Can anyone do it?

[Robyner]

My question is a bit embarrassing, I don't want to ask a mw I've always had quite flat nipples. I was watching a bf DVD the other day and all the nipples were like cows udders, I feel totally inadequate! I really want to do this but is it possible that I can't due to nipple shape, they are not inverted but nothing like the ones I saw either I'm so hoping for reassurance but if I can't do it, I need to prepare my head.

 

[l_maclean]

You'll prob hear LOADS of people who say 'I couldn't do it' - yet if you go somewhere like Australia or Norway no-one will. Very odd considering we all have fairly similar boobs.

What generally happens is people fall victim to 'booby traps' - incorrect information that makes them think they can't - boobs to big, boobs to small, inverted nipple, big baby, small baby.

There are only about 1% of women who GENUINELY cannot physically bf their baby.

If you really want to do it, and it's so worth it for you and bubs, get as much info before hand as you can so you don't get caught out. See if there's a bf group near you so you know where your support is, many welcome along mums to be who want to be prepared.

Xxx


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

 

[Vickyxx]

I highly recommend a book called "The Womanly Art of breastfeeding" think its the 8th addition. It is written by la leche and it is the bible of breastfeeding information. Think you can pick it up on amazon for around £10. Its massive but very easy to read and packed with so much information. I was told what they don't know about breastfeeding isn't worth knowing.

I have found it so helpful as it covers everything.

 

[Vickyxx]

Picture on front is a long haired ginger lady feeding a baby. It is honestly worth a read xx

 

[Ammdaz]

Don't worry, I used to have really flat nipples but it didn't cause me any problems feeding DS. Since bf my nipples stick out good and proper lol! They've never gone back to being flat. Like someone else said the percentage of women who genuinely physically can't bf is very very low, the reason women struggle in my opinion is lack of correct information and lack of support. Arm yourself with plenty of info from reliable sources such as la leche league and see if you can find seem bf support groups near you and if you are determined to bf you will xxx

 

[Robyner]

Brilliant thanks ladies. I shall look into the info.

 

[tambo1976]

I'm so glad you asked that question Robyner! I had been meaning to ask the same question for weeks but I was a bit embarrassed lol. I have been watching alot of breast feeding guides on youtube and I thought EXACTLY the same as you! not being rude but I really laughed when you mentioned "cow udders" because that was my thoughts exactly!

Mine are not inverted but they are quite flat and I was only yesterday reading reviews on nipple shields to see if they help with the problem or infact correct it.

I am definitely going to purchase the book mentioned and I also hope that Ammdaz is correct, I would love my nipples to stick out a bit more after BF lol.

I have found a local BF support group but I feel like I should wait until bubs is here before I approach them for advise, I feel a bit silly turning up without a baby

 

[Robyner]

I'm so glad you asked that question Robyner! I had been meaning to ask the same question for weeks but I was a bit embarrassed lol. I have been watching alot of breast feeding guides on youtube and I thought EXACTLY the same as you! not being rude but I really laughed when you mentioned "cow udders" because that was my thoughts exactly!

Mine are not inverted but they are quite flat and I was only yesterday reading reviews on nipple shields to see if they help with the problem or infact correct it.

I am definitely going to purchase the book mentioned and I also hope that Ammdaz is correct, I would love my nipples to stick out a bit more after BF lol.

I have found a local BF support group but I feel like I should wait until bubs is here before I approach them for advise, I feel a bit silly turning up without a baby

How did you find out about your local bf support group? I'm hoping there will be one in my area too.

 

[Mummyxbear]

If you feel you baby may have difficulty latching on it may be worth looking into nipple shields. These just stick over your breast with a small teat where the nipple is so baby is still able to get milk from you. My baby was born prem and he had difficulty latching on when I tried to feed. I was advised the shields by special care staff and they worked really well. You just wash and sterilise them after use and they don't fall off or feel uncomfortable they are made of a very thin material and they sort of stick by themselves. After using for a few minutes they tend to draw out the nipple so you may only want to use them for the first bit then baby feed from you directly. I hope this makes sense and helps x x

 

[babyem]

If you get a large syringe, cut the nozzle end off and put the plunger in the new hole youve made. Put the other end over your nipple and draw the plunger out slowly to withdraw the nipple .

This was advised to me by a lactation consultant. Or express for a min just to make it more pronounced. I also have flat nips!! X

tapatalking x

 

[Froslass]

I did too, but once my milk came in they were fine and you'll figure out a way to latch on that good for both of you x

 

[babyem]

I didnt bf for long but not due to my flat nips.
tapatalking x

 

[tambo1976]

I'm so glad you asked that question Robyner! I had been meaning to ask the same question for weeks but I was a bit embarrassed lol. I have been watching alot of breast feeding guides on youtube and I thought EXACTLY the same as you! not being rude but I really laughed when you mentioned "cow udders" because that was my thoughts exactly!

Mine are not inverted but they are quite flat and I was only yesterday reading reviews on nipple shields to see if they help with the problem or infact correct it.

I am definitely going to purchase the book mentioned and I also hope that Ammdaz is correct, I would love my nipples to stick out a bit more after BF lol.

I have found a local BF support group but I feel like I should wait until bubs is here before I approach them for advise, I feel a bit silly turning up without a baby

How did you find out about your local bf support group? I'm hoping there will be one in my area too.

I seen it advertised on the Tesco noticeboard lol x

 

[Cantstop]

My local bf support group is advertised through Sure Start, you could check with them - it's called Bosom Buddies

I also had flat nipples but used nipple shields. Don't think I'll need them this time round though as stick out now. Midwives told me when I was pregnant first time that the flat thing wouldn't make any difference and I didn't think I'd have a problem at all but then no one could get LO to latch, was a total nightmare and the shields saved the day. In hindsight, it would have been possible and better to wean off them (for no other reason than less hassle and easier to be discrete, doesn't affect supply or anything else) but by the time I got round to it, LO was having none of it and I wasn't bothered enough to carry on trying to get rid. Another advantage was LO never had a problem taking a bottle of expressed milk. Good luck with it though, I also think the reason most people give up is they're not adequately prepared for it. Even with shields at periods the first few minutes were toe-curlingly painful but if you know this and accept it could happen, you can grit your teeth, take a deep breath and get through to the magical times

 

[Robyner]

Thanks so much for your advice. Might consider getting some shields in ready. I've downloaded the book and fired into it this morning, looks great!