Flat or Inverted Nipples and Nursing – What You Need to Know

Breastfeeding isn’t always as intuitive or effortless as the baby books make it seem. And if you have flat or inverted nipples, you might be wondering if it’s even possible to nurse your baby successfully. Here’s the good news: Yes, it is possible. Flat or inverted nipples can make things a little trickier, especially in the early days, but with the right techniques, support, and mindset, breastfeeding can still be a rewarding experience.

Let’s break it all down together.

Understanding Flat and Inverted Nipples

What Are Flat or Inverted Nipples?

Not all nipples protrude outward. Some lay flush with the areola (flat), and others retract inward (inverted). This is usually a normal variation in anatomy and isn’t necessarily a problem unless it interferes with a baby’s ability to latch effectively.

You can do a quick self-check with the “pinch test”: Gently compress your areola about an inch behind your nipple. If your nipple doesn’t bulge out, it’s flat. If it pulls inward, it’s inverted. These nipples typically won’t become erect when stimulated or exposed to cold. Still, if you have small nipples, that alone usually isn’t an issue for latch.

Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples

Will This Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?

Flat or inverted nipples can make latching more difficult, but they don’t automatically mean you can’t breastfeed. Many parents with these nipple types go on to nurse successfully, especially with early support.

For a baby to nurse well, they need to grasp the nipple and stretch it toward the roof of their mouth. It helps when they get a deep latch and take in a generous amount of breast tissue.

If your baby is strong, healthy, full-term, and vigorous, they might be able to draw the nipple out easily without any extra help. The more you breastfeed, the more your nipple may stretch and protrude over time—making nursing easier with each feed (and even easier with future babies).

Why Does This Happen?

In many cases, flat or inverted nipples are due to adhesions that didn’t naturally release during puberty. During nursing, you may feel some pain as your nipples are pulled out, especially at first. But this discomfort is often temporary and tends to improve as the tissue stretches with continued breastfeeding.

Many mothers have just one inverted nipple. In that case, you can breastfeed on the “easier” side and pump the other side, storing milk for bottle feeds.

Tips and Tools That Can Help

Start with Skin-to-Skin Contact

This encourages natural rooting and latching instincts. Start immediately after birth and keep it going often in the first few days.

Use a Breast Pump

Pumping before each feed can help draw out the nipple temporarily by gently stretching the tissue and encouraging it to protrude, making it easier for your baby to latch. Even just a minute or two of suction from a manual or electric breast pump can soften the areola, reduce engorgement, and help shape the nipple for feeding. This technique can be especially helpful in the early days when your baby is still learning to latch and your milk supply is regulating. It also serves as a cue for your body to release milk (let-down), which can further ease the feeding process.

Try the Breast Sandwich Method

Grasp your breast well back on the areola with your thumb on top and fingers below. Compress gently while pushing back toward your chest wall. This elongates your areola and makes latching easier.

Stimulate the Nipple

Rolling the nipple between your fingers or applying something cold can help it protrude just before a feed.

Use Nipple Formers

Also called breast shells or milk cups, these can be worn during pregnancy and between feeds to help shape the nipple.

Try the Niplette for Flat or Inverted Nipples

A suction-based device that gently pulls the nipple outward and stretches the milk ducts. Some use it during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding.

Practice the Hoffman Technique

Place your thumbs on either side of your nipple, press down firmly into the breast, and stretch outward. Do this both vertically and horizontally, a few times a day. It’s a simple, no-equipment approach that may gradually encourage the nipple to protrude more over time, making breastfeeding easier.

Use Nipple Shields (With Guidance)

These artificial nipples can help with latching in some cases but should be used under lactation guidance. Overuse may impact milk supply.

Try Lansinoh LatchAssist

This handy tool creates gentle suction to pull out the nipple just before feeding.

Timing and Support

When to Start and When to Ask for Help

Start nursing as soon as possible after birth, and try to feed every 2 to 3 hours. This helps prevent engorgement, which can make flat or inverted nipples even harder to latch onto.

Always watch for signs your baby isn’t latching well: frustration at the breast, low weight gain, or painful feeds. If anything feels off, reach out to a lactation consultant sooner rather than later.

Also, if you notice your nipple suddenly changing shape or becoming inverted after previously protruding, see your doctor. It could be a sign of something more serious that needs evaluation.

What If I Just Want to Pump?

Exclusively pumping is a valid choice. Some moms prefer it if latching proves too painful or stressful. Pumping still allows you to feed your baby breast milk, and with today’s pumps, it can be very effective.

Final Takeaways

• Flat and inverted nipples are more common than you think.
• With time and the right help, breastfeeding is still very possible.
• Start early, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Feeding your baby is what matters most, no matter how you do it.

Resources for Support

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

• If nipple inversion or flattening happens suddenly (rather than being long‑standing), this could indicate underlying pathology (e.g., breast mass or duct change) and should be evaluated. Cleveland Clinic
• A systematic review (2024) found that in interventions for flat/inverted nipples, methods such as Hoffman’s exercises, inverted syringe method, nipple exercise were “quite effective in increasing breastfeeding success” (significant exclusively breastfeeding at 1, 3, 6 months) when part of a multidimensional postpartum follow‑up. PubMed
• Inverted Syringe Technique RCT: “The inverted syringe technique for management of inverted nipples.” International Breastfeeding Journal. 2022. BioMed Central
• La Leche League – Inverted & Flat Nipples resource. La Leche League International
• Australian Breastfeeding Association – Flat and inverted nipples resource. breastfeeding.asn.au