Nettie,

Bringing up toxins in breastmilk to all expectant mothers would just be
one more thing, in my opinion, that they could use as a reason not to
breastfeed.  Since there is no evidence that I know of that toxin levels
for most people outweigh the benefits of breastfeeding, what would be
the point in this?  Have you researched the toxins in infant formula?
Not only are they there on a regular basis, but sometimes formulas are
recalled for serious problems, which is not an issue with breastmilk.  

It is not a good idea for a woman to go on a major diet while she is
breastfeeding in the early months because 1) toxins are stored in the
fat and losing fat stores in her body would release more toxins and 2)
she needs to just concentrate on feeding the baby, resting and taking
care of herself, not putting some additional stress such as severe
dieting on her body at that time.  

If a woman has concerns about particular exposure to an unusual amount
of some toxin, she should discuss it with a health care provider
knowledgeable in the subject.  It's certainly not my specialty but I
would think that what applies to whether drugs get in the milk would
also apply to toxins. That is that the least likely ones to get in the
milk are those with 1) low oral bioavailability, 2) pKa of less than
7.2, 3) high molecular weight, 4) highly protein binding, 5) short half
life 6) low lipid solubility.

Lucy Towbin, LCSW, IBCLC

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