Healthy and Green Living » Pregnancy

Storing Breast Milk

Terri Hall-Jackson — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:00:44 +0000

Moms choose to breastfeed because they believe this is the most nutritive, safe choice for their precious babes. Breast pumps make it possible to store this liquid gold, but some storage containers are better than others.

Containers made of polycarbonate or PVC (vinyl) plastics have been shown to leach toxins such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, chemicals associated with hormone disruption, prostate and breast cancer, and other damaging health effects. Those sealable plastic nursing bags designed for storing breast milk are made of polyethylene. Studies published in Early Human Development and Nutrition Review showed no chemical leaching into the milk, but did indicate that milk stored in these bags may lose some nutrients because they cling to the plastic.

Green Pregnancy: A Global Shift

Kelly Magill — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:24:31 +0000

Pregnancy is a great time to establish green habits because it's always easier to be healthier for someone else's sake. Parenting store babycenter.com reports that 56 percent of moms say that pregnancy is what inspired their move to a greener lifestyle. Not only do they have more reason to leave the world a better place for their bambino, they also want to keep their loved one safe from unnecessary risks and pollutants. Choosing organic products and actively recycling are two of the most common solutions, but there are more simple steps that you can take to make junior's world safer and a more eco-friendly place to grow.

Perfectly Pregnant Trail Mix

Annie B. Bond — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:05:01 +0000

Eating a nutritious, whole, and healthy diet becomes even more important when you�re eating for two. This simple make-it-yourself snack furnishes lots of iron, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, and it�s easy to take along with you wherever you go.

One Plastic to be Sure to Avoid

Annie B. Bond — Fri, 30 Jul 1999 20:30:44 +0000

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) published a report about seven plasticizers (known as phthalates) found in a variety of polyvinyl chloride-based products, and isolates one to be the most concerned about as a hormone disrupter in humans and wildlife.

Fish to Avoid During Childbearing Years

Annie B. Bond — Tue, 20 Jul 1999 22:25:03 +0000

Pregnant women and women considering pregnancy should not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they could contain enough mercury to harm an unborn infant's nervous system, according to an FDA advisory. Young children and nursing women also should avoid those species of fish.

Nail Polish Risk: Harming Unborn Boys

Annie B. Bond — Sun, 09 May 1999 04:23:23 +0000

A chemical known to harm the male reproductive system is found in many nail and cosmetic products. The plasticizer, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), causes birth defects of testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and defects in the structure of the penis.

5 Basics for Non-Toxic Cleaning

Annie B. Bond — Sat, 09 Jan 1999 06:24:44 +0000

Learning to clean from scratch&#151making homemade recipes&#151can truly work if you take time to understand a bit about the chemistry behind how the materials work. Here are the five ingredients that I find to be the safest, most effective, and useful for cleaning.