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Let's be honest. As women we would love to have long, everted nipples if we plan to breastfeed. Many women think that they have flat or inverted nipples and therefore will have a hard time breastfeeding. Some are so discouraged, they don't even try. It is a misperception that in order to be successful at breastfeeding we have to have nipples that any baby would appreciate.
Short Nipples:
These types of nipples are usually mistaken for flat. Short nipples have some shape or formation on the breast. Most women have nipples that fall into this category and babies do just fine, especially if the baby hasn’t been exposed to any rubber nipples. The truth is that if we don’t tell the baby there is a problem, the baby won’t know the difference. So don’t allow the baby to experience a "different" nipple. Just make sure that the baby latches over the nipple and does not suck at the tip.
When in doubt, it is most important to have Mom and baby do continual skin-to-skin. (No clothes between the Mom and baby.) This will help the baby instinctively breastfeed. Secondly, contact a breastfeeding professional for further assistance.
Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.
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