"Are there current guidelines available, particularly during lactation?
Also, in your practice do you educate mothers about their consumption of
seafood and the risk of mercury exposure for their infants while
breastfeeding?"

The simple answer to both questions is yes.  But it can get complicated.
Maine Bureau of Health's guidelines are more stringent than the current
federal guidelines.

FDA Consumer Advisory
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg.html

References: Consumer Advisory on Methylmercury in Commercial Seafood
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/hgpdftoc.html


State of Maine Warnings on Eating Fish and Game
http://www.maine.gov/dhs/ehu/fish/

Most states have advisories specific to their region.  Maine's advisory is
for pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children
under the age of eight. Maine recommends a more stringent restriction on
fish meals than the federal advisory.  Both recommend no consumption of
Shark
Swordfish
King mackerel
Tilefish

The federal advisory is in the process of being updated. See
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01270.html
Draft advisory http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/mehgadvisory1208.html

Hope this is helpful.

Gail Lombardi, MS, RD, CLC
Breastfeeding and Education Coordinator
Maine WIC Nutrition Program
11 State House Station
ASugusta, ME 04333-0011
207-287-5341

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