Winnie, Could it be simply scar tissue from a long-standing skin infection
last time?  I don't have a good suggestion for the pain, though I might be
inclined to try HOT compresses to the area immediately before offering the
breast.  That is another one Jean Cotterman taught me and it often helps.  Not
so hot as to cause injury, obviously, but more than just pleasantly warm.
Here are the parts of your post that make me think of scarring.
"Second time mom who nursed her first 6 months.  About 4 months along she
>developed a cracked nipple (actually at the base of the nipple) which
>eventually led to an infection and mastitis which she states wasn't
>discovered until several weeks of Rx for thrush did not lead to any
>improvement.
* * *
We took baby >off and the nipple was symmetrically shaped, but the line was
wider and >shinier-no redness or bleeding."
Rachel Myr
and it isn't even 8 a.m. where I am yet

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