Today I was asked by a lead program person if I knew anything about a problem
she says she's seen a lot.  Women are exposed to a lot of lead as they are
growing up in Mexico, come to Southern New Jersey as migrant workers, have
babies, and nurse them, resulting in babies with extra high lead levels.  She
indicated that she thinks this is a case where we should be encouraging
formula feeding.  I am wondering whether we shouldn't rather focus on
screening and treating women for lead before they become pregnant.  Even
better, of course, would be to minimize their exposure to lead in the first
place.  It seems to me that this is one of those cases where making the world
safe for breastfeeding would result in a better world for everyone.

But am I being a starry-eyed dreamer?  The real enemy here is the lead,
right?  Breastfeeding is just the fall guy because it's seen as replaceable.
 Get rid of the breastfeeding, and you still have the kid being exposed to
lead throughout the pregnancy, as well as by sharing his mom's environment as
he grows up.  Get rid of the lead, and you get rid of the lead exposure for
the fetus AND for the breastfeeding baby.

I'll be speaking to her again on Friday.  Does anyone have any information
about Mexican migrant workers and high lead levels?  Do you know of any
programs already in place to deal with the problem?

Please email me directly with answers, as I don't always have time to keep up
with Lactnet.

Peace to all.   Chris Mulford
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