The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding describes nipple confusion like this:
“A baby can become confused by the use of any artificial nipple, as it requires a different type of sucking.” About a year ago, I had nipple confusion of a different sort. I think you’ll understand why I was confused….
After I weaned Lily, I needed a new [i.e. smaller] breast prosthesis. I bought a breast form and followed all the procedures my old insurance company required: a doctor’s order and a receipt. I spent a lot of time on the phone with my new insurance company trying to get them to pay for my breast form, and they refused unless I bought it from a specific store. (Ed finally got results…long story.) When I was newly nursing Emmy, I once again needed a new size [i.e. bigger!]. I was searching the Internet for a less expensive breast form as I didn’t want the hassle of dealing with the insurance company, and I thought, “Hey, breastfeeding has left me with a prominent nipple on one side. I bet I could find something online to help both my breasts look the same.” Sure enough, there was a website that looked promising. I noticed that they sold all sizes of breast forms and other products, more than a woman like me would need, actually. Then I noticed this website was not for women. Which brought to mind the Aerosmith song “DUDE looks like a lady…”