Does your infant struggle to latch on or stay latched? Do you have cracked, bleeding nipples? Is breastfeeding a complete struggle for you and your baby? If so, you may need an inverted nipple corrector.
Nursing with inverted nipples can cause a host of breastfeeding issues, if not corrected. The dream of breastfeeding your little one may seem so stressful and out of reach. You may be wondering if you will every attain a normal feeding session. However, this does not have to be the case!
In this article, I will introduce you to a few inverted nipple correctors that will change the game of breastfeeding for you for the better! Let’s not keep you waiting any longer, shall we?
What Are Inverted Nipples?
Despite my visit to the lactation consultant, who saw me breastfeed my infant, I was not informed that my nipples were inverted! It wasn’t until I took my daughter to a specialist to have her tongue tie fixed, that I learned my nipples were slightly inverted!
The specialist gave me my daughter after her quick procedure, and after seeing me breastfeed my little girl, commented, “You may have inverted nipples. That could also be contributing to your breastfeeding challenges.”
Thus began my journey of understanding and correcting my inverted nipples and looking into an inverted nipple corrector.
Let’s go over some basic anatomy. A woman’s breast has an areola and a nipple. The areola is the red or brown area in the center of the breast, and in the middle of the areola is the nipple.
Normally, the nipple stands out like a little peg on its own. However, for some women, the nipple is inverted to one of the three grades of severity, as explained below.
The Grades Of Inverted Nipples
There are three grades, or severities, of inverted nipples. The first grade is the least severe, and the third grade is the most severe. Below is a description of each.
Grade 1: You can easily pull your nipple outward. Also, the nipple will sometimes stay “poking out” on its own when cold or stimulated.
Grade 2: Breastfeeding is difficult, as the nipple rarely stands out on its own away from the breast. Baby may have difficulty latching or staying latched. As a result, you may feel full or engorged often. If you are able to pull the nipple outward, it quickly goes back to its original shape.
Grade 3: The nipple may look like it is being “sucked into” the breast. Breastfeeding may be impossible.
Signs and Symptoms Of Inverted Nipples
Some signs and symptoms of inverted nipples are:
- Nipple Position – Lays flat or indents into the breast instead of poking outward. Nipple does not stick out on its own.
- Sore, Bleeding Nipples – Since your little one is unable to draw the nipple back in their mouth appropriately, their tongue may be rubbing your nipple as they suck. This causes soreness and even bleeding!
- Poor Or Shallow Latch – Since it is difficult for a baby to latch on to an inverted nipple, soreness may result.
- Cracked, Bleeding Nipples – As a result from a poor latch or inability to draw the nipple back in infant’s mouth appropriately
- Hungry Baby – You may notice your little one always rooting and asking to be fed. This may be from their inability to effectively draw milk out of the breast from not latching on correctly.
- Engorgement – If milk is not able to be drawn out of the breast appropriately, engorgement may result.
Like What You’ve Found? Pin It!
The Inverted Nipple Corrector
If you do not want surgery to correct your inverted nipples, choosing a quality and trusted inverted nipple corrector is next on your list!
Below are a few loved inverted nipple correctors and their features. Each have pros and cons, so be sure to check those out too!
The Inverted Nipple Puller Or Aspirator
The Nipple Aspirator is clinically proven to help reverse inverted or flat nipples. This inverted nipple corrector is easy to use, can be concealed under the bra, and can be worn discretely while working.
It is effective for all degrees of inverted nipples!
What We Love About It
- Clinically proven!
- BPA free
- Made of food grade silicone
- Makes breastfeeding possible again!
- Use during the day or night
- Discrete and effective
- Has good pain-free suction
- Easy to clean
What’s Not So Great
- Takes 3-6 weeks of daily use to see results. Depends on degree of your inverted nipples.
- Recommended to be worn for 6 hours a day for best corrective results. This may be inconvenient to some.
- Comes with several parts in order to use
How Is It Used?
First, apply the gel to the nipple for better suction before applying the corrective cap. Then, use the syringe to create the desired amount of suction to be used. Start out with what you are comfortable with, and then work your level of suction up from there. Once those steps are completed, you will disconnect the syringe from the valve and leave the corrective cap on the nipple.
You can wear the corrective cap during the day or night!
It is recommended that you wear the corrective cap for more than 6 hours a day to see best results. However, when you first start out, you may need to work your way up to this time.
Don’t wear the corrective cup for more than 2 to 3 hours at a time. You will need to give your nipples 15-20 minutes of “breathing time” before you can reapply the correction cap.
Medela Softshells For Inverted Nipples
These Softshells made my Medela are handy to use for both sore, healing nipples and inverted nipples. They have some features that are nicer than the Aspirator above. However, it may not be good for everyone. Keep reading to learn more.
What We Love About It
- BPA & Bisphenol A free
- Allows for air flow to the nipple while being worn
- Can also collect milk while being worn
- Helps women with sore nipples heal while correcting inverted nipples
- One simple piece to use per nipple
What’s Not So Great
- Not clinically proven
- You cannot adjust the suction of the shell
- May be difficult for women with grade 3 inverted nipples
- Cannot breastfeed while wearing these shells, however, other Medela soft shells can be worn while nursing or pumping!
Medela’s Softshells are great for women wanting to correct their inverted nipples, but who also have sore, bleeding nipples. The holes in the shells allow for air flow, which helps allow the nipples to heal.
As mentioned above, these shells may not work for women with grade 3 inverted nipples. Some have had a hard time getting them in place or staying.
Also, you cannot breastfeed with these shells on. They are not like a nipple shield. You need to take them off in order to feed. However, the shells allow the nipples to heal by offering air flow, while also correcting the inverted nipples.
If you like these shells for correcting your inverted nipples while offering your ladies time to heal, I would also suggest using lanolin cream while using these shells. Lanolin is an oil derived from sheep’s wool, is safe for baby to ingest, and aids in the natural healing of the skin.
How Is It Used?
You simply place the shell over the breast and wear it within your bra. No need to adjust the suction degree. Just place it over your nipple and wear it throughout the day.
Haakaa Silicone Nipple Corrector
The Haakaa silicone nipple corrector is another wonderful option for mothers. It is simple to use, easily concealable, and can be worn during the day or night.
Additionally, it is easy to clean and comes with a convenient case for travel. Below are other features that you may find useful!
What We Love About It
- Made of food grade silicone
- BPA, PVC and phthalate-free
- Microwave, sterilizer and hot water safe
- Super simple to use
- One simple piece to use per breast
- Comes with a nice case for travel
- Night and day use
- Easily concealed
What We Don’t Love About It
- Only comes in one size (12mm inside diameter)
For most women, the Haakaa nipple corrector works perfectly for them. It draws the nipple out and allows their babies to latch on the breast with no problem.
Keep in mind that the severity of your inverted nipples and your breast/nipple size may interfere with the effectiveness of this kind of nipple corrector.
How Is It Used?
To use the Haakaa nipple corrector, you simply place over the breast, gently squeeze the nipple part, and let go. When you let go, it creates suction and draws the nipple upward.
These can be worn for 2 hours at a time. Just be sure to use the appropriate amount of suction that feels good for you.
To clean, you can wash them by hand, boil them in the microwave, or sterilize them.
Leave A Comment!
What encouraged you from this article? We would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts!
Want To Learn More?
If you would like to learn more about breastfeeding, check out these other related articles below!
Best Nursing Bras That Won’t Break The Bank
10 Tips To Overcome Exhaustion While Breastfeeding
Essential Oil For Breastfeeding
How To Naturally Boost Your Milk Supply