Weaning: Hard for Baby, or Me?
I took a small break from Everything Green Home blog to wean my baby from the breast. Well, I didn't actually mean to take a break, but something peculiar happened. Baby took right away to the bottle. He had no trouble adjusting to the medical grade silicone nipple.
The problem arose for me rather than him. I found I began to have what I assume is labeled "the baby blues." Suddenly, I was a bit downcast for no apparent reason. I kept thinking, "He's never going to nurse again." I was highly unmotivated.
This was peculiar since I had anticipated a bursting forth of my new found freedom from the constant demands of nursing. And yet, that was not what happened at all. I was sad to see this stage of bonding between me & Baby coming to an end. To add further injury, Baby seemed to be utterly disinterested with the breast and even seemed to prefer the bottle. Oh, woe is me!
Now that stage act is over and we are both right back on track. Also, I love my Green to Grow Bisphenol A-Free & Phthalate-Free bottles. I have no worries about plastic leaching when I pop a ready made bottle in the microwave in the middle of the night. Next big adjustment, sleep through the night...
Is this #3 Plastic Serious?
What's with these plastics? Are you kidding? I mean, seriously, what are we thinking?
Healthy Child, Healthy World has a printable pocket guide to eliminate the confusion about plastics. The printable guide is useful for anyone wondering about #1 through #7 plastics; what are they made from and what's the concern?
The one that caught my eye on the list, and should be avoided by any means necessary, is the one we use most frequently for our babies! Specifically, #3 PVC, or Plyvinyl Chloride is used for Salad Dressing Bottles, Cling Wrap, Teething Rings, Pacifiers, Toys and Shower Curtains. According to the guide, the concern with the use of this type of plastic is that it can leach lead and phthalates, and it can also off-gas toxic chemicals. In my opinion, #3 PVC should be outlawed! Please avoid the use of #3 PVC plastics by seeking out alternatives. These chemicals are hazardous and our babies' developing bodies are vulnerable.
Green to Grow has alternatives for the bottles and nipples of standard ones that are made of #3 PVC. Also, instead of using the plastic teething toy, try Organic Cotton teething toys.
Those are a few suggestions, please research this topic further and find out for yourself the concerns as well as the perfectly acceptable alternatives available.
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