Can I still breastfeed if my nipples are sunken? Corrective methods for preserving lactation function

Breasts are an important part of a woman's body, not only playing a beautiful role, but also playing a crucial role in breastfeeding. However, there may also be abnormal situations, where nipple retraction makes many women particularly troubled.

Does nipple retraction affect breastfeeding

If the nipple is retracted, it will prevent the baby from inhaling the nipple, which can affect breastfeeding. If it is not severe, the mother can massage and pull down the nipple appropriately every day for correction.

The specific breastfeeding method is to gently pull out the nipple each time and deliver it to the nipple opening, including nipple attraction, indicating success. However, due to the fact that the nipples are usually sunken, special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the nipples. During breastfeeding, the nipples should be frequently pulled out for cleaning. Before and after each breastfeeding, the nipples should be cleaned to prevent residual milk and dirt around the nipples from causing secondary infections. If the nipples are severely sunken, it is not advisable to force the nipples to be pulled out. People who are indeed unable to breastfeed must return to the breast as soon as possible in order to avoid acute mastitis.

Breastfeeding method with inverted nipple

1. Manual correction of nipple retraction - cross operation of the nipple. First, apply a warm towel to the nipple. After washing your hands, place your two thumbs parallel to both sides of the nipple and slowly pull them apart from the nipple. Pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the areola, place your two thumbs above and below the nipple, and slowly pull longitudinally. Use your thumb, pointer, and middle finger to pinch the nipple and gently pull it outward. Additionally, massage the breast to stimulate uterine contraction. Pay special attention when massaging, Stop massaging if there is obvious abdominal pain or if it is not appropriate to avoid miscarriage or premature birth, especially in the late pregnancy. It can also be assisted by nipple pullers and nipple protectors to attract long nipples through the baby.

2. If the inverted nipple is corrected, breastfeeding can be carried out as needed. Before breastfeeding, clean the nipple and breast with warm water and squeeze a small amount of milk onto the nipple to provide protection. At the same time, massage the breasts to stimulate breast discharge. When breastfeeding, choose a comfortable position. When the mother is lying or sitting on her side, place an appropriate height of soft or cloth pad on her back and under her arms while holding the baby. When sitting, place a chair of moderate height under her feet, which can effectively reduce the mother's support and reduce her fatigue and tension.

3. When breastfeeding, let the baby finish one breast before eating the other. After breastfeeding, do not forcefully pull the nipple out of the baby's mouth. Gently press the baby's jaw to gently release the nipple. If the mother's milk is very abundant and the baby cannot eat it, in order to prevent the milk from expanding, it is necessary to suck out the milk that cannot be eaten.