In the News: FDA warns mothers about nipple cream

Bowsing the news this morning I came upon the article: FDA warns mothers about nipple cream.

The nipple cream in question is called: Mommy’s Bliss Natural Nipple Cream. According to the article, "The potentially harmful ingredients in the cream are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol."

Since the article doesn't say why these things are dangerous, I did some investigation.

What is chlorphenesin? According to Drugs.com "Chlorphenesin is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Before taking chlorphenesin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy. It is not known whether chlorphenesin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take chlorphenesin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether chlorphenesin passes into breast milk. Do not take chlorphenesin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Chlorphenesin is not approved for use in children."

"Side effects of chlorphenesin:

Stop taking chlorphenesin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlorphenesin and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion; headache nervousness or insomnia; or nausea or upset stomach."

Now, on to phenoxyethanol. According to Net Doctor, "phenoxyethanol is the main ingredient in Aqueous cream, which is a light, non-greasy moisturiser that provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface." It is for external use ONLY.

According to Wikipedia (I know not the best source but I am trying to diversify here), "Phenoxyethanol is an organic chemical compound, a glycol ether often used in dermatological products such as skin creams. It is a colorless oily liquid. It is a bactericide (usually used in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds), often used in place of sodium azide in biological buffers as 2-phenoxyethanol is less toxic and non-reactive with copper and lead. It is also used as a fixative for perfumes, an insect repellent, a topical antiseptic, a solvent for cellulose acetate, some dyes, inks, and resins, in preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis. It is moderately soluble in water. It is also listed as an ingredient for many United States vaccines by the Center for Disease Control."

Now, back to the original article: "FDA is particularly concerned that nursing infants are being unwittingly exposed by their mothers to this product with dangerous side effects," said Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Additionally, these two ingredients may interact with one another to further compound and increase the risk of respiratory depression in nursing infants."

Let me just say that when I was pumping breastmilk for Willow, my best friend in the nipple arena was Lansinoh Lanolin - Nursing Cream It is safe for baby - Relief for Mothers since it soothes and helps heal cracked nipples. It does not need to be removed from nipples prior to breastfeeding baby and is safe and non-toxic for both mother and baby.