The results found a total of 16 PFAS detected, with 12 detected in more than 50% of the samples. Our research shows that both current- use and phased-out PFAS now contaminate breast milk, exposing nursing infants to toxic chemicals. We also found that levels of current-use PFAS appear to be rising in breast milk.
Lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and other potentially toxic metals that are dispersed throughout the environment also have bioaccumulative features and thus are of concern to the nursing infant. The presence of lead and mercury in human milk has been extensively studied.
Breast milk samples were tested for 39 different PFAS, including 9 current-use compounds. Results found that both current-use and phased-out PFAS contaminate breast milk, exposing nursing infants to the effects of toxic chemicals. A total of 16 PFAS were detected with 12 found in more than 50% of the samples.
Before using, it is necessary to check if breast milk has a fishy smell, has a scum, has a strange taste before giving it to the baby. Breast milk after thawing, if not used up, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Infants have become ill from contaminated milk due to bacteria growing on pump parts that were not cleaned properly.
Breastmilk should taste slightly sweet and have almost no odor to it. Taste and smell test every few hours for 48 hours – if your milk starts to smell, then most likely it's high lipase. If not, may have just been a spoiled bag! Check out the CDC guidelines for breastmilk storage here.
A mother could also contaminate her breast milk by drinking contaminated water or forbidden foods.
So, before assuming you have high lipase milk, check to be sure your breast pump parts and storage containers are clean and dry, decrease your consumption of rancid-smelling fats like fish oils, and ensure that your milk is being refrigerated soon after pumping.
Bisphenol A, perchlorate (from rocket fuel), flame retardant, weed killer, and toxic metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium have all been found in breast milk.
“While we know that PFAS chemicals may be harmful, it is important to remember that breast milk provides significant benefits to newborn and child health. Breast milk is still best for newborns.”
However, breast milk is not always sterile and may be contaminated by many microorganisms. EBM contamination is probably attributed to improper technical and hygienic factors and may pose significant threats to the newborn baby.
However, when lipase activity is unusually high in expressed milk, its work in breaking down the fats can result in a soapy or fishy aroma and/or taste that may be distasteful to the baby.
Foremilk early in a pumping or breastfeeding session can be almost clear or blue compared to the creamier, fattier, yellowish hindmilk that comes later.
We will happily accept your high lipase milk, as will our recipient babies. Lipase is destroyed during our pasteurization process. Just make sure not to heat your milk before donating it.
Let's start with #1: shaking denatures proteins. There are many, many different types of proteins in human milk and these are highly variable in size.
A very high level of lipase is usually a sign of acute pancreatitis. Higher than normal levels of lipase may be caused by: Diseases of the pancreas, including a blocked duct (tube), or pancreatic cancer. Chronic kidney disease.
For extra germ removal, sanitize pump parts at least once daily. Sanitizing is especially important if your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy for cancer).
All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as bottles, valves and breast shields, should be cleaned after each use. It is not possible to completely sterilize breast pump parts at home, even if you boil them. However, sterilization is not necessary to keep these parts safe and sanitary.
In an FAQ, they say that “if you cannot clean your pump parts thoroughly after each pumping session, you can rinse and then refrigerate pump parts for a few hours between uses to help slow the growth of bacteria.”