Our newborn daughter does not suck on her mother's breast because she cannot latch onto the nipple, as it is completely flat. She tries, but only gasps for air and, disappointed, begins to act up. Even though the mother has enough milk, the baby has to be fed from a bottle. This worries me, because I would really like to establish normal breastfeeding, but, alas, we have not yet found another way out. Tell me what can be done in such a situation. I would be grateful for any useful advice.

Answer: Flat or inverted nipple. How to help your baby latch on?

The nipple can be shaped immediately before feeding using a breast pump or special silicone pads. When the breast pump starts working, it draws out not only streams of milk, but also the nipple itself. The cover actually has the shape of an “ideal nipple”, and the girl can easily wrap her mouth around it and suck the breast, but through the cover. After a few minutes, you can try to quickly remove the pad and place the already extended nipple of the mother’s breast into the baby’s mouth.

In addition, you definitely need to eliminate the bottle with a pacifier from everyday use. Even if it is not possible to achieve nipple formation right away, and you will continue to use expressed milk for some time, feed it to your daughter from a spoon. You need to firmly adhere to the rule: “The baby can only suckle at the breast!” No pacifier, no nipple on the bottle, but only the breast, even if it is not entirely convenient for this.

The issue of lactation worries everyone expectant mother. Many pregnant women have to listen to a lot of advice and comments on this matter, including regarding flat nipples. It is believed that this feature makes breastfeeding difficult. How true is this statement, and how can the situation be corrected?

Signs

First, we note that one should distinguish between flat and inverted nipples. In the first case, they do not rise above the areola and do not respond to stimulation. Inverted nipples may at first glance resemble flat ones, but when touched they go deeper. Try to lightly press the areola on both sides with your fingers to check the reaction. In addition, flat nipples may straighten slightly at the time of feeding, while retracted nipples only go deeper inward.

How to stretch out nipples?

Preparing the breasts for feeding can begin during pregnancy. Just keep in mind that nipple stimulation leads to uterine contractions, which can cause premature birth. Therefore, any of the listed actions can be carried out only after 38 weeks, after consulting with your doctor.

Manual nipple stimulation. Squeeze the nipple at the base with your index finger and thumb and pull lightly. To change its shape, it is enough to spend a few minutes in the morning and evening similar procedure. Also, try twisting the nipple in one direction and the other. It is important to be careful not to overdo it as this area is very sensitive. Any painful sensations unacceptable. Also keep your hands clean or use sterile gauze pads. Another method of stimulation is cold massage. Take an ice cube and rub it over your nipple to make it swell and stretch out.

Nipple covers. There are two versions of such devices on sale. The first are silicone imitation nipples and are intended to prevent the occurrence of cracks during feeding. There is no consensus among doctors regarding the need for their use, but they actually save many women by helping to stretch the nipple. The main disadvantage is the obstruction of air access to the skin, therefore long time You can't wear them.

The second format of the overlays has the shape of a hemisphere with small holes. Their main purpose is to collect dripping milk during lactation. They are considered safer because they do not interfere with the free circulation of air, and the chest does not sweat in them. Such pads can be used during pregnancy or between feedings, inserted into a bra. They are made of soft silicone, so discomfort is minimal. But, unfortunately, their effectiveness is somewhat lower.

Nipple traction devices. For these purposes it is intended special device with a piston. You can make it yourself from a syringe of the required diameter, cutting off the front part from it. Using a piston, a vacuum is created and the nipple is forced forward. A breast pump can also come to the rescue. It is great for women with flat nipples, as it helps to correct their shape due to the vacuum mentioned above. In addition, it is possible to store milk for the future by freezing it in sterile containers.

Feeding with flat nipples

Surely there will be advisers who will assure that nipples unusual shape The child will not physically be able to grasp it. However, remember that the success of breastfeeding primarily depends on the mother’s attitude and confidence. If there is some doubt, you can contact a lactation consultant who will tell you how best to organize this process.

First feeding. Attachment to the breast immediately after birth is very important, as it helps to establish emotional contact with the baby and make sure that flat nipples are not a hindrance to the baby. successful lactation. The nipple itself only serves as a kind of “beacon” for the baby, and he sucks not on it, but on the areola. To make it easier for your baby to latch on to the breast, apply a little pressure with your thumb from below near the pigmented area. Make sure that the nose and upper lip the baby was in line with the nipple, and the mouth captured most of the areola.

If for some reason your first feeding experience is unsuccessful, do not despair. Express the milk and give it to your baby with a spoon. If you have a problem with your nipples, you should not use bottles or pacifiers. Their shape is slightly different from female breast, and the sucking process requires less effort. As a result, a baby who has tasted milk from a bottle even once may refuse to breastfeed.

Emotional mood at breastfeeding is very important, because the production and release of milk is controlled by hormones, the action of which directly depends on mood. Any stress, including that caused by worries about the shape of the nipples, blocks the production of oxytocin, which is responsible for the release of milk from the breast. As a result, it will be doubly difficult for the baby to suck.

Before feeding, try to relax: listen to pleasant music or sit in silence. Stroke your chest or ask your spouse to massage your back. In addition, warm shower jets increase milk production. Any stimulation of the nipples will help them straighten and also trigger the production of oxytocin, which will make sucking easier. If the room is not cold, then undress the baby and place it on your bare chest or stomach, this will allow you to establish a physical connection and tune in to lactation.

Only in a small percentage of cases do flat or inverted nipples prevent you from feeding your baby. Don’t give up if you don’t manage to breastfeed your baby the first time. In a difficult situation, a lactation consultant or maternity hospital staff can come to the rescue. Fight for lactation, because this is the key to the baby’s health.

Flat nipples not only spoil the aesthetic appearance female breast. This feature of the body can lead to other troubles. During breastfeeding, an anatomical anomaly prevents the baby from latching normally, which disrupts the process of feeding. Especially a difficult situation occurs when the nipple is inverted.

Flat nipples not only spoil the aesthetic appearance of a woman’s breasts. This feature of the body can lead to other troubles.

Irregular form forces parents to transfer the baby to artificial nutrition. This is one of the reasons why it is important to detect the problem in a timely manner and take appropriate action. existing methods to eliminate it.

Flat nipples may actually become inverted. Check this feature not difficult. External resemblance disappears in the cold. Flat ones do not change their shape if they are subjected to mechanical or temperature influence. If, after being in the cold or after squeezing, the nipple is pulled inward even more, then it is considered retracted.

The nipple may have a flat shape for various reasons:

• hereditary predisposition;
• disruption of the process of breast formation (growth) during puberty;
• constant compression of the chest by tight underwear;
• diseases of the mammary glands of various etiologies.

Some representatives of the fairer sex are already born with this feature, while in other girls the deformity appears over time. When the shape does not change even after removal tight clothes or exposure to the cold, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a more detailed diagnosis.

Today there are several various techniques, with which you can shape your breasts perfect shape. TO surgical plastic surgery resort only to extreme cases when conservative therapy does not produce results.

Flat nipples may actually become inverted

There are several degrees of inversion. In order to conduct the test, you need to remove all clothes to the waist and stand in front of a mirror. Need to place thumb just above the nipple, and place the index finger under the areola. Next, you will need to squeeze your chest with your fingers for a few seconds. The pressure intensity should not be great. A girl shouldn't feel pain. To determine the degree of inversion, you need to observe the reaction of the breast to this mechanical impact.

1. The 1st degree is characterized by a gradual return of the nipple to its previous position after pressing. It will remain convex for some time. Under these circumstances, treatment is rarely necessary. The nipple can be easily pulled out, which will not create problems during breastfeeding. The abnormal structure itself can be caused by a slight proliferation of connective tissue inside the breast. Surgical intervention Such changes are not required, but it is still recommended to consult a doctor in more detail.
2. The 2nd degree is characterized by protrusion of the nipples, which occurs with moderate pressure. If you release the compression, the shape immediately becomes the same. Grade 2 inversion can be a problem during breastfeeding. It is recommended to begin therapy immediately after diagnosing the pathology. The reason for this structural feature may be hidden behind moderate fibrosis.
3. At the 3rd degree, there is no reaction to compression, or the nipple is pulled inward even more. This anomaly makes the process impossible natural feeding baby. In addition, significant fibrosis is at high risk of infection and the development of an inflammatory process.

Flat and inverted nipples (video)

Professional diagnostics

If after self-diagnosis there are suspicions or obvious signs abnormal structure, it is not recommended to try to take any action on your own. Initially, you should visit a doctor. Qualified specialist can easily determine the degree of inversion. Additionally, you will need to answer a number of questions, for example, how long have your nipples become flat or is there any pain syndrome. If the need arises, a more detailed examination, such as a mammogram, may be prescribed.

When diagnosing grade 1-2, if there are no others serious problems health and the woman is satisfied with her breast shape, as a preventative measure, a specialist can recommend manual techniques for correcting anatomical deviations. These correction methods can be practiced at home. If a flat nipple was noticed already during pregnancy or after birth, you should not carry out therapy on your own. During pregnancy, any stimulation of this part of the breast affects the tone of the uterus. If manual therapy is performed incorrectly, there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

The presence of the 3rd degree of inversion requires special approach to solving the problem.

If after self-diagnosis there are suspicions or obvious signs of an abnormal structure, it is not recommended to try to take any action on your own

Manual methods of nipple traction

Manual treatment for 1-2 degree pathology gives positive results provided that all medical instructions are followed. Hoffman's technique has proven itself well.

Before performing any exercise, it is necessary to keep your hands and body clean. The room where the therapy will be performed must be warm. This will allow the woman to relax.

To perform the first exercise, you will need to cross your arms over your chest so that your fingers right hand took the left nipple, and the fingers of the left hand took the right one. Next, you need to alternately stretch the nipples in different directions. Initially, the exercise is performed 2 times a day, gradually increasing the amount up to 5 times. If there are adhesions inside the nipple, such manual therapy will get rid of them and the deformity will disappear.

Any manual technique will be effective only if it is carried out regularly. Therefore, before sexual intercourse, you can ask your sexual partner to provide more attention breasts But stimulation should not be excessive, that is, cause pain.

You can independently influence your nipples throughout the day, as soon as the opportunity arises. You need to take the nipple with your index finger and thumb and twist it a little.

Breast cups

To give this part of the breast the correct anatomical shape, you can supplement manual exercises with the use of special devices. Breast cups can be purchased at pharmacies or in stores for pregnant women and young mothers.

Nipple attachments are presented in the form of concave discs, which are made of soft material, which once again does not injure the breast. In the center of the nozzle there is a hole into which you need to place the nipple. The structure of the breast cups is such that they themselves will help stretch the tissue. Some women are advised not to remove them even while feeding the baby if their nipple becomes flat immediately after removing the disc.

The pads can be worn under clothing. If the fabric of the clothes is thick, then they will not stand out in general terms even without a bra. When purchasing breast cups, you should pay attention to the size of the holes. There are several types of products. Some models are designed specifically for women with sore nipples.

If there is a need to stretch the flat shape due to the inability of normal breastfeeding, then you will need to put on the pads no later than 30 minutes before the start of feeding.

Despite the fact that breast cups are used to normalize the lactation process, wearing them all the time is not recommended. It is necessary that the epidermis also receives enough oxygen and the blood circulation process is not disrupted. If a rash appears where the cups come into contact with the skin, you should stop using them. The pads must be kept clean at all times.

Unusual nipple shape (video)

Breast pump or syringe

Flat nipples can be pulled out using a breast pump. Especially convenient method will be for those women who are breastfeeding. The use of this device will make it possible to avoid stagnation of milk, stimulate lactation, and also correct the shape of the nipples.

The flange of the breast pump is placed against the breast so that the nipple is completely captured and is in the center of the pad. This moment should be taken into account when purchasing the device. If the flange is not able to completely capture the entire halo, then in addition to the absence positive result The woman will experience pain from the procedure.

After the flange is attached to the breast, you need to press the breast pump bulb. If the device is electric, then choose the appropriate pumping mode, which does not cause stress in the nursing mother. discomfort. Expressed milk can be given directly to the baby if the bottles and other parts of the breast pump have been sterilized beforehand.

An alternative to the previous option is a syringe with a volume of at least 10 ml. The calculation is made based on the size of the nipple. Before use, the syringe must be cut off from the needle side. Its diameter should allow it to completely capture the nipple. The cut side is applied to the chest and the piston is slowly pulled back. The pressure created will force the flat nipple to extend forward. The piston is pulled until the woman feels discomfort.

In order to remove the syringe, you will need to release the pressure. You need to press lightly on the piston reverse side, and the breast will be released easily. The syringe, like the breast pump, requires constant and careful care.

Flat nipples can be pulled out with a breast pump

Nipple correctors

Correctors are special caps that are placed on the chest and used in any convenient place. They work on a similar principle to a breast pump or syringe.

Before putting on the corrector, all necessary sanitary and hygienic measures are carried out. Breasts lubricated special gel and only then apply the cap. A syringe is inserted into the existing valve and the air is sucked out. The previously applied gel makes the adhesion of the pad to the skin more reliable.

The syringe plunger must be moved carefully so as not to cause pain. As soon as the nipple becomes convex, the pumping of air stops. Initially, it is recommended to wear the corrector for no more than 2 hours. The time is increased gradually. The maximum time that nipple shields remain on the nipples is 8 hours. In order to remove the corrector, you will need to break the vacuum by pressing the valve. Noticeable results from this treatment will be visible within a few weeks.

Surgery

If you have a flat nipple structure that cannot be conservative methods adjustments, women are recommended surgical method solving the problem. Thanks to achievements in modern medicine It has now become possible to perform surgical correction without damaging the milk ducts.

Surgical treatment is not particularly dangerous procedures and is carried out under the influence local anesthesia. The woman does not even need hospitalization; everything can be done on an outpatient basis. Come back to Everyday life It will be possible in two days.

Surgical correction of the shape of the nipples is carried out after all the necessary data on the condition has been collected general health patients.

The success of such treatment is almost always positive. The exception is those cases when postoperative period complications arise. As a rule, their cause is improper care behind the operated area.

Every woman is unique. And this manifests itself in everything - in appearance, character, temperament, skin color, eyes and hair, figure, size and shape of the breast. In this article we will talk about various forms pacifier.

Women's nipples can be different - inverted, flat, large, small, long, short. And, in this regard, women always have a question: “Will I be able to feed a child with my nipples of an “irregular” shape?” And here it is very important to understand - there is no correct form breasts For success in breastfeeding, it is not the shape of the nipple that is important, but the ability of the skin around the nipple to stretch.

Based on this property, the following types of nipples are divided:

• Normal - when, when pressing with the index finger and thumb on the circle of the areola, the nipple protrudes significantly outward.
• Flat - it will not react when pressed.
• Retracted - when pressed, it is pulled inward.

However, when the baby is born, he does not know that you have some different breasts, with some different nipples. For him, his mother’s breast is the only true and correct one. The baby will breastfeed with any nipple!

How does the baby suckle?

Immediately after birth, children have an innate expectation breastfeeding. If the baby is placed on his tummy between the mother's two bare breasts, he will be able to crawl to the breast and latch on. Children navigate by smell! The glands located on the areola secrete a secretion similar in smell to amniotic fluid. And the dark area of ​​the areola is for them a distinctive spot on the mother’s lighter breast. Newborn babies are drawn to it intuitively. And at this moment the nipple is a reference point for the baby - the breast must be grasped by this particular area! And the very mechanism of a child’s sucking of the breast is such that he sucks not the nipple, but the areola. A significant part of the areola should be in the baby’s mouth, approximately 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple.

To release milk from the breast, you need to stimulate an area within a radius of several centimeters from the nipple, which is what babies do - they press on the areola with their gums and push the milk through the milk ducts with their tongue to the nipple, and then into their mouth.

Organization of feeding with inverted and flat nipples

However, mothers with inverted and flat nipples need to be more patient in organizing the correct latch of the newborn to the breast and take into account several points:

1. Immediately after the baby is born, place it on your breast, excluding the baby's introduction to the bottle before breastfeeding. Bottle sucking is easier! The technique of sucking a bottle is fundamentally different from sucking a breast. If the baby sucks on the breast like a bottle, he will not be able to get it out of the breast. required amount milk, will begin to think that it is much easier with a bottle, and will refuse to breastfeed. For the same reason, do not use pacifiers.
2. Feed on demand, avoiding overfilling. Don't hoard milk. On an overfilled breast, the areola becomes dense and inextensible, which makes it even more difficult for the newborn to latch on.
3. Hold your breast with your hand throughout the feeding to prevent your baby from losing it from his mouth.
4. Feed in comfortable positions, allowing for a deep capture of the chest.

Breastfeeding positions with inverted and flat nipples

Feeding from under the hand (from the armpit).

In this position, it is very convenient to control the baby’s grip on the breast, preventing him from moving off it. Sit on a sofa, chair or bed. . Place the baby on it with its side facing you, on your hip. Its legs are bent and are located at your fingertips. Use the palm of the hand next to which the baby is lying to hold his head. The forearm of the hand is along the baby’s back. Offer your breast to your baby with your other hand and be sure to support it during feeding.

At the end of the article we have prepared additional information for you. material - video of a pediatrician with 20 years of experience, about how to properly introduce complementary foods to a baby and step by step diagram complementary foods

Cross cradle.

Another great position that provides maximum control over the baby while he is at the breast. Take a comfortable sitting position. Place a pillow on your knees under your arm and at your side. When feeding right breast, place your left hand on the back of the baby's head. Your thumb and index finger are behind your baby's ears. The baby's neck is freely located in the area between the large, index fingers and palm. The palm itself is between the baby’s shoulder blades. Use your other hand to latch onto the breast and support it during feeding.

Pull?

If you see that your baby is having a hard time latching onto your breast, don’t despair. There are several methods for correcting the shape of the nipple. This will require a little extra effort on your part. So, what can you use to “stretch” your nipple?

Nipple formers.

These are small convex cups with one large hole in the center and several small ones on the periphery. Nipple formers are inserted into the bra and positioned around the nipple. Light pressure is applied and the nipple is pulled out through the central hole. The remaining holes provide ventilation to the breasts, keeping the nipples dry. It is recommended to use them 20-25 minutes before feeding. These “chest shells” can be worn during the last three months of pregnancy, gradually increasing the wearing time to 8 hours in a row. They are absolutely harmless and completely invisible to others.

Breast pump.

You can resort to its help immediately before feeding. Within 30-60 seconds of pumping, the nipple is stretched, and the baby is already better attached to it, and most importantly, the nipple is properly attached. And the milk pumped out by a breast pump can be collected and used, for example, to create a milk bank.

Hoffman technique

This method removes the base of the nipple and makes the areola softer. To use this technique, position thumbs on both sides of the nipple of the breast you will feed. Stretch the breast skin to the sides with your fingers using stroking, slightly pressing movements. Move your thumbs, placing them both above and below the nipple. Use this method a few minutes before you start feeding.

And now, good news: the nipple, in the process of sucking, gets used to stretching and physiologically accepts more elongated shape! This takes 4-5 weeks. And as you continue to breastfeed, you will one day not remember that you had “irregular” shaped nipples.

If you have confidence in your natural ability to breastfeed your child, you will definitely solve all your problems and breastfeeding will be a joy for you.

Download the chart for the first complementary feeding while breastfeeding and watch the pediatrician’s video about the rules for introducing complementary foods!

Download the diagram and watch a video from a practicing pediatrician with 20 years of experience on how to properly introduce complementary foods to your baby. Get more useful materials on the development and upbringing of children to your email.