How to tell if you will be able to Breastfeed?

[Kristy07]

Just wondering if anyone knows how you can tell if you will able to breastfeed or not.

My Mum wasnt able to breastfeed me or my brothers because of inverted nipples.... I dont even know what this is!

Any tips??

[Lirael]

inverted nipples can be fixed as far as im aware. IMO everyone CAN breastfeed(unless medically unfit or have no boosies)

[ikis84]

I am not sure about the inverted nipples - I am sure your doctor would be able to tell you ... but I know that you can get a little thing which suctions the nipple out! (Think it's called a nipplette?)

The ABA is a great place for breastfeeding information http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/. Most women can successfully breastfeed with the right information, support and willingness to persevere through any problems. The ABA run education workshops where they teach you all about breastfeeding - how it works, how to do it and where to seek help. I suggest subscribing to the aba and learning as much as you can! Knowledge definately is power. I had so many people give me incorrect breastfeeding advice (even one of the midwives at the hospital!)... luckily I was well read, and knew what was sound advice and what wasn't.

Also, many of us breastfeeding mums here on bubhub can help too

[InSaneOne]

my mum was unable to breastfeed due to inverted nipples but she expressed for 8 months for me and 10 months for my little sister. inverted nipples look like a little cross where normal nipples tend to stick out a bit. - if you aren't sure maybe ask your mum to show you hers and see if yours look the same.

[mum2peanut]

Yep they give you a nipple guard to use at the hosp, which draws the nipple out over time anyway. If they're inverted the middle nipple bit doesn't stick out, it sticks in. Whe I atttempted to b/f inverted nipples didn't stop me, but not having any milk due to a previous breast reduction did.
The hosp will help you in any way they can, I had the lactation specialist in my room all the time.

[Sheer Bliss]

There are actually very few cases where people are unable to breastfeed due to medical reasons. Some people don't get their milk properly - but these are very few. A lot of people who say they didn't have enough milk to b/feed have usually not had enough information/support to encourage/wait for their supply to com in properly (it can take weeks to fully establish your supply - based on babies needs)

I think the best way to go into is to assume that you will be able to breastfeed. It might not be easy (enticing out inverted nipples, building supply, cracked/bleeding nipples) or you could have a few initial attachment supplies and smooth sailing like I did. But if you have the right support and advice almost anyone CAN breastfeed. I would join the ABA - then you will have support at your fingertips as well as useful info when you need it. Armed with all the right information you will most likely be able to breastfeed. And if you find that you are one of the few who can't or decide it's not for you - you will be free from doubt that you have done best by your baby.