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