Flat Nipples

[cherylsangel]

I heard that a friend of mine wasnt able to breast feed because her nipples were too flat. I never thought about this until I heard that and I am beginning to think mine are too flat. I have the big boobs but the flatter nipples. Anyone else have this problem. I really, really, really wanted to breast feed exclusively and would be heartbroken if I couldn't because of my stupid nipples!

[nickieb85]

I am not sure about this but the great thing about being in the hospital after having a baby is definitely the lactation consults that you can have. There are definitely things that you can do to help change those kind of problems... Usually they give you a breast pump that can help pull your nipples out and there are different techniques that they can help you with to succeed in breast feeding =)

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I have one inverted nipple, while it DOES make breastfeeding trickier it's not impossible.  They have nipple shields that can be worn to help draw the nipple out, lansinoh also makes a pump type apparatus that is used to draw the nipple out just prior to the baby latching.  You can also do things such as stimulating the nipple with your fingers or ice to draw it out into a "hard" position for the baby to latch.  You should speak to a lactation consultant prior to giving birth, let her examine your nipples and she will be able to give you advice and tips on what you can do to make it easier.