I've seen Russian immigrants here in NYC use ethanol or isopropanol
compresses on their breasts.  I don't think it's harmful in terms of
absorbtion, but I explain that they need to rinse off the breast so the
baby does not get any of the alcohol.  (Mom probably breathes some in,
but that route should be negligible as well).  Alcohol used to be used
in the US for fevers, it's probably the same thought pattern.  With it's
low boiling point, alcohol evaporating from the skin cools the skin
(remember physics and heat of evaporation?)  I get them pumping and
feeding frequently, and usually they stop the alcohol compresses because
they are no longer needed.
Catherine Watson Genna, BS, IBCLC  NYC

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