Many women fear that flat nipples will not allow them to breastfeed their babies properly. Actually, the shape or the position of the nipples has nothing to do with the milk quantity or its quality and, moreover, there are several techniques that enable the protraction of the nipples and makes breastfeeding easier.

What are the flat or inverted nipples?

Nipples are flat when their shape is flat and they don’t protrude from the areola zone. Inverted nipples are actually retracted nipples, held tight by the connective tissues underneath them. In both cases, breastfeeding is rather difficult, because the baby can’t grasp the nipple and, therefore, he cannot nurse properly. If the nipple is just flat, the mother should try to produce the nipple by holding the areola between the first finger and the thumb and by pressing slowly on it. In case of flat inverted nipples, this technique might not be as efficient as mentioned above.

Can flat or inverted nipples be repaired?

Just because someone has flat inverted nipples, it doesn’t mean that the situation is without exit. There are several techniques and devices designed to make life easier for mothers with nipples issues. Breast pumps or breast shields work on nipples’ shape by pressing the areola zone, in order to break the connective tissues underneath the nipples that hold them tight and retracted. The result is not immediate and it might take time until the nipples are corrected, but at least mothers can feed their babies a bit easier.

Another option is the plastic surgery. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and during it the nipples are detached from the breasts and repaired or replaced.

Are there any risks when correcting the inverted nipples?

Specialists advise women to use the breast shields with extreme caution because studies have shown that they might lead to the incapacity of breastfeeding. The same risks appear in case of a surgery. Many researchers claim that during the operation, the sensitivity of the nipple might be affected. Not to mention that in case of complications, the doctor might sever the ducts carrying the milk from the mammary glands to the nipples. That’s why women should only talk to a certified surgeon and clearly specify any existing intention of having babies and breastfeeding them before the surgery takes place.

In conclusion, flat nipples don’t necessarily affect the ability of breastfeeding the baby, but in case the mother decides to correct them, she should be very attentive and well informed before choosing the right method.