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The FDA has posted a warning about Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises, Inc.  The product was marketed to help nursing mothers heal cracking nipples from nursing but it has been revealed that some of the ingredients are harmful, specifically chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol.

Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause slow or shallow breathing in infants. Phenoxyenthanol, a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications, can also depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants. Mothers and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention if their child shows signs and symptoms of a decrease in appetite, difficulty in awakening, limpness of extremities or a decrease in an infant’s strength of grip and a change in skin color.

I’m incredibly shocked by all this, how could something designed specifically for the nursing community cause such harm?  My experience in breastfeeding comes from nursing my three children. I breastfed exlusively until they were about 10 months old and then paired with mushed table foods until 18 months/2 years.  I can’t think of a more rewarding experience.  I continuously thought, why take a chance with plastic bottles and nipples, not to mention formula, when nature has given me all I need.  It takes an extraordinary amount of effort to breastfeed and I truly believe motherhood is a calling because of it. 

At the same time there is little real information out there, I was always skeptical so I steered clear from all of the creams I was sent and given at the hospital.  I mean seriously, my ancestors were not that pampered, I come from tough folk so I was determined to do things the hard way with no intervention and I want to testify that it is possible to overcome.

All three breastfeeding experiences were different, with boy2001 I was bursting with milk, I had to have a collage of towels under me as I slept because if I rolled on my belly I would wake up in a puddle of milk.  Many people use plastic liners which stops the seeping into your mattress but creates a puddle so I prefer about ten thick towels collage style.  Ridiculous but effective, I could just remove the soiled towel(s) the next morning.  I had much less milk with each babe but still more than enough to feed one at a time.

I was blessed to have all three babes at a local hospital that was very small and personal.  The nurse asked me while in labor if I was going to breast or bottle feed and she made a BIG notation that I wanted to breast feed. I had no idea what to expect when they kept coming in shaking me to make me feed. 

They were quite rough and demanding but explained to me that I had to get the milk going.  I was so worried because I didn’t have much milk at first but they assured me if I kept at it there would be no problem.  So, I kept on feeding him and worrying and it hurt and I couldn’t believe the pain and saw no results but he was providing evidence that he was being nourished so I kept on.  The cracks, the soreness and pressure, it was all too much.  The first two weeks was pure agony but I perservered and got through.

I took showers every few hours and rinsed off.  I wasn’t using deodorant much as I nursed on my side on the sofa and in bed and I didn’t want all that chemical smell up their noses… have you noticed how close your armpits are to your breasts??  you can imagine I needed frequent showers.  I also didn’t use anything on my breasts, no soap or cream.   I would bring the baby in with me usually after their belly buttons dried up, as none of my children tolerated being put down and I indulged them and myself and after a few weeks my nipples realized their reality and toughened up and it didn’t hurt anymore. 

The purpose of this post is to make myself available if you have any questions, feel free to comment or email me if you prefer.  I know this is a beauty blog, but I also like to cover health issues, and I feel strongly that this is a very important one for society.  The best thing I found while nursing is less is more.  If your nipples get sore, wash off, pat dry and expose to air and a little sunlight.  (this is also great to combat diaper rash)  Are you going to do this while running around, no, you need some time for yourself until your body can recuperate naturally and then you can re-immerse yourself in the social circuit that also means not answering your door if people drop by unannounced (my pet peeve #1). 

If you’re reading this and are with child or have a new baby congratulations and best wishes!! 

 To the men, this is your time to shine, it’s hard to keep a perfect house, cook dinners, run to the grocery store, snuggle with babes and smile while keeping all the fingernails cut and tracking outfits somewhere between the hamper, machines, diaper bag, dresser drawers or bitty body.  Setting a joyful tone in the home is a great gift my husband sometimes provides and it goes such a long way.  Help when you can, and appreciate the enormity of the undertaking, especially at first but even in the years to come it’s usually not as easy as it may seem.