Julie Vella: full-breasted temptress
The Breast: Inverted Nipples
An inverted nipple (occasionally invaginated nipple) is a nipple that, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the breast. In some cases, the nipple will be temporarily protrude if stimulated, but in others, the inversion remains regardless of stimulus. Women and men can have inverted nipples. A given individual may have one or two inverted nipples.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Women with inverted nipples may find that their nipples protract (come out) during pregnancy, or as a result of breastfeeding. Most women with inverted nipples who give birth are able to breastfeed without complication. In women, one way to protract inverted nipples is breastfeeding. As infants latch onto the areola, not the nipple, most women are able to breastfeed without issue. An infant that latches on well may be able to draw out an inverted nipple.
The use of a breast pump or other suction device immediately before a feeding may help to draw out inverted nipples. A high-quality, hospital grade, electric pump may be used for this purpose. There are special devices specifically designed to draw out inverted nipples before feeding or a homemade nipple protractor can be constructed out of a 10 cc disposable syringe.
Two methods which are now discouraged are breast shells and the Hoffman technique. Breast shells may be used to apply gentle constant pressure to the areola in order to try and break any adhesions under the skin that are preventing the nipple from being drawn out. The shells are worn inside the bra. The Hoffman technique is a nipple stretching exercise that may help loosen the adhesions at the base of the nipple when performed several times a day. Although both techniques are heavily promoted, a 1992 study found that not only do shells and the Hoffman technique not promote more successful breastfeeding, they may actually disrupt it.
Methods which cause inverted nipples to protract
Although the breastfeeding function of a woman's inverted nipples is rarely affected, some women (and men) with inverted nipples consider them to be a cosmetic deformity. Some people with inverted nipples seek plastic surgery to cause their nipples to protract. If a woman elects to have this surgery performed on her inverted nipples, it can permanently destroy her capacity to breastfeed.
One method of protracting inverted nipples is to have the nipple pierced. This method can be used by either men or women, although it will only be effective if the nipple can be temporarily protracted. If pierced when protracted, the jewelery may prevent the nipple from returning to its inverted state.
Copyright: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article on Inverted Nipple.