Jeanne Mitchell from TX asked me to share this with the list.
MKSmith, Romeoville, IL

Mary Kay;
This is the URL from the CDC explaining that human milk is not
considered to be in the same category as "bodily fluids".
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hip/universa.htm

This is the URL from OSHA that states human milk does not need to be
treated as a biohazardous waste.
http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/Interp_data/I19921214.html

I printed these out and took them to a local hospital for their use
as a reference.  We were discussing human milk banking, and
appropriate storage of mother's own milk in the NICU.  While I was
holding these references in my hand, a nurse manager stated, "Why a
woman would CHOOSE to give another woman's bodily fluid to her baby
is beyond ME!"

So, Mary Kay, I understand the frustration that, even with
documentation, we cannot change people's preconceived notions about
human milk.

My understanding is that the phrase "bodily fluid" was instituted
because it is a more acceptable phrase than "semen" and "blood" and
"vaginal secretions".

For the purpose of collecting, storing and handling expressed milk,
it is no more likely to infect a health care worker than sweat or
saliva.  Casual contact, as in the handling of expressed milk, is not
an occupational hazard.

Good luck to you.  Please post this to Lactnet as I am not subscribed
from my TDH account.

Jeanne Byler Mitchell, MSN, RN, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Promotion Nurse
Texas Department of Health
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/lactate/bf1.htm
(512)406-0744
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."
Plato
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