I work in an LDRP unit which is, supposedly "low-risk" OB but we do periodically see mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension who are receiving MgSo4. I have also noticed that many mothers, not necessarily those with PIH discover that their nipples look very different right after their babies are born than they did before labor. My impression is that this is related to IV hydration which we see almost routinely; mothers who are induced with Pitocin, mothers who are sectioned and, unfortunately, many mothers who are in their own uncomplicated labors (sometimes I wonder if there is such a thing in a hospital setting anymore!), all receive IVs. Also, of course, mothers who have epidurals, which in our hospital happens at a very high rate. With only observation and experience to go on, it seems that the IV hydration, by itself, could account for edema in the breast and areola, leading the nipple to flatten out. I also am fortunate to do home visits on many of our new moms and babies; generally by day 3-5, when I see them at home, much of this edema is resolved (of course, by that time the milk is in or coming in, which sets up its own kind of edema!). Another example, perhaps, of a hospital caused breastfeeding problem. In the original inquiry about this topic, nipple shields were mentioned. We seldom use these but do occasionally try breast shells or pre-feed pumping to help bring out these temporarily flattened nipples. This sounds like a good research topic - in my next life, maybe! ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com