In a message dated 96-10-10 00:50:55 EDT, you write:

> Ben (my nursling at 26 mo) while BF, will leave creases and
>blanching in the nipple occasionally (I have to continually take him off and
>start him over because it hurts!), usually when he is sleepy and nursing.
 He
>has even bitten me once or twice!  (Little stinker!)  Twice now, I have
>discovered the beginnings of splits in the base of the nipple (one for each
>side), and have treated with antibiotic ointment (sparingly applied at night
>before bed and after he has finished nursing for the night)

Janet,
I never had a cracked nipple before until I was nursing a toddler.  Just
because your little one has nursed literally all his life doesn't mean he
can't cause you problems. (yes he can be a little stinker!)  I am assuming
from your post that he did not used to hurt you when he nursed.  Toddlers
tend to try out new ideas on you when they nurse, like twisting , turning,
biting, stretching, wild positions, all sorts of gyrations, and anything else
they can think of doing with your nipple in their mouth.  Look at how many
 new things he is learning every day.  He doesn't stay the same and has a
 drive to try new and facinating things. You have to "guide" him in his
"nursing manners" so that his attempts to add something new to your nursing
repetoire doesn't end up hurting you.
Talk to him--tell him when it hurts. Tell and show him what he can and cannot
do.  I used to tell my daughter "Open WIDE" and showed her with my mouth open
wide.  When she did it I would quickly give her the breast.  When he hurts or
pinches or bites tell him, and quickly remove him. Make a sad face so he
understands your meaning.  Praise and tell him when he is nursing gently
without hurting you.  He has to know when he is doing it right.   Nighttime
is a big problem I know.  Sometimes you have to look for very creative
solutions, and may have to change your night/sleep time nursing habits if the
child bites you hard when almost asleep.  You may have to take him off and
help him get to sleep another way.  The childs rights end when he is about to
draw blood in my book ( and my book is pretty liberal).   It IS possible to
help your toddler nurse without hurting you-- without resulting in weaning.
 Start using backrubs or some other massage with nursings.  Then you can rub
his back when he is not nursing.  Some toddlers will accept this "other
mothering" some of the time when they would only think of nursing for comfort
6 months ago.   I think the main idea is to remember nursing is a
partnership, where both partners have rights and needs.  Noone should
completely overshadow the other, and BOTH partners should be happy with the
relationship.
Good luck and happy toddler nursing.  Hope you have read Mothering Your
Nursing Toddler -- if not get a copy ASAP.
Jane Bradshaw LLLL, RN, BSN, IBCLC  Private Practice in Lynchburg, Va
Mom to Scott 21 (nursed to 2 1/2) Lauren 16 (nursed until 4) and Greg 12 (
nursed to 4 1/2) and Lauren and Greg still remember it with great fondness.