Jennifer, whenever I tell a mom--particularly over the phone--that positioning
is a key factor in causing sore nipples, I also add that sometimes a minor
change makes all the difference in the world in comfort. Raising a baby an inch
or supporting the breast a little higher can turn discomfort into a relieved
sigh. I also explain that some babies have to have it exactly right or it
doesn't work for mom or baby, and that if the nipples are sore mom probably
needs someone to watch her nurse.

If you look at the pictures and descriptions in popular baby and even some
breastfeeding books, it is difficult to tell where the dividing line is between
"proper" and "improper" positioning. Unfortunately, if mom and baby are in a
truly optimal position it probably would be impossible to draw or photograph
that so that anybody but the nursing mom could tell what was going on!

Melissa Vickers, IBCLC and LLLL
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