I see saline as an experienced-based remedy. How do you think we get to evidenced-based remedies. First we have some good experiences, then someone does some nifty (or not so nifty) research and lo and behold it becomes evidenced-based. I may hazard a guess that most of medicine grew out of experienced-based and has moved on to evidence-based as we have become more sophisticated about research. Also, if saline hadn't worked, would I have continued to use it? If it didn't work, the "evidence" staring me in the face would be "this doesn't work try something else!" BTW, positioning and checking baby's mouth and latch are always first when mom reports sore nipples. I think position, latch, mouth are givens at this point in time. I too think the atmosphere on Lactnet has changed. I think I've been on for 2 years or so now. Several things are apparent. Many people resort to Lactnet before bothering to look something up. Hale should be as necessary to an LC's "kit" as any other item. All LCs need some sort of a decent basic text and probably a BF Answer Book. There are many philosophical discussions about a lot of things we can't do much about. We are preaching to the choir. The energy needs to be directed outward, to the community, to the media, not to ourselves. (Why media watch and appropriate, short, well thought out letters from many are needed.) I too have taken to replying more frequently privately. And everyone needs to use the archives. They are a treasure trove! If you don't get what you need there, then ask. It all is a reflection of the typical American "quick fix", need for the instant answer, I don't have any time syndrome. I'm not sure if I got out of bed on the wrong side this am or not :-) Prayers appreciated for 16 yo grandson today at consult at John Hopkins for autoimmune disease. Sincerely, Pat in SNJ *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html