I Discovered What Happens to Nipples During Breastfeeding – It’s Amazing

Understanding the Mechanics of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural process that many mothers experience, yet it often remains a mystery to those who haven’t gone through it. I’ve breastfed two babies and never really thought about what happens behind their soft, round cheeks when they’re feeding. That changed when a colleague shared a video showing exactly where the nipple ends up during a feeding session.

The video, shared by model Beca Michie, was captioned “adding it to the list of why I do not want kids.” It featured an animated clip of a baby breastfeeding, which then zooms in on the inside of the baby’s mouth. As the baby suckles, the parent’s nipple elongates and takes on a shape similar to a carrot, being drawn to the back of the mouth.

This visual was eye-opening for many viewers. One commenter expressed disbelief, saying, “I refuse to believe my nip does that 😭.” Another shared their own experience as a breastfeeding mom, stating, “This is what they do. It’s not so bad though lol. Breastfeeding is really sweet honestly.”

Some people were mildly disturbed by the concept. One response read, “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?!”

As someone who had no idea my nipples could morph into something resembling Bugs Bunny’s favorite snack during breastfeeding, I found the video both surprising and informative. The process doesn’t hurt (or at least it shouldn’t) and the nipples usually return to their normal shape after feeding.

To better understand the mechanics, I reached out to lactation consultant Lucy Webber. She explained, “Yes, the nipple should get right to the back of the roof of the baby’s mouth.” According to her, the front of the roof of the mouth is ridgy and hard, but as you go further back, it becomes smooth and soft. This is the ideal spot for the nipple to land, making the feeding process 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,” she added.

According to the NHS, “flattened, wedged or white nipples” at the end of a feed are a sign that the baby may not be properly attached. Webber emphasized that the breast is designed to accommodate this process, being soft and pliable. Once a mother becomes accustomed to how to position and latch the baby correctly, it should become second nature.

It’s worth noting that some people might experience a bit of discomfort for the first 10 seconds of a feed, but after that—especially after the first few weeks of breastfeeding—it should be comfortable. If it’s not, Webber advised seeking support from skilled professionals like an IBCLC lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding is more than just a biological function; it's a complex interaction between mother and baby. Understanding the mechanics can make the experience more comfortable and less daunting for new mothers.

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

• Proper Latch: Ensure the baby latches onto the breast correctly, with the nipple deep in their mouth.
• Positioning: Experiment with different positions to find what works best for both you and your baby.
• Comfort: Make sure you're in a comfortable position to avoid strain or discomfort.
• Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant if you encounter difficulties.

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires patience and understanding. Learning more about the process can help ease any concerns and make the journey smoother for both mother and baby.