Flat/inverted nipples

[Mini]

Hi Pinky,

I have just finished breastfeeding my 12 month old as my cycle has been suppressed and I'm hoping to become pregnant again :fingerscrossed:.

I've already started thinking forward to breastfeeding my next baby and am concerned because I had excruciating pain for the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding DS. I think this was due to me having flat and slightly inverted nipples. I know that my nipples are definitely more drawn out now than they were before breastfeeding.

Will my nipples go back to their pre-breasfeeding shape? If so, do you know of any exercises that can draw them out before the baby is born (and thereby avoiding the pain?) I don't want the first six weeks of my new baby's life to be marred by (really, really) sore nipples again!

Many thanks,

[Pinky McKay]

hi Mini,

What a great effort after a difficult beginning!

Please dont let your last experience worry you. Your nipples will become more elastic as your pregnancy progresses and as you have breastfed so long this time, your nipples will stretch more easily next time. The trick is to get baby to the breast early and often so he/she can practise sucking swallowing and breathing before there is a whole lot of milk, and also to prevent engorgement which will make it difficult to attach.

It used to be thought that exercises or wearing nipple shells during pregnancy would help flat and inverted nipples but studies have shown there is no evidence of benefit.

If you like, after the initial sensitivity during the first trimester, you could allow your partner to gently stimulate your nipples as part of lovemaking.

If you need extra reassurance - get a lactation consultant to come into hospital ( some hospitals have LCs on staff) and support you with positioning when you have your next baby - early help is often the best prevention for potential problems.

Best wishes,
Pinky