Joy,

>An alternative explanation of the link, in my opinion, is that cracked
>nipples are caused by a poorly attached baby, who does not drain the breast
>well, therefore predisposing the mother to blocked ducts, which in turn
>lead to mastitis. If this is the case, Bactroban, or any other
>anti-bacterial preparation on the nipple should not make any difference to
>the incidence of mastitis.

This sounds like a wonderful study for those who would have access to enough
moms.  When the mom has cracked nipples, use bactroban on one and not on the
other, everything else remains the same.  Seems like it would be pretty easy
to prove or disprove.

Linda Pohl, IBCLC
Phoenix, Arizona USA
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