FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Evert-It™ Nipple Enhancer used for?
When a woman has flat, retracting or inverted nipples that cause the infant to have difficulty latching on properly or at all, the use of the Evert-It™ may improve the protractility of the nipples and surrounding tissue and assist the nipples with everting.
When the breasts are engorged or overly full, the Evert-It™ may be used to draw milk out of the lactiferous sinuses to soften the areola, encourage the nipples to evert and make latching onto the breast easier for the infant. (The use of the cone end is recommended for this purpose).
Prenatally, the Evert-It™ may be used to encourage nipples to evert when they are flat, retracted or inverted, and improve protractility of the nipple skin. The prenatal use may make the initiation of breastfeeding easier after the baby is born. The use of the Nipple Enhancer is not recommended prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Can the device be sterilized?
The Evert-It™ can be boiled if sterilization is necessary. A small amount of shrinkage may occur in the soft tip; however, the suction should be unaffected by the boiling process. The tip of the Evert-It™ is dishwasher safe, but the syringe gets very difficult to pull after repeatedly being put in the dishwasher, so we suggest only cleaning the tip this way. Due to the antibacterial nature of breastmilk, sterilization should not be necessary. We recommend washing the Evert-It™ with hot soapy water, rinsing well and then air drying. The Evert-It™ should not be autoclaved or microwaved as it will have an effect on the syringe.
Why is there a dual tip?
With the narrower sleeve end, it is possible to apply a direct, concentrated suction pressure at the base of the nipple where adhesions occur that might prevent the nipple from optimal protrusion. If the nipple can be made to protrude or evert, the baby has a better chance of being able to latch-on.
The design of the cone end is to accommodate all nipple sizes and can provide the same suction pressures which will help the nipple evert. The use of the cone end can improve protractility of the nipple skin to allow the baby to pull it far enough back into their mouth for a better or more effective latch.
The cone end may also be used when a woman's breasts are overly full or engorged, to pull her nipple out and draw some milk out of the lactiferous sinuses behind the nipple, so that the area is softer and more pliable. When breasts are overly full, it can be like asking the baby to latch-on to a tennis ball. With the cone end, a mother can soften the area for an easier latch.
We have also been told by mothers that the Evert-It™ can be useful when she must be away from her baby for a short period of time to pull milk out of the breast and relieve that "too full" feeling.
How do I decide which end of the Evert-It™ to use?
Reverse the cone and use the sleeve end when it is desirable to apply suction directly to the base of the nipple.
The mother may use the cone end any time to achieve nipple eversion, when nipples are too large to fit the sleeve end, any time it feels more comfortable or seems to work more effectively than the sleeve end, when the breasts are overfull to draw milk out of the lactiferous sinuses (large milk reservoirs behind the nipple) to make the breast softer for an easier latch.
Do not use the barrel without the cone attached, as injury may occur.
How does this device compare with the "Nipplette"?
The Evert-It™ is easier to use, costs less, is manufactured in the U.S. and was specifically designed for use by lactating mothers.
How is this device different from breast shells?
Results are usually more immediate with the Evert-It™. Breast shells often work over a period of days by applying gentle pressure over nipple skin. The Evert-It™ Nipple Enhancer does not need to be "worn" for hours every day.
What is the difference between using this device and using a breast pump to evert the nipples?
Our device is smaller, simpler, often less costly and many mothers find it less "intimidating". It can be used quickly and easily with one hand while the mother and baby are in position, ready to latch-on. The mother uses the Evert-It™ up to three times, removes it from her breast and quickly latches the baby on.
How much does the Evert-It™ cost?
Cost and ordering information may be obtained by calling Maternal Concepts directly at
(800) 310-5817 or by using the online shopping cart on this website.
Has anyone reported any damage / trauma to the nipple or areola while using the Evert-It™?
In our clinical trials and consumer use to date, we have not had any reports of damage / trauma to the nipple or areola. We recommend that mothers review the Evert-It™ instructions for use to ensure they can control the level of suction applied and avoid skin trauma. This product is not to be used in a manner other than directed.
Is the Evert-It™ easy to use?
100% of the women who used it during clinical trials said YES.
Is the Evert-It™ Nipple Enhancer easy to clean?
100% of the women who used it during clinical trials said YES.
What if my nipples get sore while using the Evert-It™?
It is more than likely that nipple soreness will result from the incorrect position of the baby's mouth on the breast than from use of the Evert-It™.
Whatever the cause of the soreness, we recommend the use of "Lansinoh for Breastfeeding Mothers™" for nipple soreness (For information about this product call (800) 292-4794 or visit Lansinoh's Website).
Some other suggestions include:
- Making sure the user is not pulling back too hard on the plunger, it is recommended to pull with enough suction pressure to evert the nipple, but not enough to cause pain.
- Discontinue use. (This is only recommended as a last resort!)
When the Evert-It™ is used, the nipples pull out but then they go right back in before the baby latches on. What can I do?
During clinical trials we found that, even when the nipple went right back in, the baby was able to latch-on after use of the Evert-It™, where they couldn't before. We think this may be because the skin was easier to grab on to after it had been stretched.
Have the baby in position and ready for latch-on so he or she can quickly try to latch immediately after taking the Evert-It™ off the mother's nipple.
Before taking the Evert-It™ off the breast, break the suction at the skin instead of pushing the plunger back in.
- Use of the sleeve end is highly recommended for this situation, unless nipples are too big to fit that end.
We suggest the mother hold the suction for longer and make sure the mother is using it three times just prior to latch-on and in between feedings.
If the baby is not latching on after a day or so, the mother should consider using an electric pump to bring in her milk.
What should I do if the Evert-It™ pulls out the nipple, but loses the suction right away (before pushing the plunger back in)?
This has happened a few times while using the cone end when the nipple skin was particularly thick and inelastic. Application of either Lansinoh or water to the inside of the Evert-It™ tip will create a better seal. When the mother is using the Evert-It™, she can push in slightly before pulling the plunger out.
Has research been done on this device?
Research data was collected during the clinical trials required for the FDA review process.
What should I do if the plunger does not slide smoothly in the barrel?
Lubricate the plunger by placing a small amount of vegetable oil on the clear seal.