[Natttmumm]

I didn't end up BF my first 2 children as I had flat nipples and it didn't work out. I am pregnant with number 3 and really want to make sure I get the right advice and stick it out.
I'm planning to buy a good pump - can anyone share their story and let me know how they managed with flat nipples. I will have a 3 and 5 yr old at the time number 3 arrives so I can't focus on feeding all day but I really want it to work out.

[PreachersWife]

After a horrendous time in hospital with DD1 and very flat nipples, I spent a day with an excellent LC who helped me attach her using shields. I fed her for six months, DS for fourteen and I'm currently feeding DD2 who is almost five months with no plans to stop! I've used the shields all the way, tried to get off them a few weeks ago with DD2, but after a hellish two weeks, shredded nipples and a big discussion with the LC (I love that wonderful woman!) we're back on and feeding well!

I recommend trying to see the LC at the hospital, tell the about your history and see what they say!

[becstar101]

I was told I had 'flattish' nipples, and had lots of problems trying to feed dd. I ended up feeding with shields until she was 14 months. When ds was born, I had the shields in my labour bag, but he attached no problems and again fed to 14 months. The midwife said my daughter had pulled out the nipple and made it easier for him to attach.

With dd I expressed after each feed for round 8 weeks, and gave her a top up of ebm after each feed to make sure she was getting enough.

[zogee]

I found it got much easier when bub grew a little bit and worked out how to latch properly (around 5-6 weeks). I ended up with cracked nipples and mastitis once but am still feeding ds now. What worked for me was being very careful about attachment in the early days, resting one boob completely for 48 hrs (pumped instead of bf) to allow the nipple to scab properly and heal and I used hydrogel discs and lansinoh. I never had an issue with nipple confusion etc thankfully.
I also saw the LC as an outpatient when ds was about a week old before I started bf from my bad side again so she could check his attachment.
Compared to my horrid experience with dd things have gone much better than I had hoped. For me the key was allowing my cracked nipple to heal properly and use EBM in the meantime. It may not work for everyone but I am certain it stopped me getting repeated bouts of mastitis like last time.
Good luck!!!

[Lokum]

Flat nipples here. Fed with shields for 7 months, and without shields for a further 8 months.

It was tough to get going, and I did need to express and give EBM for a few weeks to get it started, but it was fine. I did see a couple of LCs, but really it was persistence at home with the shields (and support from our MCHN) which made the difference.

[mrs*a]

I highly recommend shields. I fed my son for 20 months, and my daughter is still feeding well at nearly 13 months.

Some LC's will warn you about them inhibiting milk supply, but I've never had any problems with Avent or Tommee Tippee shields.

The ABA forum has some good advice too.

Good luck

[Lainskii]

One of mine is flat and I BF DD with a nipple shield for 12 months.
DS feeds on it fine this time.

As a PP suggested, go and see a lactation consultant to help you out whilst in hospital.

[lucky 2]

Some LC's will warn you about them inhibiting milk supply

It depends on how baby feeds from the shield.
If the baby attaches well and removes milk well and is thriving, then milk supply will be perfect.
Sometimes a shield doesn't lead to an ideal latch and if this is the case then baby could underfeed, breasts can become congested and milk supply can diminish as a result.

[CharliMarley]

I think you can still buy something like I had - they were plastic shield thingys which I wore inside my bra in the last trimester and they gently brought out my inverted nipple. I wore them every day and they did the job, so see if you can find something like this, because they really do work.

[Sezabear]

I have flat nipples and only managed to BF my first baby for 4 weeks. I was using the nipple shields in hospital (think they are medela) and thought we had it all worked out. Well my supply only stayed up if I pumped after each nursing session and when I didn't my supply dropped right off.

LC kept telling me that to make more milk, you have to remove it. But what they don't tell you is that you make milk NOT because it is simply removed, but because of the NIPPLE STIMULATION that happens durin the removal. So when I was using the nipple shields the sensation was decreased and that means the signals were'nt being sent to by brain > Boobs to produce more milk.

So just be warned that the shields are meant for "temporary" use and that if in doubt you should pump after each feed with the sheild.

I am currently 6 weeks pregnant with bub#2 and looking forward to using all my knowledge this time around towards successful nursing

Good luck xx