When it comes to breastfeeding today, many moms are beginning to wonder if there could even be contamination in breast milk.  Not sure that this is true?  Well, it’s time to take a closer look at the pros and cons of breastfeeding and whether there could be a problem with contamination.

For those who are living in countries that are developed, research has shown that all humans have a toxic burden that is quite large on the body.  This comes from being exposed to many different chemicals, which occurs in rural, urban, and suburban environments.  Of course, this is definitely alarming, but it’s even more alarming to realize that some of these chemicals do show up in the breast milk and they can be passed along to babies.

Many women are beginning to realize that there are environmental issues that surround breastfeeding and whether or not it is truly the best choice today.  Breast milk often attracts contaminants, such as heavy metals, because of the high protein and fat that is contained in it.  Not only do babies get the proteins, sugars, and fats needed, but they also end up being fed contaminants in our own bodies, including rocket fuel, dry cleaning fluid, paint thinner, gasoline byproducts, poisons, and many more.

After these reports came out in the news, several moms went together and formed a nonprofit known as Make Our Milk Safe or MOMS.  This nonprofit was started back in 2005 to educate women on breast milk issues and campaigns are done to try to eliminate environmental toxins that can be passed on in breast milk.  This group helps educate women who are pregnant and women who are breast feeding.  They also help to talk about the impacts on chemical exposure and they work to promote alternatives that are safer than containers for food storage, cleaning supplies, and a variety of personal care products.

There are many different compounds that are contained in breast milk that can cause negative health problems.  BPA, which is in plastic, various chemicals, and even heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium can show up as some of the top offenders.

Although there are definitely some big concerns here, research is showing that the amount of toxins in breast milk is smaller than that which is in air that those in the city breathe while they are at home.  The main key here is to focus efforts on trying to reduce the sources of the negative compounds.  At this point, the benefits and nutrition from breast feeding still provides more benefits than the risks; however, this is definitely something that mothers need to watch.