Successful Breastfeeding Even With Inverted or Flat Nipples

The way your nipples are shaped can have a big impact on your breastfeeding success. As nature designed most nipples are shaped perfectly to fit a baby's mouth, but some women have flat or inverted nipples that might make nursing more challenging because baby can have trouble getting a firm grasp. The result may be that he doesn't latch on properly and consequently doesn't get enough milk, that can lead to decrease milk supply, inturn leading to even less suckling. Don't worry - with the right care and attention, even those with flat or inverted nipples can nurse just fine. Here's what you need to consider.

Flat nipples don't stand out much from the surrounding area (called the areola) and don't protrude when stimulated. That sometimes can make it difficult for your baby to latch on and breastfeed.

Pregnancy is a time of substantial breast development and growth, and moms-to-be with previously flat or inverted nipples may find their nipples evert and extend as it gets close to time for the birth. Nipple extension also improves with each pregnancy and breastfeeding experience.

Inverted nipples retract or pull inward when stimulated. They may otherwise look flat, or their appearance may range from slightly dimpled and indented to very clearly indented in the center.

Check your own nipples by gently squeezing the areola about one inch behind the nipple with your thumb and index finger. If the nipple becomes dimpled or clearly indents, it's inverted. 

You discover that you do have inverted or flat nipples. What can I do to correct my flat or inverted nipples?

To the rescue: Supple Cups. These silicone wonders (available at Theecoparent.com or possibly through your lactation consultant) are worn over your nipples. 

Supple Cups can eliminate any foreseeable problems buy pulling out and elongating flat or inverted nipples, creating longer and larger nipples in the process. 
Supple Cups work by creating a gentle suction that you choose the strength of, making Supple Cups a custom fit for every expecting Mom. They work by creating a gentle vacuum from within, pulling the nipple into the Supple Cup.

With proper use of Supple Cups for inverted or flat nipples you can have a very successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby.