Will my nipples ever recover?

[Beachmum85]

After a horrific 8-month period of bf which included constant cracked, bleeding, sore nipples, mastitis, a huge abscess and months of agony and "feeding through it" (consultant's orders) - which for the record I am so pleased I did, for DD's sake. DD is now 15MO and though I am left scarred by the abscess (physically and mentally), I am generally fit & well again 7 months on.

However, my breasts are hugely deflated which has made my nipples flat and throughout the day seem to go a little inverted in my bra. My nipples also have some scabby (dry milk or dry skin?) bits, which sometimes come off (but I don't want to pick them!) and there are some white patches on the sides of both nipples, in the creases. I assume this is all the aftermath of lactation? But it seems strange so long after bf??

Any experiences/suggestions welcome!!

Just a thought- you don't have thrush do you?

From memory, it takes at least a year after finishing breastfeeding for your breasts to go back to your post pregnancy, pre breastfeeding state. I'm no expert but i would assume that after a BF experience such as yours that process may take longer.

agoodbook it had crossed my mind, but not sure what to look out for(?). May try GP next week.

Sorry - been out all day! I was just thinking of the scabby bits (!) and wondering- they are usually white spots/ areas when in babies mouth which is why I wondered . If you have any canestan cream, it may be worth a try anyway, as it can't hurt ! Good luck anyway

if it helps I've bf twice and my boobs have recovered to a degree. they wont ever be what they were but they arent like empty sack any more! I've been stopped about 10/11 months now. I fed for a year both times.