In a message dated 1/2/2004 11:49:44 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
So that is one way that germs from saliva, that may have entered the
nipple pore towards the end of the nursing session on that breast so not
gotten washed out, could get moved up into the breast.  But then, I guess, the
antibodies would be present at the *next* feeding, rather than at that
particular
one, if it might work that way.
Dee, the problem with your theory is that the nipple, just like our skin,
protects organisms from entering the body.  Our skin also has pours which we
sweat through but the dirt and organisms that we come in contact with do not
contaminate us through that route.
If there is a break in the skin or nipple now the integrity of that barrier
is broken and the organisms can get into the milk ducts, such as a mastitis.
As Linda was pointing out, the mother needs to come in contact with these
organisms through her respiratory track or mucous membranes, then to her
circulatory system then to the breast.
Ann Perry RN, IBCLC
Boston, MA

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