Since no one yet has suggested this possibility for causes of areolar
bruises, I thought I would suggest it.  I have seen bruising on the areolar
from breast pumps.  A case I remember was one in which the mother had
bruising on the areola and scabbing of  not only the nipple tip but the sides
and into the areola.  She was using a top of the line breast pump but her
nipples were over an inch wide and the standard flange/nipple tunnel opening
was too small for her.  She had flat nipples and consequently I think that in
the hospital this situation was not recognized.  She had difficulties with
latching the infant and was doing alot of pumping on an excellent pump.  But
an excellent pump is no good, if the fit is wrong.  The consequences of this
soreness was that the infant had poor weight gain initially (actually no
weight gain) and ended up with supplements of formula.

Of course, this may not be the cause of the situation you posted about.  But
it's worth asking the mother whether she has been using a breast pump.  And
if she says yes, taking a look to see whether it is the correct size.  (The
bruising also could be from incorrect technique--pressing far too hard on
breast tissue during pumping)
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC


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