Inverted Nipples

Today, an expectant mother asked me what she could do to prepare her breasts for breastfeeding. This is a common question, so I thought I might address it here with our group.

The most important thing a mother can do is to check to be sure she doesn’t have inverted nipples. Inverted nipples are those that retract (telescope in to the breast tissue) when the areola (brown area behind the nipple) is gently pinched together. The condition makes it difficult for a baby to latch correctly. If identified during pregnancy, treatment can be very effective in reducing the degree of retraction and facilitating an early attachment of infant to breast. So, if a mother thinks her nipples might be inverted, she can ask her doctor to check or call our lactation office for a recommendation.

Breasts: Small Versus Large

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Many women are led to believe that the size of one’s breasts will determine their ability to produce milk. Not true. Most of us are blessed with an ample amount of mammary (glandular) tissue that is responsible for making milk. Our mammary glands make up only a portion of our breast tissue. The rest is adipose (fat) tissue and is the greatest contributor to breast size. Women with large breasts will not necessarily make any more milk than those with small breasts. So, don’t let your breast size be your guide. Remember, breasts may be small…but they will be mighty!!!

Getting Started: The First Few Days

In many cases, the first few days of breastfeeding a newborn are quite different from what most of us have read or learned about breastfeeding. For example, we are told that a full-term baby will want to nurse about every two to three hours in the first few weeks. This is true. However, the first few days may throw us for a loop! Day one:Baby is often sleepy and may not awaken easily for feedings. This can be related to his tummy being filled with amniotic fluid (especially if born by cesarean) or by the store of fluids and nutrients transferred to baby in the days and hours just before birth. Day two:Baby is more awake and alert. His store of nutrients may now be depleting, and now he wants to nurse every hour! These are called “cluster feedings” and are baby’s way of letting mom’s breasts know that he will soon be ready for larger volumes. These frequent feedings not only help mom’s uterus to stay nicely contracted, but also allow baby to practice suckling before the voluminous transitional milk comes in. Days three to five: Mom’s transitional milk is coming in. Her breasts may change (blood and milk engorgement) and baby must re-learn how to latch to these “new” breasts. He must refine the way he suckles in order to handle the increased flow of milk. It is usually at this point that feedings begin to occur more consistently at two- to three-hour intervals. After the first few days, things begin to settle into more of a routine. Still there will be many more changes to adapt to. Life with a new baby can be challenging, yet wonderful. Just remember to eat, drink and sleep when baby sleeps, and let everything else go to pot!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

Have you ever read the children’s book about the little engine that could? It is an inspiring story about the value of positive thinking and self-empowerment. When we are expecting our first baby, many of us feel worried about breastfeeding. This is completely normal, especially if we are going to be working mothers. In our culture of communication technology and information overload, expectant mothers often hear only about problems associated with breastfeeding. Unfortunately, that’s what people talk and write about. They may not hear the scores of wonderful, successful breastfeeding stories (yes, even for working mothers)! In most cases, especially when there are expert clinical resources, women and their babies do quite well with breastfeeding. One thing to remember is that, as women, our bodies are built for growing, birthing and breastfeeding babies. So let’s not forget that! Yes, indeed, I think you can, I think YOU can!