Just a comment on nacl soaks. I read an article on sore nipples which mentioned treating cracked nipples with normal saline soaks. I began using this treatment with great success. Had several mothers with a history of severe sore nipples with their first babies that responded well to the soaks. One of the babies whose mother was being treated with soaks ended up in the NICU. HIs blood work revealed a dangerously elevated sodium. The baby was also dehydrated. The baby's pediatrician decided that the saline soaks were the cause of the elevated sodium. The neonatologist said no way, the baby had an elevated sodium second to his dehydration. To make a long story short, for my hospitatized patients I no longer recommend saline soaks.. I do tell outpatients to mix 1/8 salt in a glass of warm water and soak for 10 minutes followed by a clear water rinse. The mothers love the warm soaks.