Comments on: Can Breastmilk Cause Autism?

By: Is Breastmilk Causing Autism? | Strollerderby | Babble Australia

Is Breastmilk Causing Autism? | Strollerderby | Babble Australia — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:35:17 +0000

[...] proof that the “breast is best” folks have lost all common sense, I don’t know what is. Take a report over at Eco Child’s Play this week: which prefaces half its paragraphs with reminders that this study was [...]

By: Anji

Anji — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:35:38 +0000

You know, aside from everything else that makes this study totally wacky… I’m part of the rat fancy, and I know a lot about rats, and rats can not get autism. It doesn’t exist in rodent species. So how on earth does a study on rats come to this conclusion? O_o

By: Is Breastmilk Causing Autism? | Strollerderby

Is Breastmilk Causing Autism? | Strollerderby — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:29:13 +0000

[...] the “breast is best” folks have lost all common sense, I don’t know what is. Take a report over at Eco Child’s Play this week: which prefaces half its paragraphs with reminders that this study [...]

By: Cate Nelson

Cate Nelson — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:50:24 +0000

This study is v. frustrating to all of us, I’m sure. I simply don’t want people to turn to chemical-laden formula because they think it’s “healthier” or “safer”. And you know? I don’t think that Dr. Merzenich wants that, either. But he couldn’t exactly sit on these results, and it is important that we are avidly protecting our environment.

@Melissa–I totally feel for your frustration. There’s always a new study coming out. I’m sure you follow ASD news and studies even better than I do, and it’s like watching the development of a new field. –>Researchers scratch heads. Start to perform studies. Publicize every single one. Becoming clear that these are only puzzle pieces in a HUGE picture, and we’re just working on the corner of it right now.

Moms are certainly not to blame. And WTF?! We all STILL know breast is best and the most natural way to feed our children.
But yes, I did gag typing that title.

By: Nehna

Nehna — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:51:24 +0000

Very good summary and I’m glad it’s not quick to condemn him just because this is a pretty controversial result.

And I think everything Michele said makes sense too.

Kblogger, no one said he’s blaming mothers. If you read his research he’s blaming pollutants in the environment. That’s not your fault, that’s the fault of those who have polluted the environment. Really it would be quite an unbelievable tragedy if our continual destruction of the environment were to cause something as natural as breastfeeding to be potentially problematic.

By: Michele Martin

Michele Martin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:17:48 +0000

I think what the doctor is saying is that these chemicals store up in our systems over time and increase as we are exposed, where as with water (most tap water is far less toxic than you may have heard. NYC has some of the cleanest is the world) the levels are potentially lower. Also, the water treatment plants may be able to filter out those chemicals from the water whereas our exposure to the chemicals is less about drinking water that it is in and more about our combined daily exposure through all of he products we have that are off gassing and leaching these chemicals onto and into our bodies.

Perhaps the real answer here is that women should have their bodies tested for abnormally high levels of certain chemicals, metals, etc prior to conceiving. That way they can work with their doctor and team of wellness professionals to lower their levels and ensure their own health AS WELL AS the health of their baby.

By: Melissa @ Raising Them Green

Melissa @ Raising Them Green — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:16:15 +0000

As a mom of two children on the autism spectrum, studies like this drive me wonky!! Breast is best…PERIOD. I find fault in studies that lay blame on the mother for their child’s autism (except in the case of genetics).

Have preterm labor and take terbutaline – your child’s autism is your fault…

Have mercury fillings – your child’s autism is your fault…

Not eat a 100% organic, vegan diet while pregnant – your child’s autism is your fault…

You get the idea.

Great post Cate!

By: kblogger

kblogger — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:34:42 +0000

You mix formula (made in a FACTORY where it can easily be contaminated) with water, right? And it is my understanding that WATER contains far more toxins than breastmilk. Its been all over the news recently – antibiotics, drugs, lead, etc. in the water. So how in the world can this doctor suggest that’s somehow more pure than breastmilk?