In a message dated 96-12-04 21:38:00 EST, Dr. Newman writes:

>  To decrease problem of thrush and teats:
>  Best solution: Stop using teats.

Ha!  I love it!!  Why is it that the sometimes the best solution is the one
we think of last, and is also right in front of our faces?

But seriously, folks, I have had a few moms who had to use bottles and teats
when they were fighting thrush (nips too too sore to BF direct, so mom pumped
and bot. fed).  I tried to encourage them to cup feed or finger feed or
something other than the darn bottle, but many times it is just too foriegn a
concept for them, and they want to use the bottle.  I tell them that each
teat should be sterilized after EVERY use, (wash in HOT soapy water, then
boil minimum of 15 min.) and if baby just HAS to have a paci, then at least
have a few around so that they can be continually boiled to help minimize the
spread of the thrush.  I tell them they should sterilize anything that comes
into contact with baby's mouth (except babys hands, of course!  Just wash
those really well with soap) including toys, and washrags that baby may suck
on can be washed in hot water with bleach.
As nasty as thrush can get around here, I encourage my moms to get really
aggressive in treatment to get it gone ASAP, and so it won't come back!

Take care all!

Jay