I'd appreciate some input here on a set of nipples that are taking a long
time to heal, yet are healing, but we are at 8 weeks of activity here (very
stoic mom.)

P3G3L3--left nipple was inverted with first baby , and eventually, the baby
was able to get onto the breast (after a couple weeks of pumping and
bottling ebm). Second baby followed approximately the same pattern.  Now
this third baby has been able to get on the breast from day one, and in the
process pulled out the inversion to the extent that there is  a large
crescent moon crack at the base and side of the left nipple (looking at it
straight on as a clock, from about 2oclock  to 6 oclock. ) Was a split,
excruciating upon latch, hurt for 2-4 minutes then became bearable, but
only in comparison.  Most recently, though the skin tissue is clean, not
oozing, in the depths of the crack now a mound of raw red tissue is
forming. At first it was just near the lower clock of the crack, now has
extended to the whole crack. Surprisingly, it is less painful now. Is it
new tissue- or what? It is really weird looking skin stuff. In a resting
state the mound of the healthy everted part of the nipple does fold down
upon the crack area.

 Right nipple more of the same but not as deep or long of a crack from 11
oclock down to approx 7 oclock.  This one is healing at a quicker rate,
does not get as folded into in a resting state.  Baby seems to be doing her
job well, gaining great, nice lips, tongue etc.

My question:  These cracks are buggers.  I use a combination of air drying,
L------h, some soaking prior to feeds, trying to keep nipple from folding
down.  What do you all do?  What would be your traditional treatment for
these kinds of wounds? Who has used that Dimple Ring thing? Is it for these
kinds of cracks/nipples?  I do think that a lot of maintaining bf with this
kind of crack depends on the mom--and some good TLC from family and support
people. But what do YOU all do as a way to handle this kind of nipple wound?

Karen Foard, IBCLC  State College, PA

PS  Kathy A.--I took pictures---we'll see if these come out, since my arm
pit dripping nipple didn't come out clear,   and my yeast patch breast was
not developed by W--M--- since the subject matter was deemed
inappropriate!!  Have to send the negatives somewhere else!!