A new mother has inverted nipples. What nursing action can assist her in breastfeeding?

Providing breast shells and using a breast pump is an effective nursing action to assist a new mother with inverted nipples in breastfeeding. Breast shells can help gently draw out the inverted nipple, making it more protruded and easier for the infant to latch on during breastfeeding. The breast pump can also stimulate the nipples and help to evert them, which promotes breastfeeding success. This approach directly addresses the physical challenges posed by inverted nipples, facilitating a better feeding experience for both the mother and the newborn.

Other methods, such as using a nipple shield, can also be beneficial, but they might not be the first choice for correcting the inverted nipple issue. Immediate encouragement of formula feeding does not support the mother’s desire to breastfeed and may inadvertently reduce her milk supply and breastfeeding confidence. Advising her to wait until the condition improves without interventions is not proactive and may hinder breastfeeding initiation. Hence, employing breast shells and a breast pump directly targets the issue and supports the initiation of breastfeeding effectively.