I Just Learned What Happens To Nipples During Breastfeeding – And Wow

I’ve breastfed two babies and I have to admit: I’ve never really considered what goes on behind their marshmallow cheeks when they’re having a bit of breakfast. So, I was more than a little surprised when a colleague shared a video with me, showing where exactly the nipple ends up when a little one is getting their milk fix.A reel, shared by model Beca Michie and captioned “adding it to the list of why I do not want kids”, showed an animated clip of a baby breastfeeding which cuts away to inside of the mouth.As the baby sucks, the parent’s nipple elongates and goes almost carrot-shaped as it gets drawn to the back of the mouth. One commenter replied: “I refuse to believe my nip does that 😭.”Another said: “As a currently breastfeeding mom, this is what they do. it’s not so bad though lol breastfeeding is really sweet honestly.”View this post on InstagramA post shared by Beca Michie (@becamichie)Some were mildly distressed by the finding.One respondent said: “The internet has become strong birth control over the last 5 years.” Another simply said: “As if having a child wasn’t terrifying enough, you have this too?!”Look, I’m going to level with you here, I had no idea my nipples were morphing into something resembling Bugs Bunny’s favourite snack during breastfeeding. It doesn’t hurt (or it shouldn’t, anyway) – and they certainly bounce back to a normal shape after. I asked lactation consultant Lucy Webber what she made of the video, and she replied: “Yes, the nipple should get right to the back of the roof of the baby’s mouth.“If you feel in your own mouth with your finger or tongue, the front of the roof of your mouth is ridgy and hard but as you go further back it becomes smooth and soft. This is the spot where the nipple needs to land, and that’s what makes it comfortable.“If the nipple is too far forward, and against the ridgy hard palate, it gets rubbed and compressed and that’s when you can get nipple damage and pain.”Huh! According to the NHS, “flattened, wedged or white nipples” at the end of a feed are a sign your baby may not be properly attached. The lactation consultant added: “The breast is made to be able to do this, it’s soft and pliable, so once you’ve got used to how to position and latch the baby on, it should be second nature.”It’s worth noting some people might experience a bit of discomfort for the first 10 seconds of a feed, but after that – and especially after the first few weeks of breastfeeding – it should be comfortable, said Webber.“If it’s not, get support from skilled professionals like an IBCLC lactation consultant,” she concluded.You learn something new every day... Related...'My Mother-In-Law Huffed At Me For Breastfeeding. Was My Reaction Unfair?'Ferne McCann Shares Candid Snap Breastfeeding Toddler – And Of Course Trolls Can't Handle It'My T*t Was Out': Mum On The Perils Of Taking A Delivery While Breastfeeding

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I Just Learned What Happens To Nipples During Breastfeeding – And Wow

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