump a bit before, in hopes that it draws them out. If I end up pumping, I’ll make sure to do the alarm idea. Thanks for the tip!