Areola

From BirthWiki

The areola is the darker circular area of skin surrounding the nipple.

Close up of adult female areola. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The body will begin preparation for breastfeeding during pregnancy. Part of this preparation is the thickening of the nipple and areola. For some women, this thickening will cause the areola to become darker in color. Underneath the areola are Montgomery glands. The surface of the glands appear as small bumps on the areola and are often more apparent during pregnancy. These glands provide lubricant to the nipple and areola.

Close up of areola with Montgomery Glands. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

When breastfeeding, an infant will take the nipple and most of the areola in it's mouth when properly latched.

Infant with proper latch. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

This entry was added to the original BirthWiki by amyncarter on 19 July 2009.