I recommend to my clients that they wash their breasts/nipples with mild soap once a day and explain that routine washing of breasts/nipples before every feeding is not necessary and could cause the skin to dry and crack. However, a pediatrician that I work with is still instructing moms to wash breasts before every feeding so that the infant's saliva does not cause an infection. I understand that if nipple damage has occured, then care of the nipples may require more frequent cleansing. 
Does anyone know of any research articles that supports not washing breasts/nipples before every feeding?

Lora Elston, BSN, RNC, IBCLC

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