Hi Lactnetters! I'm new to the group, although I admit I've been observing
for a couple of weeks now. Wow am I impressed with the cumulative knowledge
and experience of this group! I am a WIC cerifier and volunteer
Breastfeeding Peer Support Provider for Jackson Coount Oregon. We're very
proud of the fact that 80% of the women on our program initiate
breastfeeding and 69% of the babies on the program who are under 1 yr. are
breastfed. Also, one third of our postpartum Moms recieve either a private
visit with our Lactation Consultant or have a trained volunteer BFSP.  Now
on to my question:
I had a client in the other day who is on leave from work. Her baby is
exclusively breastfed and 3 months old. The mom has to return to work at 6
months postpartum and is considering weaning then because of the hazardous
chemicals she works with as a theatrical scene painter. She'll be working
40 hours per week, mostly brushing but 10% of the time is spray painting. A
partial list of the products she'll be using includes: Acrylic and Latex
paints, solvents, acetone, xlene, ketones, and waterborne urethane. Two
days per month she uses alcohol all day long. The shop is well vented, and
except for when she's using latex or acrylic she uses a respirator and
gloves. She has exhausted the information centers we know of here trying to
determine the effect on her breastmilk of inhaling and touching this stuff
daily. She has called LLL 800#, Care Northwest, and the number for Ruth
Lawrence in Rochester. Everyone has told her to wear gloves and respirator
and they don't know specifically what it will do, but the Rochester # also
said the baby's liver should be developed enough by 6 mos. to handle the
small amount that might get into her milk.
OK, Anyone have anything to add or more specific info? Thank you in advance
for your help.
From beautiful, rainy, windy Oregon,
Laurie Theodorou