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Success after IF
How much should we really worry?
I remember reading an article a while ago that said that some huge percentage of women's breastmilk, when tested, was shown to contain traces of jet fuel. And of course we have to worry about thimerosol in vaccines, and pesticides on our fruits and vegetables, etc.
Have these things really gotten much more prevalent in recent years? Or did all these things exist in the same quantities when we were growing up?
I tend to go back and forth between (1) worrying a lot about these things and being hypervigilant about everything and (2) thinking, "Well, my parents didn't buy organic and I got every vaccine, and I'M okay, so my babies will be fine and I shouldn't worry." Yes, it sounds scary that there could be small amounts of chemicals getting into our babies' systems, but are the small amounts really harmful? Are there any proven links between the small amounts of chemicals and actual bodily harm? Or do the news stories just say the words "jet fuel" and "breastmilk" in the same sentence to be sensational and let us draw our own conclusion? I mean, obviously it sounds bad, but if we've always had jet fuel in our breastmilk and we grew up just fine, then maybe it's not as bad as it sounds?
What are your thoughts?
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Re: How much should we really worry?
Ditto this. I can't live my life worried about stuff like that...there are far too many examples and studies done that suggest one thing and then another refutes it.
Married 8.13.2005, M/C 12/8/06- 5 weeks, M/C 2/27/07- 7 weeks, M/C w/ D&C 8/10/09-6.5 weeks *Charles Lawrence born 5/2/08 @ 3:14am, 7lb 8oz, 20.5 inches. Clomid, Crinone and baby aspirin. *Alexandra Claire born 9/14/10 @ 9:52am 6lb 14oz, 20.5 inches. Femara, Crinone and baby aspirin.
this!
I think it's a wash. Regulatory efforts have gotten better, but there is also more bioaccumulation of chemicals. I feel like no matter how hard I try, I can't avoid it, so it may not be worth effort.
I fall somewhere in the middle. I am a BIG worrier - about everything. So if I read anything about a potential harm in something, chances are it will always be in the back of my mind. I also don't put much credence in the "our parents did X and we're ok" argument, because think of all that includes - smoking and drinking while pregnant, etc...just because many of us are unscathed doesn't mean there aren't obvious medical and scientific reasons to avoid certain substances.
That being said, UNLESS there are clear scientific or medical reasons, however low the risk, I don't avoid things just based on worry. Chemicals in mattresses, non-organic foods, vaccines, et cetera - I'm pretty middle of the road on all of this. I was psycho vigilant about food when pregnant, even for VERY low risk things like lunchmeat and soft cheeses, because of my anxiety, but again, listeria is a known scientific risk, even if very low risk. To my knowledge there are no studies or known cases of non-organic foods/plastic toys harming a child.
I think that worrying is never productive, but taking active steps to protect ourselves and our children is!
Personally, the argument that it was good enough for me is a poor one. We aim to improve things for our children and society all the time. I want the best that I can give my kids, not just good enough. So, I've made the decision to buy organic meats and dairy ALL the time, and organic produce whenever available. I also buy almost no processed foods other than grains and things like diced tomatoes in a can or something. We shop the perimeter of the store and make our meals largely on our own. We don't buy things like cookies, chips, etc. Snacks are fruit, cheese, things like that. This cuts down on preservatives, sugar, empty calories, etc. Eating healthy and well, while still enjoying treats on special occasions, is important to me.
I also try to minimize environmental toxins. I clean with natural products, use the eco-friendly paints, have a mix of plastic/wood toys, etc. But, sure, there is pollution out there. However, throwing the baby out with the bathwater doesn't make much sense to me. I can't control what's in the air (other than also trying to be a responsible citizen, which I do!), but I can control quite a bit of what my kids are exposed to at home. And, at this age, they spend the majority of their time at home so it certainly does make a difference.
Anyway, to summarize... I do my best to run an eco-friendly and green household. I recycle, compost, limit driving, got the van with the eco mode, etc. I try to be good to the planet and to my household. But, I don't obsess over the things that I can't control OR use them as an excuse not to do my best in the areas that I can control.
You should do everything possible and REASONABLE to limit the amount of toxins in yours and your childrens' environment. To me, this means eat organic when possible and feed/do the same with baby/children. Use natural products to clean with where possible (vinegar/water, etc.) Drink filtered water. Recycle. Be a good steward of the planet, and set a good example for your kids.
We are all exposed to so many different toxins - every day. Many of which are illegal in most European countries. By doing what you can to reduce your exposure and that of your kids - you reduce your overall "load" of toxins - make it easier on your kidneys and other organs to deal with the toxins you can't control - and reduce your risk for certain cancers and other diseases thought to be linked to toxins in our environment.
"When it comes to sleeping, whatever your baby does is normal. If one thing has damaged parents enjoyment of their babies, it's rigid expectations about how and when the baby should sleep." ~ James McKenna, Ph.D., Mother Baby Behavioral Sleep Center, University of Notre Dame
This. I do my best to avoid/limit my exposure.. I still worry some.
But, at the end of the day trace amounts of whatever may or may not be harmful.. HOWEVER, it's not enough for me to believe that breastfeeding is not the best decision for my babies. I believe the benefits far outweigh any risks (known or unknown).