Inverted, Flat, Or Very Large Nipples

Some women have nipples that turn inward instead of standing out, or are flat and do not exceed. Nipples can sometimes be flattened temporarily due to swelling and congestion during lactation. Flat or inverted nipples can sometimes make it difficult to breastfeed. But remember that breastfeeding at work, your baby needs to stay on both the nipple and breast, so even inverted nipples can work very well. Often flat and inverted nipples to protrude over time, as the baby sucks more.

Very large nipples, can be difficult for the baby to get enough of the areola in the mouth to compress the milk ducts and get enough milk.

What you can do

Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant if you're worried about your nipples.

Use your fingers to try to draw out your nipples. There are also special devices to temporarily remove the flat or inverted nipples.

Lock for babies of mothers with very large nipples will get better with time, as the child grows. In some cases it may take several weeks to get the baby to much. But if a mother has a good milk supply, her baby is getting enough milk, even with a bad lock.