book: Breasts by Florence Williams

peggy_j

I just listend to this podcast on my iPod. Pretty interesting and makes me want to get the book (it's in my library)

Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History
by Florence Williams 

http://www.npr.org/2012/05/16/152818798/breasts-bigger-and-more-vulnerable-to-toxins

 

The author discusssed bpa, phalates and similar things we've discussed here. She also talked about doing a urine test, before and after a short detox, and she was able to reduce some of the chemicals in her urine, but not all. (makes me want to try that myself) If anyone listens to this or reads (or has read) the book, I'd be curious to know what you think. 

kayfh

Hi Peggy. We've been talking about this book on a Stage III forum-anyone read this book?

It is definitely worth reading, but I will admit we did get kind of diverted. Most of us are concerned about how this info may make the uncommitted not breastfeeding their babies. As if they needed any other incentive. K

peggy_j

Most of us are concerned about how this info may make the uncommitted not breastfeeding their babies.

Wow, hope that doesn't happen. I only heard the podcast (haven't read the book yet) but early-on the author said she continued to breastfeed and, later in the interview, listed all the positive things in breastmilk. (she even predicted that some medicines may be soon be derived based on our understanding of what's in breastmilk). I don't have kids so maybe I'm more focussed on mememe, but my take-away was that we all have toxins in our body that we may want to eliminate for many reasons, including getting them out of breast milk. Maybe I'll go sneak down and read your thread ... 

kayfh

Go read it. None of us want women not to breastfeed. Our babies and our grand babies, and our nieces and nephews, and neighbours babies need it as much as they need their moms to love them and hold them. I think Florence realizes what a large constituency of motivated women she will be able to reach with her book. Women who will work to reduce environmental contamination in their own environments.

GottaloveNED

I downloaded it to my iPad & read it. It's amazing the research she's done and it makes me nervous for the next generation. If I had a daughter, I'd definitely do things differently. I had already eliminated a lot of plastic from my life. The influence of chemicals in our lives is staggering. It's worth reading, even if you don't agree with some of her opinions.