When I was pregnant with my oldest son my biggest concern was how I was going to juggle college, work, and a baby. Granted getting stretch marks, at 17, and figuring out how I would ever get enough sleep were right up there, but there was nothing I couldn't handle or lacked control over.
With my second son a bevy of health-related issues presented itself. We dealt with asthma, allergies, eczema, and pneumonia induced hospitalization. It's no easy task taking care of a 6 month old who is scratching holes in his skin because neither you nor the doctors realize he is eating foods that could kill him. We certainly become more aware as parents and learned to ask more questions.
Now nearly 12 years later, being a mom to a new baby has become even more complicated. In an age where you can find out almost anything via the internet, I can't help but feel like I have information overload. There are studies and articles about EVERYTHING! From breast feeding to bottle feeding, recalled baby products, vaccinations, natural remedies, pesticides that cause attention disorders, and vitamin deficiencies. If this were my first kid I would be scared shitless. There are so many concerns facing news mothers it's hard to know where to begin or what’s most important.
My husband and I have become proponents of the doing things as naturally as possible. We believe it benefits our kids to not subject them to things that could be harmful to their health. Over time we have educated ourselves about limited vaccinations for children, the benefits of breast feeding, and making fresh unprocessed food choices. I had no idea I would have to add to that list avoiding plastic bottles due to harmful chemicals, or slings that cause infant death. In the past I breast fed both kids, but also pumped so that I could get a break. I never thought that there was any difference in bottles besides the varying Disney characters on each one. Now some parents are pushing to ban all containers and baby products that contain a chemical called BPA (bisphenol-A). Those supporting the ban say it can be linked to problems with brain and hormone development in children. Considering the chemical has already been removed from "most baby bottles, sippy cups and water bottles" gives me an indication that scientists and manufactures don't believe in its safety 100%. Luckily there are alternative products out there that don't contain any controversial additives. When adding items to my baby registry I came across Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles; they are BPA free and helps reduce colic, spit-up and gas.
There is definitely some frightening stuff out there, we're just trying to stay on top of it all. The best I can do for my children is become informed, but not get overwhelmed by the "experts" advice. Become your own expert, only you can decide what is best for your child.
Keepin it Natural in Boyland,
2 COMMENTS:
It's crazy how much is out there and how everything now in some form is bad for our children. I hate to read every new article that comes out but end up reading them anyway. I'm a mother that loves my child. Oh how I wish I could be like my mother and parent my kids as her parents parented her. Or like her parents and just wing it. Trail and Error. We're still alive right? To think how car seat safety now is at the top of the list when in the early 80's it wasn't even manditory to have one. As the times change we change with them. But I always wish that these big name companies would stop being about the all mighty $ and go back to making their products with intergity. It's sad when the CEO of a company wont use their own products on themselves or their families.
Great post
Thanks Stephanie...the world is a scary place sometimes, but as long as we call the companies out on their negligence and stop buying our products our kids can be a little safer. God I don't know how I'll make it through H.S. with them! Thanks for reading and commenting!
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