There are many moms who breastfeed their babies successfully with inverted nipples. However, many moms assume there is no point in trying to breastfeed, as they believe they will experience extreme pain and give up breastfeeding after weeks of guilt and tears!

If you are considering this option, I would like to offer you a couple of options. Naturally you may be more concerned about your baby’s well being – as often mothers are, but there is a way that you can still give your baby the benefits of your amazing milk without the tears and long nights.

Whilst your baby will drain the breast more efficiently than any breast pump, this is true for baby’s who are breastfeeding without any problems. So, once you have had your baby, still get your baby onto your chest as soon as possible and see what happens. If your baby latches and the nipple pain is bearable, you may be able to correct your nipple over time and enjoy pain free breastfeeding. If your nipples begin to crack and bleed within a couple of feeds, you could start to hand express both breasts every 2-3 hours. Your midwife will show you how to do this if you ask her. Collect your droplets of colostrum in a syringe and give this to your baby.

As your supply increases, you can start to express using a double pump. This will reduce the amount of time required and will also increase your supply substantially as you are stimulating both breasts simultaneously! The more you express, either by hand or pump in the first 2 weeks, the more you will produce long term. This is good to remember, as your baby will grow and will be able to scoop up more breast tissue over time.

Ultimately, the more breast tissue your baby can scoop up, the more milk he/she will be able to drain from the breast and the less pain you will experience!

There are many reasons for breastfeeding, but one that is often overlooked is that breastfeeding can be extremely enjoyable!

Let's Breastfeed is dedicated to making your breastfeeding dreams become a reality. If I can't see you in person, you can still have me in your living room with my Let's Breastfeed Program! www.letsbreastfeed.com/blog