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HAIR AROUND NIPPLES

Question:

I am five months pregnant and want breastfeed the baby. But I have several long coarse black hair around my nipples. (As I have hirsuitim I have similar hair around my neck and stomach as well.) Could you please suggest a safe method of removing them? I have tried to trim them using scissors, but they grow back more grizzly. I do not want to use depilatory creams as the chemical components in them might be very harmful to the baby. If I leave the hair as it is I am afraid that the baby will swallow many of those thick ones. Please help me with your advice.

Answer:

Hair follicles surround the nipples, and most women have at least some nipple hair. In some women, the hair is coarser and more noticeable than in others. I wouldn't worry about trying to remove the hair. Unless you want to pluck them out frequently (ouch!), then I would just leave them alone. It is doubtful that the baby's sucking will pull them out (think about how hard you have to tug when you pluck a hair in order to remove the root), and even if he does swallow one or two, I don't think that he is likely to choke on them. I have worked with many mothers with hairy nipples over the years, and have certainly never heard of a baby choking on them. If you are still concerned, ask your pediatrician for his recommendations regarding the chances of a baby choking on a hair the length of those found on a nipple. I doubt that he will be concerned, but it's worth checking out. You also might want to consult a dermatologist who has experience in permanent hair removal methods and get his advice.

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The assistance that you receive either on Medela's website via our website is not meant as a substitute for professional guidance from your local health care professional. Please seek help from your local health care professional or IBCLC (1 800 TELL YOU or email to ILCA@erols.com for a local referral to an IBCLC in your area) if you are experiencing problems with breastfeeding or if you have continuing concerns.

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