Permanently damaged Nipples?

[Blondie]

I was checking out my breasts and nipples in the shower the other night (as you do!) and I have been noticing that the inner part of the nipple is like a yellow colour not the usual pink? It looks like it is damaged, dry and cracked. I have to admit I have notcied it a couple of times but haven't really thought much of it until now. It has me wondering if my nipples have been permanently damaged from last baby? Or is there another problem? Has this happened to anyone? And can I / should I start putting Lanisole cream on them? or what ever that cream is called that comes in the purple tube

I had a hard time BFing DS and I want to make a decent go of it this time so want to try and make sure they are in top form before I go into battle again!

[PumpkinZulu]

I'm pretty sure it's just dried up colostrum I've had it both times.

[Rouge]

I have a scar from when DS bit through my nipple and its white. You can get aloe Vera inserts that stick to your bra/breast pad which help soothe nipples and soften for feeding. Give that a go. I prefer marcalan for nipples but each to their own. Discolouration from colostrum is fairly normal.

[Blondie]

Humm really? Colostrum? I haven't had any leak out before, and haven't noticed anything, can it permanently discolor the skin? My boobs have been pretty weird lately...very tender and nipples really sensitive...maybe it is that?!

[PumpkinZulu]

Are you talking about in the actual nipple part, in the cracks and crevices of the nipple? That's what I took you to mean, and if that's the area then yep, it can build up with skin and fluff and other stuff and make it yellow or white. With DD I leaked so much colostrum that I got patches on the bed and my top. This time, unless I expressed, I wouldn't know that I had any. But it still does leak a little, but usually if there's any pressure, like a bra or crop top, it won't come out and will just sit there and dry. The tingling and stuff all sounds good though Boobs hearing up for action!

[maybebaby2012]

I suspect I've had some leakage lately too. A couple of times I've taken my bra off and my nipples feel weird and moist and if you look really closely there's like dried white 'stuff' in my nipples. Not heaps but it's definitely there.

[Blondie]

Cool! Who would have imagined? Man this pregnancy has been different to my last! I had no colostrum leakage before DS's birth but was like a leaking tap while I was breastfeeding him.

[onthefly]

I had the same - dried up colostrum.
There isn't really any need to do anything to prepare your nipples. If you're concerned there's something wrong with them, then it couldn't hurt to see a lactation consultant before you have your baby just to be sure.