An Intro and a Question

[junedear]

Hi there, ladies! 

Popping over from July15. Someone in my BMB mentioned there was a BF board so I thought I'd introduce myself over here and ask you ladies a question that I've read some mixed info about (possibly TMI?). I'm due July 4 and this will be our first take-home baby, so I have zero experience with BFing but it's something that's important to me. I searched the board and didn't see another thread where this question was discussed, so please excuse me if I missed it. So I fall in the minority of women with inverted nipples (they always have been, even before getting KU) but I can make them to protrude temporarily. The Google machine says this can sometimes cause difficulty with BFing, but I'd really like to try everything I can to make BFing happen. I know I'll only know if I'm going to have difficulty once baby is here and we give it a shot, but I'd rather be as prepared as possible should we have trouble. Anyone have any advice/experience? Anything I should purchase/not purchase beforehand? I've read mixed reviews regarding whether or not to use nipple shields and I'm not sure if I should go ahead and purchase a pump or not. Thanks in advance, ladies! Happy Superbowl Sunday!

[casey]

Welcome and congratulations!!

Take advantage of your time with the hospital LCs. Have them come to the room to observe your feeds even if you are feeling good about them. I'd see about lining up time with an IBCLC as soon as possible after birth and definitely
when your milk comes in that first week. You can do that outreach now.

There are products to help, but the LC will be the best guide on that.

If you need to pump to establish supply or supplement sue to difficulty transferring, you'll want a hospital grade pump. That would be a rental rather than a purchase. I'd hold off on buying for now.

Good luck! I think you'll find this a friendly and supportive place.

[Deleted]

Inverted nipples are pretty common
Some think that a nipple shield is your only option for nursing but there are other things you should try first

A nipple shell can be worn now to help pop out the nipple and loosen or stretch the adhesions that hold it down.
A supple cup has been proven effective in getting nipples to come out and stay out
A nipple everter or latch assist can be used for latching.
And done can use a specific latch technique with help of an ibclc to latch
or pumping right before trying to nurse can draw out the nipple
If those don't work a nipple shield can be used -it covers the nipple and baby latches into the plastic and the nipple.

I would try to see an LC to talk they these options.

FYI They may look even more inverted when your milk comes in and you are engorged and make it harder for baby to latch on. This might show about the time your milk comes in so a bit if reverse pressure softening plus maybe hand express or pumping some milk can help get things working better.

[junedear]

Thank you ladies for the excellent advice! It was very helpful! I will look into your suggestions.

[honeybee434]

My nipples were a little more flat than inverted, but still had a little similar issues when first starting to BF. The hospital provided nipple shells and I wore those a lot the first few weeks and that really helped. If you go that route, make sure you're always wearing a good pad because they tend to collect milk and can leak a little If you aren't careful. The hospital LC also recommended pumping for just a minute and to help pull the nipple out a bit and then let her latch, which I would do at home sometimes if she was having trouble.. Things got a lot easier after the first month to six weeks, so just remember that when it gets hard it often will get easier eventually!

[Shoe Crazy Me]

I had the same problem. I second starting to use the nipple shells now, I wouldn't worry about buying anything else in advance because the LC's at the hospital are likely to have everything you need on hand. I also second pumping a bit before nursing if baby is having trouble latching. This will help reduce engorgement and pull your nipples out, it will also start the milk flowing so if LOis having a hard time latching he/she won't have to work so hard for let down (i.e. Incentive to latch).

See if there are any breastfeeding support groups (through the hospital?) in your area. These are usually run by LC's and are free to attend. Start going to them now, you will receive valuable advice from other moms and the LC.

Last, if you have a non-grandfathered plan, you will have some type of coverage for a lactation consutant with no copay once you are out of the hospital. They often will travel to your home. Look into that now and maybe make contact with one or two ahead of time.

Good luck! And btw, after nursing my LO for 15 months I definitely no longer have flat/inverted nipples and I weaned about 6 months ago.

[Laverne]

I had problems with DD and was not able to BF, I decided to pump for six months. I am hoping this time around will be different, back then I didn't know about nipple shields, I tried shells but they didn't seem to do anything so gave up. I will give them another try as it seems they are suggested here. One other thing that didn't help the last time was, the nurse used a binky instead of waking me for feeding. I am not sure how detrimental this was, but I will be sure to adamantly request that it not happen again. I was also wondering if the latch assist can be used now to get the nipple into shape. I am due Aug15.
Thanks for all of the great advice.