In a message dated 12/8/98 3:33:22 PM, Carol writes:

<<ARE there any documented studies for/against the use of tea bags?>>

Check in:

Breastfeeding Abstracts by LLLI: "A Comparison of Topical Agents to Relieve
Nipple Pain and Enhance Breastfeeding" by LC Pugh, BL Buchko, BA Bishop
et all in _Birth_ 1996; 23: 88-93.

Also, not recent but, a study by Buchko et al (1994). Comfort measures in
breastfeeding primiparous women. JOGNN,23,46-52. reported that the group of
women with sore nipples using warm water compresses after feedings reported
significantly less pain than the groups using tea bag compresses, expressed
milk, or no treatment.

In a study by Lavergne, N. (1997). Does application of tea bags to sore
nipples while breastfeeding provide effective relief? JOGNN, 26, 53-57.
reports that tea bag or warm water compresses were more effective than no
treatment. It was discussed that the warmth provides comfort and facilitates
healing by enhancing blood flow.

Also, see post that discusses moist&moist to dry (a concern was scab
formation)
-vs- lanolin:

<<Date:    Tue, 15 Apr 1997 16:23:23 EDT
From:    "Vincent G. Huml" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Sore Nipples and Moist Wound Healing

Sue Huml, LLLL, IBCLC>>

Deb

Deborah Tobin
RN BSN IBCLC LCCE - Hospital based
Springfield, Virginia USA
In the suburbs outside the Washington DC beltway
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