I had a similar comment after the birth of my first child. I was having a post partum visit and my doctor said “Your nipples look great!” (meaning that they weren’t cracked or bleeding like many he’d seen in first-time breastfeeding mums).

I don’t think this is a bad comment, I’m sure it inspired confidence in the mom.

I’ve actually said this to a mom also! I’m an OB nurse, and we get a lot of “I’d like to TRY to BF…” Once a lady said this, and after seeing her nipples I couldn’t help myself. They WERE perfect for BF!!

Now, see that I can understand, if someone’s asking about it, encourage them! Lord knows mommas can use all the encouragement they can get, right?

Pretty sure I’ve said those very words myself as a doula and midwife student. I never feel awkward about it, women should be encouraged to hear they have perfect nipples for breastfeeding!

Jessica: Pretty sure I’ve said those very words myself as a doula and midwife student.I never feel awkward about it, women should be encouraged to hear they have perfect nipples for breastfeeding!

The problem with this kind of comment, while encouraging, is that it implies there is a “kind” of nipple that is easily identified that CAN’T breastfeed. As a mom with small, flat nipples who’s been nursing for three years, I know that’s just not true, though I know women who’ve been told by LCs that women with flat nipples can’t nurse *rolls eyes*

I got this comment, word for word. It made me feel good about breastfeeding.

I think this is a great comment. I have heard it several times and I have said it several times. Some people can find the negative in everything I guess, though it was probably never intended to be anything but reassuring.