Janet:  I second the recommendation of sage, but it tastes horrid.  You
might try strong mint tea, with cabbage leaves worn continuously.  Has she
tried nursing through a nipple shield?  This often combats this problem.
Now, most of you know I am not partial to shields, but they work for these
cases.  Instead of pumping the breast, she might try wearing shells to
encourage just a little leaking to keep the nipple pliable.

Has she seen a homeopath? One needs to know more about the
worsening/improvement of symptoms.  Here is what I would use IF she were my
patient and I'd done a thorough exam/hx:
+Nat. Sulph=Useful particularly during the first early morning feeding.  The
condition tends to come and go.  There is always great sensitivity to cold
and damp.
+Pulsatilla=The breasts are tense, swollen and painful.  Emotional,
particuarly profuse weeping is a feature and there is intolerance of heat in
any form.
+Borax (yes, borax--but remember it is HOMEOPATHIC, that is in minute
titrations) Use when breasts overflow between feedings.
+Calc. Carb=As for Borax but in the Calcarea type of constitution
+Phytolacca=The breasts are very sensitive and there is an excess flow of
milk during feeding.

Good luck and let me know if you need more info.  There are no negative side
effects of the homeopathics above and all are safe for lactating
mothers/babies, but they need to be given properly:  in a "clean" mouth (no
food or drink except water for 30 min prior or after); given every 10-15
minutes for one hour, then every hour for several hours and then every 3-4
hours.  If one of the above doesn't work, try another that fits her
description.  In addition, I would treat the baby for intestinal colic using
another regimine.
--
--Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC    [log in to unmask]
INFANT CUISINE AND MOTHER CARE: Lactation Consulting, Perinatal Health
Education and Attachment Parenting Classes for parents and practitioners

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