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Expert Q&A

	By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.

My nipples are really flat and the area around them large. Can I still try breastfeeding?

Nipples and breasts come in all sizes and shapes, some of which would seem to be ""better"" for breastfeeding than others. However, remember that your baby only knows YOUR breast, and to him, the shape of your breast and nipple is the only shape he'll know about.

Nipple shape and the amount the nipple protrudes often change during pregnancy and beyond, so if your nipples are rather flat right now, they may very well stick out quite a bit more when the time comes to put them to use.

One simple test you can perform to at least get an idea of how your nipples will perform when your baby latches on is to gently squeeze your breast just behind the nipple. If the nipple sticks out, that's great. If it ""hides"" instead and goes in rather than out, then it MAY be more challenging for your baby to latch on, although again, this may change by the time your baby is born.

Do your nipples stand out more when you get cold? That's another good sign, and you can actually use a cold cloth just before nursing to help them stand out. Using a breast pump right before nursing can also help draw the nipples out enough for an easy latch-on. Once your baby is attached and getting milk, he'll keep them out.

Have someone knowledgeable help you with the first nursings--either an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a La Leche League Leader. These folks can help make sure your positioning is good to allow baby to latch on as well as possible, and they can help you assess how the feedings are going.

So, go for it!"

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