I received a call from a mother who will be going for military type
training for three weeks.  She works for the federal prison system.
She was told she should wean before going- for her own comfort and
because she had nursed "long enough".  She has had to sign some sort
of waiver for safety.  Anyway, she has decided to pump while she is
gone and continue nursing when she returns, but without the knowledge
of her employers.  She made the comment that '"the prison system,
like the military, is run by men and they don't understand these
things". I'm sorry that she can't be honest about it, but I respect
her choice and also her dedication. She did express some concern
about the lead exposure she will encounter while on the firing range.
 She said she can't fire her gun with a mask on to minimize exposure
and feels she should have her milk/blood tested for lead levels
before resumption of breastfeeding.  This mom has really thought
things out well. Does anyone have any information about "safe"
milk/blood lead levels for a breastfeeding mother?  Her baby is about
6 months old now.  Could she minimize exposure by pumping and dumping
and nursing on an "empty" breast until tests are run or would that be
too risky? She is returning on a Saturday and is looking for a lab
that can test her that day. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sincerely,

Cathy Liles, IBCLC
College Station, TX