Help please ladies.

Ever since day one I have had my heart set on breastfeeding my son.
The doctor asked if my nipples were ready and I showed her and she said they are a little flat.
Now they aren't always like this, most of the time they are "out" so to speak.
I guess its just when its really warm they go flat and slightly puffy.
Now I am just wondering if any of you ladies can give me any advice on how to make them poke out a bit more?
She did give me an exercise to do, which I have but I am just wondering if there is anything else anyone knows of that may help.
I am a little worried =[
Thanks in advance.

[flyygurl23]

i have the same problem the nurses tiold me to play with the nipple and or use a breast pump for a couple mins just to get them going

[mog__x]

Thanks so much flyygurl.
So do you have a baby already and are able to successfully breastfeed?
Anyone else with any input?

[tahariel]

First, congratulations on deciding to breastfeed. I've had 3 babies and have never heard of a doctor asking that question with myself or friends or family.

I wouldn't worry about it. When baby arrives, your body will usually change as it needs. My best advice would be to make sure you request and have a lactation consultant with you for as close to your first feeding as possible. They are wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and helpful, especially during those first few days. The latch and baby's positioning are the most important elements to learn and do correctly. Remember, breastfeeding is not instinctual . . . it is a learned art for both you and baby. And you will both benefit greatly from a professional lactation consultant helping guide you both to bfing success. Best wishes, I'm sure everything will be fine!

[mog__x]

Thanks so much Tahariel, I really appreciate your advice.
I am going to make sure I have a lactation consultant as I really want to make all the effort I can to be successful in breastfeeding.
Also, my mum has breastfed all 8 of her children so she will be a great help to me aswell!
I am just going to stay positive! I guess things will go the way they need to.
Thanks again.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

did they not give you a nipple shield?  You can get a nipple shield that is like a suction that pulls the nipple out for the baby to latch onto.....my nipples were the same way after delivery they said it could have been from the meds they gave me after I delivered.

[Diane1003]

I had one nipple that wasn't as 'out' as the other and it hurt like **** when my son would initially latch on to that side.  He's now 3 months and it doesn't hurt any more and hasn't for a while.  It was called an inverted nipple.  I was given a nipple shield - or rather - I had to buy one - from a lactation specialist.  I used it a few times but found it was more of a pain in the neck than anything else.  It was suggested that I use it at first for a few minutes until my son would pull my nipple out and then take it off and the nipple should be ready.  A smiliar concept at somone suggested using a pump to pull the nipple out.  Good luck.

[Becky30]

Yeah, I had this problem with my first one.  They gave me a type of shield that looks like a small turtle shell with holes in it.  You wear it inside your bra and it's supposed to draw the nipple out.  Pumping for a minute right before latching baby may help do the same thing.  Good luck!