Breast Feeding

ABSOLUTELY! Bravo to you both for not being deterred by this challenge. Have her talk to Cindy at Alliance Breastfeeding Center ###-###-####, she's an amazing and very knowledgeable lactation consultant. She can definitely point you in the right direction. You may also want to consider hiring a birth and/or postpartum doula who can help establish breastfeeding ASAP after birth and help her work through any issues that may arise. I'm one myself and used one with my daughter. I found it extremely helpful in many aspects. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me. Best of luck!!

Hi, I had 1 and was able to breast feed for 13 months. There are a couple of devices that help the niples stick out and "train them" to stick out for feeding. You can find these items in the sections of the stores that sell bottles, storage for breast milk and lanolin products. I hope this helps.
K. G

I have read that there are, I believe these "breast sheilds" or something like that, that will help the nipples to come out. Should ask the OB or like La Leche League where to get these.

The first thing she should do is get in contact with a lactation consultant (her doctor or hospital should be able to recommend someone). There are lots of things she can do to help - such as pumping a little to bring out her nipples before offering her breast, using nipple shields or manually pumping milk to draw out the nipples and have some milk on her breast so the baby tastes it right away. She can also contact La Leche League, but sometimes the women there can be a little overbearing when it comes to breastfeeding, making mothers feel like failures if they just decide breastfeeding is too hard and opt to bottle feed, so she should take everything they say with a grain of salt. I know they mean well, but sometimes it can do more damage to a new mother's psyche than to help.

I'm glad to see a soon-to-be-dad offering so much support to his wife and mother of his child. Having support of your spouse is the best thing a new mother can have!

I myself had inverted nipples. my daughter was born in august of 2007. i pumped for 2 1/2 months each time i pumped i would also try and nurse my daughter after my nipples had been pulled out. she was very small and it did take a while but eventually she got the hang of it and now i nurse her just fine without any help. :)

40 years ago i breastfed my two children and i had inverted nipples. If she is committed to breastfeeding and gets support from you and others, she too will be able to reap the rewards. I encourage you both to check for info on mothering.com and/or La Leche. Breastfeeding presents a few difficulties, mostly within first 6 weeks, i always say hang in there and by 3 months it will be a snap for all concerned. Inverted nipples may need to be gently manipulated by hand to get it out enough for a hesitant baby, especially when the breast is quite engorged. Use thumb and index finger squeezing somewhat wider than the nipple and manipulate till nipple rises. Baby's suction generally takes over then. DON"T GIVE UP! My second baby was less inclined to struggle to get my nipples but we finally connected. i would offer to be available for phone support, if the need arises, truly. Between new Mom, newborn and your support, enjoy the breastfeeding experience, though it may be a bit tough at first, success is possible. And be assured, most breastfeeding couples have a bit of difficulties initially. Most new families have to adjust alot, at least the breastfeeding produces lots of rewards!

Absolutely! I have a friend with the same issue and she started wearing nipple shields about 4-6 weeks before she was due to pull them out. She continued to wear them for some time afterward and now her son is four months old and they are a thing of the past. Good luck!

My sister and mom are the same way. My sister had 2 children, my mom had seven. They both breastfed all their children. Get her some breast sheilds. That will help pull her nipples to a better position. Also, have her see a lactation specialist. They helped me so much. Her issue really shouldn't be a problem although, it may take little more work.

Your wife should be able to breast feed. She should try using breast shields early on to help loosen the connective tissue that pulls the nipples inward. The shields have a small hole big enough for the nipple to go through and then puts pressure around the areola. There are also devices called nipple shields that can help with the actual nursing.

I just had an inverted nipple on one side and it helped to pump a few minutes on that side before getting the baby to latch. We just usd the hospital one to make sure it would work and then just purchased a cheap battery powered one from the store. So far, so good.

I know that a nipple sheild would be very helpful,and in the hospital the nurses and lactation consultants are extremely helpful and will help do what it take to get your baby to latch...
good luck
B.

Your wife should definitely be able to breastfeed. I have the same problem and nursed 3 children for at least a year each. She can ask her dr about inserts for her bra that she can use before the baby comes that help.

Yes, she can breastfeed. She will need a special shield. Talk to a lactation consultant. Your hospital should have one on staff. Or try and contact your local La Leche league. Someone there can offer advice and support. The hospital should know the local chapter, or you can search them on the internet. Tell your wife good luck! It's a wonder experience to breast feed.

I had the same problem. Breastfeeding was very hard for me and my son. But we were able to do it some. I had to use nipple shields and sometimes a breast pump. It took me six weeks of frustrataing practice sessions when we kept trying and couldn't get it and had to pump and bootlefeed. Finally, at 6 weeks old, he started nursing. This only lasted 5 months though, and then he refused to nurse anymore, after all that time and frustration of finally learning it.

Nursing will be different for everyone of course. Get a good lactation consultant. The money you pay for her help will be worth it when you consider the savings in cost for formula and illness. There are ways to manage inverted nipples and still nurse. It just takes more effort.

Most of all, emphasize to your wife that however she feeds her baby is ok. When you have anatomical challenges to overcome for nursing it is that much harder. Yes, in some cases it can be done. But it is easy to feel like a failure when you see others nursing seemingly effortlessly, compaired to the extra challenges you face. If she nurses, great. If she pumps and uses bootles of breastmilk, it's ok. If she uses formula, it's ok. Don't let her start off motherhood feeling like she is already not succeeding by stressing too much about it one way or the other. Try to breastfeed for sure, but know it's ok if you have a hard time. As someone with VERY inverted nipples and a HARD time breastfeeling for months and months and months, I offer my support and encouragement.

My sister also has inverted nipples and though it took a little more work at first, with the help of the nurse or lactation specialist, she nursed all five of her children. As long as her milk comes in, nothing should stop your wife from being able to nurse.

Oh that isn't a problem. I had the same problem and there are things to help. I didn't know I had the problem and they had the suction sheilds at the hospital for me. I have since found them at Babies R Us. They are very easy to use and soft for the baby to suck on. However, once your wifes nipples have protruded then you will want to wean the baby off of the shields as this shouldn't be something to use long term. :)
I hope this helps, I'm sure you have had other responses of the same.
Good luck, and congratualions. You are such a caring husband for being so proactive and trying to find a solution.

J.,
I have 4 grown up children now, and when my 2nd girl was born, I tried to breast feed her, I have inverted nipples. The doctor said it would take time, and believe me, It was very painful. I could not stand anyone to stand by me, fearing they would touch me. I hurted so bad. I did not wait for time. I ended up putting my baby on a bottle. I bottle fed my last 2 after that. I have no other answer, except, try it! Maybe your wife might be able to get through it[ smile!]

Yes, absolutely she can breastfeed! Go and visit a good lactation consultant right now. She will help you with a game plan for pulling the nipples out between now and the birth using nipple shields and/or a breast pump.

Be proactive now and she can definitely be successful.

Yes, you can still nurse with inverted nipples. You use a nipple shield to draw th nipple out. Talk to the Lactation Consultant at the hospital, or seek help from the La Leche League (LLLI.org)-nursing support group. Most nursing books will address the issue also.

I think if she uses a breast pump it will help draw out her nipples, I think I read about that somewhere. But I would talk to someone at La Leche about it. You can find the branches by looking online.

I would contact a lactation consultant. They are usually very helpful. Try Logan Regional.

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/invertednipples.html

This is a very good article. Hope it helps! When in doubt, talk with your doctor!

Good luck!

Yes, it is absolutely possible. I have one inverted nipple and I am currently breastfeeding my second child. Plus, I have two sisters with similar problems and the both breastfed. Rather than me trying to explain everything and wondering how inverted your wife's nipples are because there are varying degrees of solutions. I found a website/page that has a lot of information to get you started. http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/invertednipples.html

Another thing, TAKE ADVANTAGE of the lactation consultant at the hospital and go there if you have difficulties once baby is born as often as you need. Sometimes it can be a little slow going or you just need some guidance from someone with experience. I had my sister and that really helped. Good luck and congrats on the impending birth.

P.S. A good book to read that gives you good information and in a real, readable format "So Thats What They are For" Breastfeeding Basics by Janet Tamaro

NO WORRIES!! I also have the same issue. Once my baby was born, it kinda corrected itself. With the milk coming in an filling full, they will pop out on their own. If not just wiggle it out before you feed. I also used a nipple shield for the first five weeks that the lactation specialist gave me. My daughter wasn't latching on. It can be done. Nursing takes a lot patience. Happy nursing! By the way, since you will be new parents, may I suggest buying "What to expect the first year" I loved this book. I like to call it my "baby bible" Wonderful advice on everything baby

I've been told that she still can. I would STRONGLY encourage you to find a breastfeeding class in your area. The one in my area is offered by the hospital where I will deliver, or you could ask your practitioner about where to find one. Another thing to consider is to find a lactation consultant that can help you and your wife with learning how to breastfeed, even with inverted nipples. I'm pretty sure it's possible to breastfeed no matter what type of nipples, and I also think there's ways that you can manipulate them to help stimulate them to come out a little more (shields and other devices you can put on the breast, I think). I'm no expert, though, so I would go to a class or a consultant. Hope that helps!

She absolutely can breastfeed with inverted nipples. It may take a little time and extra effort but it is so worth it. Some people have had great success with cups. Medela makes one set that is not too hard to find. Looks like a plastic hamburger top bun. It has a soft silcone part in the back and she can wear them in her bra to draw out her nipple even before the baby gets here. Also a pump to help draw it out before and after baby gets here, and soem poeple use nipple shields to help baby latch on until mom's body and baby both figure it out. I hope this gives her some hope.

My sister-in-law has inverted nipples. She uses the breast shields previously mentioned. Her first was born with cliff lip and pallet, so did not nurse, #2 nursed for 1 year and she literally had to wean him, and #3 tried for for a week and emotionally couldn't handle the stress of getting him to nurse. He also would gag on her. So he now takes a bottle.

It is possible. Take your time, and work with the baby. Good luck!

You've received lots of the same advice about breast shields- but one more thing. A dear friend of mine had the same thing, but the lactation folks started pressuring her to get rid of the shields by the time the baby's 2 or 3 months. It stressed her out and they had a very rough go of it for a few months. She can use the shields for as long as they help. My mother-in-law also worked her nipples between her thumb and finger to make them protrude because they didn't have the shields 34 yrs ago. Breastfreeding is awesome, but it can take a lot of work- and actually can be a bit painful- but sticking it out for those first few weeks will make it all worthwhile. Good luck to you both and God bless!

I would definitely talk/visit with a lactation consultant before the baby arrives. I had nipples that were borderline between being flat and inverted. I used some shells during pregnancy to help draw them out. A hospital nurse had me use a shield, and truthfully, I kind of regret letting her do that. I didn't end up needing it, and it was an intrusion into the intimacy. Anyways, she's got a great start already by having such a supportive husband. Get some professional advice as early as possible, and you'll have a great experience together.

J.,
Have your wife ask her doctor about this. My doctor told me to buy a good electronic breast pump and use it everyday during the 3 weeks before my due date to help draw the nipples out. In addition, your wife can buy nipple shields or nipple shells that she can wear inside her bra before giving birth to help draw the inverted nipples out even more. Once your baby is born, ask a lactation nurse to help both mom and baby learn how to breastfeed right there in the hospital. Our hospital has a couple days a week that you can go in and get help even after you've left the hospital and gone home. It can take a good 6 weeks before either are fully comfortable knowing what to do and having someone trained in this actually watch how your wife positions the baby and gets him/her to latch on can be a great help because the lactation consultant can give her tips to make it easier, less painful, etc. Tell your wife to stay strong through the difficult times and the sore nipples though! It can be done even with inverted nipples! Your wife is so lucky to have your supporting her!

Please check out or have your wife check out kellymom.com. It is a wonderful site full of all the how to's and what if's about breastfeeding. You could also contact a Lactation Consultant or someone with the la leche league. www.llli.org You can also try the WIC program in your area. Even if you don't qualify for WIC benefits(I don't) You can call them and they will help you and your wife. It is a very wonderful thing you are doing to help her with this. It is the best thing for your LO. To contact WIC you need to contact your local Health dept.

One of my friends also has inverted nipples. She was able to breast feed both of her children. She had to pump with a manual pump in the beginning to get it started. Of course it is different with everyone. But encourage her to try, she won't regret it.

She can certainly breastfeed with the use of nipple shields. Go to La Leche League for help.

You definitely can breastfeed, although it might be alittle harder at first. I recommend getting a breast pump (I had an Advent Isis which is pretty cheap). Immediately before breast feeding, pump a few pumps to pull the nipple out. It will make it easier for the baby to latch on. Once he is older, you won't need to pump, he will be able to pull it out on his own.

My sister has inverted nipples and was able to breastfeed. She did have a harder time at first, but with coaching was able to get the hang of it. She also had to use a nipple shield. Just keep encouraging her, she'll likely need it.

La Leche League is the best place to start. Pregnant mothers are encouraged to attend and always welcome. The website to find a local group and time near you is www.llli.org. Go to resources, find a local group.

She can still nurse. It might take a little more effort. Besides, the baby is supposed to latch onto her whole areola, not just her nipple. Good Luck!

There is something called a nipple guard. Its to protect the nipple when a baby bites and it causes cuts and nursing is to painful. But I used it to nusre. It kind of looks like a bottle top, that sucks to the skin, and makes it possible to nurse without any problems. It also takes away the first time breast feeding pains, which are HORRIBLE!!!!! Hope this helps, and good luck!

This is a problem that may fix itself before the baby is born. She can try using breast shells in her last trimester and that will help her nipples protrude. Make sure to get in contact with a good lactation consultant BEFORE baby is born to make sure your wife has help immediately. Don't count on the nurses at the hospital (if you're having the baby at a hospital) being helpful, in fact a lot of the time they give out very bad advice. I have inverted nipples as well and the only way I got my son to latch on was with a nipple shield. This is something that should only be used under the direction of a LC though as there are different sizes and techniques of using them.

Yes she will!!! There is a little plastic thing that they can give you in the hospital that will bring the nipple out. Gd luck! So glad to hear that your wife is going to breastfeed, so buch better for baby and mom!

There are some really great things made by Medela called Nipple shields. I would talk to a lactation consultant (IBCLC) but they helped me AMAZINGLY!! You can buy them at target they come in different sizes and I was able to breastfeed my girls succesfully.

Call the Le Leche League listed in the phone book or have her ask her Ob about it. Last time I checked (10 yrs. ago) they had some sort of device to help "train" the nipple so the baby would be able to latch on. Breast feeding my 3 children was a very special time in spite of a few rough spots. I hope it works out well for you!!

She can brestfeed with inverted nipples they just suggest that she uses a brestshield or other form of aide like a breastpump. There are a couple people you can contact that can help your wife. Try La Leche League www.lalecheleague.org 1-###-###-####, IHC Lactation Consultants ###-###-#### or even breastfeeding.com.
I hope this information helps because breastfeeding is so good for mom and baby.

i had to use nipple shields and they helped tremendously. I only used them for about 2 months and then after that my daughter was able to suck hard enough so I didnt need to use them. I got them for free at the hospital i delivered at. they also helped prevent any chapping (which can be very painful, check with the hospital and see if they have any, if not just pick one up to put in the bag before you head to the hospital. hope this helps!
A.

Absolutely! Your wife can breast feed!!! I am a 42 year old mother of 5 who breast fed all of them, having very inverted nipples, for over a year each! It isn't easy at first but if your wife will prepare the best she can and hang in there for a couple of weeks of discomfort she will be able to nurse normally!

if you happen to be in Utah go check with "A new you" it's the best place to go for nursing bras and the ladies are so helpful and knowledgeable! They can usually answer all your questions.
Alternatively the hospital she delivers at will have a lactation specialist. You can contact her now and she should be able to point you in the right direction.
Nursing is possible, however i believe that you need a special accessory. It is your job however that you let her know that she is a wonderful person and mother. That if she finds it too difficult to nurse or the baby isn't doing well that she is not to blame and that she really did all she could. We women are kind of crazy about nursing and babies. Please give her all your support, and tell her you love her and that she has made you the most beautiful baby in the world!

good luck!

I had one nipple that was inverted and I successfully nursed both my children. Just make sure she has lots of support and sees a lactation specialist (in the hospital one will come to see you if you need help) as it will be a little more work until she and the baby get the hang of it.... good luck its worth it

She'll definitely be able to breast feed! It might take a little more work, but she'll be able to do it.

Best advice, before anything else, DON'T STRESS AND WORRY! That makes things harder and most moms who do that give up before they ever really get started. Just detirmine that breastfeeding is what you want, that you CAN and WILL do it, and the rest will come a lot easier.

Get some breast shields in the last trimester and start using them. It'll help in so many ways. Start now visiting La Leche League meetings, they're a wealth of information and support. Get a copy of "The Nursing Mother's Handbook." It speaks on all sorts of things, including inverted nipples. Consult all sorts of things from Dr. Sears, including his website (http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp). And bring this up at your birthing classes. From what I have heard, it is not discussed, nor worried about, as much at Lamaze classes, but Bradley and Hypnobabies definitely discuss breastfeeding and things that can make it more difficult.

Lastly, the lactation consultant at your birth. You can certainly contact them beforehand, but they're pretty thinly stretched, so usually at birthing is the best time for them. Don't let them convince you to give a bottle of formula if breastfeeding is what you really want. Most babies who are started at the hospital, or supplemented with a bottle just quit nursing because the bottle doesn't take as much effort to get the stuff out.

You and your wife will do just fine! How wonderful that you're taking such an interest! Don't worry, all will work as it is supposed to. Happy birthing!!

there are breast shilds that will help the nipples come out. look them up on Babiesrus.com and they have more info on them. They worked great for me while I was in the hospital. After that I didn't need them anymore.

I had a similar problem when I had my daughter.My daughter also had a problem latching on. You can check with the hospital and ask if they have "Nipple Shields". I don't know if there is a different term for them but basically that's what they are. I used one with my daughter and it helped. You can also find them in various stores.

Good luck....

J.,
It is always nice to see a future dad concerned and asking questions. Congratulations on your baby! To your question, there are some "contact nipples" manufactured by Medela, that can help her with inverted nipples. You can find them at big baby stores like BabiesRUs.

Regards,
A.

Yes, she can still nurse. There are a couple things she can do. 1) is a Breast Shield - it puts pressure on the areola which helps push the nipples outward. 2) a Nipple shield - different from Breast Shield - is a plastic thing she can put on her nipple in the beginning to help the baby latch on - sometimes babies will get used to the plastic and not want to nurse though. (I would recommend #1 more - that's waht my sister used).

I would also recommend going to a lactation specialist which you should be able to find at the hospital she will deliver at - if you plan to have your baby at the hospital. They usually don't charge for the consultation if you are having or have ahd your baby at their hospital.

See the lactation specialist at the doctor's or hospital. They have shields to put over the nipple that will help the baby latch on. I bet it will work just fine to get her started. Breastmilk is the best and it can be done with a little patience. Good luck!

If you go to a breast feeding supply store (usually in hospitals-Lutheran has a great store.) they have this plastic nipple shield that the woman can use to get the milk out. You could also get information from the Leleeche league.

I didn't have that probelm myself, but they have nipple gards (I think that's what they are called) you can buy almost anywhere. Babies-R-Us has a lot of different types.

I have two friends who have had inverted nipples. One has never had success breastfeeding, although it has been her preference. She has tried, but just didn't like it. The other was never able to with her first child and was with her second. Have your wife talk to a lactation consultant before she gives birth and they can give her pointers. Oh and both of my friends have said to never use the plastic nipple covers they give you in the hospital for inverted nipples. They don't work. And good luck!

My child was not able to breastfeed right away, so I used a nipple shield. My daughter was able to completely latch on with this support and I successfully breastfeed her for 6 mos. I do know that the nipple shield can be used for many reasons. I would look into that. Good luck!

I had flat nipples before I started breastfeeding and one of the La Leche woman told me of an exercise where you put your thumb and pointer finger on each side of the nipple and slide them outward (away from the nipple) to stretch the aerola five times a day. Move around the nipple so aerola gets stretched in different directions. I used my breast milk as lubrication, but I wished I would have started before baby. Breastfeeding was very frustrating before that but after a couple of days life was much better.

Hi J.!

There is a chance she will be able to breast feed. The best thing to do is to go to a certified lactation specialist or a lactation nurse. If it's possible, then a specialist would be able to help her. Check with your pediatrician if you've already chosen one for your child or with the pediatric department at your hospital, or your wife's ob/gyn to see if they have a lactation nurse/specialist on staff. These specialists are trained to answer ALL the questions about nursing so if there's a way, they will know! Congratulations! You must be so excited! And good luck!

Nipple Guards! Available in the baby feeding isle at Target or Walmart. Mine were made my Medela. They were a life saver with a baby that wouldn't latch on correctly. Not to mention, helped with no painful first few weeks. GL

My baby is almost ten months now and at first I was worried that I wouldn't be able to breast feed him because of the same problem. However I have done for the last ten months and I am going to continue until he is at least one.
You just have to keep working with the baby and really what helped to pull the nipple out was using a small bottle nipple for him to suck until he could actually latch on to mine. It worked miracles to know that!
Good luck I hope that this helps!
K. Mother of an active ten month old baby boy

J.,
She should probably be able to nurse, it may take a little more effort. I have not had the problem, but I teach the Bradley Method and am a Labor Doula, and have had clients with inverted nipples. I would really recommend that she do some research before the baby is born (you can start with the La Laeche League website). I would also recommend that she find a LLL meeting before she has the baby so she knows where to go for support, and then find a Lactation Consultant so she can get help that way also. Hope that helps.

If you haven't already, check out a la leche league in your area, also hospitals have nursing specialist you could talk with. there's a book I think is called The Nursing Mother's companion or something like that...good luck, and many blessings.........

Hello J., I would not worry about your wife's inverted nipples. Mine were too, before nursing. My first daughter sucked them right out and I have had no problems! When her breasts become engorged with milk, she and the baby will know how to make the transition. La Leche League and mothering.com offer support and information, too. Your journey has begun... ~T.

I have heard that the only way is to try to use plastic nipple shields...and I have also heard that just pumping and feeding the baby the breastmilk with a bottle might be the only way possible.

You can buy nipple shields to help the baby latch on to inverted nipples. Also, take advantage of the lactation consultants at your hospital. They know all of the tips and tricks to make breastfeeding easier on everyone.

Also, most hospitals have free breastfeeding support groups for moms who need help.

Yes, she will be able to. Check the yellow pages in your area to see if there are any lactation consultants or breast-feeding oriented shops in your area. I'm not personally aware of any in Clearfield, but there is "A Mother's Touch" Lactation clinic in Orem and "For Every Mother" shop, also in Orem if you can't find one in clearfield. A Mother's touch has certified RNs and lacataion consultations available for FREE phone consultations (they're an IHC clinic I think). They can give you some great information on what to do/use to draw her nipples out. I forget what they're called (maybe breast shells?) that are specifically made for the purpose of drawing flat or inverted nipples out. She can start to wear then in her bra during her 3rd trimester to draw her nipples out by the time the baby comes. Good luck!

She should be able to breastfeed with inverted nipples. I strongly recommend that your wife attend a local Le Leche meeting. They are wonderful resource for breastfeeding information.

Yes, she should be able to breastfeed. Have you guys taken a breastfeeding class? If not, be sure to meet with a lactation consultant while at the hospital. They will have ideas and even tools to help w/ the inverted nipples. There's this thing, I think called a "shell", that I used to help pull my nipples out more and it worked! I learned of it from a lactation nurse. She was very helpful and I successfully breastfed for 14 months! Good luck!

She can, she will just need a nipple shield. A lactation specialist in the hospital can supply these for you. My sister did this and had no problem. Over time babies begin to get used to nursing and are able to do it without the nipple shield.
K.

I had the same problem and tried to nurse with plastic shields for my son to attach to and it was a nightmare. i cried every time i nursed because i felt inadequate and my husband had to help each time. that meant both of us were up for every feeding. we were worn out!!! i switched to pumping my milk and feeding with a bottle and life was bliss!!! only one of us needed to get up with the baby, he was getting the best milk and i enjoyed feeding him like i should have. Plus with using a bottle i got to share the joy of feeding the baby with the grandmas who came to visit and with my husband. Good luck and God Bless.

DEFINITELY!!

Have your wife talk to her doctor or a lactation specialist if she has concerns, but I can say without a doubt you can! It might take some patience at first, but my son is 8 months old now and has nursed from the very beginning.

My best advice is to stay away from bottles if at all possible, and to let the nurses at the hospital know that she wants to nurse ASAP.

Babies are great at figuring stuff like that out!

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help! GOOD LUCK!

Also, I just wanted to add that I used nipple shields for a little while, but was able to get rid of them rather quickly. To me, the nipp;e shields were a pain to use, but definitely helped my son and I get started.

Like most people have said, you can buy breast shields. Which would be a good purchase even before the baby comes. We had an awful time trying to nurse without these. They really do help. My midwife also suggests that two weeks before your due date you pump a little bit. She knows that is a big no no in the books, because it can start labor, but it can help your wife to nurse. You can even have a pump ready for you wife when she comes home from the hospital. I found a place in Sandy that rents hospital grade pumps for $40 per month. It was totaly worth it because it changes your anatomy. Sometimes I would pump for about 3 minutes before I would try nursing because it would get everything in order. Good luck!

I would recommend calling your hospital's lactation consultant ahead of time.They will be able to give advice and can tell you about any breastfeeding classes they offer or can do one-on-one time with your wife once baby is born. I was not very successful in breastfeeding my first 2 children but with my new baby I was urged by a nurse to attend a breastfeeding class, it was just 45 minutes and it made all the difference in the world! Also you can buy nipple shields that will help with this; they are only about $5.00 and you can get them at the hospital or anywhere else that sells breastpumps.

My story is very similar to Stephanie B's. I too had inverted and flat nipples. With my first child, I was told to pump for two weeks then go back to the lactation consultant at the hospital to learn to nurse my baby. The pumping was only to draw the nipples out. It worked, but my baby had a hard time nursing and it was too easy for me to just give her the bottle. I ended up pumping for 9 long months. I would not recommend doing this!

When I had my second child, my nipples were once again inverted and flat. I decided not to pump this time, and let my baby learn to nurse as nature intended. Women with inverted nipples have been nursing for thousands of years, so why couldn't I? I did use a nipple shield to draw out the nipple in the last weeks of pregnancy which helped also. It was rough for the first 6 weeks. My baby would do all his sucking (for food or or sucking need) with only me. This helped to build up the needed milk supply. My baby is now 3 months old and nurses very well. In the hospital my baby was given a bottle from time to time so I could sleep. This didn't cause nipple confusion for my baby, but I wouldn't recommend doing this often as it could hurt your wife's milk supply production.

I recommend having your wife use a nipple shield that can be purchased from a lactation consultant. I used the Medela brand and it worked well. Also, keep encouraging her and have her stick to it and know that each week, the nursing will get easier and easier.

I used to have the same problem. At the hospital they gave me shields. (i think that is what they are called) Have her ask her OB about it. I have successfully nursed five children.

I thought the answer was yes, but wasn't sure so I looked it up, according to the sites I lookes at the answer is yes, here is the site..

http://www.answers.com/topic/inverted-nipple

Yes! Go get a book or two on breastfeeding from the book store for her now so she can be as prepared as possible to face all the different challenges that come up with breastfeeding. EVERY mother can breastfeed if she wants to badly enough. It's a wonderful experience that I think is worth pushing through some initial obstacles.

They'll show her how to squeeze them to pop out a little so the baby can latch. After a while of nursing they will just stay out, no more inverted!

Hi, I know that there is a lot of help out there for this. I really liked the women, owner, at the Lactation Station on Highland and 1500 East. They are great. They do housecalls if needed. Breastfeeding is one of my favorite parts of being a new mom. I wish you both the best.

Contact your local La Leche League and they will help you. I had wonderful success with them with my first baby who had a hard time nursing and I had flat nipples. Also, if you are having your baby in the hospital, the lactation nurse will be able to help and answer any questions you have.

She needs to go see a breastfeeding nurse. Have her check the hospital where she will have the baby. They may be able to help. I had the same problem and they helped me work thru it. I had to use a shield to breastfeed. It wasn't the greatest but it worked. The sooner she goes and talks to one of them, the better.

J.,
there are nipple covers (for lack of a better word) that you can purchase from any good baby store (or where you would find breast feeding items). They help draw out the nipple for the baby and aid the baby in feeding. Yes, it seems like a bottle nipple, but I believe after a bit of use, the nipple is more accessable without the cover.

Good friend of an Inverted Nippler - that sat up with the new mom the first night trying to get it right. M.

I have a friend who also has inverted nipples, and she has been able to breastfeed. So there is hope. I don't know exactly what she used, but I have a similar problem and I use something called a nipple shield. It helps bring the nipples out so the baby can suckle. I think that if, when the baby comes, you ask for a lactation expert and ask for a nipple shield, she could get one and show how to use it. It's the only way my baby can breastfeed, and I think it's definatly worth the effort. Good luck!

-A.

I had inverted nipples and breast fed my baby just fine. When your breast fills with milk the nipples will sort of poke out. The Dr. told my husband to suck on them to get them started. I had no problem because my little girl was always hungry.

I also had inverted nipples and was concerned about breast feeding. There are some cups that you can wear everyday before you deliver the baby that will help to pull your wives nipples out. I did this with my first child and it was no problem. I have since successfully nursed 3 babies for a full year and am nursing my 4th child. Just be patient and give it a fair try, but remember that nursing doesn't work for everyone and if it doesn't work for your wife your baby will still be a healthy child. Do what works best for your family.

Your wife can still breastfeed. while I don't have the same problem, many of the women in my family have at least one inverted nipple. They all nursed their babies. It is a bit more difficult but it can be done. One of my aunts nursed and she no longer had an inverted nipple after her first child. So your wife will just have to be persistant and patient.

I had inverted nipples too. As soon as I was able, right after my son was born, I put him to breast. He had a few initial problems with latching on, but I kept at it, and now seven months later he is still successfully breastfeeding, and has never had a bottle. And I'm no longer inverted; breastfeeding has drawn them out. What I did was be what I call a "breastfeeding snob" - For the first several weeks while we were getting breastfeeding established, my nipples were the ONLY thing that went into my sons mouth; I made sure that I offered the breast for both nutritive and non-nutritive sucking - no pacifier or bottles to confuse him. If the only thing your baby ever experiences in his mouth (at least at first) is your wife's nipple, the baby won't know that there's anything wrong with them, and should learn to nurse just fine. Hope this helps.

I don't remember the specifics but, they talked about it in my breastfeeding class (through Memorial Hospital). I knoe it's possible, I think there is some preparation you can do before the baby is born. I would highly recommend the class (it's $25 0r $30 per couple).