Just a comment on nacl soaks.  I read an article on sore nipples which
mentioned treating cracked nipples with normal saline soaks.  I began using
this treatment with great success.  Had several mothers with a history of
severe sore nipples with their first babies that responded well to the soaks.
 One of the babies whose mother was being treated with soaks ended up in the
NICU.  HIs   blood work revealed a dangerously elevated sodium.  The baby was
also dehydrated.  The baby's pediatrician decided that the saline soaks were
the cause of the elevated sodium.  The neonatologist said no way, the baby
had an elevated sodium second to his dehydration.  To make a long story
short, for my hospitatized patients  I no longer recommend saline soaks..  I
do tell outpatients to mix 1/8 salt in a glass of warm water and soak for 10
minutes followed by a clear water rinse.  The mothers love the warm soaks.