My left nipple always looked "different" but it wasn't until I had my 5th
baby- the first 4 were all breastfed more than 3 years each- that I knew
that there was a name for the type of nipple I have.  I have one bifurcted
nipple.  When my first nany was born 18 years ago one of the nurses told me
that I had a "flat nipple" and would need a nipple shiels on that side.
Well, once we got everything worked out I ended up nursing that child until
2 weeks prior to her 6th birthday- though she weaned from the bifurcated
nipple at 18 months.

I have always produced lots more milk on the side with the bifurcated nipple
and wonder if it could be that embrionically, two sets of breast tissue
fused together into one breast?   As with all unusual nipples, there is I am
sure a great deal of variartion.  But in general, I can't think of any
reason a woman with a bifercated niple would need to do anyhthing
differently prenataly than any other woman.

One concern might be that bifurcated nipples can be "craggy" and gave more
crevases in which to grow yeast.  But while I would be on the look out, I
certainly would not try to predist troubel that might never occur.

By the way, it was Chele Marmett who told me that I have a birfucated
nipple.  It must have seemd unusual to her because she took a bunch of
pictures of it!
Nancy Sherwood IBCLC, LLLL Perth, Australia