Hi All,

 

I think the problem is that moms and sometimes their HCP’s for some reason
seem to think that they need to see some of the areola. I have worked with
many, many moms with areola that are barely 2 ½ in in diameter – which
leaves about 1 in from the base of the nipple out to the outer edge of the
areola (sometimes not even that much!).  Moms usually present with a shallow
latch…and sore nipples.

 

My right thumb is 1 inch wide.  I show mom that the baby must get at least 1
inch of areolar tissue (past the base of the nipple) into his mouth.  When I
assist with the latch (my hand behind moms to ‘hand-on show’ how) to get
baby on deeply, moms are surprised that 1) they now have no pain, and 2)
“But I was told to be able to see the areola at the baby’s upper lip!”  And
they can’t see that areolar edge – why?  Because it is completely in the
baby’s mouth!  :-)

 

With larger areola’s we can use the areola as a guide for a good latch –
‘this’ amount showing hurts – ‘this’ amount showing doesn’t hurt.

 

I have even had mommies draw a line across the breast just above the baby’s
upper lip to use as a guide for the latch while practicing!  After the baby
is on deeply and pain free, of course.  :-)

 

 

Hope this helps!

Warmly,

 

Jaye


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