Nipples?

MindOverLaborDoulas · 07-10-2006, 11:46 AM

Okay.. got an issue with inverted nipples.. not me- a client!
What will bring them out, she doesn't have a breast pump.
Babe was born Sat. and it's still really tricky.
Give me some suggestions please?!!!!
I'll search to see if anyone has already covered this too.

AbornDoula · 07-10-2006, 11:49 AM

There are breast shields that she could get that helps the nipples come out. Check with the lactation consultant at the hospital. Usually the hospital has them to give to moms. If not, contact your Le Leche League rep and she might be able to point you in the right direction.

fearlessbirth · 07-10-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbornDoula

There are breast shields that she could get that helps the nipples come out. Check with the lactation consultant at the hospital. Usually the hospital has them to give to moms. If not, contact your Le Leche League rep and she might be able to point you in the right direction.

That's the only advice I'd have as well. Good luck! Let us know what you find out so we can learn as well!

susan1 · 07-10-2006, 12:03 PM

Yes...those breast shields work...They were a life saver for me.

However make sure she only using it when needed only.

1stimestar · 07-10-2006, 12:05 PM

Yes she can get some nipple shields from the hospital but I highly recommend she talk to an LC as the shields themselves cause some concerns.

fearlessbirth · 07-10-2006, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Yes she can get some nipple shields from the hospital but I highly recommend she talk to an LC as the shields themselves cause some concerns.

Yeah, I thought I'd remember getting mixed reviews from some of my reading books. I'll be interesting in finding out what Ashley's clients learns.

MindOverLaborDoulas · 07-10-2006, 12:55 PM

Okay.. I got her in contact with the WIC LC and I'm going to meet her to get a breast pump to take to my client. The shields apparently weren't working well enough. So, I'll let ya know when I find out myself.
Our local LLL is 60 miles from here..ugh!

Stacie · 07-10-2006, 01:16 PM

MindOverLaborDoulas · 07-10-2006, 01:37 PM

We're dealing with truely inverted nipples here. That sight is a pretty good one so I bookmarked it. Thanks Stacie!

Jilian · 07-10-2006, 03:51 PM

A good friend of mine had inverted nipples and went through hell to be able to breastfeed her son. She had to get a pump, nothing else seemed to work. She used the shields, but they are VERY hard to stop using and should only be used as a last resort. She saw an LV every day for the first few months and had to do a lot of pumping and feeding her son with a syringe hoked to a small tube that she placed in his mouth.

It requires a lot of work but it can be done! She went on to BF her son for 18 mos! I hope the LC can help her. Have you checked out http://www.kellymom.com/ and www.breastfeeding.com ?

massodoula · 07-10-2006, 03:52 PM

I have a question RE: nipple shields while we are on the topic. I have a friend who is solely using nipple shields to breasfeed...what are the concerns that were mentioned previously???

Jilian · 07-10-2006, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massodoula

I have a question RE: nipple shields while we are on the topic. I have a friend who is solely using nipple shields to breasfeed...what are the concerns that were mentioned previously???

From Kellymom.com:

Disadvantages to using a nipple shield

Disadvantages to the nipple shield include:

baby may get less milk if the shield is used incorrectly
mom is more at risk for plugged ducts and mastitis (due to reduced milk transfer)
it can be difficult to wean from the shield

Although nipple shields should be used only after other options have been tried, it is better to have a baby on the breast with a shield than not on the breast at all!

The friend I mentioned previously did have issues wih plugged ducts a few times while using the shield. It is really important to catch them early to avoid mastitis. Mastitis is a nasty infection.

Stacie · 07-10-2006, 05:56 PM

MindOverLaborDoulas · 07-10-2006, 10:09 PM

The breast pump from the WIC LC seemed to do the trick. I talked to her again this evening and she said that it has been pretty smooth sailing the rest of the day. She was so happy that the baby didn't seem frustrated anymore.

And the LC gave me a breast pump in case we have anymore clients with problems.

MIA-D · 07-11-2006, 10:53 AM

I think the care providers need to get more involved in this. I have tried and failed three times now (not for lack of trying but frustrated, also have flat nipples). Nurses come for a post hospital check at like three days - at that point it is - okay I am still trying, it is difficult, but then there is no followup. You just run out of the will to fight. Sleep deprived, the house is a mess, there are other children to care for, it just falls to the wayside.
And it will irritate me to no end that I couldn't do it. I would love to try again, do relactating and all of that but only if someone else runs the rest of my life so that I can devote all of my time, energy and effort into that. KWIM?

Heather (sorry for rambling - sore spot)