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Subject:
From:
Sharon S Knorr <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 29 Nov 1997 20:57:06 -0500
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Dear Susan,

I don't get it.  Isn't nicotine (and its metabolites) transfer enough for
the mom to not want to smoke while breastfeeding, or cut down as she has
already done?  Is she worried that there is something even more dangerous
to the baby than nicotine in the cigarettes?  We already know that
nicotine is a potent toxin.  Is she looking for a reason to stop
breastfeeding (rather than quitting smoking)?  It is my understanding
that if one keeps their consumption of cigarettes to under 1 pack/day the
risks vs. benefits argument is still very much on the side of continuing
to bf.  Once you get past that level of consumption, there seems to be
some controversy over whether the amount of poison the baby is getting
outweighs the benefits of bf.  If the mother continues to smoke and gives
the baby ABM instead, the baby will be exposed to all of the
well-documented dangers of ambient smoke (colic, respiratory diseases,
etc.) and will no longer be afforded any of the protections that breast
milk would provide.  Perhaps further dialogue with this mom will give you
more insight into what she is really worried/thinking about.

Sharon Knorr
Lactation Consultant Services
Rochester, New York
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