Imagine if radioactive isotopes began showing up here in mothers breast milk a month ago

[NNN0LHI]

Like happened in Japan last month.

And our government said they were going to do more testing.

And that was last thing you heard about it from anyone.

Would you be sitting around calmly waiting for more information right now nearly a month later?

Personally I would be about ready to strangle someone.

Don

[marions ghost]

1. Would Americans

be as passive as the Japanese about contamination of their bodies, particularly children's bodies? --is what you're asking.

Considering the passivity of Americans on so many issues, I'm not sure. Widespread fatalism about the Fukushima meltdowns is not encouraging, either in Japan or here. So many people don't understand it and information is deliberately managed and with-held.

I think there's a possibility that most Americans would do exactly the same thing. If 50% of Americans can DENY Climate Change/Global Warming, they can easily deny something they think won't even make them feel sick. The Nuclear Industry is counting on their naivete and lack of comprehension of the consequences.

Worked in the Gulf, didn't it? :shrug:

[Sabriel]

2. I AM ready to strangle someone, Don.

But who?

I've already contacted my state's official in charge of testing for radioactivity in milk and got the royal runaround.

There's not going to be any more testing--or at least no media information about the results--so therefore there's no one to contact or complain to.

So I'm sitting here with two kids under 12 and no way of knowing what's safe and what's not.

Complete bullshit.

[marions ghost]

3. See if there's any independent testing

--call other orgs and institutions.

The govt is not the place for answers. But worth checking just to find that out. People have NO idea how vulnerable we are, in so many ways, on matters of public health and safety. Americans grow up thinking that of course the govt is looking out for us. Expecially after Bushco this is not the case. Consumer beware. I found this out the hard way too.

[Brickbat]

4. There's very little outcry whenever studies talk about other chemicals in breast milk, so I wouldn't

expect much more if radioactive isotopes showed up.

[marions ghost]

5. The pap that's being expressed to expectant or new mothers

Read this for a perfect example of how people DENY the dangers. The article starts out mentioning Fukushima in the context of breast-feeding --BUT then goes on to label it a NATURAL DISASTER (!!!???!!!)
The rest of the article basically tells you nothing. The subterranean message is, "Don't Worry About It"

http://www.justbreastfeeding.com/benefits-to-breastfeeding/effects-radiation-breast-milk-breastfeeding-mothers/

Classic Doublespeak

[Fumesucker]

6. Real 'Murkans only use formula..

Who gives a shit if all those commie pinko dirtbag breast feeders kids get radiation poisoning?























:sarcasm:

[smirkymonkey]

12. Yeah, but if your formula is from China it's probably about 50%

melamine.

[Lilyhoney]

7. I am nursing my 11 month old son as I type this.

I am concerned about the content of my milk. But I don't know what to do other than be concerned.

My son is exclusively breast fed and will be for one more month. I do drink cow and goat milk but I am concerned about adding these to his diet. I will continue to breast feed my son for as long as it is desired by the both of us.

I could use a bit of comfort. Anyone???

I am in northern Illinois.

Thanks!
Lilyhoney

[marions ghost]

8. just a suggestion

You could avoid cow and goat milk yourself while breast-feeding. You would certainly be reducing the risk. Also vary your water sources. You could also delay putting your son on animal milk.

As for getting any real guidelines, I'm sure it's all about "individual choices" and there won't be any comprehensive evaluations of the problem from the government anytime soon (maybe after the fact). We are all guinea pigs in the global nuclear experiment.

Maybe try to network with some other families with small children and see if you can get any answers, even get some monitoring for yourselves.

Breathe. Stay cool. Don't panic. The current lack of information is what's really scary. Ask questions. Network. :thumbsup:

[Lilyhoney]

9. Thank you for your reply.

I have and will continue cutting back on my dairy consumption. I see no reason to give my son cow or goat milk while still producing my own. Our tap water is nasty, so I do buy bottled, different brands from different stores.

One of our local hospitals has a breast health center, perhaps they will be of help. My son goes for a well baby visit next week and I will talk to the Dr. about my concerns.

I belong to a group of moms, and will bring this topic up at our next meeting.

I just had an idea... I could contact the nearest milk bank and ask them if they would or will be screening for radiation in donated milk. I have enough frozen milk to make a donation.

This is the first time I am voicing my concern and I already feel better.

Thank you!

Lilyhoney

[marions ghost]

10. good ideas

yes, use your close resources and don't be afraid of asking reasonable questions when it comes to health re. radiation exposure. I'm sure you'll find others with the same concerns who just needed somebody they know to bring it up. These days people are so distracted it helps if someone in a group acts as a focalizer.

I am a big believer in naming and voicing fears & concerns such as these. You take it from the stress of free-floating anxiety to the action stage. Get a database going of info that seems helpful on the issue and become a resource yourself--even if it's just for your local friends and families. Of course bring any info or discoveries back to DU too--there's plenty of concerned people here.

WHY should we (meaning the world's people) have to worry about nuclear contamination from fallout and spills from nuclear power plants?? Why should we have to worry about "spent" nuclear materials escaping for thousands upon thousands of years? There is just no good answer to that question. No justification for it. We have enough contaminants and hazards that are not avoidable to worry about. We can eliminate this one. After Fuku I hope we are closer to that day.

[progressiveinaction]

11. Oh for fucks face I know

It's frustrating isn't it? When will America wake the fuck up. And we had a member here lambasted for trying to warn people to stock up on milk.