Something that is not often spoken about, but is a real issue many women face, is inverted nipples. It is estimated that at least 20% of women live with ongoing nipple inversion. Many people experience it on a temporary basis, while others experience it for a prolonged period of time.
Though harmless, inverted nipples can cause discomfort and can be worrisome to those who experience them, and inverted nipples become a much bigger issue when you add pregnancy and breastfeeding to the mix.
At New Birkdale Clinic, we have worked with countless women who have experienced this issue and in this guide, we will outline exactly what inverted nipples are, the challenges you may face when breastfeeding and potential solutions.
What Are Inverted Nipples?
Also known as a retracted nipple, an inverted nipple is a condition in which the nipple retracts into the breast rather than pointing outwards. Both men and women experience this, and though not dangerous, it can cause discomfort and make the sufferer feel insecure.
What Causes Inverted Nipples?
Inverted nipples are either categorised as congenital, where they are present at birth, or acquired when they develop later in life.
There are many reasons why someone may be born with inverted nipples, such as having shortened milk ducts or underdeveloped tissue, which leads to less support around the nipple base.
Inverted nipples can also be acquired for many reasons, including the shortening of milk ducts with age, inflammation or infection, and even breastfeeding.
Inverted nipple breastfeeding can be challenging, and if you have clicked on this blog, it is likely an issue that you are currently facing, but there are solutions for addressing the issue.
How Inverted Nipples Affect Breastfeeding
There are several ways that inverted nipples might make breastfeeding challenging. The biggest issue that mothers may face when suffering from inverted nipples is difficulty with latching for the baby. This might also cause a reduction in milk let-down, as breast stimulation is crucial for milk to be released.
As well as presenting physical challenges, struggles with breastfeeding may also lead to emotional distress and feelings of inadequacy for the mother.
Challenges Mothers May Face
If a mother is unable to breastfeed, she may face a series of challenges, including emotional and physical struggles, as well as the issue of not being able to provide her baby with her milk directly. These challenges can impact her confidence and bonding process, and may require her to seek alternative feeding options.
There is also the risk of sore nipples and blocked milk ducts if the mother is unable to express her milk because of the inversion. Because of the physical and emotional impact that inverted nipples can cause, women need to know that there are solutions out there.
Practical Solutions and Tips
Some practical solutions that you can follow to ease the breastfeeding experience with inverted nipples include:
Nipple Stimulation Before Feeding
You can use a gentle rolling motion or even a breast pump to help draw the nipple out before breastfeeding. Through gentle stimulation, you can help to encourage the protrusion of your nipple and also help trigger milk production before you feed your baby.
Breast Shells or Nipple Shields
Breast shells are a fantastic tool for tackling inverted nipples before breastfeeding. They apply gradual and firm pressure to the nipples, helping to draw them out. Nipple shields offer a sturdy, extended surface for the baby to latch onto during feeding, enabling continued breastfeeding.
Breast Massage and Hand Expression
Breast massages can be incredibly effective when trying to breastfeed with inverted nipples. They soften the breast tissue and encourage milk flow. A gentle massage before you plan to breastfeed can prepare the breast, while hand expression helps to encourage nipple protrusion and allow you to pump milk, even if you cannot get your baby to latch onto the breast.
Different Breastfeeding Positions
Trying new positions, such as the laid-back position, can help improve the likelihood of your baby latching on during breastfeeding. This allows you to use gravity in your favour.
By lying on your side or reclining, you draw fluid away from the areola, making the nipple softer and easier for the baby to latch on to. Breastfeeding in this position may also encourage inverted nipples to stay out while feeding.
Use of a Breast Pump
Using a breast pump before you plan on breastfeeding can make the whole process easier by drawing out the nipple, preparing it for the baby to latch, and ensuring milk transfer.
Professional Help
There are methods that you can use at home to help improve your ability to breastfeed, and if you still find that you are struggling, you can get professional help.
Corrective Procedures
If your inverted nipples are causing you a lot of issues or discomfort, you might want to consider a nipple correction procedure. This procedure works by creating a small incision around the base of the nipple, releasing it from surrounding connective tissue, and then freeing the inverted nipple.
This procedure can offer a lifeline to anyone suffering from permanent nipple inversion and can help to ensure that the nipple remains protruded.
Lactation Consultants
By seeking help from a lactation consultant, you can learn valuable advice and methods for improving your baby’s latch. They will be able to recommend any tools you can use to improve the process and demonstrate techniques such as hand expression and baby positioning.
Medical Advice
If you are struggling with breastfeeding and you have tried a range of solutions and none of them have paid off, it might be time to seek medical advice. Medical advice is beneficial for a number of reasons.
First, the doctor can rule out any other underlying medical issue that might be causing the problem. They will also be able to advise you on the best approach to your specific situation and potentially advise you on surgery.
Prioritise Your Comfort and Health
Remember that you know your body better than anyone else. If you find yourself struggling significantly with breastfeeding due to flat or inverted nipples and wish for a long-term solution to avoid the same problem with future children, a nipple correction procedure might be the best option for you.
Face Your Problem Head On With New Birkdale Clinic
If you have been struggling with the effects of living with inverted nipples and you need a long-term solution, we can help. At New Birkdale Clinic, our expert surgeons are ready to help you reclaim comfort and breastfeed confidently.
Contact us to find out how a nipple correction procedure might help.
FAQS
Can you squeeze out an inverted nipple?
If you have a mild inversion, you should be able to draw the nipple out with slight pressure, but this may not work with more severe inversions.
Can you correct inverted nipples naturally?
You can use non-surgical methods such as the Hoffman technique and hand rolling to correct your nipples naturally, but there is no saying whether a natural approach will provide a long-term solution.
When should you worry about inverted nipples?
You should be concerned about inverted nipples if the inversion occurs suddenly, progresses quickly, affects only one side, or is accompanied by other signs like a lump, bloody or unusual discharge, pain, swelling, skin dimpling, or scaling of the nipple or areola.
Can breastfeeding cause an inverted nipple?
Yes, breastfeeding, particularly because of engorgement or tissue changes, can cause a nipple to appear inverted or flat, which is quite common. This inversion is usually temporary and might resolve after breastfeeding ends, or can be corrected using tools and techniques to help the baby latch properly.