So many questions....

[Kiki1987]

Hey guys, I’m 10 weeks pregnant and my head is so full with questions.

I’m hoping to breastfeed. The problem is, I have one inverted nipple which is attached to the most infection prone boob EVER. I have suffered breast abscesses, numerous times over the last 10 years. I’m exceptionally worried I won’t be able to feed from this breast due to my inverted nipple and due the the infections. Has anyone else suffered this and overcome it?

[Jmww01]

having an inverted nipple doesnt stop you from breastfeeding, if you have problems with latch there are little nipple shields you can get to bring the nipple out or your hv will recommend you stimulate to see if it will come out - my left side was inverted and somehow breastfeeding has brought it out by itself - 6 months down the line and my nipple is still very much out without the help of any shield. i think just from the suction of feeding, sometimes it goes flat but never fully goes inverted.

in regards to the infection and feeding i know that if you develop mastitis the recommendation is you continue to feed as the milk isn't spoilt despite it can be painful, but you'd probably have to ask your midwife about that one.

best of luck with your pregnancy x

[Khp1]

After a difficult first few weeks I bf my little one off just my right side. It did the job perfectly for 7.5 months. He was 6.6 after 3 days and on the 25 percentile, by 6 months he was nearly on the 90th!

The lactation specialist at the hospital was a godsend!! Good luck x

[Kiki1987]

Thank you ladies. You’ve made me feel confident enough to just give it a go. I’ll certainly look into the nipple shields.

Again thank you.

Xx

[Hidden in reply to Kiki1987]

Biggest advice would be to get baby assessed for tongue and lip ties as soon after giving bieth as possible. If there is any restrictions then it will increase the chances of clogs happening. Also if your nipples become erect when stimulated pr when cold then you don't have truely inverted nipples. A shield will help but isn't good for long term use as you need the direct contact to send the signals to produce milk xx

[Hidden]

Hi, had a slightly inverted nipple due to a breast reduction operation and managed to breast feed out of that nipple. Although I only managed 5 days of breast feeding then gave up. But just those few times did help my nipple to pop back out. Try not to worry until the time comes. I found it easier to bottle feed as it meant my husband could also feed baby if I needed a rest. You can never predict what is going to happen till the baby is here. I know you have different concerns to me. The midwifes in the hospital know best.