Lets Talk Baby


Safe Pregnancy...

Safe Pregnancy Haircare - What's in that Bottle?



Most pregnant women know that what you put in your body is important to the health and well-being of your growing baby. But do you know that what you put on your body is of equal importance?



When you are picking your products for your daily beauty routine, it is important to remember that the chemicals in your hair products pass through your scalp and are absorbed into your body. In fact, your scalp is one of the most porous areas of your body! With a developing baby, this is a vital concern.



Expecting and new moms must remember that everything you eat, apply or make contact with can affect not only you but your growing baby.



“Because some topical ingredients get absorbed into the bloodstream, there are some you want to avoid,” notes Leslie Baumann, professor at the University of Miami and author of The Skin Type Solution (Bantam, 2006).



While there are safe options out there, there are two chemical classes that are considered potentially harmful to your baby’s health and development. We’ve put together a great label lookout guide that gives you the up-to-date knowledge on the chemical ingredients that can put baby at risk. We also know that sometimes labels are a pain to translate. For some great mom-tested products, check out Mom Hair Care Faves. Here, you will find a selection of amazing products including super moisturizing pregnancy shampoo made just for you!



Note: For mom’s who plan to breastfeed, continue following the guidelines below until you stop nursing.



Label Look Out



Two chemical classes you want to watch out for: phthalates (sometimes labeled “fragrance”) and sulfates.



Phthalates


One of the most commonly used chemical families in cosmetics. Phthalates are plasticizers that serve many purposes in hair care products – they increase absorption and act as preservatives.



But, phthalates are one of the hair (and skin) care ingredients that the experts tell expectant moms to stay away from. Findings from recent medical studies suggest that phthalates can potentially impact hormones and lead to birth defects. Possible changes to birth outcomes include: birth weight, length of term, fertility (lower sperm production), and anatomical abnormalities.



If you have been using hair products that have phthalates, don’t panic. The evidence is still inconclusive. But take steps to heed the medical advice and try to find a new hair care line that is phthalate free.



Phthalates on the Label



Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP)



**Phthalates do not have to be listed on the label and can sometimes be “hidden” under fragrance. Look for hair care that is labeled phthalate free.



Sulfates (SLS)



A very common chemical in many shampoos, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes and other soapy products (even our car washes!). Sulfates, chemically known as surfactants, are used in each of these products because they are highly effective foaming agents.



However, recently, there has been a huge shift away from sulfates. The shift is occurring for both beauty and health purposes.



For beauty, sulfates “detergent like” qualities actually work a little too well. They are in our products to remove oil – but in this removal process they can over strip hair of moisture created by our natural hair oils. Many women are moving towards “sulfate free” or “no-poo” shampoos because they like the extra moisture that sulfate free shampoos provide.



For health, SLS is absorbed into the bloodstream through the scalp. Once absorbed, one of the main effects of sulfates is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications for women including: dropping male fertility (if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding) to increasing female cancers such as breast cancer (where oestrogen levels are known to be involved).



Sulfates on the Label



Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)



Mom Hair Care Faves



Frederic Fekkai Au Naturel Gentle Shampoo



A great paraben and sulfate free gentle cleanser.



Intelligent Nutrients



An excellent organic cleanser that is so pure you can almost eat it!



NINE Naturals



Specially made for expecting and new moms. A great hair wash that leaves your improves moisture and shine++

Injuries...

According to Paul Peterson MD, an emergency medicine physician, the largest number of injuries of children treated in the ER are from... READ MORE


show me all baby everywhere

Why Breastfeed?

I am going to try not to sugarcoat the facts about breastfeeding in this column. As a pregnant mom, a new mom, or even a not so new mom, you have access to a variety of breastfeeding resources, which likely give you a very rosy and picture-perfect ... READ MORE


show me all lactation corner

Baby to Toddler...

Baby to Toddler Milestones
As your baby grows and develops, each day, week, and month there are new things that your baby can do, and it is amazing to watch the progress. I can remember at 4 months how my son was able to finally sit up in a reclining high chair and that seemed like such a milestone... READ MORE


show me all tracey serebin

Nursery DIY

Pittsburgh's Largest Child Furniture Store
USA Baby and Child Space in Pittsburgh carries all of your favorite brands; Baby’s Dream, Berg, Bonavita, Million Dollar Baby, Mu ... READ MORE


show me all nursery DIY

Receive Free Gifts...

receive a free welcome gift like:

SELECT A CITY:


show me all lactation corner