Flat nipples: can it really be a problem while breastfeeding?
Nipples are a part of the body that we often don't pay the right attention to. In fact, it happens very often to realize that you have flat nipples only at the time of breastfeeding. Pay proper attention to the whole breast and never forget the importance of self-examination in the prevention of breast cancer!
Women with flat nipples can breastfeed. The answer is yes. But in some cases there may be some drawbacks so it is essential to know more!
Cervical mucus: how to recognize it during and after ovulation
What are flat nipples?
By flat or inverted nipples we mean nipples (or one, because very often it is a condition that affects only one breast) that do not protrude as they should outwards. To immediately check if your nipples are normal, or flat or inverted, you can do this simple maneuver that will allow you to carefully analyze the shape of the breasts. Press the areola with two fingers, thumb and forefinger, making a gentle but firm movement with your fingers at a distance of a couple of centimeters from the nipple. If with this maneuver that reproduces the suction you do not see a movement outside the nipple, then your nipple is flat. If, by pressing the halo with two fingers, the nipple is sunk, then we speak of nipple inversion. By continuing to read, you will discover the techniques and accessories that can facilitate breastfeeding and help you solve the problem of nipples and inverted nipples. Discover all the possible imperfections that can affect this delicate area of your body!
See also: The imperfections of the stars: from the missing phalanges… to the extra nipples!
What if you have to breastfeed?
In most cases, the flat or inverted nipple does not prevent breastfeeding because the baby is still able to suckle. When the baby grasps the areola, any pressure he is able to exert the suction should still be guaranteed regardless of the shape of the nipple. The problem, however, is to verify that the baby is able to take the right amount of milk and that difficult sucking does not cause him to feed in an incomplete way. In the case of flat or inverted nipples, it is therefore always better to seek advice from an obstetrician, your gynecologist or a trusted doctor to learn the right positions for breastfeeding. Problems with having a flat nipple or an inverted nipple occur if the babies are born premature or with some sucking problem, or in cases of severe introflexion.
Possible solutions to the problem of flat nipples
It is time to discover a series of medical aids and learn basic exercises that will help you train your nipple, stimulating you to return to normal shape.
A first technique to try, easy but effective, is the Hoffmann technique. Try to place two fingers on the base of the nipple and gently press inwards while moving your fingers away. The Hoffmann maneuver makes it possible to release the connective tissue located under the nipple and allows the nipple to recover greater freedom of movement. Women who have just had a pregnancy and who have a flat nipple can instead try to stimulate it with the breast pump, before each feeding or even at other times the silicone breast pump, sucking the nipple in an adequate way helps to make it come out making the simpler operation for the baby. Talk to a nurse, a doctor or a midwife to learn how to use the device you have purchased optimally. You can also find them in silicone, practical and convenient, see also on Amazon!
Or new mothers can try manual feeding stimulation by simply pulling the nipple back and forth with their fingers. At the end of this exercise, touch the nipple with an ice cube, it is possible that this helps its spontaneous protusion. A practical, fast and free solution! But be careful not to overdo it because too much cold could block the milk from flowing out. This stimulation is very effective and can also be done while the baby is suckling, helping the sucking with the hands. However, if you still encounter difficulties in breastfeeding your baby, you can opt for a nipple shield, which protects the areola and allows the baby to latch onto the breast optimally even if the nipples are inverted. There are also silicone nipple molders on the market that are able to exert constant pressure that facilitates the release of the nipples. Silicone is hypoallergenic and does not irritate this delicate area. You can also find them on amazon, often with free shipping! In any case, it is important not to be anxious, even if you have flat nipples in many cases you will not have problems while breastfeeding and if instead you encounter difficulties with these techniques or these silicone accessories you can quickly solve the problem.
Causes of inverted nipples: what can it be?
Inverted nipples are a small malformation that is found in both men and women. To understand the causes it is necessary to evaluate whether it is a problem present from birth or if it arose following a pathology. When it comes to inverted nipples, it is important to assess the degree of this inversion. In fact, different grades are usually distinguished, grade 1 with little excess connective tissue and minimal introflexion, grade 2 is where breastfeeding problems begin and grade 3 where the nipple does not respond at all to manipulation of the areola and therefore we speak of severe introflection.
In general, if the problem is present from birth you can ask a doctor for advice, the question is mainly aesthetic but this condition could cause difficulties in breastfeeding. However, there should be no serious underlying problems. In any case, if the stimulation and the techniques seen above are not sufficient, it is possible to resort to plastic surgery. If, on the other hand, you have noticed a recent change in your nipple and you are not pregnant, this could indicate an already serious problem: an ongoing disease or infection. Over 50 this condition is to be observed with particular attention because it could be a manifestation of breast cancer. If you notice a sharp change in the shape and color of your nipples, or if you have pink, dark or greenish fluid discharge or scabs, see your doctor and request a thorough breast examination (ultrasound or mammogram). Always remember that one of the reasons that makes the nipple inverted is also the breast piercing: if you have a breast piercing you are also at a higher risk of infections, such as a subaerolar abscess. These are recurrent infections even in pregnancy. Undergo regular checkups and at the first doubt consult your trusted doctor!
Advice for new mothers after pregnancy
Remember that pregnancy is a delicate moment for the female body and that, especially if it is the first child, it is normal to have doubts and fears. Do not simply rely on the DIY of other mothers but only on qualified people like your doctor. Sure you'll find yourself facing a lot of small daily challenges, but if flat nipples are one of them, don't necessarily experience them as a problem. In many cases, the baby will not even notice it and you will be able to safely breastfeed it. And then there are many solutions, without anxiety but with a smile, you can put the right products in your Amazon cart and learn the exercises to do and redo, in peace to improve the problem.
Improving the problem with sex
Think about it: manual and oral stimulation can also help you solve the problem of flat or inverted nipples (of mild degrees of course). Rotating, gently pulling and sucking the nipple can help! And it's definitely a more enjoyable remedy and one of the funniest alternatives - why not give it a try?
