I, too have been following the discussion of universal precautions and day care issues with great interest. I have called around to a variety of LCs I know practicing in hosptial and also in private practice. None of the contacts I know are currently using gloves, etc. to assist woment in breastfeeding, even in the hospital. Essentially they use the same approach as to providing care for the baby. Gloves are used until the baby has had initial bath, after that, no gloves unless changing a diaper, suctioning (more than bulb suctioning), etc. We seem to take the same approach with breastfeeding women- no gloves unless handling bloody nipples, assessment of infant suck, etc. I have concerns about appearing "paranoid" about breastmilk and breastfeeding. There is a not so subtle message, that will definately be carried through to day care settings. I have one client who was told by her day care providers that they would not handle breastmilk at all, so she bought them a box of latex gloves to use when handling her baby during feeding time! Elaine Webber