To all preggers and new mommies

Hi mommies and mommies to be. Nikki, pakiforward to kay Abbie, I don't know her email ad e.

I was reminded of this issue when I read one of DOP's recent posts and I wanted to share them with you because I know you are preparing for your baby's stuff.

It's about this BPA issue, it was proven toxic and is commonly found in baby stuff like mga feeding bottles. In fact, it has been banned from some countries na. In the Philippines ata, it is not yet banned. I am not sure lang if it's banned na in Singapore. So if it's not banned, you may probably be buying things that has BPA in it :(

Daphne mentioned (and she IS a reliable source) that Philips-Avent is not releasing BPA-Free bottles and breast pumps markets except in North America!!!

Here's an excerpt from her blog:

Most people in the Western world don't have to worry about BPA in their children's plastic bottles. BPA is bisphenol-a found in clear hard plastics like baby bottles. BPA has estrogenic properties and has been found to cause the following problems (and more):

- prostate and breast cancer
- uro-genital abnormalities in male babies
- early onset of puberty in girls
- metabolic disorders including insulin-resistant (Type 2) diabetes
- obesity
- neurobehavioral problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Canada took the lead in banning BPA in baby bottles. The industry responded. Most baby-product companies developed BPA-free baby bottles. Some retailers offered refunds for old BPA Bottles. I wrote about the BPA issue last year.

Technically, I can give birth safely in four weeks. I had been preparing the little details. I don't need much - no baby gadgets and toys. This is my third baby. But I do need newborn clothes and a whole new system of breast pumps and bottles. All my old bottles had BPA, so they went out the window last year.

I wasn't going to mention it but I will. Philips Avent, as a company, sucks big time. They are not releasing BPA-Free bottles and breast pumps markets other than North America. While North American babies can be assured of safety, our babies will have to use up all the old stock toxic bottles. So those of us who want to still use Avent will have to order through relatives in the US or Canada. Or through some enterprising "importers" and resellers in Multiply or Ebay. Or as my friend Ingrid and I found out (the hard way), you can buy it at Baby and Co -- for P1799 for two 5oz bottles... that's USD 37 for two small bottles.

I've used the Avent manual breast pump for both kids. It worked fine for me. I can't the say the same for Medela electric. I went all out during my second baby and bought a double electric. It ended up giving me mastitis. I almost had to have breast surgery during that time. So I went back to manual. I was looking for BPA-free Avent manual pumps here. They're not being sold by the official distributors because of that awful policy of Philips Avent. So I had to be resourceful and order it directly from the US.

What the local market lacks in non-toxic Avent bottles, it gains in this new product called Tommee Tippee. I got a few bottles. I looove the shape and design. The teats are wider and softer. It seems more "natural" than the other brands. And... the price is friendlier. I'm getting more for sure.



You may want to read the rest of the entry, because Daphne suggested some sources where you can buy BPA-free products.

http://daphneosena.livejournal.com/88083.html

Hope this helps!

There are still some studies and press releases supporting the safety of this chemical, that it is not considered toxic. But those are still just draft assessments. Plus the fact that when marketing and profits are concerned, some companies don't lay down the whole truth to their consumers. In my opinion, it is better not to take that risk. If there is a better and safer alternative, then I'd go for that alternative.

Hope you have a safe delivery! And for some of you, enjoy your new-found momminess. Sana ako rin soon na :)