Of course, I read Tricia Shamblin's post with much interest. I have offered several articles that I believe offer evaluations of treatments without bias. In any case, I agree with much of Tricia Shamblin's observations and agree that all non-treatment options should be explored before using any pharmacological treatments and before falling to "our unbridled capitalism and greed." I believe that most lactation consultants who know me would agree with me when I state that unbridled capitalism and greed is not the way I operate. I also wish to make several points. I agree that most, if not all, ointments, creams, lotions, etc. do not promote dry healing. I have never advocated covering the nipple with any oil, peppermint or not. We need to define our terms: creams are creams; creams are not oils, ointments, lotions, solutions, gels, or inclusive of any other topical formulation. In summary, peppermint gel is a water soluble product that contains a very, very low concentration of peppermint oil in a water soluble, drying, protective unique formulation. Once all nonpharmacological treatments are exhausted, should we then condemn women who want to breastfeed to constant, excruciating pain, if that remains the outcome? I look forward to the breastfeeding community to challenging and answering all the questions that Tricia Shamblin poses. Frank J. Nice, RPh, DPA, CPHP *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome