About 10 percent of women have flat or inverted nipples, which can make breastfeeding more of a challenge. If your nipples are flat or inverted, your baby may have more trouble latching on and drawing out your milk. But there are several tools and tricks you can use to help, like pumping and nipple stimulation. Flat nipples don't stand out much from the surrounding area the areola and don't protrude when stimulated. It's possible to have one nipple that's flat and one that's not. You can't always tell whether your nipple is flat or not by looking at it — instead, use the "pinch test" shown below to find out for sure. Inverted nipples may look flat, dimpled, or indented in the center. When stimulated, they retract or pull inward. Like with flat nipples, it's possible to have one nipple that's inverted and one that's not.
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What causes inverted nipples?
Breasts are a sign of femininity. One of the most undesirable changes that can happen to your breasts is nipple inversion. An inverted nipple is when your nipple is flat or points inwards. Whether you were born with inverted nipples or it occurred later on, there is generally no reason for concern.
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They can become about 10 mm longer and 2—3 mm wider during sexual arousal. Some women have nipples that are flat but become erect during sexual arousal or when breastfeeding. Nipples that are tucked into the breast, instead of being flat or sticking out, are called inverted nipples.
Some types of nipples are more difficult for a baby to latch on to at first, but in most cases, careful attention to latch and positioning, along with a little patience, will ensure that you and your baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding. Gently compress your areola the dark area around the nipple about an inch behind your nipple. If the nipple does not become erect, then it is considered to be flat. If the nipple retracts, or becomes concave, it is considered to be inverted. It should be noted, too, that true inverted or flat nipples will not become erect when stimulated or exposed to cold. Although opinions and experiences vary, many women have found treatments for inverted or flat nipples helpful and many breastfeeding experts continue to recommend them. Breastfeeding experts disagree on whether pregnant women should be screened for flat or inverted nipples and whether treatments to draw out the nipple should be routinely recommended. Although treating flat and inverted nipples during pregnancy is debated, if your newborn is having difficulty latching on to a flat or inverted nipple you may find some or all of the following helpful. If the soreness is severe, or continues past the initial two weeks, call your local LLL Leader for assistance. Moisture Becoming Trapped as Nipple Inverts After Feeding If your nipple retracts after feedings, that skin may remain moist, leading to chapping of the skin.
