Flat nipples?

[Pinky81]

Hi all,
Just wondering if any/many of you have successfully BF with inverted or flat nipples. Mine are flat, and we had major attatchment problems with DD1. I was hoping there was some way to increase my chances of success next time around. Can anything be done while pregnant to pull out your nipples (sorry if TMI). Does anyone know of medical prodedures that can be done??
Sorry about all the questions but I am so desperate to BF my next baby, I want to be more prepared next time around as I never even imagined having all the problems I did with DD1. TIA

[NibbleCurlynBub]

No surgery. :no:

There are some little sucky things that can help.
I have heard the nipplette is quite good!

Pop onto breastfeeding.asn.au and have a loot what they have to say.

It is VERY possible to do. :yes:

[LizzardLover]

I had difficulty with my daughter as I have very small nipples, almost flat. We ended up using a nipple shield which helped alot. I'm sure there would be other things you could use though as nipple shields can cause decreased supply.

Maybe ask at the hospital to see a lactation consultant even before baby is born?

[NibbleCurlynBub]

http://www.bubbaliciouskids.com.au/Catalogue/Let's%20Feed/Breast%20Pads%20-%20Avent%20-%20Nipplette/ (http://www.bubbaliciouskids.com.au/Catalogue/Let%27s%20Feed/Breast%20Pads%20-%20Avent%20-%20Nipplette/)

That is what I am talking about. It can be hard to find, but apparently can be used in pregnancy and continued use will help to avoid inverted or flat nipples. :)

The idea is to pull the nipple out a teeny bit before putting bub on the boob which makes it easier for them to attach properly.
I found with nipple shields that it only allowed some of my milk ducts to let down because some were covered by the plastic in between. I got very sore and engorged quickly because my breast couldn't be emptied properly.

Obviously experiences will differ from person to person.

[monkeytoes]

I have flat nipples and BF DD1 for 6 months using a nipple shield, then carried on to feed her for 2 more months without the shield (I think she by then she worked out how to do it). I never had any problems with the nipple shield. Never had blocked ducts, mastitis, low supply etc.

I am currently BF DD2 (5 months now) with no attachment issues. I would have happily used a nipple shield again if I needed too.

[Pinky81]

http://www.bubbaliciouskids.com.au/Catalogue/Let's%20Feed/Breast%20Pads%20-%20Avent%20-%20Nipplette/ (http://www.bubbaliciouskids.com.au/Catalogue/Let%27s%20Feed/Breast%20Pads%20-%20Avent%20-%20Nipplette/)

That is what I am talking about. It can be hard to find, but apparently can be used in pregnancy and continued use will help to avoid inverted or flat nipples. :)

The idea is to pull the nipple out a teeny bit before putting bub on the boob which makes it easier for them to attach properly.
I found with nipple shields that it only allowed some of my milk ducts to let down because some were covered by the plastic in between. I got very sore and engorged quickly because my breast couldn't be emptied properly.

Obviously experiences will differ from person to person.

Great I was hoping there was something like this that could be used during pregnancy. Thanks I will definately try it.

[Pinky81]

I have flat nipples and BF DD1 for 6 months using a nipple shield, then carried on to feed her for 2 more months without the shield (I think she by then she worked out how to do it). I never had any problems with the nipple shield. Never had blocked ducts, mastitis, low supply etc.

I am currently BF DD2 (5 months now) with no attachment issues. I would have happily used a nipple shield again if I needed too.
Hi monkeytoes.

I did use a nipple shield with DD, it was the only way to get her to attatch, but as my milk failed to come in properly it really did hinder my supply greatly and DD never even got back to her birth weight by 6 weeks. Thanks for the advice though I appreciate it. I guess different things work for different people. Maybe next time I will have plenty of milk and shields will do the trick it is encouraging to know some people have had success with them.:)

[NibbleCurlynBub]

:yes: There is less nipple stimulation and less skin contact with nipple shields which made them work very poorly for me.
Like I said, it affects everybody differently but if you can find a way to feed without any constant barrier your supply will benefit.

I have heard EXCELLENT feedback on the Nipplette, Heck I am so confident in it I would even buy one for you!

Oh and you could look on eBay, they're good.

I also recommend having an ABA membership. I bought one and have honestly only used the support lines once when DD got thrush but the magazines and the general idea of it is very helpful.

If you went to a group meet you would see that there are really some exceptional women there and I'm sure a few would have experienced what you are now.
It is more common than you think! :D