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| Should I be worried about BPA in pacifiers? —Heather, South Orange, NJ | |||
| Yes! Most conventional pacifiers—and teethers, for that matter—contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a harmful chemical that has been found to lead to prostate cancer and decreased semen levels in men, as well as polycystic ovaries, menstrual irregularities and miscarriage in women. Lovely, right? The groovy news is that there’s no need to use any plastic with BPA anymore, as many companies are now offering safer alternatives. Check out the binkies from Natursutten ($5.95, www.amazon.com), made from organic (bonus!) caoutchouc, a pure rubber substance. They have no artificial coloring and are toxin-free, meaning there are no chemicals or allergens for Baby to suck on. Looking for cute? The Raz-Berry Teether by Razbaby ($5.99, www.amazon.com) is fun and BPA-free. Part pacy, part teether, this sucker’s bumpy, raspberry-like texture soothes Junior’s gums. Not into the newfangled? Get Gerber’s Nuk Orthodontic Silicone ($3.35, www.amazon.com). Available in what they tout as fashion colors (hehe!), these pacifiers are, you guessed it, BPA-free and a little more affordable. |
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| Is there anything natural or homeopathic that I can use during labor to help me? I’m nervous and given to panic attacks, and I am panicked about having a panic attack! —Pam, Lakefield, MN | |
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Well, first of all, dear Pam, just breathe. It’s totally going to be okay. Have you thought about getting a doula or midwife to assist you? They can do wonders for your fear and panic, helping to foster a safe and calm environment for you and your newborn. It's great to have your man and/or a family member with you, but why not have someone who really knows what's going on and will stay by your side the entire time? Check out our article,“Deliverance", for some inspiration. I also featured information about doulas in a previous Ask a Groovy Gal column. Click here and check out the second question and answer. And now to answer your question: Pick up a bottle of Rescue Remedy ($10.95, www.rescueremedy.com). This flower-based liquid is made from all-natural ingredients like rock rose for terror and panic as well as impatiens for impatience and irritation. Not just for labor, this wonder elixir lives up to its name and will definitely become a staple of your purse or diaper bag long after the memories of labor have faded. |
| I’m overwhelmed at the thought of registering. Please help. —Casey, Warren, OH | |
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I was, too. Oh, you go into some horrible, big store with its fluorescent lights beating down on you, random babies and kids crying from near and far, and all you can think about is where the heck is all this crap going to go? My best advice is to prepare for it. Do your research and have a good idea of what you want and what you don’t want. Check out our article “The Right Gear” while you’re researching about, along with “The Rules of the Registry.” Also, pick yourself up a copy of Baby Bargains ($17.95, www.windsorpeak.com). This tell-all tome will be your baby registry bible (next to TFG, of course!), filling you in on and rating everything from strollers to car seats to cribs to maternity wear. Nowadays, you can do it all online—and you don’t only have to go through a juggernaut like Babies “R” Us. Google around—there are plenty of hipper, more boutiquey stores that offer baby registries. Although, I must say that the point-and-shoot aspect of registering in person does take the edge off of the screaming kid in aisle six—for a little while, at least. |
