to kathleen, 
the first thing  i thought of was a nipple shield. maybe it would keep the nipple out of the bubble, help the pain, and decrease the force of the MER coming to the baby.
 
bilirubin and it's relationship to bf: search glucoronyl transferase, also I've seen it spelled glucuronyl transferase; read about breastmilk jaundice, which occurs late in a thriving infant, compared to "not enough breastmilk" juandice, which is much more common. dr. jack newman has info on this and so did ivillage sites.
 
From wikipedia after a google search: 
Propolis is a wax-like resinous substance collected by honey bees from tree buds or other botanical sources and used as cement and to seal cracks or open spaces in the hive. Its color varies from green to brown and reddish, depending of its botanical source. Honey bees will use propolis to attempt to seal any gap inside the hive. Propolis is marketed by health food stores as a traditional medicine, and for its claimed beneficial effect on human health. Depending upon its precise composition (below) it may show powerful local antibiotic and antifungal properties.[citation needed] Also it is generally efficient in treating skin burns.[citation needed] Claims have been made for its use in treating allergy; it may stimulate the immune system, but some warn that it should not be taken if the user is likely to have severe allergic reaction to bees.[citation needed]Old beekeepers recommend a piece of propolis kept in the mouth as a remedy for a sore throat.[citation needed]
Propolis is used by music instrument makers to better show the wood grain. It is a component of Italian varnish and was reportedly used by Stradivari.
Propolis can also be used to treat canker sores.[citation neededoversupplyLaurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN Mississippi, s.e. USA 
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