These theories were interesting, Jan, and obviously based on long experience
and close observation.

I am one of the wags who think that the areolar pigment changes and the
linea nigra are likely remnants from a time when our young followed the
markings to find food.  We know that babies prefer to gaze at faces, or at
the junction between contrasting color fields.  I see babies with eyes wide
open going for the breast, at least when they are sober (what an inadequate
word to describe that state of total taking-in), all the time.  They look at
the breast until it touches their lips, and then they unfailingly look to
mother's face.  They don't close their eyes before mother has 'confirmed'
her and their identity by gazing back, and then they settle in for the big
meal.

Also, I don't think blisters are a function of time, but of negative
pressure.  If this is excessive it is most often due to sub-optimal
technique/positioning, with baby not deeply enough on the breast.  This in
turn makes them suck too hard because milk or colostrum flow is impeded by
the incorrect latch.  I can't prove it any more than you can, but I know
that I had two babies who were pretty much latched continuously for the
first three days, and I never, ever got a blister, though I certainly
noticed that I was initiating breastfeeding.

And while the analogy about going barefooted in May or in August is a good
illustration for the newness, it is not the same.  The skin on our nipples
is like the skin on our lips - both sets.  Unlike any other skin on our
bodies, it will not become thicker or callused with frequent use and I for
one am glad of that.  We  need it to be thin on our nipples in order to be
sensitive to the touch of a baby's mouth, so we can release the hormones we
breastfeed with.  Breaks in the nipple skin hurt, but they don't arise
because the skin is too thin or too fragile.  They arise because we are
doing something wrong.

Isn't it sad what so many people with too little time to stop and just
watch, are missing?
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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