RENEWAL LAB

GREENING OF THE WOMB

Pediatrician Julia Getzelman of San Francisco recommends that pregnant mothers think about “greening the womb” as well as their house. If you are pregnant, review our Renewal Lab ideas for minimizing chemical exposure in the previous chapter (here). Here are some key ways to think of greening the womb:

image Avoid negative stress, such as toxic relationships in which you know there will be conflict, unrealistic deadlines, and other situations in which you will not get enough sleep or be able to eat well for days. Life happens, including major events, while you are pregnant, but try to control what you can, and prioritize supportive relationships.

image Increase well-being time. Take prenatal yoga classes, or use a yoga video. Find ways to socialize with other pregnant women. Enjoy going out for walks, preferably in green areas.

image Eat a “rainbow” by consuming foods in a variety of rich, deep colors. Amp up protective nutrients for a healthy developing baby: Ensure adequate dietary protein, vitamin D3 and B vitamins, including folate and B12, fish or a high quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement, and probiotics.

image Avoid pesticides and chemicals in food by eating an organic diet. Limit your consumption of large and farmed fish, which often contains accumulations of heavy metals and other industrial chemicals. Limit saccharin or other artificial sweeteners, as these can cross the placenta. (The newer artificial sweeteners may do the same; we expect more and more alarming findings.) Canned foods contain BPA (bisphenol A), a significant endocrine disruptor. Stick to what nature provides and consume a whole-foods diet. Avoid packaged foods with their many questionable additives.

image Avoid chemical exposures at home by wet-mopping frequently, using a vinegar-and-water mixture to clean most surfaces, and checking out safer cleaning products and cosmetics here: http://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides. Additionally, plastic PVC shower curtains, perfumes, and other fragrance-containing items such as scented candles may be a significant source of toxins.