Lactation Consultant

As I was relaxing during a much needed pedicure the other day, I flipped through my latest issue of Fit Pregnancy Magazine. (Not pregnant, but still have a subscription). Thinking I was just taking some well-deserved time off from full-time mom-hood, I was alarmed to find out that the pampering activity I was participating in could actually harm my baby. As a nursing mother, I try to avoid things that are known to get into breast milk such as certain medicines, etc. I know I cannot protect her from all toxic chemicals, but I try to do my part. However, I was surprised to find out that some things we are exposed to every day can get into your breast milk supply and ultimately cause harm to your baby. In the June/July 2008 issue of Fit Pregnancy, author Mary Ellen Strote sheds light on a subject that is becoming ever more popular in her article entitled “Grade-A Breast milk.” Apparently, the solvents used in nail polish and nail polish remover can cause both liver and neurological damage to babies. These solvents are also found in dry cleaning processes, and while pumping gas! Other common items can be harmful as well. There are chemicals in flame retardants which are often found in curtains and upholstered furniture, which impair learning, sperm counts, and sexual development. The perfume I spray on every day could contain synthetic musks which have been shown to disrupt hormone function in lab animals. Even drinking out of plastic containing the toxic chemical BPA can pass the chemical into breast milk. While this information is scary, we all know that breast milk is best when it comes to feeding your newborn. The anti-bodies contained in breast milk are better for baby and are something formula cannot provide. It is best to continue to nurse, but good to be aware of these harmful everyday substances. For more information on this and the article, check out: http://www.fitpregnancy.com/yourpregnancy/864.