Flat Nipples

[fire~fly]

I had real problems with breatfeeding my son and one of the issues was that i have flat nipples.
Is there any thing i can do to fix this for when i have my next bubba?
Im not even preg yet, but just want to get as much info as i can this time because i was really disapointed about not being able to breastfeed. I also had supply issues because my FIL had a heart attack on my 3rd day after bubs was born and i was under a lot of stress being stuck in hospital and my milk just didnt seem to come in, and then i got a really bad cracked nipple and started expressing and no milk was coming out. I felt utterly useless and that i was starving my son (he was constantly screaming) and started giving him formula.

Anyway, but does anyone have any advice re the flat nipples?

Thanks!:thumbsup:

[Starlet]

Hey hun,

I've heard of people using nipple shields to help draw out the nipple, I don't know if these have a permanent effect or not, but I've heard it helps.

[fire~fly]

thanks hun, im willing to try anything this time. I felt so ripped off on missing out on breastfeeding nicholas :crying:

[2boysmama]

I think this site has some good advise. http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,40vx,00.html

You will be able to do it. Try and get in touch with the Lactation Consultant at your hospital. You should be able to see her before you have the baby.

[meagan17]

I have flat nipples and I breastfed for 11 months I didnt find that nipple shields helped pull them out, the baby sucking did the baby's mouth doesn't just grab the nipple mine had a whole mouth full. I had a lactation nurse help show me how to put them on properly and I had not a problem. Also the stress of the heart attack can reduced milk supply so hopefully next time everything will be fine :wizard:

[jarrahsmumma]

Oh wow, this post really jumped out at me, i could have (and probably did) write this about 18 months/2 yrs ago.

I could not feed my son either, i had flat nipples and a few other problems which left me feeling helpless and un-motherly.

I appluade you for wanting to BF and for educating yourself.

I started before i even got pregnant, by joining a mother/baby group that was very supportive of BF and natural parenting. When i was 7 months pregnant I did an ABA intro to BF course. Then at 8 months did a course with a private Lactation Consultant named Rebecca Glover. This one focussed on attachment. The key to my failure before.

I am now feeding my DD and have had a few troubles, but this time i knew where to look for help. BF strong for 5 1/2 months and plan to for many years to come.

Read everything you can read, talk to BF mums, join ABA when you get pregnant. Everywoman can BF, the huan race would not have survived without it. You can do this. Flat nipples is not the end.

best of luck

[GeorgiaAnne]

Good on ya!
I had flat nipples too and found it really hard for the first 6 weeks. Aside from the advice given above about help etc. remember that if it is painful it WILL get better and easier :wizard: When I had difficulties I never thought I would enjoy breastfeeding but gradually your nipple gets drawn out and it becomes less painful. You are going in with lots of experience already which is great. I didn't even know I had flat nipples lol:confused:

[Ana Gram]

On of the first things a midwife said to me was "You'll never be able to breastfeed with those"

And even with help from a lactation consultant, it still didn't work for me.

I hope you are able to work it out and breastfeed. Good luck.

[JorBai]

Mummykritso,

I too have/had flat nipples, well they arent to bad now. The best thing I can suggest is the Avent Nipplette. Its a thing you use and wear before becoming pregnant again to draw out the nipples. It did help for me however I didnt get to wear them long enough but for the short time I wore them I have found a huge difference in my nipples.

If you want any info please PM me. I am gonna see a LC this time around to help but I do feel alot more confident since using the nipplette.

Leanne