Hi Lactnetters:  First, I'm new on Lactnet, so please let me know if I
break any "rules."  I'll try not to offend anyone (at least intentionally).
Second, moms who are lactating CAN pass readily toxins through their milk,
but the answer isn't to wean--it's to avoid the toxins.   Remember, cows
and soybeans are also exposed to environmental toxins.  Regarding oil-based
paint, there is good reason not to use it (whether you're lactating or not)
from the fat-soluable toxin perspective.  The solvents used in most oils
and in the clean-up materials have an affinity for fat and are found in
breastmilk.  The same is also true for most hydrocarbons and pesticides.
Still, if you look at Breastfeeding Abstracts (last issue or one before),
there was a study on the children of moms who consumed large amounts of
methylmercury (a toxin known to cause developmental delays) and DDT that
showed the beneftis of breastfeeding STILL outweighed the toxin's effect.
The breastfeed children, while testing positive for the toxins, had
advanced developmental scores--breastmilk was protective.

On dads...I've been trying to keep quiet about this, but can't any longer.
I fought very hard to get dads invited to our evening LLL meetings.
Finally, after we started morning meetings for moms only, we started
inviting dads (two years ago).  It took half a year before we had more than
two dads, but now we have a regular stream of them, usually 5 or 6 with 20
or more moms.  No moms have ever complained and many have said how
important it has been for the dads to be there.  Yes, LLL is
mother-to-mother support, but quite frankly there is no other place for
dads to hear the stories of the ups and downs, the nighttime parenting and
the constant reiteration of why BF is SO important.  Childbirth classes
end, LLL is there for them till they go through child led weaning.  Usually
the men sit on the edge of the meeting, but not always.  In many cases, it
is the only way mothers of multiples can attend meetings.

Involution can occur whenever there is prolonged or unrelieved
engorgement--including with an unresolved plugged duct.  I suspect that the
mom with the unequal involution had this happen.

Has anyone seen the Sept. 96 issue of American Baby?  I don't subscribe,
but saw it and was revolted...the lead article was "Drink UP! Bottle
Basics."  It is full of untruths, gives virtually no credit to BF, and
basically puts ABMs on the same level of benefit as BMilk.  Do I bother to
write a letter or is that a waste of time?

Thanks for letting me spout off or should I say "Let Down"?

***************************************************************
  Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH            email:   [log in to unmask]
  Area Professional Liaison, LLL-OR      fax1:  541-967-2401
  Coordinator, Research Review Committee fax2:  541 753 7340 call 1st
  La Leche League International        voice:   541 753-7340