Nipple former as a breastfeeding aid
In the case of flat or hollow warts, mothers often have difficulties breastfeeding because the little baby mouth does not get to grip the specially shaped nipple properly. However, the breast can be prepared for lactation by the regular use of a nipple former.
What are flat or hollow warts?
The so-called flat or hollow warts either exist from birth or have developed in the course of puberty. Statistically, about ten percent of women have flat warts and about one percent hollow warts.
- Flat warts hardly stand out from the areola and do not straighten up despite stimulation or cold.
- In the case of hollow warts, shortened milk ducts ensure that the nipple is slightly turned inwards.
With a simple “pinch test” you can find out for yourself whether you have flat or hollow warts. Press gently on the areolas with your index finger and thumb. If the nipples remain in the areola or turn inwards, you know that your nipples are specially shaped. From a health point of view, this is completely harmless. But when breastfeeding, your baby may have trouble grasping the nipple. Nevertheless, with appropriate preparation, it is possible to breastfeed normally.
How and when do I wear a nipple shaper?
With nipple former, the breast can be prepared for lactation. Nipple formers are flexible, anatomically shaped caps that are placed on the areola. In most cases, the nipple formers have air holes that allow the breast to receive sufficient oxygen. In addition, they can easily be worn in a bra. At first, you may only wear them for a few minutes, but you continuously increase the time span to about eight hours a day. The gentle pressure on the areolas causes the nipples to protrude more and more. You should use the nipple formers at the latest in the last trimester of pregnancy, so that there is enough time to straighten the nipples. You can also use this breastfeeding aid after giving birth between breastfeeding.
With a so-called Niplette it is even easier. You put the little cap on the nipples. The associated suction pump creates a vacuum in the cap and the nipples are erected by the suction. Used regularly, the shortened milk ducts are gradually stretched and the nipple shape normalizes. However, the Niplette only works as long as no milk shoots in and thus the cap slips in its position.
So if you want to breastfeed, flat or hollow warts are not necessarily an obstacle. It is best to inform yourself at an early stage with your midwife or a lactation consultant whether and which breastfeeding aid is suitable for you.