To Lori, R/T blisters on the nipple.
Just a few thoughts. Sometimes blisters on the nipple are from poor
positioning and attachment. An asymmetrical latch with lower lip down low
sometimes is the saving position for these. Also gluing the baby to mommy
without any space between them. These things most of you already know.
But we have seen a lot of "raspberry nipples" in women who have good
positioning and attachment and the nipple is round and erect after feeding.
These mothers are "sore" and these little fluid filled bubbles are abundant
after feeding. For the first few feedings they don't hurt when touched, but
begin to after a few more feedings. With these mothers swallow heard are few
and far between. We are beginning to believe these "raspberry nipples" are
from extended negative pressure with infrequent let-downs.
Some minor adjustments we are making to aid these women are : 1- warm
compresses for 2-5 minutes before feeding 2- gentle but deep massage before
feeding . These are old fashioned breastfeeding tricks we are bringing back
and they seem to be helping. (Haven't had them in place long enough for
stats). But seem to be hearing more swallows and , hopefully will see less
"raspberry nipples".
C. Muller

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