A confidential information service available to pregnant women, their partners, obstetricians, and other health care providers
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(800) 322-5014

The Pregnancy Exposure Info Line

Services

PEIL Services

The Pregnancy Exposure Infoline is open to individuals and clinicians in the New England area. We provide confidential and non-judgmental counseling by telephone regarding:

  • The possible effects of different exposure(s) before or during pregnancy
  • Health advisories regarding food, herbal supplements, vitamins and others
  • A written summary is mailed to the caller and her physician if requested
  • Referrals to genetic counseling centers or other services to discuss complex issues when necessary

Note to all our callers: Please be aware that we cannot provide medical advice or make clinical recommendations. We can only provide the education you need to assist you and your clinician with the best course of action for your potential or current pregnancy.

Breastfeeding Inquiries

Health care providers (HCP) please refer to our Providers page for information

Everyone else should refer to our Breastfeeding Resources section below

Common Referrals

  • Consumer Product Safety Commission
  • (800) 638-2772
  • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission works to protect the public from the potential hazards that are linked with consumer products like fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazards as well as products that can cause injury to children.
  • Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
  • (800) 258-4448 MA Main Line
  • (617) 616-1600 Boston
  • (413) 732-1620 Worcester
  • (800) 230-7526 NH, ME, VT
  • Planned Parenthood health centers offer high-quality sexual and reproductive health care, including family planning, gynecological care, STI/STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, and abortion services.
  • Mass Health
  • (877) 543-7669
  • The MassHealth program provides comprehensive health insurance—or help in paying for private health insurance—to more than one million Massachusetts children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • National Pesticide Information Center
  • (800) 858-7378
  • 9:30AM - 4:30PM EST
  • A resource information center for the general public and clinicians to help people make informed decisions regarding the safe use of pesticides.
  • Healthy Start
  • (800) 488-9161 MA
  • The Healthy Start Program provides health insurance to low-income, uninsured pregnant women in order to improve access to early, comprehensive, and continuous prenatal care to improve the health of newborns and their mothers.
  • WIC (Woman, Infants and Children)
  • (800) 942-1007 MA
  • (800) 942-4321 NH
  • (800) 437-9300 ME
  • (800) 942-7434 RI
  • Provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
  • Lead Paint Hotline
  • (800) 532-9571
  • A resource for Massachusetts residents for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of lead poisoning, including the elimination of sources of poisoning.
  • Mass Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health
  • (617) 825-7233 Boston
  • (413) 731-0760
  • MassCOSH brings together workers, unions, community groups, and health, safety and environmental activists to organize and advocate for safe, secure jobs and healthy communities throughout eastern and central Massachusetts.

Breastfeeding Resources

Providers please refer to the Healthcare Providers page for breastfeeding resources

  • LaLeche League
  • (800) 525-3243
  • In addition to breastfeeing support and education they answer questions regarding basic exposures and impact to breastfeeding. You can review some of their frequently asked questions here.
  • Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
  • LactMed is a peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.
  • Infant Risk Center
  • (806) 352-2519
  • 9:00AM - 6:00PM EST
  • Dedicated to providing up-to-date evidence-based information on the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.