Phthalates Are Showing Up in Breast Milk of Preterm Moms

Mothers of very premature babies have phthalate metabolites in their breast milk. The chemicals they're exposed to are being passed to the most vulnerable babies.

Phthalates in Two Body Fluids

A 2026 study in Toxics measured phthalate metabolites in maternal urine and breast milk after very preterm birth and found concordance between the two. The phthalates showing up in mom's urine are also in her breast milk. Preterm babies have immature detoxification systems and are even more vulnerable to chemical exposure.

What You Can Do

Reduce phthalate exposure if you're breastfeeding: skip fragranced products, avoid plastic food storage, and choose phthalate-free personal care items. Browse non-toxic baby products for a cleaner nursing environment.

Source: Authors (2026). Toxics.