Nursing Your Kids

Canada is expected to classify BPA (the chemical found in some hard, clear plastics and some cans) as a dangerous substance. Recent studies have linked BPA to breast cancer, obesity, and infertility.

And a Yahoo article reports that the The National Toxicology Program found that

“experiments on rats found precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty when the animals were fed or injected with low doses of the plastics chemical bisphenol A.

While such animal studies only provide “limited evidence” of bisphenol’s developmental risks, the group’s draft report stresses the possible effects on humans “cannot be dismissed.” The group is made up of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration and the Institutes of Health.”

This is a controversial topic for mothers these days. Most women, whether they breastfeed or formula feed, use baby bottles. Many of the most popular bottles are made from plastics containing BPA. Mothers who formula feed are also exposing their children to BPA through the formula containers- many brands of powdered and liquid baby formulas contain BPA.

Some mothers, especially those with older children, feel that the risks of BPA are just hype, and that their kids turned out just fine so why panic now. Plenty of women on my pregnancy board used X brand of bottle or X brand of formula with their last child and have no interest in switching. Other mothers understand that toxins are everywhere but would rather limit their children’s exposure to those they can control. These mothers are actively researching bottles that don’t contain BPA and the brands of formula that either don’t contain traces of BPA or have the lowest levels.

I fall into the latter category. I know that my children will be exposed to many chemicals throughout their lifetimes. I know my children will eat unhealthy foods and play with toys I don’t approve of. I know there will be lead, phthalates, and BPA in my kids’ environment no matter what I do. Even so, I plan on controlling their environment to the best of my ability for as long as I can. I sold my Avent breast pump and bottles and plan on buying glass or BPA-free bottles for the new baby. Sam’s sippy cups are aluminum or safe plastics. Whether it’s hype or not, if a chemical might be dangerous I want to keep it away from my kid for as long as I can. I can’t control things forever, but I sure would like to try to keep my babies safe while I still have the ability.

It’s tough to know what to do, especially when such a huge portion of the population has a, “I grew up on chemicals and I turned out fine approach,” but taking small steps and making minor changes is a good way to start. Safe Mama has a great post on how to avoid panic and confusion.