Breastfeeding 1-2-3 » nipple-cream

FDA Warning about Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:54:17 +0000

Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against the use of Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises, Inc. to nursing mothers for treatment of cracked and sore nipples. The packaging specifically states that it is not necessary to remove the cream before nursing, but two ingredients in the cream may be harmful to nursing infants. The FDA describes the dangers of chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol:

Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing) in infants. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.

Mothers should discontinue use of the product and watch for the following signs of infant distress (and seek immediate medical assistance for any of these symptoms):

~ decrease in an infant’s appetite
~ difficulty in awakening the child
~ limpness of extremities
~ decrease in an infant’s strength of grip
~ a change in skin color.

Mothers using the cream may suffer from dermatitis as well.

The FDA says consumers are strongly encouraged to report adverse events related to this product or any FDA approved product to MedWatch, the agency’s voluntary reporting program, by e-mail at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm, or by phone at 800-332-1088, or by fax to 800-332-0178. Consumers may also mail reports of adverse events to MedWatch, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852-9787.

Thanks to Marijke at the new b5media pregnancy blog, Womb Within, for the information on this story!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

More Fun Facts about Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 07:00:41 +0000

Earlier I wrote about the Top 10 Uses for Lansinoh aside from soothing the breastfeeding mother’s nipples. Here are some other fun facts about Lansinoh and lanolin:

~ Lanolin is a fatty derivative of wool.

~ According to the manufacturer, it’s safe to use even for people who are allergic to wool.

~ The Lansinoh company was founded by a nursing mother of two daughters. When she started breastfeeding, a La Leche League leader encouraged her to use lanolin for her sore nipples. Lanolin was not readily available at the time, but her husband was a physician and he procured a one-pound jar of it from the hospital pharmacy (to give you an idea of how much a one-pound jar is, now the product is generally sold in two ounce tubes or one-eighth of that one-pound jar!)

~ Lansinoh is bacteriostatic (can inhibit the reproduction of bacteria).

~ To remove Lansinoh stains from nursing bras, treat the fabric as you would treat any grease stain. Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or laundry detergent. Some women find it helpful to use OxiClean (or a similar product like Vanish Oxi Action in the U.K.), while some pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain prior to washing.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Top 10 Uses for Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream: Fun Facts

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 07:00:37 +0000

Did you know that the name “Lansinoh” comes from “Lan” (lanolin) “sin” (without) “oh” (alcohol)? Aside from treating the breastfeeding mother’s nipples, Lansinoh lanolin can:

1. Be used as lip balm.

2. Treat diaper rash.

3. Help heal minor cuts, burns and skin abrasions.

4. Soothe itchy stretch marks.

5. Replenish the lanolin in wool diaper covers and wool nursing pads.

6. Heal cracked, dry winter cuticles or wind- and cold-chapped cheeks.

7. Treat eczema.

8. Un-stick a stuck zipper.

9. Remove a too-tight ring from fingers swollen from pregnancy.

10. Moisturize dry and itchy skin on elbows, knees and heels.

For more information, see the Lansinoh website (for the United Kingdom click here, for Germany click here), this information from WebMd.com, or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3