Hello,

I haven't posted for a while and was putting family first for a few days so
I'm a little behind on posts. I couldn't resist posting on the silicone
thread because I am the LC involved in the collection of mothers milk for
the study (Semple, Lugowski) that Marsha noted.  Great Marsha!

Interesting info: We hand express only into silicone free test tubes.
 Moms wash breasts to remove any traces of soap. We also follow with
distilled water rinse. Mom or myself must wear silicone free gloves to
express. (We actually do a fair bit of laughing.)The milk is tested for both
silicone and silicon (organic and inorganic)

The results have been getting lower for all participants in the past months
because we are controlling the environment for collection more strictly.
You wouldn't believe how a room with curtains or a carpet on the floor or
whether it takes 1 mins or 5 mins  to express 10mls of milk can effect the
silicon count!  (Read: it's everywhere)

We collect from each breast separately and also gather fore milk and hind
milk separately. We had some mothers with an implant only in one side so
this is very helpful.

Mothers also have blood and urine tested during the study session.

We ask questions about diet and occupation that could impact on levels. Did
you know broccoli has a high amount  of silicon? Vegetarians tend to take in
more silicon? Whether they have implants or not!

This study is still ongoing.(4th year) We are currently looking for more
mothers who are breastfeeding with silicone implants to participate in the
study. To participate, mothers can call the Breastfeeding Clinic at Womens
College Hospital in Toronto. (For breastfeeding help, WCH doesn't take on
clients who have birthed at other hospitals but any mothers in the Toronto
area can be in the silicone study)

Anne Kirkham IBCLC
Canada
P.S. Annalies,
Stan Lugowski just returned from a speaking tour in Europe 3 weeks ago so
hopefully this information will soon add to the knowledge of those who are
advising mothers.