Can breastfeeding be GREEN? PHOTO COURTESY ALLISON VAUGHN WITH LI T TLE WAVES PHOTOGR APHY
BY
DONNA ANTENUCCI LPN, IBCLC TWO BY TWO LACTATION SERVICES
Two by Two
I like to think that I have done my fair share of saving the planet. I try to recycle. I am
Lactation Services Donna Antenucci LPN, IBCLC
using less harmful chemicals in my home for cleaning. We attempt to conserve water and electricity. If I have errands to run, I try to do them all in one trip to cut down on fuel usage. We have a compost bin in the backyard. And I breastfed my children.
407-325-7926
www.twobytwolactationservices.com Classes and Consultations available Privately in your home, or in office located within Tree Of Life Birth and Gynecology, 819 E First St. Sanford FL 32771
Did it ever occur to you that breastfeeding your baby is considered GREEN? Reduce. Re-use. Recycle. Everywhere you turn these days it seems we have more and more opportunity to learn about trying to save our planet. The sales and use of eco-friendly products has skyrocketed in recent years and is wildly popular among the Generation Y or Millenial population. Decades ago, the decisions that a young mother made during the child-rearing phase of life weren’t thought about in a global manner. Nowadays, however, many mothers are making parenting decisions with the environment in mind. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average person generates approximately 1,600 pounds of trash a year that winds up in our landfills. When a new baby joins the family, there can be an exponential increase in the amount of waste going out of the home in the form of solid, water and commercial waste. Baby formula comes in packaging that requires consumption of precious natural resources for production and distribution. The use of chemicals, petroleum-based products and fuel, plastics, metals, glass and the increased water usage all impact the environment. If a mother chooses to feed her baby formula, the amount of solid waste, water and chemical usage within the family home will be a great deal higher than if she chooses to breastfeed.
Consults available for any breastfeeding related needs.
Erin Spaulding, mommy of 2 Owner Spaulding Chiropractic, Sanford
Consider the sheer number of bottles just one baby will consume in a year’s time. At an average of 8 feedings a day, that would be roughly 2,990 bottles that would require preparing, cleaning and sanitizing, an exhaustive process that further taxes the water treatment systems in our communities. In the USA alone, the excess packaging from artificial baby milk yields millions of pounds in solid waste, only a fraction of which is actually recycled. On the other hand, the packaging that contains breast milk doesn’t have to be thrown into a recycle bin, and this original happy meal is much more attractive than a formula bottle!
{Prenatal classes, Difficulties/pain, milk supply issues, poor baby weight gain, induced lactation for adoptive nursing, returning to work/pumping, nursing multiples} Call now for appointment. Weekly Breastfeeding Support Group Gathering. Gift certificates available ~ Make it a Baby Shower Gift Why hire an IBCLC? The IBCLC credentialing provides evidence that the practitioner has demonstrated the highest level of skills and knowledge within the field of human lactation. For more info go to www.ibcle.org
Breastfeeding is undoubtedly a win- win situation when it comes to being good for baby and being GREEN. Human breast milk is the superior food for babies, and it is good for the earth. Breast milk is a renewable resource, with positive health effects for both mother and baby. As you snuggle your nursing baby, just think – you’re helping save the planet! babyourself.com • Spring 2012
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