I have some concerns re the in-hospital use of any substance on a
mother's nipple.  Routine recommendation is, I suspect, a useful tool for a
health care worker who wants to be helpful but doesn't have the
time/ability/knowledge to resolve the problems underlying the sore nipples
OR is looking for a placebo effect. IMHO of course.

Reference:  The effect of modified lanolin on Nipple Pain/damage during the
first ten days of breastfeeding.  Amy Spangler and Evelyn Hildebrandt IJCE
Vol8 No 3 p15-19.

"Although the use of lanolin did not significantly effect nipple pain/damage
during study days one through five, there was a significant effect during
days six though ten.  Perhaps lanolin does not prevent nipple pain/damage
but in the presence of nipple pain/damage promotes healing.
...........modified lanolin.....should not be considered rountine
prophylaxis.... However,... [it]...should be considered a treatment option
for damaged nipples..."

Despite claims to the contrary I have heard of significant allergic
responses to all of the marketed brands.  I think the point may be that we
are dealing with a diverse and large cross section of the population.
Routine use of ANYTHING artificial may not be wise on nipples and breasts,
which is not to say lanolin is not a very useful and appropriate tool in
some situations.

"Without interest and passion, nothing great has ever happened in history."
                                                                    G.W. Hegel
Rhoda Taylor, B.A., IBCLC         ph 604-748-4945
3346 Glacier St                   fax 604-748-2743
Duncan, B.C.                      e-mail [log in to unmask]
Canada,  V9L 3Z8