Nipples and breasts come in different shapes and sizes, and you may not have paid much attention to yours until you started thinking about breastfeeding. While most nipples are protruding, some are recumbent or inverted (tips point inward)—and this can present nursing challenges. Don’t despair if you realize that your nipples aren’t exactly popping out; it’s still entirely possible to find success on your feeding journey—you may just need to try a few hacks to help baby latch and get things going. Are you ready to eliminate this potential problem in the first place? Here’s what you need to know about flat or inverted nipple breastfeeding.
Unlike protruding nipples, flat nipples lie flat on your chest. Having flat nipples is usually harmless, and it’s also something that can come and go. “Many people have flat nipples at times,” says Leigh Anne O’Connor IBCLC, a board certified lactation consultant and La Leche League leader.
In general, nipple shape is determined by genetics, says Rebekah Huppert, RN, BSN, a lactation consultant at Mayo Clinic. However, pregnancy hormones may also play a role. “Sometimes nipples can appear flat when there’s swelling in the areola, which is common in pregnancy and postpartum,” she says. In other words, if you discover this issue early in your breastfeeding journey, it may be a temporary inconvenience.
said, Kira SyRDN, IBCLC, a dietician and lactation consultant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, says that roughly a quarter of the patients she sees have flat nipples—so while it’s not very common, it’s also far from rare. .
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What are Inverted Nipples?
What do inverted nipples look like? Normally, the tip of the nipple points inward. “You can see a fold in the tissue or a divet, and it’s coming back toward the breast,” says Kathleen MahanRN, IBCLC, a registered nurse and lactation consultant at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Illinois.
Research suggesting that up to 20 percent of the population has inverted nipples. However, “true inverted nipples—those that are not [pop out] after stimulation—rarely,” Huppert says.
An inverted nipple can be something you’re born with or can happen from trauma, a breast infection or, in rare cases, breast cancer, Sy explains. “The usual cause of nipple inversion is tight connective tissue or other problems with the ductal system connected to the nipple,” he adds. In other words, there is no reason to panic. But if one or both nipples are inverted, contact your doctor and get checked.
Can You Breastfeed With Flat or Inverted Nipples?
Yes, it is possible to breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples. “Sometimes a flat or inverted nipple will move forward when the baby latches on,” Mahan explains. “Sometimes when we move on, the anatomy can change.”
That said, inverted or flat nipple breastfeeding can be a bit difficult. Among other things, the baby may have difficulty latching on. “Babies usually need enough breast and nipple tissue to hit the ‘sweet spot’ in their mouths to allow for efficient latching and milk extraction,” explains Sy. Flat or inverted nipples lack the length to reach this area making breastfeeding difficult.”
Note that, while discomfort is common and normal in early breastfeeding, those with inverted or flat nipples may experience more soreness or pain, as the baby has to work harder to reach your nipple and latch on. can be removed, says Mahan.
How to Breastfeed with Flat or Inverted Nipples
If you have flat or inverted nipples, experts recommend working with a lactation consultant—you can also consult with them before The baby is born if you know it might be an issue. “They will go over different positions, breast compression or holding and techniques for nipple eversion before moving on to different feeding aids like nipple shields,” Sy said.
A nipple shield, which is a silicone device worn over your nipple, helps hold your nipple in an extended position ideal for breastfeeding, making it a “common tool,” for those with flat or inverted that nipples, said Huppert. You can also use something called a nipple everter, which works to get your nipple out before the baby latches on. “Sometimes it helps to manually remove the nipple or pump for a few minutes” before breastfeeding, O’Connor explains. There are even special cups you can wear inside your bra that apply gentle pressure to shape the nipple and help it pop when you’re not breastfeeding, Mahan adds.
If you have sore nipples, Sy recommends applying breast milk to them, and letting it air dry. You can also try cooling gel pads, which slide over your bra.
Ultimately, experts stress the importance of working with a lactation consultant if you’re breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples. They should be able to give you personalized advice and guide you along the way. “There is increased flexibility in the nipple after birth, so some nipples that are short or flat will start to come out over time and with use,” says Huppert. Either way, don’t be discouraged if you have trouble latching on to the baby or experience discomfort in the early stages of breastfeeding. With time, help and the right tools, you will find success on your journey.
Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant in New York City and a leader of the La Leche League.
Rebekah Huppert, RN, BSN, is a lactation consultant at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Kathleen Mahan, RN, IBCLC, is a registered nurse and lactation consultant at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Illinois.
Kira Sy, MS, RDN, IBCLC, is a registered dietician and lactation consultant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult a qualified physician or health professional regarding your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
What to Expect at Each Stage of Breastfeeding
How and When to Use a Lactation Massager
7 Ways to Change Your Breasts After Breastfeeding
