I'm working with a mom whose 10- month- old was recently weaned because the baby had a lead level of 16 and the mother had a level of 50. The older sister has a level of 5 and the dad 3. They live in a university housing complex. The university has been turning her apartment upside down looking for the source. So far they've checked the water, paint, dishes, etc. and found nothing. The doctor is blaming the baby's high level on the mother's breastmilk (of course!). Is this valid? In Ruth Lawrence's book I read that lead is not very available in breastmilk because it binds with the hemoglobin. I also have seen references in other sources that ABM may contain a higher lead level than breastmilk (is this variable depending on the water source for the ABM?). The baby has been sick with a fever and ear infection for 10 days - 2 weeks after starting on ABM. The mother would love to start breastfeeding again. We are also wondering if the baby received the lead in utero and if this should be a concern for subsequent pregnancies. Any and all help with this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.