In my experience, the problem with dimpled nipples is two-fold. First, the tissue rolls back into itself, sticks together, and then every time the baby nurses the area is "torn" as it pulls out. Secondly, it is easy for bacteria to breed inside the dimple, making everything worse.



One key to comfort is helping the area to dry before it rolls back in. Chele Marmet had dimpled nipples and created a "dimple ring" out of Velcro to hold the nipple out long enough to dry. Some people will use a hair drying to speed the drying process.  



A couple other strategies I've used is to hold the nipple tip out, pat dry with a towel, then apply lanolin (thin consistency may be better); this can help prevent sticking. If the area is really sore, a little polysporin instead or in addition can help tamp down bacteria.



I've had good success with these.



~Lisa Marasco



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