Types Of Nipples And Their Influence On Breastfeeding – You Are Mom

At present,  there are five different types of nipples. Each has its own peculiarities and a different anatomy. Of course, we need to clarify that there is no advantage or disadvantage to having one type of nipple or another. However, every woman should know her own body and learn to handle and care for her nipples while breastfeeding.

The 5 types of nipples and their characteristics

1. The normal nipple

The normal nipple is called that because it is the one seen in most women. In the normal state, the end of this type of nipple is a few millimeters from the areola. When stimulated by tactile manipulation, cold, state of mind or while breastfeeding, its size easily increases.

2. The flat nipple

This type of nipple protrudes so little that it appears to form a flat surface relative to the areola. However, they  react in the same way as normal nipples to any stimulation and during breastfeeding. Their only special aspect is that they are shorter or less protruding.

3. Puffy nipples

Their appearance is very similar to that of flat nipples, since they do not come out of the areola in the normal state. However,  swollen nipples retract quickly after increasing in size, following a stimulus. In general, women with swollen nipples have problems while breastfeeding.

4. Inverted nipples

Inverted nipples look like dimples because they are sunken. Usually, they can easily be taken out with the help of surgery. Indeed, we must not forget that the success of breastfeeding will depend in part on the condition of the mother’s nipples.

Currently, three degrees of nipple inversion are known for which there is treatment:

• In stage 1, there is no significant obstruction of the milk ducts. So this is the best case scenario for breastfeeding. Indeed, the pregnant woman will be able to breastfeed her baby normally after having taken out the nipples.
• In stage 2 of inversion, there are slight obstructions of the milk ducts of the breasts. In these cases, breastfeeding will be possible. But the woman will have difficulty and may feel pain when giving milk to the baby.
• Unfortunately,  in stage 3, the breast milk ducts are totally restricted and breastfeeding is impossible.

5. Unilateral nipples

Women who have one-sided nipples have one normal nipple and one inverted nipple. In general, partial or complete obstruction of the inverted nipple can be remedied. This is done by changing positions and carefully breastfeeding with the other nipple.

How do you know if you have inverted nipples?

Many women don’t know they have inverted nipples. Indeed, they are used to the appearance of their breasts. However, it’s easy to tell if you have an inverted nipple with a simple homemade method. To start, you need to  gently press on the area of ​​the areola which is about 3 centimeters from the nipple.

If the nipple increases slightly in size or protrudes from the areola, this is a possible sign of pseudo-inversion. But if it’s still sunken, it’s probably a stage 2 or 3 inverted nipple.

Types of nipples and breastfeeding

Although the types of nipples influence breastfeeding, this is not the only determining aspect. Women who have normal nipples may also have problems while breastfeeding or in producing milk. When it comes to breastfeeding, each woman will have her difficulties and will have to find her own solutions. And this, always with the help of his doctor.

Many babies find it difficult to hold on to and suck on flat, swollen, or pseudo-inverted nipples. In these cases there are what are called nipple covers which help keep the nipples protruding. However, some babies may reject the device. Then their mothers will have to produce the same effect as the nipple covers with their own hands.

On the other hand,  normal but large nipples can cause vomiting. Indeed, they tend to rub the baby’s palate. In these cases, the mother will need to be careful that the baby does not put the whole nipple in her mouth.

Women who have stage 2 inverted nipples will have a harder time breastfeeding. The volume of milk can be reduced by obstructions. This can then cause more intense suction,  and injure or cause pain in the breast. Finally, in cases of inverted nipple stage 3, breastfeeding will be impossible.