Breastfeeding moms are always concerned about what goes in their bodies, since a lot of it goes into their milk. This is why you should limit your alcohol intake while breastfeeding and make sure you inform yourself about whether any medications you take are safe for breastfeeding.* Recent studies have shown that a lot of moms are worried about environmental toxins that may make their way into their breastmilk, and hence, their babies. The studies also show that quite a few moms would switch to formula if they knew that certain toxins were present in their milk. While I can completely understand this decision, I believe it’s usually not necessary and based on incomplete information. The biggest argument NOT to switch to formula: there are environmental toxins in formula, too! Not to mention in the water you use to mix it! Tanya at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog outlines the facts and misconceptions regarding environmental toxins in breastmilk. I strongly encourage you to read it if you or someone you know is breastfeeding, contemplating switching to formula, or trying to make the decision whether to breastfeed or not.

* Obviously, first and foremost, ask your doctor about any of your medications, but I also suggest you do a little research yourself because many health care practitioners aren’t aware of the most recent information on medications and breastmilk. LactMed is one great resource to do some of your own fact-checking.