>     I have found with several mothers with flat or inverted nipples that
> if baby opens mouth widely and latches well onto the areola, often the
> shape of the nipple is a non-factor.  I approach it as such first until
> shown otherwise.  Forming the 'sandwich' is very helpful.

I'm glad to see your post, Susan, as I as well tend to explain to moms I guide
as well as nurses (et al) I teach, that actually nipple form or size is mostly
not really an issue if mother understands the consept of where the baby's jaws
should be when drinking*) at the breast. The only size that does interfere with
breastfeeding is a nipple that is larger than the baby can take,or a shape that
is really odd, like oval or with an extra nipple right next to it.
Only if a mother herself wants to change the size or form of her flat or
inverted nipple will I teach her how to do it.

*) I make a point of calling it drinking at the breast and not sucking (in Dutch
there is no differentiation between sucking and suckling). When using the word
drinking it implies another action than the word sucking does.

Gonneke van Veldhuizen, IBCLC, living in Maaseik, Belgium
http://www.users.skynet.be/eurolac
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