Dear Friends,
I am working with a mom with her second baby.  We worked together with her
first one and I think I even posted with that one because she had blanching
nipples complicated with yeast.  Anyway she started on the Nifedipine even
before birth this time and that part seems to be better.  She has flattish
nipples and large breasts and has used a nipple shield on the left for 3 weeks
and is still using one on the right although she really wants to throw it as
far as it would fly!  She has gotten him latched a few times without it but it
is a struggle.  When I helped her I was able to pull his chin down a little
farther and he did better but she "can't do that herself".  Her right nipple
looks like her left but it is more inelastic.  This was a problem with her
first also but softened by 6-7 weeks and she had an enjoyable experience for
the next 7 months.  Is it possible there is still some lymph congestion that
lingers and slowly goes away with time?  If so, would cabbage to the nipple
and areola help soften and increase the elasticity?  I mentioned it to her to
try as I didn't see it would hurt even if it didn't help.  She is already
using some heat for the Raynauds but no difference.  She is thinking of going
to just left sided nursing but I really think this may improve--just wish I
could help although she isn't taking suggestions as well with this baby as
with the last.  She gets very tense when she puts him on that side which
doesn't help.
If your wise minds can think of anything else that I can suggest, please post.
I also wonder if this is part of the Raynauds as this side is always more
painful.
Thanks
Denise Stuart, RN, IBCLC
Kent, WA
(Seattle area-where it just rains except in the mountains)