Global Centre for Lactation Training

Deaths due to environmental pollution are an increasingly dire issue, with nearly 25% of all global deaths linked to the environment as estimated by the World Health Organisation^[1]. Environmental toxicants play a large role in this increasingly dangerous issue and can be found in the air, water, and soil. An individual’s exposure in their environment can be linked with various adverse health outcomes. Exposure to these hazardous pollutants related to air pollution can impact the health of pregnant individuals and their babies, from pre-conception to pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond^[2]. As the research grows, it is important to examine how these toxicants play a role in breastfeeding and how lactation professionals can play a role in environmental toxicant exposure education, prevention, and mitigation. The purpose of this webinar is to introduce lactation professionals to the basics of environmental toxicants and the dangers they pose to overall human health, as well as the breastfeeding dyad. As a global profession, lactation professionals will encounter families affected by environmental pollution. This educational module introduces the relevance of environmental toxicants and their effects for the lactation professional, so they may be equipped with the tools to educate and empower their breastfeeding families to reduce risk and promote health.

1) https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/public-health-and-environment
2) Reducing Prenatal Exposure to Toxic Environmental Agents: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 832. Obstetrics & Gynaecology 138(1):p e40-e54, July 2021.