A week ago we talked about the importance of starting breastfeeding during the first hour after delivery: for some mother + baby couples it is easier, others need support from hospital staff, a lactation consultant, or a family member. The reasons that could potentially hinder this beginning of breastfeeding can be diverse, and some are related to the nipples; and i say this because ten percent of new mothers have flat or inverted nipples, although this should not a priori be an obstacle to breastfeeding, since the baby breastfeeds not only the nipple, but also the areola.
Flat or inverted nipples? You will see, when when squeezing between the index fingers and thumb the areola does not protrude the nipple, it is flat; and an inverted one is recognized when when performing this action it sinks. But really, considering that the nipple exists, it just takes a little more patience, and a lot of confidence in yourself, because the baby will most likely be able to suck. It is true that some problems may arise, so we will give you advice that will allow you to solve them.
The first recommendation is to start breastfeeding within the first (or first two) hour of life; For many reasons, but if you have flat or inverted nipples it is very important because the baby has a very active sucking instinct. On this article we find the contribution of a representative of La Buena Leche (Cantabria): "Inverted nipples at rest do not change their position, but they can be reversed manually or by sucking on the baby".
The theory confirms that just the period of time during which it is necessary (or almost) to start breastfeeding - that is, the famous first hour - will imply the difficulty that the mother and the baby must know each other. It is an exciting moment but for a mother with flat or inverted nipples it could come covered with a certain insecurity; In addition, the baby has not yet latched on to the breast (remember: covering the areola), but as soon as he does and checks that the milk comes out (the most important thing), doubts and fears will be dispelled.
More tips
We found in this publication of Midwives of the Line that before starting to offer breast the nipple can be stimulated, and they recommend two techniques whose graphic description you will find in the gallery below: are the syringe technique and the Hoffman technique.
For the first, a syringe is used whose upper part (at the other end of the plunger) has been cut off, then the plunger is changed to its side and the smooth edge is placed on the nipple, when you stretch out the pressure slightly stretches the nipple. The second consists of stimulating the skin of the entire nipple (including areola) with the hands.
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- Syringe Technique
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- Hoffman Technique
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- Hoffman Technique
- There are those who also stimulate by applying cold.
- If you try different postures, you will find out which one makes it easier to grip.
- Don't offer pacifiers, bottles, or formula milk.
- Start breastfeeding with a flat or inverted nipple (the first few sucks are very powerful).
- You already know that you can gently touch the chin so that it opens its mouth wide and can grasp the areola.
- Offer the breast frequently.
Nobody said it was easy, in fact an inconvenience associated with these nipples is that if the baby is not latched well you will have cracks, and that hurts, although it can also be solved. Your motivation is decisive, but if you can count on specialized help, everything will be easier.