Above and beyond whether it is safe for the baby to use 2% Lidocaine, which perhaps it might be since IV admin is an L2 per Hale, would be the issue of what using a topical anesthetic would do to the blood vessels perfusing the nipple. My understanding is that anesthetics are vasoconstrictors. Since women having nipple pain are so often dealing with vasospasms, it seems counter-intuitive to me to apply somethng that would constrict the blood vessels leading to the nipple. If nothing else, an evaluation of whether vasospasm is contributing to the pain should be performed before prescribing this medication and if the woman is having vasospasms increasing circulation (via heat) rather than decreasing circulation would make her feel better. And I would also think that reducing blood flow to the nipples would lead to slower healing. I would also be very curious to know whether it works. Do the women experience less pain after the application of the Lidocaine and for how long? If it is effective then that is something to take into account and I would love to hear more about it. Kathy Lilleskov RN IBCLC *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome