Feeding your Unborn Baby

As we know, what we do before and during pregnancy (and after, if breast-feeding), can affect the health and well-being of our baby. But what we need to break down is what specifically are we doing or not doing to ward off these potential dangers. A recent study was done on umbilical cord blood and detected over 120 different toxins on average, present at birth. We acquire these toxins by the ingestion of harmful chemicals and elements, contact through absorption on the skin, and inhaling fumes.

We can safeguard against this by eliminating household chemicals to the best of our ability, using mattress covers to avoid skin contact with flame retardants, avoid dry cleaning, (skin is the biggest organ and absorption through skin is a major source for toxins to enter the body), conscious breathing ( being aware of your environment so as to keep clear of traffic, smokers, factories, etc).

As for toxins that enter our body due to the choices we make in consumption of food and drinks. Some are obvious, some not so much. Many of the foods today are packaged in nicely decorated packages with millions of dollars spent on advertising, usually geared toward children. In addition to the delightful taste of most of these items, they are often times also desirable because of their "convenience" factor.
However, many packaged foods are laden with methyl-mercury infused high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, dyes, synthetic hormones, antibiotics, fillers, fermented ingredients, additives and preservatives, charbroiled items, heavy metals, dioxins, PCB's, etc..... But if some of these are found in our food supply, that means certain supplements can also carry these as well. Pregnant women are encouraged to take omega-3 supplements, but some come from fish oils that contain contaminants. And babies and toddlers are also encouraged to take these supplements as brain development is at it's peak the 1st year of life. So, not only do we have to be careful in the foods we eat, finding the right supplement(s) to ensure it's safety, and essentially establish which, and how much, if any, of a supplement is needed. Ask a Registered Dietitian to help you with these and other concerns you may have. An RD who specializes in holistic nutrition will be the most helpful in this situation.
Lastly, the water we drink plays an important role in whether we are taking in unnecessary toxins. Well ater can be great as long as it is checked for harmful microbes on a consistent basis. Saratoga Springs and nearby residents are fortunate enough to have natural fresh springs to fill jugs with and take home. City water varies, in that traces of chemicals, including medicines have been found and, if you live near a big city, that amount can add up quickly. Drinking distilled, purified, and filtered water is your best bet if you don't have access to natural clean springs, to avoid unwanted chemicals including chlorine in city water.