If you have inverted or flat nipples, Medela nipple formers can prepare them for breastfeeding and help your baby latch on. If you have inverted or flat nipples, breastfeeding may be more challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible! Some babies can struggle to latch on to flat nipples, causing nipple soreness. In addition, an inverted or flat nipple might not reach the roof of your baby’s mouth, which means that the sucking reflex may not be triggered. But remember, many women with these types of nipples have no breastfeeding problems at all. In fact, you may find that as your breasts change during pregnancy, your nipples become more prominent anyway. However, if this isn’t the case, you may want to try nipple formers.

Nipple formers apply gentle pressure on the areola (the circle of darker-coloured skin around the nipple), which can help to gradually draw out a flat or inverted nipple. You can start to use nipple formers during pregnancy, from about 32 weeks onwards. However, if you have a medical condition known as an incompetent (weakened) cervix or have been told your baby may be born prematurely, speak to your healthcare professional before using nipple formers, as nipple stimulation may bring on contractions. Begin by wearing nipple formers for one hour a day and gradually increase to around eight hours per day. If necessary, you can continue wearing them after your baby’s birth, between feeds (for 30 minutes to an hour before breastfeeding). However, avoid wearing them at night, to prevent tender nipples developing.