Ways to help flat nipples BEFORE the baby comes?

[Ferret Mommy]

With DS, I had flat nips that were even worse post c/s and even with a shield, it was just not working. DS had a bad latch and eventually the LC said that he was just not getting it, so I did EBM for as long as I could with herbs and reglan trying to keep it up.

This round I am staying on Metformin, as I heard that can help.. but I need to find around the HUGE boob issue with flat nips... We want BFing to work out better and less time as the pump, if any time at the dang pump. I feel that my PPD came from not having the feeding time with him, and we want to try to have way more mommy time. Last time, while I was pumping, daddy was feeding.

I am ready to fight on BFing and really want this to be better. I am starting my research NOW!! lol

[pinkycat]

Hi Ferret Mommy. I have no answer for you. I also have flat nipples and also ended up feeding our first baby EBM in bottles. I think it was a combination of flat nipples, engorgement and poor latch that did us in. My lactation consultant, I think, got fed up with me and told me that the most important thing was that my baby was getting breast milk and that it didn't matter how it got into his tummy. My nipples were so cracked and raw at the time, I readily agreed. But oh how I regret it.

I'm pregnant with our second baby and, like you, I'm looking for anything and everything to prevent going back to that pump. I'm currently reading 'The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers' and rereading the Dr. Sears book. I keep reading in those books that babies bf on areolas not nipples so flat nipples are not a problem. But my last lactation consultant did have a worried look when she saw my flat nipples and Lord knows I had a hard time. Got a new lactation consultant this time that believes the baby MUST be allowed to latch on immediately after being born and that this makes all the difference. I just don't know what to think anymore.

If you find anything or hear anything, please post and share.

[Ferret Mommy]

Hi Pinkycat!

We had no issues when in the hospital feeding. It was as time went on and we left, he was very impatient and wanted milk ASAP. We did use a nipple shield AND eventually had to use the supplementer, through the shield. Even with giving him a boost of formula to get him to suck, he just would get pissed. lol

I have read that sometimes pumping a few minutes before feeding may help bring out the nipple, as well as this: Medela SoftShells for Sore or Inverted Nipples. I had been given this thing and will try to use it as directed to help. The thing is, right now I have normal nipples!! I did not get the flat till after delivery!! YIKES!!

I do understand what you mean by they dont latch to the actual nipple, but I think my flat issue I had was one problem with my son. I know I could do it, and did it while in the hospital, then again a few weeks later on my own when he would stop screaming for food. I am really ready for the challenge to keep this one latched and my supply up.