Breastfeeding a newborn baby is a natural duty of a mother. In most cases there are no problems as nature has seen to it that the baby automatically latches on to the breast and feeds on it within a few hours after its birth. The milk comes out of the milk ducts through the nipples of the breast. The nipples jut out about five to ten mms in most women and it is easy for the infant to latch on. However, latching on means that the baby has to take the entire areola, the dark part of the breast behind the nipple, into its mouth and has to start feeding.
In about three thousand cases of pregnant ladies who were studied, around one tenth had inverted or flat nipples. Though flat or inverted nipples are not common, they are not uncommon either, though only a small percent of women have this condition. Looking at the breasts itself tells a person whether she has flat or inverted nipples or not. If she has any doubt she can consult the doctor or she can hold the nipple between her thumb and forefinger and gently press. A normal nipple will stand out but a flat or inverted one will not. Also it is not uncommon for one nipple to be flat and the other to be normal.
Earlier, doctors used to advise would-be mothers with flat nipples to regularly exercise the nipples by rubbing some ointment and trying to pull them out. Nowadays doctors have found out that even women with flat or inverted nipples can easily breast feed their children without any problems. The baby latches on to the breast with its mouth wide open and taking the whole areola into its mouth. If the baby begins within a day or two, before the full flood of milk comes, it is easy because if there is engorgement later, it may cause even the normal nipples to become flat. The doctors now refrain from advising mothers to pull out flat nipples, as they fear that it will cause a mind block against breastfeeding as mothers may anticipate problems when there may be none.
If she still finds it difficult to breastfeed, she can use a nipple shield. This is placed over the nipple and a vacuum is created. The baby sucks on the nipple shield, which is fixed with a band-aid so that it does not slip when the baby is feeding. She can facilitate the milk production by using a breast pump just before the baby begins feeding so that the supply is good and it is easier for the baby to suckle. She can consult a lactation expert if she has any problems. In most cases, flat or inverted nipples become normal once the baby breastfeeds. |
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