Bottles of Fun!

As if it weren't hard enough standing in front of the walls of options at Babies R Us, I have recently determined that I should make my decisions even more complicated by researching the effects of chemicals and plastics on our chromosomal and hormonal systems. I know it sounds crazy, but having been on the receiving end of a chromosomal abnormality with my second miscarriage, I thought I should at least look into it.

Now, I will admit - I'm not 100% sure I believe that this is such a huge issue that it warrants every mother on earth opting for the expensive, chemical free bottles. Plenty of babies drink out of regular plastics and live wonderful, healthy lives. But I'm sure you can understand my tendency to look into it since I have experienced some form of effect in my body and in that of one of my babies.

For those of you that are not familiar with this research, it basically states that many plastics we encounter every day (baby bottles, water bottles, etc) have a chemical in them called BPA (I'll spare you the full spelling and stick with the abbreviated version). When heated or left in the heat (for instance, water bottles left in a hot car), this chemical seeps into the liquid in those bottles and when we drink that liquid, seeps into our bodies causing all kinds of hormonal and chromosomal havoc. Again, I'm not sure how much I really think this is the direct cause of what I experienced or really will make a huge difference, but if I can take precautions to help my baby live a healthier life, then why shouldn't I?

Here's a link to a helpful site that lists BPA free baby bottles. They just introduced this handy wallet reference card with the names of the companies they recommend. Now don't think I'm that over the top. I'm not carrying it around with me or anything. Although I did take it with me to Babies R Us when I registered!

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html

I know I will not be able to shelter Hope from every harmful chemical in her food or her environment. But I might as well take the measures I can when I am aware of them. This is probably a much bigger deal if you are planning to bottle feed. Obviously the more the baby gets a bottle, the better it is for it to be chemical free. After meeting with my first pediatrician on Friday and hearing her say, "Oh, I'm sorry to say this but you're not going to be able to breast feed after your surgery," I suppose I'm gearing myself up for that and thus am thankful that I've been made aware of this information.

Knowledge is power, right? So enjoy!!