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THE FAMILY GROOVE: Why does organic matter?
Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu: When you’re considering having a baby, are pregnant or
are home with an infant, you want everything you surround yourself with—from your food to your
mattress to your laundry detergent—to be as harmless as possible. Everything, from apples to
bathroom cleaners to shower curtains, has the potential to be filled with toxins, carcinogens and
endocrine disrupters. These aren’t things you want to take the risk of having in, on or near you when growing a baby. Organic is the purest version of something and therefore matters very much.
TFG: What role does organic play in trying to conceive?
DD & AZ: We all have toxins in our bodies. If you’re thinking about going organic before you try to get pregnant, great. We think that getting out as many toxins as you can now in preparation for your new tenant can only be helpful.
TFG: Which household cleaners should we eliminate and why?
DD & AZ: All conventional household cleaners should be replaced with greener versions. Cleaning products are made from a shocking number of toxic chemicals. These chemicals can stay in the air and on surfaces for hours or even days after they’re used. Labels on cleaning products do not warn consumers about their hazardous ingredients because our government allows these ingredients to be considered “trade secrets.” Many school systems across America (including in New York state) have adopted plans to only use green products, as the conventional cleaners are too toxic to use around young children. To drastically reduce indoor air pollution during your pregnancy, use green cleaners or make your own. Mixtures of plain old liquid soap, baking soda and white vinegar will pretty much tackle anything you want cleaned around your house nontoxically.
TFG: What's the latest on antidepressants while pregnant?
DD & AZ: For the most up-to-date information, moms-to-be should check with their care providers (this includes medical doctors, therapists, midwifes/OBs and psychopharmacologists). Depression varies widely, so individuals should absolutely be working with doctors who can help them on a case-by-case basis.
TFG: Is fluoride safe?
DD & AZ: This isn’t an easy question to answer. The American Dental Association says the concentration of fluoride found in “optimally fluoridated water” is nontoxic. But in 2005, 11 unions representing more than 7,000 Environmental Protection Agency workers called for a moratorium on programs to add fluoride to drinking water, citing a possible cancer risk. Most drinking water contains fluoride and most water filters do not filter out fluoride. Considering the fact that you’re already getting plenty of fluoride (whether you want it or not) from your drinking water, you might want to choose a fluoride-free toothpaste.
TFG: What are some helpful tips to remember when setting up a safe nursery?
DD & AZ: Less is absolutely more. We don’t recommend renovations—the chemicals released by tearing walls down and carpet up are too risky. Natural wood floors covered with a natural fiber rug is a much safer option than synthetic wall-to-wall carpeting, which can [release] toxic chemicals from the glues used to adhere it to the floor. If you’re painting, use a no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, which makes for less indoor air pollution. Try to use hardwood furniture that doesn’t contain plywood or other particleboard (the particles are bound together with toxic glues, which can [seep] into the nursery air). Spend any extra cash you might have on an organic crib mattress, a wool puddle pad and organic cotton sheets. Use as little plastic as possible. Toys should be equally simple. Babies don’t need much.
TFG: Are there any natural ways to curb morning sickness?
DD & AZ: In The Complete Organic Pregnancy, we offer the following suggestions, many from mom friends of ours. Try not to brush your teeth right after you eat. Drink ginger, mint or red raspberry leaf tea. Run cold water over your inner wrists. Figure out which smells are soothing and have them on hand. Keep something to eat in the morning by your bed so you can wake up slowly (we found empty stomachs made morning sickness worse). Take your prenatal vitamin before bed to avoid nausea or try another brand if this doesn’t help. Talk to your doctor about taking extra vitamin B.
TFG: What about your beauty regimen (hair color, manicures, pedicure, etc.)? What should moms-to-be watch out for?
DD & AZ: You really want to scale things way, way back when you’re trying to conceive, are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Most products should be replaced with safer, less-chemical versions (we walk you through this product purge in the book and give tips for what favorite products can stay in your life). We do not think hair coloring, manicures and pedicures are safe when pregnant. Nail polish, for instance, contains chemicals (which are banned in Europe and are starting to be voluntarily phased out by companies stateside) that have been linked in small studies to reproductive abnormalities (specifically in baby boys). Even though the FDA still deems the chemicals safe, we’re more than happy to have natural toes and gray hair and err on the side of caution for these 40-plus weeks.
TFG: Got any tips for an easier birth?
DD & AZ: Ha! As if. Every baby comes about in her own way. The only thing we can say is don’t be mentally wedded to an ideal version of a birth. It rarely goes how you want or expect it to go. In our experiences having spoken with many women about their births, it sounds like having an open mind is the most important way to have an “easier” birth.
TFG: Is there a natural way to handle postpartum depression?
DD & AZ: There are natural ways, yes, including surrounding yourself with people you can talk to and be as honest as possible with, making sure to put aside some time for yourself, taking care to get fresh air and walks. That said, there are many levels of postpartum depression, the worst of which no amount of fresh air can help. If someone is having more than a generic case of the blues following the birth of her baby, she should be in touch with her health care provider.
TFG: What should all moms-to-be know about having a complete organic pregnancy?
DD & AZ: To us, an organic pregnancy is common sense. It’s also a great, proactive way of approaching a pregnancy. Your baby will grow no matter what you do or don’t do. But we felt really wonderful knowing that we were actively trying to make sure their growing environment was as pure and healthy a place as possible. Your baby only has one shot to grow and develop. We say in the book that an organic pregnancy is about taking environmentalism and personalizing it. A few basic changes can protect you, your baby and ultimately the world she’ll grow up in. An organic pregnancy is a win-win, an excellent thing to have.
To purchase a copy of this must-read pregnancy bible, go to www.amazon.com.
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