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In response to reports of chemical pollutants found in human breast milk, some mothers have begun question the safety of breastfeeding.
Contaminants such as perchlorates, pthalates, bisphenol-A, dioxin, lead, mercury, and many other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, and solvents detected in breast milk have made headlines. Some mothers wonder if their breast milk has become too polluted to breastfeed safely. Should Women Continue to Breastfeed?Experts say yes. Jack Newman, M.D., of the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute (NBCI), states that breastfeeding helps to diminish the bad effects of toxins in breast milk and he points out that infant formulas also contain toxins [Toxins and Infant Feeding. Jack Newman, M.D., FRCPC. January 2005]. Gina Solomon, M.D., M.P.H., a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, states that the health benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the potential hazards and she asserts that breastfeeding remains a better alternative than formula [Healthy Milk, Healthy Baby: Chemical Pollution and Mother's Milk. NRDC. March 2005]. Protecting Babies from Harmful ChemicalsMaking Our Milk Safe (MOMS), an organization with a mission to protect the health of babies by eliminating the threat of toxic chemicals and industrial pollutants in human breast milk, focuses its attention on toxins in breast milk because these findings identify the chemicals mothers are exposed to before and during pregnancy, as well as to the health of the fetus' first environment within the womb. Mothers can protect their babies by reducing their own exposure to toxic chemicals found in foods, clothing, and many other products encountered in their daily lives. MOMS recommends eating organic foods to reduce exposure to pesticides, limiting the amount of fish in the diet to reduce exposure to lead and mercury, covering lead paint in homes, choosing cosmetics free of pthalates, using glass rather than plastic, and wearing clothing made of natural fibers which do not require dry cleaning to avoid exposure to harmful cleaning solvents. In addition to avoiding exposure in their daily lives, mothers can act to support legislation to ban harmful chemicals, support campaigns to change corporate practices, and help to educate consumers. MOMS helps people organize into local groups called MOMSquads that work on MOMS issues in their communities. Toxins are found in breast milk, as well as in infant formula, and may cause harm to babies. The existence of dangerous chemicals in breast milk is evidence of their existence in people's bodies, in food, and in the environment. These findings show the many harmful pollutants people encounter every day. Mothers can protect their babies by continuing to breastfeed for the inherent protection provided by human milk, and also by speaking out, and by avoiding consumer products known to contain harmful chemicals. Supporting legislation to ban toxic chemicals protects babies and every one else.
The copyright of the article Toxins in Breast Milk in Breastfeeding is owned by Sara McGrath. Permission to republish Toxins in Breast Milk in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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