Lenore & Liz :  You mentioned "tip of nipple is often blanched
after feedings".  Have you considered vaso-constriction as cause for some of
the pain?  Is it blanched when baby comes
off of does it blanch soon after & then recolor?
RE:  non-Rn LCs in hospital settings - we have many in North
Carolina, as Pardee Hinson mentioned, from various non-health
professional backgrounds.  My B.S. is in zoology & background is in
biomedical research.  My supervisor considers it an advantage that I can't be
distracted by being asked to mess with IVs or help with circumcisions.  I
have to concentrate on breastfeeding issues.  When you think about it, lots
of hospital patient-care personnel are not RNs (OT, PT, Pharmacists,
Respiratory therapists, etc.).  We each have our contribution to make.  Hope
that helps.              Katie Winchell, BS, IBCLC