Carole wrote:
<<<Two questions/issues: what are some most-favored strategies for
management of retracting nipples in the postpartum period? Second
question: if I ever work with pregnant moms and discover these shy
nipples on a prenatal exam, what can be done during pregnancy to help
them evert?  I am thinking breast shells, but I know you Lactnetters
will have a wealth of other ideas to share! Thanks for the help!
Carole Jernigan
(who is hoping to have her LC course requirements done by the end of
this month)>>>

I have good luck with having the moms hold the breast in a modified "C"
hold, really a "U" hold, flatten the breast parallel to the baby's mouth
(varies depending on the position ), and press back in toward the chest
wall with the fingers supporting the breast. Even a "shy" nipple
protrudes enough for the baby to latch this way. I never recommend
breast shells because of what I read in Lawrence while studying to sit
the LC exam, that moms who are given stuff to do and wear to prepare for
breastfeeding sometimes opt out because the preparation makes
breastfeeding seem complicated. I know breast shells can be helpful, and
some moms are given them in the hospital. I never comment one way or the
other.
Rowena Tucker IBCLC
Texas

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