Becky,
     Thanks for your input.  I was surprised to hear that breastmilk did not
fall under universal precautions, as I have been taught otherwise in
continuing education programs at our ILCA affiliate and at hospital where I
work.  I wonder if that 1988 reference has been updated or if the thought
down here is just to err on the side of caution.
     I do not routinely wear gloves when assisting bf mothers, but I do if I
am going to likely be in contact with breastmilk, for example, taking
breastpump kits/flanges to empty the milk into a container for the mother
(milk is often dripping) or cleaning a pump.
     I agree that it sends a "you are unclean" message but unfortunately that
is the case nowadays. In the old days as a nurse in the NICU we would admit a
newly birthed baby (no bath of course because they were so sick) without a
thought about gloves. Nowadays gloves are worn to change diapers, suction,
change ostomy appliances, etc.
       Does anyone have any other info, or more recent reference?

Laurie Wheeler, Rnc, Mn, Ibclc
Louisiana