Greetings to all.  This is my very first attempt as posting.  Please
forgive me if it is not perfect. I am a public health nurse in Oklahoma,
working with families of children with special needs from birth to age 3
years.  I often serve children with feeding difficulities and am an avid
promotor of breastfeeding.  Lead poisoning has been a problem in Oklahoma
for quite a while due to residue from an extinct mining industry.  After
reading the post on lead, and the responses, I have a little to add.  The
exposure that this mother would have to lead fumes is of significant
concern.  I agree she should be tested for lead poisoning, wear protective
gear and work in an area outside the home where her child will not be
exposed.  I would also suggest that this mother wash her hands thoroughly,
shower, and change her clothes before having contact with her child, as
dust on her body and clothing can poison her baby if contact is made.  I
would hope this mother gives her child the gift of feeding at the breast
for years to come, but it is important to remember that even after the
child is weaned this mother will need to continue taking measures to
prevent poisoning her child from lead dust particles on her own
body/clothing/shoes. If this mother were a client of mine, I would also
suggest she obtain permission from her doctor to resume this hobby.

Hope this helps.

Warmly,
Anna Marie McSpadden, RN,PHN (nursing mother of 2 y/o with no plans to wean
soon.)

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