Theresa says:
 
 
 
I'm a hospital based IBCLC and have a question about requiring all  NICU 
mothers to wash their breasts with soap
and water before  expressing.  I recently spoke to our Infection Prevention 
Director who  mentioned that the  plan is
to institute a policy requiring all our NICU  mothers to wash the breasts 
each time before expressing. She mentioned that she  has researched it and 
has found substantial evidence to support this  practice.   

We have always advised hand washing before  expressing, but not universal 
breast washing. 

I'm wondering if this is  current  best practice and advised? 
 
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Arghhhh....has that old chestnut resurfaced?  Do mothers have to  wash 
breasts and nipples before breastfeeding as well?  I would love to  see her 
"substantial evidence."  She may find articles that  state washing will reduce 
the number of bacteria on her breasts/nipples,  but the REAL bottom line 
question is, does the practice reduce the  morbidity and mortality of the 
babies?  
 
"Back in the day..." (I'm allowed to say that because I'm OLD), we  
required all mothers who were breastfeeding -- the one a month or so we had back  
then -- to wash their nipples with green soap and rinse with sterile water  
before breastfeeding.  Imagine what this did to the mother's nipples and  her 
psyche.  
 
Anyway, I could be mistaken, but I do not believe this is current  
acceptable practice for a host of reasons.  Washing hands -- absolutely --  think of 
where your hands have been and what they do.  Washing  breasts that are 
just hanging out in a  bra?  Why?  
 
I'd ask your "Infection Prevention Director" just what she is  trying to 
accomplish thru this.
 
Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA
Wheaton  IL 



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