nipple size

this is probably an ignorant question but does anyone know if your nipple size affects your ability to BF?  i have always had concerns about my ability to BF my first child, because i have fairly small, not very responsive nipples, in my younger years had them pierced in an effort to get them to be more erect.  i know weird!  i am now 24w pregnant and would like to BF, my mother never BF so she won't be much help there, my bestfriend had such large nipples her son had a hard time in the beginning.  any thoughts on this?

[tiredbuthappy]

i wouldn't go by what your nipples look like now. My nipples were normal before having a baby and are ginormous now.
some women do have inverted nipples and may need the assistance of a lactation consultant, especially in the beginning. But in most cases, the nipple can be drawn out. Worst comes to worst, you can always use a nipple shield. And from what I've read, many women who start out needing a nipple shield don't need it for too long, as their nipples get drawn out eventually.

[AndiJ78]

No, nipples size and breast size have nothing to do with how successful you will be nursing. If you have flat or inverted nipples, there are special shields that can be used to help draw the nipple out to make it easier on both you and baby. That is about it when it comes to the actual anatomy.

[nicole179]

thanks,. i guess i am just really nervous that it won't work out!