babble » blogs » Strollerderby
Strollerderby
Can’t Produce Breastmilk? Blame the Toxins
Finally, some substantive evidence to back up the moms who say they just couldn’t produce enough breastmilk for their babies. Scientists have found toxins present largely in our diet may contribute to breastfeeding troubles.
In a study on mice (no humans yet), the researchers at the University of Rochester determined exposure to dioxins during pregnancy has the potential to harm the cells in the rapidly-changing breast tissue.
Classified by the EPA as one of the most toxic chemicals in its particular class, dioxins have been linked to reduced fertility and birth defects with a suspected link to cancer from “lifetime exposure.” Its affects on breast tissue are particularly pronounced, according to the Rochester research, because it will cause “mammary cells to stop their natural cycle of proliferation as early as six days into pregnancy … lasting through mid-pregnancy.”
The research also found that like much in life – it’s all about timing. Exposure that’s been limited only to early pregnancy might not have the same devastating affects of continued exposure.
Although the underlying issues here mean this certainly isn’t good news, the idea that moms who have struggled with breastfeeding may finally get some answers (not to mention some back-up to their claims) should go a long way toward helping bridge the breast nazi/struggling mother gap. Even better, this research could open the doors to ending this difficulty for women.
Image: EcoStreet
Related Posts:
Joslyn Gray 
Amber Doty 
Julianna Miner 
Monica Bielanko 
Sierra Black 
Meredith Carroll 
Carolyn Castiglia 
Sunny Chanel 
Madeline Holler 
Wendy Michaels 
Rebecca Odes 
Danielle Smith 
Danielle Sullivan 
Katherine Stone 
The Walt Disney Company supports Babble as a platform dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent and open conversation about parenting. However, the opinions expressed on this site are those of individual parents/writers and do not reflect the views of Disney. In addition, content provided on this site is for entertainment or informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or safety advice.
0