Inverted Nipples

I don't know if there is anyone else with this problem but I'm planning on breastfeeding and I was reading that it would be hard for the baby to latch on with inverted nipples. So I did some reading and I bought these special type of bras which are supposed to help pull the nipple out. Unfortunately it's not working. Then I read online about breast shells. Now before I spend my money again   I want to know if they are worth it and if they do what they are supposed to do?

I don't have personal experience but my best friend had the same issue. She bought the breast sheilds and tried to use them with her first born. She had her heart set on breast feeding and was immediately upset when things did not work right away. She said the breast sheilds hurt when her daughter tried to latch on. After a week of trying and having to supplement with formula she just gave up. My advice would be if you really want to breast feed you should contact a lactation consultant who can help you achieve the proper latch. I think that most hospitals have them (at least part time) or you could contact your local La Leche organization http://www.lllusa.org/ Hope this helps and good luck.

I have a "lazy side" I like to call it. My nipple isn't inverted, but one side has been easier for both my kids to latch on to. I used a shield and it worked for me. I would recommend, though, getting in touch with a lacation consultant and/or la leche league. They'll have suggestions and be able to help. In the case of LLL you may be able to find a local meeting that you can attend even before baby comes and not only get the experience of the leader but also other women who have been in a similar situation and were still able to work through it and nurse their kids.

Good luck!

they told me in the hospital that I had "flat" nipples which is like inverted nipples... I knew I didn't have the best nipples for breast feeding... I didn't know what type I had, but they are close to inverted.
Anyway the hospital gave me a breast shield I didn't have to go buy one.
What I have noticed is that my nipples are starting to pop out a little more, and definately after I have been using the breast sheild for a few minutes. if I wanted to I could remove it, and have him latch on, but I like using it, its makes it much easier.

Another thing that you can do, if you didn't have a shield is "play/"tweak" or even use a wet, cold paper towel or something to get them to stick out a little bit before you feed them, this will get them to pop out...

I wouldn't worry there are ways to do it, women that have inverted nipples have been breast feeding for years... I mean if you think about before when breast feeding was the only way to feed your baby... women had to breast feed them, inverted, flat, or other wise.

there is also the pump too... I found my baby takes a bottle well, and I think it is because I use the sheild... so he is used to having a "big" aftificial nipple... so there is a bonus to using the sheild.

I dont have the same problem, but I have heard that the nipple shields are a blessing! Good Luck!

I looked into it a little more on the La Leche site and here is another link to the area in the site that has specifics on inverted nipples, shells and shields http://www.llli.org/NB/NBnippleproblems.html again hope this helps and good luck.

The site is pretty good.

Thank you! There is no La leche where I am. I'm stationed in Germany. My husband and I are both military. But I am going to call and check out the website and maybe I can get some help long distance. I'm going to try the breast shells and I'm praying that they will work.