Chanita: Sorry for the cryptic use of "ice flowers." I don't remember where I first encountered this, but it works. Take a tray of ice and crush it then put it into the center of a clean dish towel or other clean cloth. Tie or fasten with a rubber band the ends of the cloth so that the ice forms a circle (like old fashioned ice bottles with caps). Then, push in the center of the circle towards the tie so that the cloth and ice looks like a flower (specifically like a petuna to me). At this point the indented part should fit over the nipple and the rest will conform to the breast. Bags of frozen peas or corn also work well for this. If mom isn't having problems with MER, then this can be used before latch on to reduce pain. It also helps with swelling and to make flat nipples erect. 'Hope this is clear. : )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC email: [log in to unmask] : ) : )HSR & Health Educational Consultant voice/fax: 541 753 7340 : ) : )LLLLLLLLLLLLL**CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!**LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL : )