Your baby is not the only one exposed to and affected by these harmful ingredients. When you are exposed, so is your baby. The Environmental Working Group estimates that the average person uses up to 25 products a day and each product contains multiple chemicals. Before birth, your baby receives nutrients from you via the umbilical cord. Did you know that blood moves through the umbilical cord at an approximate rate of 4 miles/hour? This means that nutrients and oxygen get to your baby quickly, as do toxic chemicals. After your baby is born, these ingredients can be excreted through your breastmilk.

Don’t fret, there are actions that you can start taking now to help reduce both you and your baby’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Here are some tips to help as you prepare for your childbirth experience:

1.  When you take a tour of your birthing facility, ask questions like: 

• • “What wash do you use to give a baby bath?”
  • “Do you use diaper wipes? If so, what kind?”

• • “Has this facility initiated any ‘Going Green’ measures?”

• • “Can I bring my own products for my baby?”

• • “Do you offer organic or locally produced food?”

2.  Pack your own labor bag not only for yourself but also for baby. Include products that contain healthy ingredients which you have researched and chosen. See our Labor Bag Checklist…

• • • Start by reading the ingredients on your product labels. Know what you are putting on you and your child. (Find a list of potentially worrisome ingredients here)
  • • Look up your products on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. Can’t find your product? No problem, look up the ingredients in question to learn of their safety rating.
  • • When you’re on the go, use a mobile app like Think Dirty to get product safety information right at your fingertips.
    • Include items for baby such as diapers, wipes, and baby wash.
  • • Include items for yourself like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, gel, hair spray, feminine products, nursing pads, lip balm, lotion, and massage oil.
  • • Don’t forget to pack a bag for your labor support coach, too! 

  3.  If the research is too time consuming or overwhelming, start small. You don’t have to eliminate everything all at once, every little change is meaningful.

  4.  Let your birthing facility’s staff know that you wish to use your own products on your newborn. Never assume that they will know because you brought something with you. Communication is key!