Mom's a soldier, is exposure to tear gas a problem?

I am a member of the United States Army. I am currently breast feeding my second child. However, next week, the 27th of January, my unit is participating in a CS Gas Chamber. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find out if CS gas will appear in my breast milk after the gas chamber, and whether this will have a detrimental effect on my child.















Dear Kimberly,

A woman named Tammy Anderson, who is a Family Nurse Practitioner Student at the University of Kansas has developed a brochure for Army women who need to pump their breasts while doing field duty. She says concerning field duty: "These women are also exposed to tear gases (CS, CN, OC). The relative half- life is very short, so I am currently recommending 4-8 hours before breastfeeding."

I have seen this question discussed previously on Lactnet (an online service for health professionals dealing with lactation.) The advice given by the doctors on Lactnet was that the most important thing you need to do is wash your skin thoroughly afterward with soap and water, and put on new clothes.

Good luck!

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL





 

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