Abstract:
Inverted nipples occur in an estimated 9 to 10 percent of women globally, contributing to the
number of women who are not exclusively breastfeeding their infants. Women with inverted
nipples may want to breastfeed, but infants may be unable to latch to the breast. Inverted nipples
can be corrected, but it is unclear if women know about suitable interventions. This study
assessed if pregnant women knew about the available techniques to correct inverted nipples. We
conducted individual interviews with nine pregnant women with inverted nipples in a tertiary
hospital in South Africa. Data were analysed using an inductive content analysis. Most of the
women had very limited knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding or inverted nipples and knew very
little about correcting devices. These women thought that their infants would be unable to latch
and that exclusive breastfeeding would be impossible. Pregnant women with inverted nipples
should be educated about methods to correct their nipples.
