Breastfeeding With Inverted Nipples (15 Tips and Tricks)
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone knows this...
But guess what? So do nipples!
About 10% of women have flat or inverted nipples (otherwise known as “retracted nipples.”)
Having flat or inverted nipples does NOT mean you can’t breastfeed. Women all around the world can vouche that it’s absolutely possible!
It may take some extra practice (and patience) to get breastfeeding going so here are some fabulous tips, tricks, and methods to help.
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It’s a GREAT idea to take a simple and affordable breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding is something you need to LEARN to do. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class is on-demand and perfect for new moms.
How To Know If You Have Flat or Inverted Nipples
Do the “pinch test.” Gently squeeze and compress the areola (the dark area around the nipple) about an inch behind the nipple.
After pinching, flat nipples remain level with the areola while inverted nipples turn inward after pinching and will look something like this…
Pro Tip: Repeat the pinch test on the other breast because it can occur on one or both breasts.
Will My Flat Or Inverted Nipples Affect Breastfeeding?
The hard truth? Until you actually attempt to breastfeed, it’s impossible to know if your flat or inverted nipples will affect your baby’s ability to latch.
But good news! Having flat or inverted nipples does NOT affect your body’s ability to produce milk!
And want even better news?
In most cases, flat or inverted nipples alone won’t cause problems with breastfeeding. Many babies end up feeding well on nipples that are flat or inverted without any interventions at all!
Fun tip: the simple act of breastfeeding itself can often be a “treatment” for inverted nipples and allow the nipple to protrude more naturally over time.
If your baby DOES struggle to latch once you go to breastfeed with inverted nipples, here are some amazing tips and tricks to help you…
15 TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING WITH FLAT OR INVERTED NIPPLES
1. Have your baby get a deep latch
A good latch involves your baby latching onto the breast, NOT the nipple itself.
The most important thing for latching is the way your baby attaches to your breast, NOT the shape of your nipple. Your baby needs to open wide and take a good mouthful. When this happens, they’ll bypass the entire nipple and attach to your areola, which is exactly what you want.
Related Post: 9 Genius Breastfeeding Latch Tricks
2. Try a suction device
Certain suction devices (such as breast shells, cups, extractors, or formers) can draw out flat or inverted nipples.
They’re meant to loosen the nipple tissue to help the nipples stay erect for longer periods of time. They can be worn before feedings underneath your bra to get your nipples ready for your baby’s latch.
Our favorite suction device? THIS ONE.
(It’s super affordable, is small and portable, and gently draws out the nipple)
3. Pull back your breast tissue
The simple act of pulling back your breast tissue before you go to breastfeed may be just the easy trick you need to help your baby latch every time.
4. Try the Hoffman Technique
Place your thumbs on either side of your nipple.
Press your thumbs firmly into the breast tissue.
Gently stretch the areola in each direction.
Repeat as needed.
5. Practice skin-to-skin for the win
Being skin to skin with your baby helps them use their innate reflexes to latch more easily and effectively.
6. Get into the right position
Finding the right breastfeeding position can make all the difference to help your baby get a good, deep latch. Many women find the laid-back breastfeeding position helps their baby latch best.
7. Roll or pinch your nipple before a feed
Try rolling your nipples between your thumb and index finger before your next feeding. You can also try gently pinching your nipple and areola.
8. Use a cold compress
Coldness may help your nipple to protrude.
Pro Tip: Avoid prolonged use of ice, as numbing the nipple and areola may inhibit your let-down reflex.
our Favorite device To Draw Out Your Nipple…
9. Shape your breasts using the “C” or “V” hold
Shaping your breasts before you breastfeed may allow your baby to get more breast tissue into their mouth and have a deeper latch.
The C Hold
Cup your breasts so that your thumb is on the top and your fingers are on the bottom, in the shape of a “C.”
The V Hold
The V-hold uses your forefinger and middle finger to create a scissor-like shape around your areola and nipple. Press down gently towards your chest to help “squeeze” out the nipple and areola.
10. Check your baby’s output
Because having flat or inverted nipples may affect your baby’s ability to latch well and transfer milk, it’s important to keep an eye on the baby's diaper output to make sure they’re getting enough breast milk.
11. Use a breast pump
You can try to use a manual or electric breast pump just before a feeding to help pull out the nipple.
12. Seek support
Find virtual support with a Facebook breastfeeding group. Milky Mommas is our favorite!
Find in-person support with a free La Leche League meeting. Find a meeting near you.
13. Try a reverse syringe
Use a reverse string device (with no needle attached!) to help pull out your nipple.
14. Get expert help
Find an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). They are THE expert troubleshooters in lactation and can help you find solutions to your baby’s latch issues in person.
15. if all else fails? Try a nipple shield
If the tips above don’t work you can give a nipple shield a try. Nipple shields provide a larger, firmer target for your baby to latch onto.
Warning About Nipple Shields: Nipple shields should ONLY be used with the guidance of a lactation consultant and be a short-term solution, because they may interfere with your milk supply.
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