Melissa:  I don't have references handy but I recall hearing at a lecture
about pollutants and toxins in human milk that lead is very rarely a
problem for breastfed babies, most often bottle fed babes because of the
mixing with lead-contaminated water.  At any rate, a one-year-old has
many other sources of lead, considering all the stuff they tend to put in
their mouths.  The risk would be highest if they live in a house older
than (I believe) 20 years, because they were using lead-based paints
before that (if there's been recent renovation work on such a house, the
risk is astronomically higher).  The other source is the old pipes
soddered with lead, and it's possible this child is ingesting water from
these pipes.  Of course, if that's the case, the mother's lead levels may
also be high.  I agree with the person who advised the mother to have her
blood tested (and possibly her milk, if her blood levels are high).  I
wouldn't wait until someone asks her.  It's probably best to know, and
most likely would reassure her that she's not contributing to the
problem.  Hope this helps.  Alicia.  [log in to unmask]