I'm not sure what to make of the Gerber products either.  Many of us have
noticed the crumbling of the pads.  A colleague had called Gerber and they
won't divulge their ingredients, so they can't be copied.

I called Gerber myself today and specifically asked if the gel was safe for
consumption, since it says on the package "no need to wipe breast prior to
feeding."  Wiping prior to nursing could be counter-productive with extreme
soreness/breakdown, beside.  The customer service rep said that yes, the
ingredients are safe for the baby.  She stated that they were FDA approved
as a medical device.  I asked again--so they are safe for the baby to
consume and she said "yes."

I realize that I was talking to a trained, customer service rep and I do
take this with a grain of salt!!

I went to the FDA website and sent a question to them regarding this
product.  Whether or not I'll ever hear back is another question.

I share the concern about the nipple balm ingredients.  Moms will buy these
Gerber products because they will be widely available.

Toni

Toni Pestro, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Cincinnati OH

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