7 Tips for Getting Your Baby to Latch on With Flat Nipples

Each of your nipples has many small openings that lead to the milk ducts and allow breast milk to flow out of your breast to the baby. The size and shape of nipples vary, and some people have flat nipples that don't protrude from the areola. It is still possible to breastfeed if you have flat nipples.

illustration of three women with text "tips for breastfeeding with flat nipples"

Verywell/Emily Roberts

What Are Flat Nipples?

Flat nipples are not raised. They appear to lay even with the areola and the surrounding skin of the breast. Flat nipples do not stick outward from the breast, but they don't turn inward either (those are called inverted nipples).

True Flat Nipples

Many women have nipples that appear flat most of the time, but then become erect when they are exposed to cold temperature or sexual stimulation. These are not truly flat nipples. True flat nipples do not respond to cold or arousal. However, even if you have nipples that remain flat all the time, they will often start to protrude outward during your pregnancy.

Engorgement

Even if you have protruding nipples. you may experience flat nipples if your breasts become engorged. When your breasts become overfull with breast milk, they can become hard and swollen. This can cause your nipples to become flat and make it more difficult for your baby to latch on.

Tips for Breastfeeding With Flat Nipples

In general, flat nipples do not usually interfere with breastfeeding. Most newborns can latch on to flat nipples without much of a problem. And, as long as your baby can latch on to your breast properly, they will be able to draw your nipples out. You can also try these strategies if you or your baby is struggling.

Use Breast Shells

You may need to wear breast shells between feedings. Breast shells put pressure on the base of your nipple to help it stick out more. Remove the breast shells before you breastfeed your child. Unlike nipple shields, you cannot wear breast shells while you're nursing.

Try Pumping

Experiment with using a breast pump right before you nurse your baby. The suction of a breast pump can help to draw out and elongate your nipples. There is also something called a nipple averter that can help pull out flat nipples; discuss this with a lactation consultant.

Express Milk by Hand

If your nipples are flat due to breast engorgement, try to remove a little bit of breast milk before you put your baby to the breast. Hand expressing or pumping some breast milk before feeding helps to soften engorged breasts and makes it easier for your baby to latch on. However, you should only pump a little bit of breast milk. When you remove too much breast milk, your body will make more and engorgement could get worse.

Experiment With Breastfeeding Holds

Use a V-hold or a C-hold to gently squeeze your breast and present your nipple and areola to your baby. These holds compress the breast like a sandwich so the baby has something to latch on to. Learning how to hold and offer your breast to your baby can help to encourage a good latch.

Stimulate the Nipple Beforehand

You may want to try putting a cold wash cloth or ice cube on the nipple to cause it become more erect before breastfeeding. Or, if you find that uncomfortable, you can try using your finger to make the nipple stick out a little more before latching your baby on.

Work With a Lactation Consultant

If you are having trouble getting your baby to latch on, or if you're not sure if your baby is latching on correctly, have your baby's latch evaluated by your doctor or a breastfeeding specialist. A trusted health professional with breastfeeding experience can recommend the best ways to deal with your specific circumstances.

Track Your Baby's Diapers

To be sure that your baby is breastfeeding well on your flat nipples, look for the signs that they are getting enough breast milk. Keep track of your baby's wet diapers and be sure to take your baby to all scheduled well-visits for weight checks.

A Word From Verywell

If you have any concerns about your nipples or if you are having difficulty latching your baby on to your breast seek help as soon as possible. A lactation consultant, a healthcare provider, your baby's pediatrician, or a local breastfeeding group can provide assistance.

3 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Mckechnie AC, Eglash A. Nipple shields: a review of the literature. Breastfeed Med. 2010;5(6):309-14. doi:10.1089/bfm.2010.0003

  2. Chakrabarti K, Basu S. Management of flat or inverted nipples with simple rubber bands. Breastfeed Med. 2011;6(4):215-9. doi:10.1089/bfm.2010.0028

  3. Jiang B, Hua J, Wang Y, Fu Y, Zhuang Z, Zhu L. Evaluation of the impact of breast milk expression in early postpartum period on breastfeeding duration: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2015;15:268. doi:10.1186/s12884-015-0698-6

Additional Reading
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. New Mother’s Guide To Breastfeeding. Bantam Books, 2011.

  • Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide For the Medical Profession Seventh Edition. Mosby, 2011.

  • Newman J, Pitman T. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers. Three Rivers Press, 2006.

By Donna Murray, RN, BSN
Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Honor Society of Nursing.