Hi  All

I have seen verically creased nipples a couple of times, and in both cases
the "cause" was  similar.
Both mothers had smallish breasts with fairly highly placed nipples.  To
position their babies both these mothers used the cradle hold but with
their babies straight across their bodies i.e at absolute right angles to
the mothers abdomen, with the baby held very closely, [and ram-rod
straight] against the mother's body. [Baby's body was against mother's
other breast].  A baby held in this manner is very hard to attach properly
- hard to get the chin and bottom lip correct.  After adjusting the hold,
it was just a matter of correcting the attachment,and encouraging the baby
to take more of the breast into its mouth,  and nipples were no longer
creased.  [Both mothers told me their backs improved, as did their supply
which I put down to not only the babies being able to milk the breasts more
effectively, but the mother must have been a lot more relaxed and
comfortable!]

A scary thing.....one of these mums was a highly experienced mid-wife!

I don't know if this will help your friend help her mum, Kathleen, but I
guess its worth looking at her hold!

Brenda Donnelly    RGON   NMAA Counsellor
Brisbane    Australia