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| Main > Breastfeeding Center > Breastfeeding Problems
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Inverted Nipples
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| Nipple abnormalities, especially inverted nipples or nipples that are flat or everted, can cause difficulty with your infant latching-on to breastfeed. You can gently squeeze the areola behind the base of the nipple with your forefinger and thumb to see if you have inverted, everted or flat nipples. While a normal nipple will move forward when doing this, an inverted or flat nipple will move inward.
Some tips to help your baby latch-on if you have inverted or flat nipples include:
- Squeeze a flat nipple between your forefinger and thumb to make it easier for your baby to latch on.
- For an inverted nipple, with your thumb above the areola, place your fingers below the areola and pull your breast inward. You also wear breast cups or shells a few hours a day, especially during your third trimester, to help your nipples evert. You can also try pumping just before your baby is going to breastfeed or place a few drops of breastmilk on your nipple to encourage him to latch-on.
If you are having difficulty getting your baby to latch-on because of inverted or flat nipples and it is interfering with breastfeeding and not improving with the above tips, then call your doctor or lactation consultant for further management.
Breastfeeding Resources:
- When Latching: a great guide to latching on effectively when breastfeeding, with pictures and step by step instructions.
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