I am hurridly writing up a policy/procedure for the use of gel dressings
for traumatized nipples.  Does anyone have readily at hand references
other than those provided by the companies?  We have been using them for
many months, but were recently placed "under" another manager who was
appaled that we didn't have a policy in place and refused to OK our
reorder until it is in place!

Also, I am wondering what others think of the idea of promoting their
use to prevent soreness.  Both companies are pushing this use.  I feel
they do wonders for healing while we work on what caused the problem in
the first place, but am skeptical about suggsting them as a
preventative.  Do we want to emphasize that nipples aren't supposed to
hurt and then turn around and say, "Here, use this so they won't hurt."!

I know that a few women (apparantly those with already sensitive skin)
will get what I call a "mild chapped-lip type" tenderness for a day or
so in spite of excellent latch and technique.  This may be the price we
pay for keeping them so covered and protected all our lives.
Where do we draw the line between helping the mom who might have some
initial tenderness prevent it and avoiding making breastfeeding seem
like it requires lots of "tools"?
Winnie

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