I have had a call from a mother nursing her ninth child (8 weeks old).
This mother has developed a varicose vein at 6 o'clock on her
nipple/areola. It causes her a lot of pain when she nurses.

Her doctor has suggested injecting it with a sclerosing agent, or
surgical removal. She is reluctant to do either. Some relief is provided
by supporting this portion of her breast, near her baby's mouth, but
this is difficult to manage.

We have discussed experimenting with different positions to change the
part of baby's mouth that compresses this portion of the nipple,
gradually weaning to one breast, possible use of a nipple shield to
support this nipple during nursing. The latter brings with it the
possibility of the baby beginning to refuse the other "natural" breast,
and decreased supply in the affected side with long-term use of the
nipple shield, since this is not likely a problem that will go away.

Has anyone had experience with varicosities in the nipple area and
breastfeeding management? I told this mother I could find no information
in print, but would "ask the world".

Thank you.

Cathy Mallon
Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada