Strategies for Lactation with Flat Breasts
From the vast array of body types and features, it's refreshing to know that breastfeeding isn't an impossible feat, regardless of your nipple shape. You don't need to sport a baby bottle look to breastfeed - flat nipples won't hinder the process.
Confusion often arises around this topic, as many think flat nipples are a barrier, but the reality is that nipples come in numerous shapes and sizes, and they don't need to protrude to do their job.
Breastfeeding guru, Dr. Heidi Szugye, sheds light on the common misconceptions surrounding flat nipples and provides some helpful tips to make breastfeeding a breeze, even with flat nipples.
Can you breastfeed with flat nipples?
Absolutely! Your nipples don't have to look like a beacon for successful breastfeeding. Sometimes, flat nipples are merely not stimulated, and they pop out on their own with a little assistance.
Breastfeeding tips for flat nipples
Mastering some tricks can help you and your baby get into a breastfeeding groove:
1. Use your fingers to create a 'stent'
Encourage your flat nipple to stand out with the stenting trick. Here's the step-by-step guide:
- Place your thumb and first finger on either side of the darker area of skin around your nipple (your areola).
- Gently press down to encourage your nipple to come out.
- Offer the breast to your baby while keeping your fingers in place for the first 10 to 20 seconds after they latch on.
- If your baby is swallowing milk, remove your fingers, and let them draw your nipple out.
2. Massage excess fluid away
Post-delivery, you might have excess fluid in your body, causing swollen breasts and flatter nipples. Perform a lymphatic drainage massage to help drain some of this excess fluid before each feeding:
- Use your fingers to make gentle, circular motions just above your collarbone (at the base of your neck). Make 10 circles on each side.
- Repeat these circular motions in your underarm area (near the front of your underarm, where your breast ends and your underarm begins).
- Sweep upward from your areola to the top of your breasts with light pressure.
3. Lie on your side or in a reclined position
Lying in a reclined position can make breastfeeding easier if you have flat nipples due to engorgement or swelling. The gravity will direct excess fluid away from the area, softening your areola and nipple area.
4. Use gentle stimulation
Nipples are erectile tissue, meaning they can become stiffer and fill with blood when touched. You can use a gentle sweeping motion, starting on your areola and moving outward, to get your nipple out.
5. Pump or hand-express milk
If you're engorged, soften your breasts a bit with hand-expression or pumping — just enough to make it easier for your baby to latch on.
6. Master the breastfeeding latch
When latching, aim for your baby's chin to touch the breast first, then the lower lip followed by the upper lip. Aim the nipple toward the baby's nose to facilitate a deeper latch.
7. Skip the devices
While at first glance, breastfeeding devices may seem helpful, breast shells can hurt breast tissue, and nipple shields may lower your milk supply and impede milkflow.
When to see a professional
If you're struggling with breastfeeding, don't go at it alone. Consult a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist. They can help you with your specific concerns and challenges, ensuring you and your baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.
Flat is fabulous
Breastfeeding is a special time when you bond with your baby. Don't let the nipple shape stop you from enjoying this unique experience.
"Breastfeeding is possible with flat nipples," reiterates Dr. Szugye. "With the right techniques, support, and patience, you can have a positive breastfeeding experience."
Breastfeeding with flat nipples is possible and shouldn't deter you from enjoying this special bonding experience with your baby. By employing techniques like creating a 'stent' with your fingers, performing a lymphatic drainage massage, lying on your side or in a reclined position, using gentle stimulation, hand-expressing or pumping milk, mastering the breastfeeding latch, and seeking professional help if needed, you can make breastfeeding a breeze, even with flat nipples. Remember, flat is fabulous when it comes to breastfeeding.
