Are flat nipples, a breastfeeding problem?
Chiqui Brosas on Nov 10 2007 at 7:59 am | Filed under: Breastfeeding
I receive a lot of textes and calls from my students asking me advice about childbirth but another common concern is on breastfeeding.
The most recent one was on flat nipples. Malu just found out a few days after she started breastfeeding that she had flat nipples. She started to use nipple shields to be able to help her baby latch on to her breast. She asked me if there were other ways to help her with her problem.
Breasts come in different forms and shapes and so do the babies mouth. What did not work in breastfeeding the last time may work this time. Babies know how to suck. Your baby will teach you about breastfeeding and you will also teach him. It is a learning experience for both of you. Be patient and committed.
Here are some tips you can try to help with your flat nipples.
If you have a breast pump, you could pump before every feed, for a short while, so your nipples get pulled lightly and stretched.
You can also put ice on the nipple to make it stand before a feed.
If you do not have a pump, another cheap way of doing it is through the use of a syringe. Get a syringe (number 20) and cut off the portion where the needle is attached. Then put the plunger into the cut side of the syringe. The other end where it is smooth is the part where you could put your nipple in. Next, pull the plunger so that the flat nipple gets stretched. Do this as often as possible. I would suggest every time before you breastfeed.
You could also try to massage your breast by putting both your thumbs on the base of your flat nipple, at 3 o’clock and at 9 o’clock. Then stretch the thumbs apart to stretch and loosen the base of the nipple. Do this all around the base of the nipple.
Through time the nipples get longer through continuous breastfeeding. It is still very possible to breastfeed successfully even with flat nipples! Don’t let this discourage you.
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