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Baby's nipples inverted

by Deb Donovan

question
My daughter is 4 months old and it looks as if her nipples are inverted. Is this normal for babies? If it is abnormal, please let me know your suggestions for treatment.

Thanks, Sajan

answer

Dear Sajan, Many babies, both boys and girls, are born with inverted nipples. Inverted nipples result when the tissue underlying the mammary pit (in your unborn baby) does not proliferate as expected and elevate the nipple and areola. Adhesions at the base of the nipple pull the nipple inward.

As a child's breasts develop, adhesions may stretch, and the nipples will extend. Some children's nipples begin to extend at the time of puberty, and others may not extend until the changes that take place during pregnancy and lactation. Truly inverted nipples are rare.

Even if your daughter still has truly inverted nipples it does not mean she will not be able to breastfeed when she has children of her own. Many mothers with inverted or flat nipples go on to successfully breastfeed their babies. So don't worry about your baby's inverted nipples. No treatment is needed.

Warmly, Debbi

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