All right all you wise women out there, I've got a nipple question.  Saw this
mom at our hospital's postpartum support group again today, and her nipples are
still sore so I told her I'd ask the world for any suggestions.

I saw her nipples initially prenatally (after my breastfeeding class) and they
were of the dimpled variety, folded neatly into the breast.  They could come out
with manipulation, she wore breast shells before delivery, and they were mostly
everted by the time she delivered.  Baby had some initial problems with latch
on, but now does nicely, and is about 6 weeks old.  Her nipple tissue is really
unusual, and I think the reason she is still sore.

The whole nipple is very bumpy and tender; the best way I can describe it is
that it looks like how a raspberry looks--not at all smooth but neither does it
look like the misshappen nipple labeled a raspberry nipple in The Lactation
Institute's book.  Some of the bumps are actually more like skin tags and get
stretched out when baby nurses.  She said her nipples have always been very
tender, even before pregnancy.  They do partially fold in when she puts her bra
flaps up, but not immediately after nursing, so I don't know that a dimple ring
would be helpful if it's only used for a short time after nursing (never used
one).  She had been using lanolin initially but doesn't feel it makes any
difference at this point.

Any ideas?  Anybody that has seen similar nipples, and was there a continuing
problem with soreness?  Thanks.

Becky Krumwiede, RN, IBCLC
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