I'm new in private practice and had never considered the idea of wearing gloves for the full consult. It would seem odd to me - and very sterile. I make a point of asking Mom or Dad where I can wash my hands when I arrive so they know my hands are clean. During the baby's exam, I only use gloves for the oral exam and to check the cord stump for any signs of infection. I wouldn't consider doing an oral exam without gloves - fingernails are one of the germiest places on our body and a regular hand washing without a nail brush is not sufficient. I've never had a situation that called for me to touch an open wound on a Mom, but if that scenario came up, I would definitley glove for that. I think my clients understand why I use gloves when I do, but I do think it would send a negative, uncomfortable message to mothers if I wore gloves for the entire consult. Jillian Malan *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome