I think that labeling one of them "normal" is not helpful because there is nothing abnormal about having any other type, and we are all unique. But it is interesting to see myself fall into a category with others. Thanks for sharing.
Well, I have one flat and one that's inverted (stage 1). So this should have been multiple choice. LOL I think there's a lot of women that have only one inverted nipple out there.
also forgot to add the descriptions of the types of inverted nipples: Grade 1 These nipples can occasionally become everted from arousal, temperature changes, and stimulation. They can also protrude through manipulation by lightly squeezing
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also forgot to add the descriptions of the types of inverted nipples: Grade 1 These nipples can occasionally become everted from arousal, temperature changes, and stimulation. They can also protrude through manipulation by lightly squeezing fingers around the areola, a few centimeters behind the nipple. Grade 1 nipples will maintain protrusion without retracting. Breastfeeding is possible with Grade 1 nipples. Grade 2 These nipples can be pulled out—though not as easily—through the same manipulation method as Grade 1 nipples. However, Grade 2 nipples retract back into the areola after finger pressure is released. Breastfeeding is possible with Grade 2 nipples, but will present problems. Grade 3 These nipples are severely retracted into the areola, meaning they cannot be pulled out through physical manipulation, and typically require surgery in order to protrude. The milk ducts tend to be constricted, rendering breastfeeding impossible.
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Actually, what you are calling a "Grade 3 Inversion" is the only type of inversion that we consider "inverted" in lactation. The others, if they can pop out on their own, even with physical manipulation, are actually "flat" nipples.
It IS possible to breastfeed with fully inverted nipples. Adhesions can be broken with exercises and I have seen healthy newborn babies and breast pumps bring out even the most inverted nipples. We also use a device called an "Evert It" that is like a converted large syringe, with the end cut off and the plunger put in backwards, work to evert even a severely inverted nipple.
The other definitions aren't used in lactation in in most situations. Babies can pretty much grab hold of almost anything. I've seen bulbous nipples that may be difficult for tiny babies to grab, but they always manage, and if we have to use a nipple shield for a few weeks, that works for this, too.
This is what I do for a living, so I've seen babies nurse well on any of the "types" of inversion. I have yet to work with a nipple (and I've worked with thousands and thousands) that made breastfeeding "impossible." ;
Personally, mine are short and flat. One is flatter than the other, it's very common. My first baby completely everted it after only one or two feedings, and during those first two feedings she still managed to get what she needed from me. I have 8 years of breastfeeding kids under my belt, (more than 15 years total as a Lactation Consultant) combined with my 3 kids, so the shape of my nipples never slowed them down.
Well, I have one flat and one that's inverted (stage 1). So this should have been multiple choice. LOL I think there's a lot of women that have only one inverted nipple out there.
Most women who have an inverted nipple only have one. Almost always the other one everts with no problem.
I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually under the arm or on the underside of the breast on the "milk line" of the body. They can even be on the body and torso.
We tell women to leave these nipples alone (as many have no actual nipple pore for milk to exit) and use small ice packs and they eventually stop producing milk in that area.
Nipples can also appear anywhere from the back, to behind the knee to the bottom of the foot.
I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually
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I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually under the arm or on the underside of the breast on the "milk line" of the body. They can even be on the body and torso.
We tell women to leave these nipples alone (as many have no actual nipple pore for milk to exit) and use small ice packs and they eventually stop producing milk in that area.
Nipples can also appear anywhere from the back, to behind the knee to the bottom of the foot.
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Interesting. I didn't realize one could have nipples in so many places.
I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually
...
more
I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually under the arm or on the underside of the breast on the "milk line" of the body. They can even be on the body and torso.
We tell women to leave these nipples alone (as many have no actual nipple pore for milk to exit) and use small ice packs and they eventually stop producing milk in that area.
Nipples can also appear anywhere from the back, to behind the knee to the bottom of the foot.
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wow that's pretty cool. also, what is a nipple shield?
I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually
...
more
I've seen double nipples (two nipples on one areola) and both produce milk, albeit from the same breast. These often look like the top of a heart. I've also seen "supernumerary nipples" which are "extra" nipples, usually under the arm or on the underside of the breast on the "milk line" of the body. They can even be on the body and torso.
We tell women to leave these nipples alone (as many have no actual nipple pore for milk to exit) and use small ice packs and they eventually stop producing milk in that area.
Nipples can also appear anywhere from the back, to behind the knee to the bottom of the foot.
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I think that labeling one of them "normal" is not helpful because there is nothing abnormal about having any other type, and we are all unique. But it is interesting to see myself fall into a category with others. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, having one called normal is kinda shitty when they all appear healthy.
It's a little hard to tell (photographs might be a little easier to interpret for me), but I think mine are normal. Or somewhere between formal and flat...?
Agreeing that I hate that "normal" is a type, especially when so far the poll shows that other types combined account for a greater percentage of voters than the "normal" category. In either case, I'm somewhere between flat and short, but I voted short.
I have nipple piercings, so they are always semi-erect. *shrugs* It's been so long since I have seen my nipples without my jewellery in them that I have no idea what they are!
"flat" nipples sound boring. I guess I have boring nipples then #_#.
Mine are almost in that category... I prefer to think of our nipples as hm... recumbent? Supine? Imagine them just sort of reclining there on the areolas, leisurely. Not flat as in horizontal, but flat as in lying flat. Our nipples are just relaxed, enjoying a lazy life of luxury.
My wife has puffy nipples due to very large 36DD breasts. I love them just the way they are.
I have 36DD breasts (though I wear a tight 34 because I buy cheap bras and no matter what size I get, the bands stretch out) and my nipples/areolas aren't puffy. They're classified as "normal". You can have small breasts and still have puffy nipples/areolas. There isn't really a correlation. Just like big-breasted women MIGHT have bigger nipples/areolas but so might small-breasted women. And big-breasted women might have small nipples/areolas in the first place. It seems to be mostly chance.
I have 36DD breasts (though I wear a tight 34 because I buy cheap bras and no matter what size I get, the bands stretch out) and my nipples/areolas aren't puffy. They're classified as "normal". You can have small breasts and still
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I have 36DD breasts (though I wear a tight 34 because I buy cheap bras and no matter what size I get, the bands stretch out) and my nipples/areolas aren't puffy. They're classified as "normal". You can have small breasts and still have puffy nipples/areolas. There isn't really a correlation. Just like big-breasted women MIGHT have bigger nipples/areolas but so might small-breasted women. And big-breasted women might have small nipples/areolas in the first place. It seems to be mostly chance.
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hmm yeah i've never thought about whether or not the two are correlated.
hmm yeah i've never thought about whether or not the two are correlated.
Oh, I'm sure there's some slight correlation. I mean, it's only natural for big boobs to have big nipples. I'd say it's likely the "majority" of time but you never know and it's definitely not always the case. So I guess me saying "There isn't really a correlation" is probably a bit much but I'm definitely right in saying that it definitely isn't always the case and shouldn't necessarily "be expected", if that makes sense.
My areolas are so pale, they blend into the rest of my breasts so I can't tell how far they actually cover (it might be different during arousal - have to check sometime). I have the basic nipple type, 40DD, and have never been pregnant/breastfed.
