The Truth About Inverted Nipples

Breastfeeding is not necessarily affected by inverted nipples, but some babies may have a tougher time latching on to the breast. If your nipples are flat or inverted, a lactation counselor can be a huge help (via La Leche League International). They can show you how to use breast shells that can help draw out your nipple, how to use a quality breast pump for the same purpose, or even how to use a nipple shield. Some babies, though, won't have any issue at all latching on to a breast with a flat or inverted nipple, but if you do run into issues, you can get help to make your breastfeeding journey a successful one. 

If you're not having a baby any time soon and have been looking into body piercing, you might be wondering if a nipple piercing is even possible with inverted nipples. Interestingly, a nipple piercing can, in fact, help with drawing the nipple outwards. Dr. Franziska Huettner told Cosmopolitan, "Nipple piercings with a dumbbell or bar can be useful in elevating the nipple and stretching the ducts, which in some cases may provide some degree of improvement." Though nipple piercings aren't recommended as a solution, they can offer a temporary fix.