Re: inverted nipples

Posted By HFHSRN-MMD on June 29, 1998 at 07:49:39:

In Reply to: inverted nipples posted by skee on June 12, 1998 at 01:32:32:






i have inverted nipples.  will i be able to breastfeed?  does this increase my chances of getting breast cancer?  is there an operation to have it corrected?
                



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Hi Skee;
There are several things you  can do to improve the ability to breastfeed with inverted nipples.  First remember it is BREASTfeeding and not nipple feeding. During pregnancy especially the last several months the hormonal changes increase the elasticity of the skin. It is this elasticity that the breast shells use to increase the eversion of nipples.  You purchase these at maternity stores or from shops that sell quality breastfeeding products (breast pumps etc). These shells are to be worn for short periods of time increasing the length worn gradually.  Before you do this it would be good to determine if you truly have inverted nipples by gently compressing the areola about an inch behind the base of the nipple. If the nipple protrudes with the pinch test, it is not truly inverted. The next "treatment" for inverted nipples is to latch the infant to breast as soon as possible after the birth. It would be a good idea to contact the hospital where you are giving birth and ask to speak to the lactation consultant. This will give you an opportunity to be aware of the resources available to assist you in breastfeeding. There is no documented correlation of increased risk of breast cancer and inverted nipples that I am aware of.  Actually, the studies support breastfeeding as reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Good luck!

HFHS.RN.MMD