I recommend to my clients that they wash their breasts/nipples with mild soap once a day and explain that routine washing of breasts/nipples before every feeding is not necessary and could cause the skin to dry and crack. However, a pediatrician that I work with is still instructing moms to wash breasts before every feeding so that the infant's saliva does not cause an infection. I understand that if nipple damage has occured, then care of the nipples may require more frequent cleansing. Does anyone know of any research articles that supports not washing breasts/nipples before every feeding? Lora Elston, BSN, RNC, 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