What to do if nipples don't protrude

When a woman's nipples are stimulated in some way, they will protrude outward. During some sexual activities or when the weather is too cold, women's nipples will generally protrude outward, which is a normal phenomenon. Women should also pay special attention to the growth of their nipples, because nipples can also be inverted. Mothers with inverted nipples will cause great trouble to their babies during breastfeeding, so how should inverted nipples be solved?

If we wash our hands, place two fingers on the areola on both sides of the nipple and press down, the nipple will protrude outward and become hard. If the nipple not only does not protrude outward, but instead sinks inward or even disappears completely, we call this phenomenon "inverted nipple".

Nipple inversion can be divided into three degrees:

First degree: The nipple is partially inverted and can be squeezed out easily. After squeezing out, the nipple can remain protruding.

Second degree: The nipple is completely sunken into the areola, but can be squeezed out by hand and is difficult to maintain in a protruding state.

Third degree: The nipple is completely buried under the areola and the inverted nipple cannot be squeezed out.

There are two main problems for mothers with inverted nipples:

One is that the baby has difficulty feeding.

Secondly, due to the difficulty in breastfeeding, the milk cannot be emptied in time, which can easily induce mastitis.

So, what should the mother do?

1. When the baby is feeding, he should feed from the concave side first.

At this time, the baby is relatively hungry and has a stronger sucking ability, so he can easily suck on the mother's nipple and most of the areola.

2. Do cross exercises frequently.

The cross exercise is mainly divided into two steps: the first step is to draw a cross, and the second step is to pull the nipple.

When making the sign of the cross, be sure to wash your hands first, then place the thumbs of both hands parallel to the sides of the nipples, and then slowly extend them from the nipples to the outside on both sides in parallel, that is, draw a "cross" around the nipples.

When pulling the nipple, first hold up the breast with one hand, and use the thumb, middle finger and index finger of the other hand to grab the nipple and pull it outward to the long position, and hold for about 30 seconds. 4 times a day, 10 minutes each time.

3. When the breasts are not swollen or painful, choose to apply hot compresses to the breasts, which can induce the "breast erection reflex."

Can I breastfeed with inverted nipples? How to breastfeed with inverted nipples?

4. Massage to correct inverted nipples

◎Clean your nipples frequently, and gently pinch them outwards with your hands while cleaning. After the nipples are dry, remember to apply olive oil, lanolin and other oil-based skin care products to moisturize them.

◎Massage the nipples. If you are troubled by inverted nipples, you can use the cross-shaped nipple massage method. With the nipple as the center, place the index fingers of both hands on both sides of the areola, first press down slightly, then push to both sides, and then push back; then place the index fingers of both hands above and below the areola and do the same action.

◎Use a breast pump to suck out the nipple. According to the instructions for using the breast pump, use the suction cup to suck your areola, press the handle, and use the negative pressure to attract the inverted nipple. Continue for about 10 minutes, then remove the breast pump and gently pull and twist the nipple with your fingers.

5. Master the correct breastfeeding posture.

The most effective way to deal with inverted nipples is to adjust the feeding posture.

Because the correct breastfeeding posture requires that the nipple and most of the areola be held in the mouth, with the tongue in a spoon shape and wrapped around the areola. The baby does not just suck the nipple, but instead holds the nipple and breast tissue under the areola into the mouth to form a "long nipple", with the nipple only occupying 1/3 of this "nipple". Therefore, when sucking on the breast, the length of the nipple is not so important.

Now that we know the breastfeeding posture, what should mothers do specifically?

1. Before each breastfeeding, squeeze out the milk and apply it on the nipple to stimulate the baby's interest.

2. Adjust the baby's posture: chest to chest, belly to belly, and chin to breast.

3. Check your baby's posture: his head, back and buttocks are in a straight line.

4. Gently touch the corner of the baby's mouth with your hand: trigger the baby's "feeding reflex".

5. Hold up your breast with one hand and bring the nipple and most of the areola into the baby's mouth (upper palate).

6. Check whether the lower lip is turned up.

Generally speaking, the two magic stages of a baby's correct latch are "open mouth" and "lower lip turned up". The correct state of the lower lip is that it is turned out comfortably and attached to the areola, rather than being tucked in or tightened. If your baby's lip is curled inward, just gently pull it out with your fingers.

The most important thing when dealing with inverted nipples is to build confidence for both mom and baby. You should know that a bad mood after childbirth will affect lactation. If the above methods still cannot correct the inverted nipple, the mother can try to buy an indirect nursing cover.