If you are worried about how environmental pollutants affect breastfeeding, then this article is for you!
How exactly are the pollutants tested?
There are several ways to determine the levels of pollutants in our human body. Doctors can examine urine, blood, hair, and surprisingly, breastmilk. Any substances that can be found in breastmilk reflect how exposed women are of reproductive age to a certain pollutant and does not necessarily mean that breastfeeding or the milk is bad.
Breastfeeding is safe and the BEST way to feed babies
By breastfeeding your baby, you provide an effective and safe nutrition for him. Again, breastfeeding is the normal way to feed your baby. Don’t worry too much about environmental pollutants. Keep in mind your baby will be put to more health risks if you don’t breastfeed and give him the best kind of nutrition he deserves.
Your milk protects your baby from environmental pollutants
Your breastmilk is the best defense against harmful environmental pollutants. It contains immune protective factors that can lessen the harmful effects of the pollutants your baby is exposed to.
When is your baby most at risk from these pollutants?
It is during pregnancy when your baby is most at risk to these pollutants and not when he is being breastfed. Once your baby is born, the best way to protect him is by making sure you breastfed to foster normal growth and development. Compared to formula milk, breastmilk can limit the damage of fetal exposure.
How to limit exposure to pollutants
- Breastfeed
- Don’t smoke and don’t drink if possible
- Don’t use pesticides
- Don’t take too much animal fats
- Eat more fruits and veggies
- Don’t expose yourself to harmful chemicals
- Avoid contact with smoke and ash
- Avoid bringing contaminant residue in your home
In Summary
We live in a world where there are too many enviromental pollutants. If you want to protect your baby from these pollutants and defend him against it, you need to make sure that you breastfeed him. Do remember that the advantages of breastfeeding far outweigh the risk of intaking possible pollutants.