Breastfeeding with inverted nipples is possible so do not give up! Chances are if you are able to coax your nipples out, your baby will be able to too. If you want to breastfeed and decide there is no other option then you will find a way to breastfeed no matter what type of nipples you have.

what is an inverted nipple?

An inverted nipple retracts inward toward the breast like its shy and not ready to make its appearance. It kind of looks like a dimple in your breast. They will be flat, slightly inward, or super deeply drawn into the breast. A super deeply drawn into the breast nipple may need surgery to be pulled out. Inverted nipples begin when you are born or gradually happen. The only time you should be concerned with an inverted nipple is if it spontaneously retracts in. You should get it checked with your provider.

Do you have inverted nipples?

If your nipples protrude whether it be natural or stimulated by touch or temperature then you do not have inverted nipples. To figure out if you are inverted or flat, try the pinch test.

• hold your nipple in between your thumb and index
• Press in about an inch behind your nipple and stroke two fingers forward

if the nipple tucks away or disappears then you have an inverted nipple. Do the test on both breasts because you may have one that inverts and one that protrudes.

About 87% of women born with inverted nipples have them in both breasts. One third of women have some degree of inversion. When pregnant, breasts become more elastic and full protrusion can happen for some women.

Did you know There is a grading system to classify inversion?

Grade 1 – You can pull your nipple out with your fingers and it will stay for a couple of minutes.
Grade 2 (most common) – You can pull your nipple out with your fingers and it will automatically retract when you let go.
Grade 3 – You cannot pull your nipple out.

“the degree of nipple inversion typically decreases with each subsequent pregnancy.” – Counseling the nursing mother, seventh edition.

Some tips on breastfeeding with inverted nipples

• Place your thumbs on both sides of your nipple. Press down while pulling thumbs apart. Move your thumbs all around the nipple and repeat once per day. This is referred to as the Hoffman Technique. It has been around since the 1950’s and many women swear by it. There is little scientific evidence on this method though.
• press down on the sides of the areola. grab the nipple with your other hand and gently pull and work in a circular motion. Repeat 3-5x each day to help stretch and loosen the nipple tissue.
• Apply cold to encourage your nipple outward
• Nipple inverters like the Lasinoh can be found here.
• Supple cups or Electric nipple correctors
• The side lying breastfeeding position can make you and baby more comfortable and make it a little easier to latch.
• C-hold or V-hold
• Hand express beforehand to get your nipples ready for a deep latch
• use a breast pump before trying to latch your baby
• Wear a breast shell in between feedings
• Try a nipple shield. Make sure to get help from a lactation consultant and wear the proper shield. This is my last recommendation as it can make baby prefer the shield. Mom does not get the stimulation and sensation she needs to produce adequate milk production over time. The shield should be used for a brief time period.

“Remember that babies BREASTfeed, not NIPPLEfeed” — La Leche League

breastfeeding can be down right exhausting

breastfeeding can be down right exhausting and you may want to give up. If you persist, you can accomplish it! The first 14 days are the most important. If you have any questions or need any help, please reach out to a lactation consultant. If you do not know where to find a lactation consultant, you can reach out to me through email at hello@whipthenip.com or go to this blog post on where to find one.

this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not serve as medical advice, a basis for diagnosis, or recommendation of treatment. always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. the information provided is intended to support you in your breastfeeding and postpartum journey from other moms and their partners.