Thanks, Pat, for reminding us that World Breastfeeding Week (month?) is
ending. I succeeded again this year in wearing a breastfeeding-theme shirt,
or BF-theme jewelry, or a BF-theme pin-on button every day this month.
Today's shirt is "Breastfeeding: it's your right" from INFACT Canada, to end
the month with a reminder of this year's theme.

My soapbox issue for today: There is no research supporting using creams or
other goo to "prevent" sore nipples. And while I'm at it - I will go on
record to ask all of us to PLEASE stop using the term "sore nipples." It's
too tempting to ignore the mother's pain if such vague wording is used to
describe it. Let's be more specific when we document the pain, so we can
begin making sense of all the aspects of nipple pain that may occur during
breastfeeding.  For example, If the pain is from infection, then a medicated
substance is needed to treat the infection and the baby's mouth. If the pain
is from a traumatic wound, ("mechanical" damage), then the source must be
identified and corrected/removed, and an appropriate wound healing regimen
begun. If the pain is neither of these, then careful investigation is called
for.  If the mother has dry skin elsewhere, then overall hydration is
appropriate as the first line of treatment (drink water!). And so on. Pain
is NOT normal, and ALL pain during breastfeeding should be carefully
investigated, documented, and treated.

Climbing down now.... one soapbox issue is enough for today!

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre www.bflrc.com
6540 Cedarview Ct., Dayton, OH 45459-1214 USA
(937) 438-9458 email [log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html