Inward Nipples

OH I had the same problem with baby #1. They are call inverted nipples and there are many techniques to help tease them out. And worst of all I did not know I had inverted nipples. How would I? I really never compared them to others, the doctor didn't mention it, and being large breasted with large aerola too, it never made me think twice. So nursing was so painful and the first baby really never did pull my nipples out very well. Baby #2 did though, but I nursed him longer, and on demand, and I was home, etc.

A few suggestions:

1. Take an old bra, cut out the fabric in front of the nipple area and wear under shirts around the house. This is supposed to help tease them out. It only irritated me more.

2. Ask your husband to help during your more intimate moments. He will probably be the best help before delivery.

3. Try cold water in the shower briefly, switch to warm and manually try to stimulate your nipples.

4. What really worked for me: standing in the freezer section of the grocery store with a tank top. I read lots of labels pretending to be interested in the product.

Next, I'd google away and be sure to ask your lactation consultant while you have time.

After nursing 3 babies, my inverted nipples finally came out. I guess they're just shy.

Try massaging the nipples while gently pulling out. Do this during you pregnancy as long as you are not sore. It will help prepare them for nursing.
I'm sure hubby will be happy to help with this one! Best of luck with your new blessing.

I had inverted nipples. I pumped exclusively for 2 months til my son could latch on. You can wear breast shells before the baby is born and in your bra after the baby is born. I would not suggest nipple shields while nursing, they can lower milk supply significantly. Before each feeding, pump enough to draw out the nipple (with a cold horn if you can). Good luck

About a month before your baby is due, start wearing soft inverted shields. Medela makes them and you wear them right in your bra, which helps pull your nipples out. I had the same problem as you- large breasts/areola and inverted nipples. The hospital gave me these shields and they work, you just need to remember to wear them!
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Shell-Inverted-Nipple-Shield...

I have them too and used the shields that looked like a nipple and they sucked on it like a bottle, it lasted a few days and I changed to formula. It was 30 years ago so it was just one of those things.

Just a note, Marilyn Monroe also had inverted nipples and routinely had her costumers sew small buttons on the outside of her undergarments so it would look like she had nipples.

I hear you...mine still haven't come out after 20 months of breastfeeding between my two boys. I have to use a nipple shield when I nurse. For me it's basically like sticking a nipple on so my babies actually have something to latch onto (otherwise, it's pretty much impossible for them). I like the Medela brand contact nipple shield, and you can get them at babies r us or target (among other stores). I also bought a Shield Shell to store each of my nipple shields - they stay clean between feedings that way, and make them easier to stick in my diaper bag. Plus, the shields are safe from my dog and two-year-old being in the Shield Shells! Those are online at www.shieldshell.com.

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I had inverted nipples - still have, but I breast fed my first for 10 months and my 2nd for 7 months - it took about 6 weeks before I could stop using one of these http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=240323... so hang in there - it really doesn't matter whether you continue using using the nipple shield for the duration, but usually once the baby is a little bigger they can latch on even if the nipple is inverted - because they are not actually sucking on the nipple but taking the whole aereola in their mouth.