J Rachael Hamlet wrote about this study, and I agree that it sounds a good one
to follow up and read.

CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of
sore nipples by teaching proper technique on the initiation of breast-feeding
should be instituted.

This interested me as the conclusion of the study, because nothing was said in
the abstract posted about what consitituted 'proper technique' or the teaching
delivery.  Did one person do all the teaching, so that there was no difference
in the delivery?  Because it seems to me that this could be an intervention not
controlled for in the study.  Maybe this is not the case where this study was
done, but in the UK it would be incredibly naive to assume that what different
midwives would deliver as proper technique in positioning and latching babies
was consistent, or would accord with what some in the field might consider
'proper'.  Indeed, not all midwives have had any training in teaching methods
and some have good skills, while others are unaware that there are specific
skills involved. I hope the study design took this into account.

Does anyone know of a study JUST on latching technique as a taught intervention
(compared with a non-taught control group) and the effects on subsequent
reported nipple soreness??  Now that would be an interesting study.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter
The Breastfeeding Network

Saddleworth, near Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK