Inverted Nipples - Ecorse,MI

When I gave birth to my first, I had inverted nipples. I wore nipple shields to draw them out to breastfeed... and they're pretty much other there since then ;) I don't know if it was the shields or breastfeeding or why they changed to good (mind you, if I wear a bra for a really long time they'll be flat until I set my ladies free), but they're really not inverted anymore. Maybe try nipple shields? They look like little domes that you place over the nipple, inside your bra.

I have one inverted nipple and one "normal." Both my kids had no issues breastfeeding. The LC told me to used sheilds, but I refused. I was just looking in the morrior the other day and sure enough my nipples are back to one inverted and one not.

Out of curiosity, why do you care?

TIA,

Here is a definitive answer. I am a breast surgeon and deal with this issue quite a bit.

Yes, it is normal to have chronically inverted nipples. Some women develop that way from puberty (or earlier), and this is just your body. For some women, it's both nipples and for others it's just one. When nipples that were normally everted (or out) become newly inverted, we worry an underlying breast malignancy. In your case, if this has been a lifelong issue, it's not a huge concern for breast cancer, but if this is new over the past year or so, you need breast imaging like a mammogram (and sometimes additional studies after that) to evaluate for cancer.

As far as making them "come out," yes, after breast feeding, some women's nipples will evert. Most though, evert to some degree and then retract and return to the inverted position. However, if this is really bothering you, a breast or plastic surgeon can perform a small, simple operation to correct the problem. Just be forewarned, this will be considered cosmetic and generally not covered by insurance.

my mother has inverted nipples and was never able to breast feed because they didn't know how to fix them 45 years ago!! :)

If you haven't had a baby yet....I don't know what to tell you..talk with your OB/GYN and see what they suggest...most times they say to use a breast pump - like you were going to pump milk to help.

Hi---I have inverted nipples, always have, as far as I can remember. Never realized they were all that different until a recent breast exam and was asked about them. I successfully breast fed all 3 of my babies and was never asked about or had breast shields suggested...although as I think back, I bet my first could have benefitted from them. They are still inverted. I am 54 now.
Be well, D.