How To Avoid Microplastics in Breast Milk

Microplastics are virtually everywhere – in our drinking water, on our household products, and even in our brains. With the popular saying that “best is breast,” it’s understandable that moms-to-be are concerned about the transmission of microplastics via breast milk. 

Microplastics were named by Richard Thompson, a biologist who participated in a beach clean-up in 1993. After large plastics break down, they become smaller and more minute, resulting in microplastics. Since plastic never breaks down into organic material, this is alarming for the environment and humans. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75% of United States mothers decided to breastfeed in 2023. However, the numbers are dropping each year. In 2019, 83% of new mothers were breastfeeding. 

Breast milk has a plethora of health benefits. Research has found that it protects newborns from disease and can also benefit the mother by lowering her risk of ovarian cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that new mothers breastfeed their babies for the first six months of their lives. 

Studies have found that contaminants like pesticides and chemicals are in breast milk. However, with recent concerns rising about microplastics, should mothers be worried? 

Findings in Breast Milk

This isn’t the first time pollutants have been found in breast milk. In fact, in 1951, a survey of 32 women found that 30 had small amounts of the pesticide DDT, which was eventually banned in the United States in 1972. Pesticides have been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, and disruption of the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems. 

Moreover, children’s products, vehicles, electronics, and furniture all contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which in the 1970s were chemicals found in breast milk. Today, BFRs have been found in placentas, showing how deep they can travel within the body and impact the baby. Some European countries have banned BFRs to protect the environment and human health. 

In 2022, a study found that plastic particles, AKA microplastics, were in 75% of the 34 breast milk that they studied. Other studies have found breast milk in placentas, heart tissue, the brain, and blood. 

The microplastics found in the study were made up of polyethylene, PVC, and polypropylene.

Microplastics are endocrine disrupters, meaning they change the body’s hormone levels can impact reproductive and neurological health, and alter behaviors in learning and parenting. 

Infants are incredibly susceptible to chemicals and plastics, however, research finds that breastfeeding is still incredibly important for both baby and mom. 

Benefits of breastfeeding include:

• Nutritional needs for your baby. 
• Breastmilk protects your baby from infections. 
• Breastmilk protects your baby from diseases. 
• Breast milk is always available for your baby.

Buying formula does not offer the same protection and nutrition that breastfeeding does. 

Moreover, breastfeeding can benefit the mother too. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of:

• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular disease

How To Avoid Microplastics

If you’re concerned about passing microplastics through breastmilk, feeding your baby directly from the breast and not from a plastic bottle can be a good place to start. When you pump milk, store it in plastic, and then heat it up again later, you could be allowing microplastics to enter the milk.

Essentially, avoiding any type of plastic bottle when feeding your baby can reduce exposure to microplastics. One study found that bottle-fed babies are swallowing 1.5 million particles of microplastics every day. The study also found that cow’s milk can contain microplastics. 

An option for storing breast milk includes mason jars with a silicone lid. A silicone lid is an alternative to the mason jar lids because they contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to create resins and plastics. When freezing milk in glass, leave room at the top for expansion so the glass doesn’t break. 

Another option is silicone breast milk storage bags which include a zip top for easy 6-8 ounce storage. Silicone ice trays are also easy to pour and transfer to the freezer. 

People — from babies to adults — breathe and consume microplastics every day. However, avoiding plastic products as much as possible can reduce the chances of more exposure. Refrain from using plastic bottles, packaging made from plastic, storing food in plastic containers, and clothes made of synthetic fabrics. Moreover, reducing microplastics in general can be done by frequent vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. 

Other ways to avoid microplastics include:

• Avoid plastic water bottles
• Use a water filter
• Don’t store leftovers in plastic containers
• Don’t microwave plastic
• Don’t put plastic in the dishwasher
• Use a wooden cutting board, not plastic
• Line-dry your clothing

Microplastics are an invisible hazard to human health. Discovering the reality of microplastics might feel overwhelming, but prioritizing future decisions and finding healthier alternatives can empower you to reduce exposure for yourself and your baby. 

While we can’t eliminate them completely from our bodies, we can reduce exposure by ensuring the next generation is born healthy and risk-free.