5 Tips To Try If You're Breastfeeding With Flat or Inverted Nipple

Having either an inverted or flat nipple for breastfeeding Mamas can be worrisome. So we’ll share five easy and practical tips to succeed if you’re breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples!

Breastfeeding is not easy, and that’s a fact. But, besides sore nipples and low milk supply, another breastfeeding issue that isn’t discussed as often is flat nipples. What is it, though?

An actual flat nipple is when it doesn’t protrude from the areola. You’ll know you have flat nipples if they are flat and level with the areola, even when aroused. Meanwhile, an inverted nipple retracts when you compress your areola.

While breastfeeding may look impossible–how can my baby even latch, you may ask– it is achievable with a bit of patience. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most newborns can still latch on well to a flat nipple.

There are many tips and tricks to make breastfeeding with a flat or inverted nipple easier.

Best Tips For Breastfeeding With Flat or Inverted Nipples

1. Pay attention to your baby’s latch

The correct latching position is when the baby’s mouth is wide open, covering your areola and not just the nipple. This can be difficult when you have a flat nipple, so you can squeeze your breast and push out the nipple to make it easier for your little one to suck. Once your baby is latched on, it would also be ideal if your baby’s nose touching your breast.

You can also try breastfeeding positions such as cross-cradle, football hold, and side-lying.

Also Read: 17 Tips To Make Breastfeeding Easier for Mamas

2. Pumping breast milk before breastfeeding

You can also use a breast pump to help lift the nipple before breastfeeding. Then, once the nipples are more prominent, you can nurse your little one directly. If your nipples are flat because your breasts are engorged, you can also pump first to draw out the nipples and make it easier for your baby to latch. Just be careful not to remove too much breast milk!

Also Read: Tips To Pumping Breast Milk and How To Boost Your Milk Supply

3. Gently massage the nipples

Simply stimulating the nipples via a gentle massage is enough for some Mamas to draw out the nipples. To do this, roll your nipple between your thumb and finger.

4. Use breast shells

The La Leche League International states breast shells “may help draw out flat or inverted nipples.” However, they’re best used 30 minutes before you intend to breastfeed.

5. Breastfeed more often

One of the causes of flat nipples is engorgement. As such, you must breastfeed more often or, better yet, create a breastfeeding schedule. Newborns feed on-demand, so you may see yourself nursing somewhere between 8 to 12 times a day.

Also Read: How To Relieve Breastfeeding Pain

Overcome Sore Nipples With Our Nipple Cream

A Mama’s breastfeeding journey is not picture-perfect as you see in magazines and TV. Instead, it’s filled with sore nipples and chapped skin along the way, especially if you’re dealing with flat nipples. Babies tend to put extra pressure around the nipple, triggering blisters.

Besides patience, practice, and these practical tips, ensure you are well-stocked with breastfeeding nipple cream. But be careful when choosing a nipple cream, Mama. Always pay attention to the label and look for the best nipple cream that is food-grade and free of harmful chemicals.

Get a 16% Discount on Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream | ~~$12.90~~ $10.90

Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream is developed with your and your baby’s safety in mind. We took some of nature’s best healing ingredients, such as date extract and coconut oil, to create a nipple cream that doesn’t just provide relief but is safe too.

Our nipple cream also doesn’t need to be wiped off. Instead, just lift your shirt and let your baby latch!

To get the best result with our Mama’s Choice Intensive Nipple Cream, use it every time you need to breastfeed, not just when you have sore, dry, and chapped nipples. Experience the soothing relief our nipple cream delivers, and get it now on Shopee!