Milk samples of women from the general population in Lucknow were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography to determine the concentration of organochlorine pesticides and their possible association with maternal characteristics. p,p'-DDT (dichloro diphenyltrichloroethane), p,p-DDE (dichloro diphenyltrichloroethylene), p,p'-DDD (dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane), alpha, beta gamma and delta isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and aldrin were detected. The calculated daily intake of DDT and HCH by the neonates exceeded their acceptable daily intake (ADI) set by the WHO. A statistically significant association was noted between alpha-HCH residues in milk and hemoglobin (Hb) level in maternal blood (P < 0.001). Also, there was a significant association between gamma-HCH and p,p'-DDT levels in milk and diastolic blood pressure of mother (P < 0.05). An apparent negative relationship between p,p'-DDE level in mother's milk and birthweight of the baby was also noticed (P < 0.05). These results highlight the need for periodic monitoring to determine organochlorine contamination in human milk and assess their impact on mother and on neonatal health.