Nipple and breastfeeding worry

[holli]

Sorry if tmi but I really want to give breastfeeding a go when baby arrives (I'm 14 weeks) but from day one of finding out I'm pregnant my boobs haven't really changed, I don't have big nipples and they only really pop out if I'm cold (sorry) does this mean I won't be able to breastfeed or will they come out when baby is here? Xx

 

[kaypee]

Know nothing about breatfeeding really but many people must manage with all sorts of sizes and shapes im sure! Maybe have a chat with the midwife? I really want to breast feed as well. Hoping i can manage. Also completely randomly the iphone update has a new breastfeeding emoji! Lol x

 

[candymycandy]

There are ways and means to make them pop out if you don’t do it then baby will! Not everyone’s areolas get bigger but you’re still quite early for that anyway.

Just give it your best shot when baby arrives but don’t worry if it doesn’t work out xx

 

[TORino]

I wouldn’t worry about either of those things. Ask your midwife for support and any antenatal classes that go over breastfeeding. You will have a local breastfeeding support group (try Facebook to find it) and there will be feeding support workers available to help once the baby is here as well as the midwives in the hospital.

If you’re determined then there’s a good chance you’ll succeed with it. My only advice is to remember that the only way you know they are getting enough is when you have them weighed. Don’t forget that because it’s very easy to assume it’s not working and give up even if they are growing fine but still appear unsettled after feeding, which could be for a number of reasons!

 

[holli]

Thankyou ladies, really wanted to try it so will ask midwife when I see her in just under 2 weeks xx

 

[candymycandy]

It’s something she should eventually discuss with you anyway but deffo mention as will help you to settle things in your head.
Fx you’ll have some support straight after birth as well, and your MW and health visitor will be able to point you in the right direction too x

 

[Shanivy]

Nipple shields

Honestly my DD really struggled with her latch because mine are the same. They never really changed like I thought they would. They were still flat if you know what I mean. I did mention to the midwife before birth but she shook me off and said I'd be okay. Hm.

And I was for giving up until the Breast feeding councillor I asked to be referred to brought me (new) nipple shields. She said if dd couldn't latch on the nipple enough to try and see if using a nipple shield would help and it did. Lifesaver.

To be honest if your nipples aren't "flat" you shouldn't have a problem. Babies can draw them out usually small breasts or small nipples doesn't really matter.

but if not and you're really worried, I would get some just in case. Make sure to get the right size etc xx

 

[holli]

Nipple shields

Honestly my DD really struggled with her latch because mine are the same. They never really changed like I thought they would. They were still flat if you know what I mean. I did mention to the midwife before birth but she shook me off and said I'd be okay. Hm.

And I was for giving up until the Breast feeding councillor I asked to be referred to brought me (new) nipple shields. She said if dd couldn't latch on the nipple enough to try and see if using a nipple shield would help and it did. Lifesaver.

To be honest if your nipples aren't "flat" you shouldn't have a problem. Babies can draw them out usually small breasts or small nipples doesn't really matter.

but if not and you're really worried, I would get some just in case. Make sure to get the right size etc xx

I've never heard of them thankyou will have a look, I'm a d cup so I'm not flat chested just the nipples don't "pop" out unless I'm cold, what do they do? Just kinda stick them on? Xx

 

[holli]

I wouldn’t worry about either of those things. Ask your midwife for support and any antenatal classes that go over breastfeeding. You will have a local breastfeeding support group (try Facebook to find it) and there will be feeding support workers available to help once the baby is here as well as the midwives in the hospital.

If you’re determined then there’s a good chance you’ll succeed with it. My only advice is to remember that the only way you know they are getting enough is when you have them weighed. Don’t forget that because it’s very easy to assume it’s not working and give up even if they are growing fine but still appear unsettled after feeding, which could be for a number of reasons!

Would you recommend Breast pumping into a bottle so I know baby is getting enough? I'm a worrier at the best of times don't want little one to starve I was thinking of doing some in a bottle as well so oh can help feed and bond with baby but I wasn't sure if baby would do both breast and bottle at same time? Gosh I'm so clueless aren't I? Don't know what I'd do with out you ladies xxx

 

[Wednesday]

Mine were always pretty flat before I had my first baby. But when I started feeding, there were no issues so must have been fine x

 

[snowbee]

My breasts haven't changed size, shape or colour from pre pregnancy, being pregnant, after birth or now 6 months in to breast feeding. Once my milk arrived (which was several days after they said it would, so don't panic if it is a bit late) they went hard rather than soft, but were still the same size. My nipples were sort of soft and squidgy before, now they are pokey and firm all the time.

Best thing to do is go with the flow and not get stressed about it, there are lots of support groups about, might be worth looking into your local ones so that you have all the contact details ready when you need them.

 

[Shanivy]

Nipple shields

Honestly my DD really struggled with her latch because mine are the same. They never really changed like I thought they would. They were still flat if you know what I mean. I did mention to the midwife before birth but she shook me off and said I'd be okay. Hm.

And I was for giving up until the Breast feeding councillor I asked to be referred to brought me (new) nipple shields. She said if dd couldn't latch on the nipple enough to try and see if using a nipple shield would help and it did. Lifesaver.

To be honest if your nipples aren't "flat" you shouldn't have a problem. Babies can draw them out usually small breasts or small nipples doesn't really matter.

but if not and you're really worried, I would get some just in case. Make sure to get the right size etc xx

I've never heard of them thankyou will have a look, I'm a d cup so I'm not flat chested just the nipples don't "pop" out unless I'm cold, what do they do? Just kinda stick them on? Xx

Im a dd/e depending on the shop and my nipples are just like that anyway. Yeah you sort of turn them out and pop them on and they sort of suction themselves on lol.

Like Wednesday says not everyone has that problem but I did. You might be totally fine. And your health visitor can refer you to breastfeeding consultant for amazing help and it only took a day for her to come out. Its good to be prepared for breastfeeding imo but honestly dont stress yourself out about it too much hun xx

 

[JustTrying]

My areola have enlarged and darkened after 20 weeks. Omg they are massive!

I think you have time and shouldn't worry just yet x

 

[Blueclass]

My boobs did not change. I thought i would get smassive boobs but nope haha. However my baby is now 17m and im still breastfeeding so i wouldnt worry.

 

[TORino]

I wouldn’t recommend pumping at first. A wise midwife once told me I’d be’bottling it up for the neighbours’ if I started expressing early on plus feeding etc. I had a baby that was really fussy after feeding and I worried she wasn’t getting enough and repeatedly put her to the breast and ended up with too much milk basically, which the baby would drink and then spit back up. She was eventually diagnosed with reflux which I made worse by feeding too much. Seriously if you’re a worrier you need to remember that having the baby weighed is the only way you’ll Know they are getting enough. And the baby is weighed regularly enough in the beginning to give you that reassurance.

I agree with the others telling you to be relaxed about it. Our bodies are designed to feed babies and in most cases they are able to successfully.

 

[Selina13]

I don't think your nipples need to stick out really- google images of babies latch and you will see that the whole nipple goes to back of babies mouth and is manipulated by the roof and tongue to get milk flow.

You will tell if baby is getting enough milk by wet/dirty nappies and of course being weighed but overall I wouldn't panic too much foe now.

Just go with it, get some support and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Xxxxxx

 

[holli]

Thankyou ladies you have all made me feel better about it one of reasons I love this forum xx

 

[MissKW]

You are still quite early on in your pregnancy so there's time for them to change yet. I don't have any experience yet as this is my first but I'm just over 20 weeks now, my breasts have only just started to really change over the last few weeks. I have always been very flat chested, now I have a nice sized pair lol and they are still gradually getting bigger. Mine itch as they grow and change, but it happens so gradually that you might not notice for a while yet. That said, even if they don't, it doesn't mean you wont be able to breast feed, I know a few people who have always had large baby friendly breasts and were unable to breast feed, so I don't think there's any rule of thumb really.