To: Subject: Digest Re: comment from Anne Eglash that she,"Never refers women to community groups" This is a strong statement and seems to show a basic mistrust of community knowledge and support. Why would anyone deprive a patient of any option that has beenhelpful to so many others. Prenatal classes are great, but many women have learned more from watching another mother breastfeed her baby than from the most cleverly presented lecture. This gets back to the basics of breastfeeding being more than just a way to feed a baby. Nurturing and supporting a mother so that she can be successful may require more than a class and some literature can offer. I believe that we can accomplish far more by working together towards a common goal than any of us can individually. Anne's patients are lucky to have a health care care provider who is so knowledgable about breastfeeding. Perhaps time will build a bridge for sharing resources in her community. Re: Sore nipples and thrush I have seen many mothers who had secondary bacterial or eczema like lesions with thrush. I have found dermatologists helpful and knowledgable in solving these problems. They usually required a combination of oral and topical meds to clear things up and get breastfeeding back on tract. good luck!