One of the common problems faced by mothers of newborn babies is difficulties with feeding. Many cannot adjust due to inverted or flat nipples. How to deal with this? What devices exist to solve this problem?
Nipple problems
Up to 10% of women have flat nipples. Ideally, with breast stimulation, the nipple should increase and protrude from the areola - the dark areas around them. There are also situations when the nipples do not stand out or even, on the contrary, as if pulled inward. This is not a pathology. All of these options are considered normal.
If you're not sure if your nipple is retracted, try a simple test. To do this, gently squeeze your chest with your thumb and forefinger on both sides of the areola. Most of the nipples during such manipulations will be pushed out. If your nipple does not protrude, but hides inward, creating a void, this type is called retracted.
Breast-feeding
Many women find that breastfeeding with inverted or flat nipples is not possible. It is a myth! The flat structure of this part of the body does not interfere with the process of breastfeeding. To make sure, you first need to understand the feeding process itself.
The key to successful and prolonged breastfeeding is proper breast capture. Many people think that the baby should suck on the nipple. But this is not so. For good stimulation and painless feeding, you should learn how to properly attach the baby to the chest. To do this, it is recommended to take the baby in a convenient way. If desired, you can lie on the bed, sit down or stand. There are a lot of poses for feeding. The nipple at this time should be directed into the nose of the baby. If you direct it directly into your mouth, there is a risk that the child’s jaws will close too close to this tender part of the body, and the mother may get hurt.
A hungry baby will open his mouth and twist his head in search of a chest. At this time, you need to put the nipple and most of the areola into his mouth. The baby's nose should rest on the chest. Do not be afraid that the baby will suffocate. With proper application, a small gap will remain between the baby’s nose and mother’s breast, sufficient for breathing.
Feeding problems
Breastfeeding is something very special for mom and baby. This process should be as comfortable as possible. Sometimes there are situations when a woman cannot learn how to properly apply a child. Then she may form cracks, bruises, ulcers on her chest and nipples. At such moments, feeding is very painful. The child constantly injures the mammary glands, as a result of which the wounds do not have time to heal, and the mother constantly experiences discomfort. At such moments, many women stop breastfeeding, express milk or switch to artificial feeding from a bottle. This can be avoided. To continue breastfeeding, special silicone pads can help mom.
Fixtures
What to do with inverted nipples? You can use various devices. One of them is special silicone linings or nipple shapers. What is it and what does it look like?
This is a non-invasive device that helps women with inverted or flat nipples to carry out comfortable and successful breastfeeding. The soft and flexible silicone membrane follows its natural shape. Lining can be worn throughout the day. They fit tightly and are completely invisible under clothing. Due to the holes in the shaper, air is circulated, thus, the skin will not sweat while wearing the device.
pros
The main advantage of silicone pads is the possibility of breastfeeding in case of problems with the nipples. Other positive qualities include:
- softness, elasticity and flexibility;
- subtlety and lightness;
- nipple protection during feeding;
- the use of hypoallergenic materials;
- not visible under clothing;
- low cost;
- simplicity in leaving;
- can be worn during pregnancy starting at 34 weeks.
Silicone pads can also be used during teething in a child. At such moments, the baby’s gums itch, and he can begin to bite his mother’s chest, causing her pain and discomfort.
Varieties
A nipple former is a patch that is worn when the nipples are retracted, flat, or damaged. There are many manufacturers that produce such devices for mothers with newborns. The most popular on the market are Medela silicone pads.
You can buy them at pharmacies or online stores. With the help of the Medela nipple shaper, the mother can continue to feed the baby even with problems with the mammary glands. The pad itself has a convex shape, similar to the anatomical structure of the nipple. It has 4 holes for the outflow of milk. In addition, the nipple shaper is equipped with a special cutout on top so that the baby can smell and warm her mother’s chest. The silicone used to make the pads is thin enough. It has no smell and taste. And completely safe for the newborn.
There are several sizes of nipple shapers:
- L - on the diameter of the nipple up to 24 millimeters;
- M - up to 20 mm;
- S - up to 16 mm.
Before buying, you need to measure the chest. For a better fit, the size of the silicone device should be slightly larger than the diameter of the nipple. The smallest pads are designed for babies born prematurely, as well as for mothers with small breasts. Care for the pad is quite simple. After feeding, it must be washed and boiled. After contact with boiling water, the shaper does not change its properties: it does not lose shape, softness, flexibility and also does not fade. The kit often comes with a special container for storing the device.
Recommendations for use
Before putting on your baby's lining, it is recommended that you read the following instructions:
- Before use, the shaper must be washed with water to ensure better contact with the skin of the chest.
- Do not wash the pad with soap. Residues of the chemical can get into the baby’s mouth while feeding.
- It is necessary to massage the nipple a little so that it is in an excited state. After that, you should turn the pad out and put it on the nipple with a cap. Smooth the soft edge of the shaper on the chest.
- Note! The cutout should be on top or in the place where the baby's nose will be.
- After use, the pad must be removed, rinsed and boiled if possible. Daily treatment of the nipple shaper is required.
Reviews
Most female nipples enlarge and stand out above the areola when touched, pleasant, or cold. But for some they are flat or pulled inward. There are also situations when a woman has pierced one or both nipples. Many mothers with a retracted, flat structure or with a piercing breastfeed without any problems. However, some need additional help and support. Do not panic if you have this form. It is important to remember that the child does not suck the nipple itself, but takes most of the areola into its mouth.
At first, when the baby’s mouth is still small, sucking is less effective. Inverted or flat nipples can make breastfeeding difficult. To correct the situation, mothers will need special silicone pads.
Many women note the effectiveness of nipple shapers. According to reviews, it can be said that the lining is a good device. They really help moms to breastfeed for problems with nipples.
Immediately after birth, the breast skin is very tender. Out of habit, a woman may experience pain. Also, if improperly applied, the skin of the nipple may crack and bleed. At first, at such moments, the silicone pad on the nipple will help mom avoid pain and injury.
Women also note that Medela breast pads are the thinnest in comparison with devices of other manufacturers. Due to this, the shaper of the nipple adheres tightly to the skin and does not slip during breastfeeding.