The topic of flat nipples, as well as the possibility of breastfeeding in this case, always comes under discussion. It is understandable - young mothers who are faced with this problem for the first time are worried: will they be able to give their baby full breastfeeding? There are a lot of options for preparing flat nipples for the feeding process - this is massage, special formers. What to do to young mothers in this case, we will find out right now.
Flat nipple is not a sentence
Most experts are sure that there is nothing wrong with the fact that the nipples are retracted or have a flat shape. Determine how relevant the problem is, in a simple way. It is necessary to gently squeeze the circumosseous circle with the thumb and forefinger. The nipple of normal shape will be squeezed forward, flat - will remain unchanged. It often happens that the nipples on different breasts are also different. One can be perfectly normal, the other retracted or flat. Inverted nipples interfere most with breastfeeding. But they are extremely rare in women. And yet - do not confuse the appearance of the nipple and its real shape when feeding. That is why it is recommended that you use your fingers (comparable to the lips of a baby’s sucking milk) to establish its real type.
How is baby feeding?
Consider an example of a non-standard breast - a flat nipple. How to feed the baby in this case? First, it is worthwhile to sort through the process itself. Every mummy must know this - the child eats from a perigastric mug. And the nipple itself only helps to more conveniently grab the chest with the lips.
During sucking, the baby stretches the nipple - it takes the right size and shape. Do not panic if the toddler could not take the chest the first time. For this, a whole system of feeding techniques has been developed, with the help of which the baby will figure out how and what he should do. And further. In no case should you be discouraged: flat, retracted nipples - this is not a reason to tune in to the fact that nothing will work. It all depends on the right attitude. If you look for a way out of the current problem situation, it is sure to be found.
Prenatal practice
Today, there are many methods that contribute to changing the shape of this part of the body, preparing it for breastfeeding. For example, not so long ago, a practice that helped to stretch a flat nipple before delivery was very popular. However, over time it became clear that such a technique does not bring much result. As specialists involved in prenatal changes in the shape of the nipple noted, the time that future mothers spent in the classroom worked directly against them. If physiological changes were noted for the better, then the psychological state of women worsened with every occupation. And even after childbirth, some of the women immediately resorted to bottle services, not even trying to try to feed their baby at least once.
After the birth, every second mother was sure that she was not able to breastfeed her baby due to the existing pathology. And even if everything worked out on the first attempt, the woman was afraid to give a breast a second time, expecting that the failure was about to come.
First feeding
So what should a woman do if she has a flat nipple? How to feed a baby for the first time? The main thing is to carefully monitor how the baby grabs his lips. Even if the chest is flat or retracted, he himself will stretch it with the help of a reflex. As the doctors say: a well-sucking, sensitive baby is the best remedy for the non-standard shape of the nipple. You need to teach your baby to take breasts immediately after childbirth. With swelling from colostrum (and after milk), the flatness of the nipple increases. And this, of course, will further complicate the feeding process. You can seek help from generic counselors. Preparation for the first feeding is carried out with each woman individually. During it, experts not only tell what needs to be done, but also teach how to work with nipples correctly: massage, stretch, and apply nipple circles.
It is important to know that the correct position of the baby himself is of great importance. If he is comfortable in his arms, then he will be able to grab the nipple much faster.
"Cooking" the nipples ourselves
To help the baby for the first time, you can take breasts with your own resources. Flat nipples should be slightly extended during feeding. To do this, the fingers are clasped with the chest behind the periglossal circle: from the bottom - four, and from above - with the thumb. The chest should be strongly squeezed and at the same time take it away towards the chest. Such a technique will push the nipple far forward. And this will greatly help the peanut when becoming acquainted with breastfeeding. You can also use a special silicone pad, which will contribute to the development of the sucking reflex.
However, the first time it should be used is still under the guidance of a generic consultant. Another common and already popular method of feeding has become breast pumps.
What is a good breast pump?
And he is good because an electric breast pump of high quality quickly helps to extend the nipple, giving it the desired shape. And most importantly, it does not hurt him at all. The flat nipple can also be pulled out with improvised means. To do this, take a syringe with a volume of 10 cubic centimeters. A part is cut off from the side of the needle: about 1 centimeter. A piston is inserted into the resulting tube. It is also cut to the syringe length obtained. The piston must be inserted from the cut side, and the uncircumcised part of the syringe firmly pressed against the near-nasal mug. You need to pull the nipple smoothly, without jerking, very carefully.
A similar procedure is carried out right before feeding, because the nipple extended in this way does not hold its new shape for a long time.
We use chest pads
So, a woman has a flat nipple. What to do if there is no opportunity to purchase a breast pump? You can use special breast pads. They are made of high quality plastic, and consist of two main parts. The back is done with a hole in which the nipple is inserted. The front of the lining has a semicircular shape. It fits perfectly with any bra. The circle around the nipple sticks to the pad, and the bra with its pressure on the chest helps to gradually stretch the nipples. Overlays must be carefully monitored. After each feeding, rinse well with warm water and soap and be sure to check for any remaining drops of milk. When buying, pay attention to the size of the lining - they are large (for damaged nipples), and small (for flat and retracted).
Big breasts
Another problematic point for expectant mothers is a large flat chest. Nipples of such a breast are developed by the methods described above, but when feeding it is worth considering a few more nuances. When the mother is going to feed the baby, she needs to put a diaper or towel under her breasts to lift them, making it as easy as possible.
You can hold the chest with your hand, because a lot of weight will pull it down, making it difficult for the child to do so difficult work. Do not bend over to the baby. It is better, on the contrary, to lean back, straightening your back as much as possible. And of course, it is recommended to constantly use bras for nursing mothers, which will help the breasts not to sag after the period of breastfeeding. Many lactating women noted that too large a bust took on completely new forms after the lactation period - it became much smaller.
In conclusion
A flat nipple is not a sentence. The most important step is to teach the baby to properly grasp the chest. After a week of feeding with the help of techniques, pads, breast pumps and exercises, a woman will notice that she no longer needs this.
The child, accustomed to taking the nipple, already independently pulls it to the desired size and shape. You need to know that if a woman correctly performs her part of the work of accustoming the baby to a non-standard breast, the child will do everything possible in response. And yet - very often inattentive nurses scare that the nipple is flat or retracted. And feeding will certainly be difficult. Do not believe the words without trying in practice. Only the mother herself can determine what shape her nipple is, how much it can be pulled out, whether it will be comfortable for the baby to “aim”, wrapping lips around the nasal mugs with the cherished mother’s milk. Never give up breastfeeding. Remember that any problem can be solved - there would be a desire.