Breastfeeding, Preparing for Arrival

Nipple Type

Before your baby is born, it is helpful to know what type of nipples you have. A flat nipple lies flat against the areola (darker circular area around the nipple) instead of protruding outward like a normal nipple. Inverted nipples seem pushed inward to the areola. Both flat nipples and inverted nipples can make correct latch-on more challenging for your baby since they are not easy for the baby to grab in his or her mouth. One solution is to wear a breast shell (a round plastic shell that fits around your breast) in your bra to create a moist environment around the nipple to help it protrude for easier latch-on.

Regular Nipple	Flat Nipple	Inverted Nipple
Regular, flat, and inverted nipples

Medications

Before the birth of your baby, know what medications you are taking or may have to take after the birth, and how they will affect your baby through your breast milk. Talk with your health care provider about their safety, and about possible alternative treatments that won't affect the baby. While breastfeeding, if you become ill and have to take medication, tell your health care provider that you are breastfeeding. It may be possible to temporarily pump and discard your breast milk while taking the medication. During this time, you can use previously stored breast milk or formula to feed your baby, but you will be keeping your breast milk supply at a level that will meet the baby's needs when your treatment is over.

Recent Breastfeeding News

Breast-fed children less likely to develop obesityChildren of diabetic pregnancies have a greater risk of childhood obesity, but new research from the Colorado School of Public Health shows breastfeeding can reduce this threat.

Asthmatic mothers encouraged to breastfeed without fear as it boosts baby’s lung power: StudyIn their study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine they looked at nearly 1,500 children from birth to ages eight to 14. Parents provided information on breastfe...

Breastfeeding associated with improved lung function in children of asthmatic mothersBreastfeeding is associated with improved lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers, according to a new study from researchers in Switzerland and the UK.

Breastfeeding may improve lung function in school age children of asthmatic mothersBreastfeeding is associated with improved lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers, according to a new study from researchers in Switzerland and the UK.

Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly receive FDA approval for Jentadueto to treat type 2 diabetesBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Jentadueto (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride) tablets, ...