Greener Pastures
Pregnancy is a good time to adopt environmentally conscious habits because fetuses are more vulnerable to toxic substances. A study by the Environmental Working Group in 2005 measured umbilical cord blood for contaminants and found an average of 200 different industrial chemicals.
As parents we all have a responsibility to protect our children from the risk of birth defects, learning disabilities, asthma, and other medical conditions that can result from using toxic products. Our goal should be to make informed choices on matters that affect the health of our families and the environment.
Eco-Friendly Eatables
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the placenta is not capable of shielding the womb from all the man-made chemicals that have collected in our bodies. That’s the reason it’s important for pregnant women to avoid meat, poultry, and fish that may contain harmful toxins such as antibiotics, growth hormones, or mercury; and minimize their exposure to pesticide residues.
According to one World Health Organization estimate we could prevent more than 80 percent of all chronic illnesses by improving our lifestyles in simple ways, like working to reduce our exposure to environmental pollutants and eating a healthier diet.
Since organic produce is grown without harmful pesticides, it’s a safer choice for mothers and babies. It is especially important to buy organically grown apples, potatoes, cherries, grapes, strawberries etc as they have been shown to have high levels of pesticides.
Green Cosmetics
Apart from healthier eating habits one also needs be careful of what one applies on the body. About 60% of what we put on our bodies—in terms of beauty products, lotions, and sunscreens—is absorbed into the skin and is thus a cause of concern.
Reading labels on the bath and body products carefully and limiting or eliminating the use of ones containing parabens, sodium laurel, propylene glycol, diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), PVP/VA Copolymer etc is one solution.
Using natural alternatives with organic botanicals, such as lavender and jojoba oil, and deodorants that don’t contain aluminum is another solution. You can also try homemade beauty solutions like cucumber slices for puffy eyes, curd and granulated sugar for scrubing the face etc.
Going green may seem overwhelming when you are getting ready for a new baby, but these small changes will pay you well in terms of your child’s health in the long run.
Breast Cosmetics from St.Botanica
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