Pamela,

There is not much of anything written for the military mom who wants to
breastfeed, much less anything about hazardous chemicals.  In my research
for my thesis on Breastfeeding in the Military I came across this  study:
Toxilogical Insex and the Prescence in the Workplace of Chemical hazards for
Workers who Breast-Feed Infants  American Industrial Hygeinge Association
journal  Vol 35, Issue 7  page 471-4  July 1992  (I have a copy if you want
it).

Basically, the mother needs to weigh the risk of exposure and types of
chemicals versus what we know about the hazards of formula.  She will NOT
have much recourse regarding NOT performing her duties as she is in the
military and signed a contract to perform her duties.  She might find out if
her HCP will write a note stating she cannot be in contact with those
chemical...but if her job speacilty requires doing that work, then she is
stuck.  She could also contact her OSHA rep at her workplace to see what
they have to say.  There is a PDF available that lists the hazards
associated with various chemicals used in the military, specifically the US
Navy (e-mail me for a copy):  REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL HAZARDS: A
GUIDE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Having been a former jet mechanic in the US Navy while breastfeeding my son,
I understand her worries completely.  However, for myself and my then baby,
I felt that the risk associated with formula far outweighed the risks I was
facing handling hydraulic fluid, JP-8 and other chemicals needed for my job.
That baby is now 11, top of his class in school and very healthy!
*****************************************
To ALL-as a side note:  My handbook "For My Baby and My Country:
Breastfeeding in the Military" is now available in Publisher format and PDF
format for anyone who would like a copy.  It is copyrighted and I am in the
planning stages of hopefully getting it published professionally (when I
have enough funds to do so), but I feel strongly about getting it into the
hands of military mothers who would benefit from it.  I simply feel I can't
NOT have it available to any active duty mother who might find it useful.
Please e-mail me off list if you would be interested in having the file sent
to you.


Robyn Roche-Paull
IBCLC, RLC, BS-MCH:LC

Tidewater Lactation Group, Inc.
757-642-4518
www.tidewaterlactationgroup.com
"Your Complete Source for Breastfeeding Support"

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