I'm glad to see this subject discussed.  I don't know if I'm more
aware of it or if it is acutally occuring more.  I frequently get a
message from staff saying "the mom in room xxxx has flat nipples."
Before I even look at them, mom mentions that she never noticed them
being flat before.  Sometimes the mom has an OB that I know
faithfully checks nipples antepartum for inversion, flatness.  I
usually suspect even before looking that it is a case of areolar
edema.  I notice that they have a characteristic "leathery"  look
with hair follicles indented.  I'm glad to hear about Jean's
"Reverse Pressure Softening" aspproach.  It certainly takes less
time and bother than applying ice.  I will be applying her approach
and may try some of the principles I learned in dealing with my
lympedema to see if they help at all. Of course I will inform a mom
before doing so that if she agrees to it I will be trying those
techniques to see if they work but that I don't have research to
back it up.
Winnie Mading - IBCLC - from Wisconsin-grass looks a lot greener
when the snow melts!

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