Will I be able to breastfeed my baby with inverted nipples?

Will I be able to breastfeed my baby with my inverted nipples??!!!! 

This question haunted me most of my life, especially during my pregnancy.  So as we approach our first birthday this week, I thought I’d share my experience.

I can’t tell you how many times I googled variations of this question, other inverted nipple questions and was horrified by most of the results (obviously!) I established that I had extremely inverted nipples on the scale of things and that some people recommended surgery, which came with a huge risk of definitely not being able to breast feed amongst other issues. 

I had spoken to a few friends, one of whom said she was one of 14 children that her mum breastfed with inverted nipples. I also reached out to the local La Leche League and found incredible support in the monthly meetings, along with gathering as much knowledge and understanding as I could to assist in my journey into breastfeeding and motherhood.

I can tell you now it wasn’t easy, especially in those first few weeks (I’m sure most new mums would agree) but I was determined and had a very supportive partner and family. Also, for real you guys, there is 100% absolutely no sweeter sight on earth than looking down at your perfect little baby feasting at your breast. Words cannot describe the sensation of those little hands wrapped around your boob, drawing you in as close as they can, mouth wide, rhythmically guzzling, drifting into a state of pure ecstasy. It could be the oxytocin talking but boy, it feels like bliss. 

Moments of Contrast ~ "This too shall pass"

Ok, so most of the time it’s bliss, there are obviously still also days where you feel like the life is being sucked out of you by a crazed fiend of a vampire baby. Especially when he chomps down with all those new teeth and as much as you know the worst thing to do is jerk away tearing the nipple out of their mouth, it's difficult to avoid that reaction. 

I feel I’m getting a bit off topic here, most of this describes how it is now that we’ve got the hang of it, so back to the point…… How do you breastfeed with inverted nipples? Well, babies suck really hard!

However those first few days, possibly weeks, my boyfriend had to suck on them first to draw them out enough for baby to get a latch. I also had these little rubber things that you pinch and cover the nipple with that suck it out a little as you let go. I know it sounds like a torture device but they were handy for a minute.  

Even then, the first week we were struggling with the latch and my boobs were engorged and sore with friction. He was sucking and sucking and not getting much out. I called friends, doulas, watched YouTube videos and learned that I needed to hand express to relieve some of the build up, this also gave me a better understanding of which part of the “nipple” he needed to have in his mouth. 

I realised his lips needed to be further out around the areola, so the “squeeze the boob down like a hamburger and get it right in there" technique was very helpful. We also explored different positions and postures; including reclined. Where I was laying back slightly, propped up with pillows and he was on my chest, rather than dangling the boob over to him. This also helped with position of his mouth creating a good seal with the boob so he wasn’t taking in air at the corner of his mouth which can cause discomfort, fussiness and gas problems. 

But once we figured out the latch, he really did have a strong enough motion to draw it out, now they are out a lot more often even between feeds. Sometimes my nipples are still completely inverted, like a couple of belly buttons that lost their way, but not as often. 

So the moral of the story…… it is possible!!!!

Reach out, get support, believe in yourself and with determination and trust it is totally possible to breastfeed with inverted nipples! This is just my experience, I know that every journey is unique. The main thing is to remember you have a choice and if you choose to breastfeed you can find a way.

Also know that it is ever changing, those first few days and weeks it may feel like you are constantly nursing and this may be the case but as baby grows there will be longer moments between feeds and you will have more time to gaze in awe at this beautiful little human you created, maybe even get a chance to brush your hair or take a shower occasionally! ;0)

If you've had a similar or completely different experience, feel free to share or comment below or contact me on social media. Any questions, I'll do my best to answer. I am far from a certified professional, just a real life mama figuring shit out along the way.