If anyone has any information about inverted nipples and breastfeeding I would really appreciate some help.

Jennifer - posted on 07/24/2009

The nipple shield worked well for me for the 1st week. They tend to have too big of holes and it's like a fast flow bottle nipple. My son kept choking on the milk cuz there was so much in the shield. I started using a manual pump and did that to give my nipples a break and now when I try to feed him he latches right on with out it and does great. It's comforting to, to know how much they're getting when you pump too. Hope this helps

Samantha - posted on 07/21/2009

I used the silicone breast shield and pumped and it took my daughter 4 weeks to finally latch on to me, but she did it. I was about to give up, but that breast shield was a God send for me. I would highly recommend you go see a lactation consultant if you can because without mine I definitely would have given up. My daughter is 13.5 months old now and I'm just getting ready to wean her. It is possible it just takes time and a lot of patience. I too would recommend that you rent a hospital grade pump until your baby starts latching on so you keep your milk supply going. I ended up renting one for 2 months, and have been using a store bought (borrowed) one ever since. Best of luck to you!

Lauren - posted on 07/19/2009

This is probably a little late but i am a nursery nurse and i work with breastfeeding moms all day. Nipple shields are a last ditch effort. my nipple was inverted and i used breast shells starting at 37 weeks. I also pumped or used a latch assist from Lanoish to pull the nipple out. Some babies work better with inverted or flat nipples than others, if all else fails pump to give your baby your breastmilk. i ended up pumping due to soreness. Don't stress this is suppose to be enjoyable.

Olivia - posted on 04/24/2009

i was told by a lactation consultant that you should not use a nipple shield unless there is a problem like your nipple is too big to fit in the baby' mouth. i agree with lezanne that God creates moms and babies to fit perfectly. i am sure it is harder for a baby to figure out how to latch on with an inverted nipple but i bet with some practice it will work.also, medela makes these rings that go over your nipple under your bra for when you are not nursing that help to draw the nipple out. i used these and the only drawback is that if you leak they become little milk cups that may spill. after a while you no longer have to use them. good luck. i am sure it will all work out.

Sunny - posted on 04/24/2009

I'm a new mom--my baby is almost one month old and I am using a silicone nipple shield because it is easier for my baby to latch on. Breastfeeding has been challenging and I mostly pump my milk and feed her by bottle so that my supply does not decrease. Pumping and breastfeeding together may not be ideal but I do not feel so much pressure to perform and can relax a little bit if she does not latch on well or if she falls asleep (which she does often when I put her on my breast) and I still feel good that she is gettiing the breastmilk. If you do decide to pump your breastmilk, my suggestion is that you rent a hospital-grade pump instead of purchasing a pump--I was told that the hospital-grade pumps really work better and encourage an increasing supply and it has worked for me--I make twice as much milk as my baby needs, so my freezer is stocked! I even discard a few pumpings a day because I don't feel that I need to save it all.

Lezanne - posted on 03/17/2009

the best thing i ever heard about inverted, or in any other way abnormal, nipples, was that there is nothing that a hungry baby can't fix. apparently inverted nipples gets drawn out by the sucking action of the baby, and even if it doesn't, he wouldn't care what your nipples looks like, as long as he can get nourishment from them. also, remember that baby doesn't actually suck on the nipple, but should place the whole areola in his mouth (or as much as his tiny mouth can get in) and the nipple is only where the milk comes out from. God creates mothers and babies that fit together, perfectly, so hang in there and give it a good try! rather don't use shields of some sort as you really want baby to work on the nipple alone.