Dear Joan, I have never heard of protein spots. (I'd be curious how they got their name!!) I will ask around to see if anyone has any ideas. Sounds like some sort of dermatitis to me--maybe the babies are allergic to the antiseptic stuff they get washed with or something that is in the cloth (in the hospital) that comes in contact with their skin. It would seem to me that if a lack of protein (colostrum is rich in protein although low in volume) caused spotting that malnourished people would also have similar skin manifestations of protein nutriture. I am not aware that they do (other than decubitus ulcers which do not sound at all related). Very interesting question....hmm Martha Brower Kettering, OH (Named for Charles Kettering--they guy who invented the electric starter for the car--otherwise we'd still be crankin')