The Use of Supple Cups for Flat, Retracting, and Inverted Nipples

Approximately nine to ten percent of women present with flat, retracting or inverted nipples, making latching an infant to the breast more difficult. Various products including breast shells, the Niplette™, the Latch Assist™, an electric pump, and a converted syringe are recommended to help elongate and stretch the nipple in order to assist with latching the baby. A new product called Supple Cups is available that gently stretches and elongates the nipple, making latching easier. Twelve women with flat, retracting, or inverted nipples who were pregnant or having difficulty breastfeeding were asked to try Supple Cups. Ten of the twelve women (83%) were able to consistently latch their babies and breastfeed after using Supple Cups. Eight women (67%) eventually exclusively breastfed their infants. In summary, Supple Cups are an inexpensive, easy-to-use product that can be very effective at protracting flat, retracting, and inverted nipples.