I have heard of using olive oil for sore nipples, or more accurately, for dry nipples before the birth.  One LC friend suggests this because the mother probably has ingested olive oil and is known not to be allergic.  As one breastfeeding expert speaker said about creams on nipples (last week at LLLI) that there is really not enough research on the effectiveness of creams, so anything might work.  If olive oil does not cause harm, why worry?

Now, on the other hand, the oil doesn't breath and who knows if the baby is allergic.  Does the mom think it helps?  Will the rubbing in of the oil help heal through better circulation or hurt by hard rubbing?  Is there other residues in the olive oil? Of course, why are the nipples sore in the first place???  Nothing is going to help if the problem is not fixed or the hormonal soreness disappears. 

Just a few thoughts....

Terriann Shell
Big Lake, AK 

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