Abstract
Background
Lead is a known toxicant that affects all tissues in the body, most notably the brains of developing children. However, there are limited data on the dynamics of lead transfer via breastmilk and its short-term and long-term consequences. Much of the available data come from areas of the world where numerous sources of lead complicate our understanding of the effects of lead exposure via breast milk.
Case Presentation
We present trends in blood lead levels (BLLs) in a breastfeeding dyad, where the only source of lead exposure identified was prior to pregnancy, without other known ongoing lead exposures for mother or infant.
Outcomes and Implications
In this case, all lead exposure in the infant was presumed to come from in utero transmission and breastfeeding; and infant BLLs varied significantly with initiation and interruption of breastfeeding. This case is discussed in the context of current models for predicting transfer of lead in breastmilk and demonstrates the use of strategic pauses in breastfeeding to alleviate the burden of lead transfer and support the ongoing breastfeeding relationship.