Breastfeeding is truly a major challenge, especially when moms have to face some obstacles, such as having inverted nipples. However, there are many valuable tips to overcome these challenges and ensure that breastfeeding with inverted nipples can also be an enjoyable experience for both mother and baby. Moms with this type of nipple can use some accessories available on the market. Talk to your doctor about the best solution and have patience and persistence, because you will be able to master the latch and enjoy this magical moment.

Types of Nipples

The nipples are the most important part of the areola of the female breasts. Their functionality is fundamental, not only for breastfeeding, but also for sexuality and self-esteem1.There are different kinds of breasts and areolas, as well as 3 types of nipples:

  • Normal (or protruding) nipple: This is the slightly projected nipple, which becomes firm when stimulated or under low temperatures.
  • Flat nipple: This is the nipple that is flat in line with the areola. It is neither inward nor outward. However, when stimulated, it protrudes.
  • Inverted nipple: This is when the nipple is turned inward into the areola. In some cases, it does not protrude at all, even when stimulated.

What Does Inverted Nipple Mean?

The so-called inverted nipples are breasts where the nipple is turned inward or retracts when stimulated. They have a flat appearance, with nipples that are slightly or completely inverted at the center2.It is usually caused by a congenital malformation, which occurs due to weakness in the ligaments that support the papilla. Although it is congenital, it is not hereditary, meaning it is not passed from mother to daughter. It is possible, although rare, for inverted nipples to be caused by inflammatory processes, especially in smokers and diabetics, and breast cancer.

Although congenital, an inverted nipple is not a hereditary problem.
Although we hear a lot about this subject, only 3% of the world’s population have inverted nipples. Usually, the malformation appears in both breasts and, in most cases, affects women.One of the biggest concerns for those who have this issue is breastfeeding with an inverted nipple. However, there are resources and techniques that can help. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about it, as they will guide you on how to proceed.

Degrees of Inverted Nipples

The inverted nipple appears in 3 degrees. The first is when the nipple, although retracted, protrudes with some stimulation, remaining exposed for some time. In this case, there won’t be major difficulties when breastfeeding, since the baby will provide strong suction stimulation.The second degree is when the nipple only protrudes with stronger stimulation and remains outward for less time, retracting back into the areola after a short period. For pregnant women with inverted nipples of this degree, it is still possible, with the baby’s stimulation, for breastfeeding to proceed normally.The third degree is when the nipple does not protrude, not even with gentle or strong stimulation. These cases are more delicate and rare. Of all diagnosed cases, 95% are identified as grade I or II.So, if you are pregnant and have inverted nipples, don’t be alarmed. It is possible to breastfeed your baby calmly. Do not hesitate to share your questions and concerns with your obstetrician. There are techniques and accessories that can help you, and above all, remember that the most important thing is for you to feel safe and confident to face this magical challenge with your baby3.

How to Breastfeed with Inverted Nipples

Indeed, many women with inverted nipples believe they will not be able to breastfeed their baby. First, it’s important to emphasize that this condition does not always interfere with the latch.For effective breastfeeding, the baby should latch onto the whole areola and not just the nipple. Thus, the fact that the nipple is retracted does not prevent sucking. Furthermore, the baby’s sucking stimulation can help nipples to protrude outward, reversing the condition.There are some resources and techniques that can help you stimulate the inverted nipple during pregnancy. Some doctors recommend Hoffman exercises, which are massages performed with the thumb and index finger on opposite sides, making movements at the base of the nipple, pushing inward and gently pulling outward.

Important: Excessive stimulation of the breasts during pregnancy can lead to uterine contractions. Therefore, talk to your doctor about this technique and follow their advice.

Silicone Breast Shells

Some pregnant women choose to use silicone breast shells even during pregnancy. They help to correct inverted and flat nipples. They are worn under the bra, are transparent, and have a hole in the center to fit over the areola and stimulate the nipple to project outward.They can also be used to help during breastfeeding. The recommendation is to put the shell on 30 minutes before nursing to drain any excess milk, making the area softer and easier for the baby to latch. Always seek your doctor’s opinion about these resources to decide what is best for you.

Silicone Nipples

Silicone nipples are designed solely to help with breastfeeding. They function as a bottle nipple so that the baby can suck more easily, especially in cases where the mother has inverted or flat nipples, or for some other reason, such as cracks or dryness.There are differing and debatable opinions about the use of silicone nipples and the potential harm they may cause to the breastfeeding process. Only you and your doctor can weigh the pros and cons and decide whether it should be used as a resource.Now, to wrap up this topic on a positive note, here’s a comfort for moms with inverted nipples: very large nipples actually tend to make it harder for the baby to latch onto the whole areola, making breastfeeding more difficult.Therefore, try not to focus on the nipple itself, see it as just a detail. And what’s more, your baby will be smart enough to find a good way to feed and won’t want to be away from you, not even for a minute!See also: Cracked Nipples – What to Do?Photos: Anton Nossik, danielpeinado.photo, seeseehundhund