The Secret to a Healthier Breastfeeding Relationship

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions and research about natural hygiene products and their effects on breastfeeding are mine alone. #NaturalGoodness #CollectiveBias

As a breastfeeding mom, part of the decision to nurse my kids was because I did not want to introduce them to unwanted ingredients in formula. In fact, I have always been one to strive to reduce their contact to any sort of chemical exposure. However, so many times something we forget about is the impact that our personal products have on both our own bodies and consequently, our kids when breastfeeding. Using natural personal hygiene products is one bug way that we can improve our health and our the health of our babies. Find out just how much of an impact products have, especially when breastfeeding.

Why Natural Personal Hygiene Products Matter When Breastfeeding & Pregnant

Skip the Anti-Perspirant. Deodorant Only. Your body was made to sweat. Not allowing it to sweat, not matter how stinky you are post-partum is not healthy. This is because when we sweat, we are naturally detoxing. And since you don’t want to detox through your milk, let your body do it the best way it knows how!

Less Chemical could Decrease your Probability of Breast Cancer – Some choose to breastfeed to decrease their breast cancer risks for themselves and their babies. However, also choosing a more natural personal care line up, like Tom’s of Maine would even further that cause. Studies have shown an increased rate of breast cancer that originates in the upper quadrant of the breast, near the armpit. While there is no long-term research on this, there is a strong correlation (meaning, we don’t know causation), but being more mindful about what deodorant you use could help your health.

What you use on your skin enters your bloodstream. Some have said that within 26 minutes what you touch and/or use enters your bloodstream. I have found no scientific facts to back this up in terms of time, but even the FDA talks about how we absorb chemicals into our skin and even into our gut. When breastfeeding, even using lotion on our skin with phthalates is something that could be introduced in the milk to baby. In fact, even during pregnancy this happens which is why in some tests more than 200 chemicals including BPA were in the umbilical cord between mom and baby. This means choosing natural personal hygiene products is so important for both you and for your baby.

What you use can impact your breastfeeding relationship. Babies, especially newborns, depend on their sense of smell and more basic instinct. When we introduce strong smells and chemicals, we are creating somewhat of a barrier to that natural process. We all know what it’s like to be around someone with heavy cologne only to still smell it hours later after they’re long gone. Same goes for hygiene products mom uses around her baby. In our family, we joke that every time I get out of the shower, the baby wakes up because she can smell me. And that’s how it should be!

Be Mindful of What your Whole Family Uses –  Everything you use from your toothpaste to your deodorant can have a direct effect on both your child’s and your health. This is just the first step in raising healthy kids and starting early in doing so. My husband and I have both used unisex natural deodorant, especially when our babies are first born and try to keep natural bonding in play. This is even important in baby-dad relationship building.  Tom’s of Maine has a great Apricot scented Unisex Long Lasting Apricot Deodorant that is a great option over mainstream choices.

Tom’s of Maine is a one stop shop for my family at Wal-Mart where I can get toothpaste and deodorant for the whole family all on the same aisle. I can even use coupons for Tom’s of Maine products to make living more naturally also a bit less expensive.

From reducing scents in your home, to making sure that in general, the family is exposed to less artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, or preservatives helps kids get the best start in life. There are options for toddlers, kids, and adults for toothpaste for the whole family that fits this mold.

More posts on Breastfeeding & Prepping for Baby you may Enjoy

Adventures of Breastfeeding: Real truths for the first time mom
Breastfeeding a Toddler
Preparing for a Newborn Checklist
Natural Parenting & Earth Month Blog Hop!