What gets into your milk?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20189
Printed Date: 12 September 2025 at 1:48pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: What gets into your milk?
Posted By: 2bmumof3
Subject: What gets into your milk?
Date Posted: 18 August 2008 at 4:14pm
|
Ok so I know that certain foods can effect bubs through BM, coffee, tes etc with the caffine but what about chemicals absorbed through the skin? I use alot of bleech in our house an I'm a shocker with wearing gloves, meaning I don't. Would this end up in my milk supply? ------------- Sara Corban (22/11/04) Connor (18/04/06) Chelsea (21/05/08) 
|
Replies:
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 18 August 2008 at 4:57pm
|
Apologies in advance if this sounds too technical! Whether there is any effect from a chemical being absorbed through the skin depends on the toxicological pathways for that particular chemical. For bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in particular, the toxicological pathways are via inhalation and ingestion, so as long as you make sure the room you're using it in is adequately ventilated and you don't drink it, don't worry, you're fine! It doesn't get into your bloodstream through contact with your skin, and therefore can't get into your milk.
If you want to know about the toxicology of a specific chemical then google the chemical name and "MSDS" which should give you links to the Materials Safety Data Sheet for the chemical, and they will tell you the risks and toxicological pathways for that chemical. ------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 18 August 2008 at 4:59pm
|
(But I should point out that if you have bleach on your hands and don't wash it off straight away, then handle bubs, you could irritate bubs' skin...) -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: 2bmumof3
Date Posted: 18 August 2008 at 5:10pm
|
Thanks for that weegee, and yip I'm always really conscious to wash my hands thoroughly with soap straight after and before dealing with anything else....hands still stink though!! ------------- Sara Corban (22/11/04) Connor (18/04/06) Chelsea (21/05/08)
|
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 18 August 2008 at 5:26pm
In that case, here's a tip for getting rid of smells on your hands - came from my stinky fisherman DH  Rinse your hands in warm water, then rub them with plain white sugar and a little dishwashing detergent. Works for fish guts and garlic so I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work for bleach. (Don't ask me why it works though!)-------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: 2bmumof3
Date Posted: 18 August 2008 at 5:42pm
|
I must give it a go, thanks. I guess I really should wear gloves but they're a hassel to get on an off, sticky blimn things they are.
I only just thought about it when feeding DD today as could still smell it. ------------- Sara Corban (22/11/04) Connor (18/04/06) Chelsea (21/05/08)
|