Inverted nipples are typically just part of your genetic makeup, and most women with inverted nipples have either had them their whole lives, or found that they inverted as their breasts developed during puberty.
So if you have inverted nipples, you definitely didn't "do" anything that made them that way. Also, not all people with inverted nipples have both nipples inverted; it's pretty common for one nipple to be inverted, while the other protrudes.
Nipple inversions can sometimes come and go. In fact, one third of pregnant women will experience inverted nipples at some point in their pregnancy, even if they did not have inverted nipples before and especially if it's their first pregnancy. Conversely, some women who have had inverted nipples their entire lives find that their nipples begin protruding once they become pregnant. But nipples that suddenly invert are something to get checked out by your doctor — an inverted nipple can be a sign of breast cancer if it suddenly shows up in adulthood when you're not pregnant.
Inverted nipples are just as sensitive as protruding nipples , so feel confident that you're not missing out on anything the outies get to feel in bed or in sports bras made of weird, itchy fabric. Since a baby latches onto the erect nipple while breastfeeding, some women with inverted nipples experience trouble in this arena though most women with inverted nipples won't have a problem.
But even if it does trip you up, there are a ton of techniques and solutions out there to help out nursing moms with innies. If you have inverted nipples and are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant soon, it's worth discussing the situation with a doctor or midwife; they might recommend some exercises called the Hoffman Technique , which involve manual manipulation of the nipple that can help loosen the tissue inside the breast that is causing the inversion.
Some breastfeeding moms with inverted nipples also find that using nipple shields a silicone cover with holes in it that is placed over the nipple during feedings help their babies to latch on; some also recommend wearing breast shields , which apply pressure to the nipple, encouraging it to pop forward. Some innie moms also have success with stimulating their nipples with hands or ice or pulling back on the areola to make the nipple protrude right before a feeding.
And if none of these options work, women with inverted nipples can still easily use a breast pump to express their milk — in fact, sometimes the suction of breast pump can even be used to pop the nipple out for a feeding. Some nipples only invert sometimes, and can reverse after changes in temperature or stimulation. Others nipples can be permanently inverted.
The Hoffman technique for drawing out inverted nipples has been in use since the s. To try it:. For best results, practice this technique at least once a day. Regular stimulation may help your nipples protrude more often. There are some suction devices promoted for reversing inverted nipples. Most are worn under clothing for extended periods of time.
These devices usually work by pulling the nipple into a small cup. This stimulates the nipple and makes it protrude. When used over time, these devices can help loosen the nipple tissue.
This can help your nipples remain erect for longer periods of time. Some people may experience nipple protrusion and others may not. Most devices are inexpensive and may be worth a try. Nipple piercing is sometimes done to draw out inverted nipples. This is because jewelry worn in the piercing can help keep your nipple in an erect position. At your appointment, remind your piercer that you have inverted nipples.
Your piercer may also use nipple clamps to help pull the nipple out. During this time, your nipples may turn red or feel achy. In most cases, this happens because the nipple is being forced out. This may also make the actual piercing more painful. Once your nipples are completely out, your piercer will use a gauged needle to thread a piece of jewelry through the nipple. Often, the jewelry used is a stainless steel ring or a barbell. A barbell is held in place with screw-in balls on both ends.
This prevents the nipple from sinking back into the breast. You should keep the ring in place for four to six months before switching jewelry.
Men are typically pierced with a gauge needle, and women are typically pierced with a smaller gauge needle. This can vary from person to person, though. Be sure to talk with your piercer about the right size for you. Not everyone finds piercing effective. Talk to your doctor and potential piercer about the benefits and risks. If you do decide to get your nipples pierced, note that taking the jewelry out may cause your nipples to invert.
To prevent this, avoid leaving the jewelry out for extended periods of time. Check out: How to recognize and treat a nipple piercing infection ». As for everyone else, one of the first things Downs-Canner checks up on when she encounters a newly inverted nipple is the possibility of an underlying cancer. Mastitis—inflammation of the breast tissue, primarily caused by breastfeeding—is an example of one of those infections that can cause retracted nipples, says Downs-Canner. Another benign cause of nipple inversion: ectasia, or a clogged milk duct.
FYI: You can get a clogged milk duct even if you're not breastfeeding. Depending on the cause, your nipple might eventually pop out again.
After treatment for a breast infection, for example, there's a good chance your nipples will return to their original proud stances, says Downs-Canner. One more thing: When it comes to breastfeeding with inverted nipples, that's totally doable too, says Downs-Canner—it just might take a little more patience and the help of a lactation consultant.
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