When the milk supply is temporarily insufficient the necessary complemental feedings should be obtained from some other source and only as a last resort should mixed feeding be instituted. Relief of the pain is frequently accomplished by elevation of the breasts by a binder. Among the best local applications are silver nitrate solution 5 per cent, followed by an ointment. The nipples must be thoroughly cleansed before each nursing. In our experience compound jalap powder in teaspoonful doses once or twice daily is best.
Saline laxatives are effective but more likely to pass into the milk.
Citrate of magnesia is least likely to do this. The breasts are tightly bandaged and an ice-bag is applied to each, external to the bandage. If this does not relieve the breasts massage and expression should be practised and the bandage and ice-bags reapplied. If the cold applications produce discomfort as they occasionally do, hot boric dressings, protected by oil silk may be used, a compression bandage being applied external to the dressings. These should be repeated at hourly intervals.