Both of my nipples are pretty badly inverted (which I didn't learn until my initial breastfeeding attempts were excruciatingly painful) and pumping is painful as well (although not quiiite as bad - it doesn't bring tears every single time, although it's definitely painful and not just uncomfortable.)
I'm hoping to hear from other women - what was your experience with inverted nipples and breastfeeding? Were you able to breast feed/pump for a longer time? Was it worth it to you?
hostess / wonderful apple seed / 16729 posts
I have one inverted nipple and I'm told a nipple shield might help me. Babies aren't here yet so I don't know if it will really help. Have you asked a LC and what they suggest?
grapefruit / 4056 posts
I had inverted nipples with my DS. I used a nipple shield and breast shells at first. I weaned off of the nipple shield after about 2 weeks, after than my son broke the adhesions (he actually would nurse, when the nipple started to protrude he would clamp down and pull back which actually broke the adhesions and continued nursing caused the nipple to heal to a protruding shape) this was as painful as you would imagine. BUT the nipples never re-inverted after he was about 6 weeks old, and I had fewer issues with DD (they became more flat again by the time she was born)
honeydew / 7622 posts
I used a shield which we weaned off of at about 9 weeks when she got bigger and stronger and was able to draw it out. We are doing great at 5 months. I saw a LC once a week for the first 6 weeks or so- for various issues that was helpful. I was looking at a little device that you can use to pull the nipple out- but I think the pump would do the same thing. Do they come out during/after pumping?
pomelo / 5258 posts
@raspberries: Do you know if your pain is from poor latching or from adhesions within your breast? I only have one inverted nipple but it is pretty severly tethered as it has always been very painful like you described. I have seen a few LC's but I do not think they get how painful and persistent it is. That line about proper BFing doesn't hurt does not apply to inverted nipples.
With LO1, two years ago, I gave up on my inverted side at 10 weeks. In the end it was partially everted (like 1/3). It just hurt so bad and I was tired of crying and the pain. I continued BFing LO on my "good side" until 15 months. I tried to pump while BFing but I couldn't get the hang of it.
LO2 is currently 7 weeks. We have good days and bad days. My nipple is now about 2/3 everted but there are still adhesions that DS is breaking/stretching. I'm not crying anymore but I still scream a little inside. I'm more optimistic this time around. I've given myself a short term goal of 10 weeks again.
The upside of quitting last time was immediate pain relief. Plus I still BF for a long time, even while working FT. The downside was that I was horriblely lopsided for a year. I wish I had been able make it through my 16 week maternity leave before quitting my inverted side. Once I pumped at work I got nothing from my inverted side. If it comes down to it again I will switch to pumping for the rest of maternity leave since pumping doesn't hurt me as much.
Knowing the pain I felt with LO1 I have to say BFing is not worth it. If both sides hurt that bad I would have formula fed guilt free.
ETA: I see my post is more negative than most. That's probably because I was nursing on that side.
pomelo / 5258 posts
@youboots: I bought this in preparation for LO2. http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-70170-Latchassist-Nipple-Everter/dp/B00112EIWW
I tried it the week before LO came. I was encouraged the first couple times I tried. Then I got a little overzealous and cracked my nipple and it bled a lot. Oops. Who hurts their nipple before LO arrives?
honeydew / 7622 posts
@Corduroy: yup that was in my Amazon cart. But it ended up working out.
pomegranate / 3595 posts
@raspberries: I had one flat and one inverted with LO1. Pumping and latching meant toe curling pain the first six weeks. I also used breast shells at the beginning and they helped a little. I was able to EBF (and pump at work) for over a year. I am currently EPing for LO2 due to issues other than flat nipples. Good luck!!
pear / 1955 posts
@bluestriped bee: @MsMini: Thanks ladies.
@youboots: No, unfortunately, they don't come out during/after pumping - well, there's a little lip that comes out now, where I'm assuming the adhesions have torn. Our LC had us using a shield which didn't manage to evert either nipple, then she had us switch to pumping, but that hasn't worked yet either and doesn't manage to produce more than a few drips of milk from either side. She said it's up to us at this point whether or not we want to continue trying.
@Corduroy: Ugh, it's from adhesions, unfortunately - our LC said LO latches well. She watched us breastfeed and pump quite a few times, and I think she realized how much pain I'm in while doing it. It's just that even though things aren't getting better, they're not getting WORSE - it's hard to know when to pull the plug and throw in the towel (mixing metaphors?)
@MamaCate: Thank you! Did the pain subside after 6 weeks or ever go away completely? Do you think pumping/latching tore the adhesions on the inverted side?
persimmon / 1345 posts
Positive story about nipple shields and flat nipples...
I have extremely flat nipples. Even after pumping/BF it will not draw out. My LC gave me nipple shields to use in the beginning and it was life saver. It helped LO actually latch and get the milk flowing. We EBF with nipple shield for 15 months. We had a great BF relationship and I enjoyed it.
It was a little bit of a bother to always have the shield and to always clean it out after, but I got used to it and it wasn't a big deal to throw it in the diaper bag with the bf cover.
At one point, I even asked my pediatrician and they said, whatever works to continue to do it. LO was gaining weight and healthy so that was all that mattered.
bananas / 9227 posts
The pain was excruciating for me - like needles. Both of my nipples would bleed; LO always had a good latch and would just be frustrated. I have large breasts, which made balancing the nipple shields even more difficult. Along with pregnancy induced carpal tunnel in both of my hands, it took so long to find a good position to feed LO (this happened at each feeding). It was an emotional, stressful, and physically challenging time for me.
No one I know, except for my mom, has inverted nipples. I would get advice about it being a hassle and slightly painful, but to just stick to it. Looking back, they have no idea exactly how difficult it was. Breastfeeding is highly personal and it's more difficult for some. Pumping was a lot less painful.
If ever I have another, I'll pump as long as I can and supplement with formula. I beat myself up a lot back then -- and it was because I was stuck in the mindset that breastfeeding is what I "should" do as a mother. I didn't realize what I sacrificed ... I would have enjoyed her newborn stage a lot more and less stress, less pain, less emotional torment really helps your state of mind (especially when you're sleep deprived anyway). I'm not advocating to stop breastfeeding. I'm just trying to communicate that formula isn't the devil and IF you choose to stop, you're not a bad mom. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
pomegranate / 3595 posts
@raspberries: In terms of the pain, I stopped wanting to cry with every latch around 6 weeks, then it was uncomfortable for another 6 weeks or so. I think around 3 months of age is when it stopped hurting and I actually liked nursing. I nursed full time until 13 months, then day weaned and nursed for another nine months morning and night, so it was great after the rough beginning.
The nipples definitely came out with all the latching and pumping and I assume a lot of the pain was from the adhesions. The LC at the hospital also gave me breast shells which seemed to help too.
I definitely produce less on the inverted side compared to the flat side but I don't know if the two things are related or not.
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