Archive for the ‘Pregnancy’ Category

Body Odor Causes and Natural Remedies

It happens to all of us at some point: the unfortunate realization that in this moment we kind of stink. As we dug into the root causes behind body odor, we realized that it’s quite a misunderstood process. Below is some information to demystify body odor and suggestions about how to safely and effectively prevent it.

What causes body odor?

Contrary to popular belief sweat itself isn’t smelly. Body odor is actually driven by bacteria on your skin. These bacteria break down your natural oils causing odors – particularly around the armpits where most of the oils are produced. So while wetness caused by sweating might help bacteria grow, it’s not responsible for the odor. This means the solution isn’t to stop sweating, but rather to find a hygiene routine that works for your body.

Body odor is to some extent genetic – in fact, identical twins will have similar smells even when living apart – but it by no means remains constant throughout a person’s life. Diet can also be a major factor in determining smell. Ingredients like garlic, curry and caffeine, as well as the balance of meat and vegetables a person consumes, have all been linked to changes in body odor.

Body odor and pregnancy

Many pregnant women report an increase in body odor, a heightened sense of smell (which can give the impression of increased body odor), or often both. Science hasn’t come up with an explanation for this, but it‘s quite common and nothing to be ashamed of! There are some theories as to why this occurs, including changes in hormone levels, diet or body temperature, all of which are perfectly natural parts of pregnancy. If you need to change your beauty routine to accommodate new smells though, it’s important to remember to do so safely. Not all odor care products are created equal!

Antiperspirant vs Deodorant

One of the biggest sources of confusion for consumers is whether to buy antiperspirant or deodorant. Put simply, antiperspirant prevents sweating while deodorant addresses smell.

It’s often advised that pregnant women avoid antiperspirant if possible. Antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds, which haven’t been proven safe for developing babies. The cautious route is to opt for a pregnancy safe, all-natural deodorant.

Sweat is our natural method for controlling body temperature. It’s a completely normal process; by choosing the right deodorant, you can embrace sweat as well as odor protection.

A Safe and Natural Solution

A great first step to safely addressing body odor is finding a deodorant that is safe for pregnancy. This means choosing a product that is aluminum-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free, among other things. Nine Naturals’ pregnancy safe deodorant meets these requirements; it is made with natural, organic ingredients and uses a non-nano zinc oxide formulation to prevent odor.

We specifically selected zinc oxide for its natural qualities and effectiveness in controlling the bacteria that cause odor. It’s also a great ingredient for odor protection because it’s an astringent that tightens the skin and reduces oil secretion. Non-nano zinc oxide sits on the surface of the skin and does not get absorbed into the bloodstream, which makes it both a safe and long lasting choice.

Go Time: Fitting in Fitness

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Article & Photo Courtesy of Well Rounded NY.

Fitness instructor Jessica Watkins helps us find time to workout, even if you have more than one baby in tow.

Now I get it. I totally get it. I never quite understood the “I have no time to exercise” excuse. I always replied, “just prioritize and find the time.” I happen to be a personal trainer so fitness is my job, and it is ingrained into my lifestyle. And as a mother to one, I managed to keep exercise part of my daily routine. But now that I’m a mom of two, the story changes. That popular “excuse,” as I see it, became all too familiar in my own life – yes, coming from the mouth of a fitness guru.

Before having my first child Emory, finding time to workout was a breeze! I often commuted via bike or ran from the subway stop to the gym, and if I had a spare half hour in between training sessions, I used that time to hop on an elliptical or lift weights. But after having my first child and becoming a full time mom with a few hours training clients each week, I was forced to find new ways to incorporate my workouts.

Between all the hours spent feeding, changing and frantically calming my new baby, I still prioritized working out. How? I put Emory in her bouncy seat right in front of me as I jumped around the living room and lifted my free weights. I usually could squeeze out a minimum of 30 minutes before she grew tired of the bouncy seat. As she got a bit older, the jump-a-roo became her new workout station. The more I jumped, the more she jumped with hysterical laughter, almost catapulting out of it on numerous occasions.

Probably the best way I incorporated a workout into my day was putting her in my City Mini stroller and running. Although that stroller isn’t intended to be a jogging stroller, I used it as one. Living in Brooklyn at the time, I ran everywhere: to the nearest park, to meet a friend for coffee, to run all my errands. That City Mini stroller has many hard-earned miles on those wheels. This worked for me – I had it figured out. And I expected the same out of every other parent who wanted to workout but couldn’t “find the time.”

And then, there was the birth of my second child Clayton. Suddenly taking care of two children and maintaining my workout regimen seemed flat-out impossible. Working out was just not going to happen. From the very second my eyes open in the morning, its go time! At ages 3 months and 2 years, my kids demand so much out of me that finding a spare second to run a brush through my hair is quite an accomplishment. These are the days when having the ability to shower with the curtain fully closed and no one crying for mama is a glimpse of heaven, even if it only lasts 30 seconds. So the question always runs through my head, do I shower or do I workout? But after a couple weeks of this nonsense, I was tired of feeling defeated. The days of me starting the day in workout clothes and ending the day in workout clothes, only to not have worked out at all, had to end.

Here is how I have conquered the “I have no time to exercise” struggle:

Workout before the kids get up. And yes, that means well before the sun gets up too. After one of Clayton’s early morning feedings, I get my workout out of the way. I let my husband know that I’m going for a run around the neighborhood or I host my own workout in my living room with cardio exercises and free weights. If I’m lucky, I’ll get a chance to shower before the kids get up too!

Workout after the kids go to sleep at night. This option isn’t my ideal time to workout because it’s after the mealtime, bathtime, bedtime marathon, which leaves me wanting nothing more than to be comatose on the couch. But at the same time, working out at the end of the day gives me a sense of renewed energy and allows me to focus on myself. And I finish with one of those heavenly, silent, closed-curtain showers to wind down.

Give the kids an adventure. I load them into the double stroller and run. I’ve tried a few and The Summit X3 jogging stroller by Baby Jogger is my personal choice. Its all-wheel suspension allows my infant to ride without getting tossed about, and the swivel front wheel makes this stroller easy to maneuver. The seats are side-by-side and adjustable, so I can recline my infant’s seat while my toddler’s seat sits up. Another big feature is the extra-long adjustable canopy over each seat that does a fantastic job of protecting the kids from the sun. Each canopy also has clear view windows on top so I can check on them without disrupting my run to go around to the front of the stroller. This stroller has made my workout attempts so much easier.

Alternate running with interval and strength training to keep things fresh and different. On the days I do interval training, I use my living room as my gym. I usually fit it in when Clayton is down for a morning nap or seems content chilling in his swing or bouncy seat. As for Emory, she exercises with me copying everything from lunges and pushups to downward dogs and butterfly stretches. By making exercise an activity we both can do, it allows me to workout while spending quality time with her (still assuming Clayton is snoozing or chilling).

So here I admit it – finding time to workout is easier said than done. Even as a personal trainer, I thought my fit days were squashed with the birth of my second child. But after going through the challenge myself, I still stand saying “just prioritize and find the time.” Gain control of your schedule and your well-being, and you will certainly feel more accomplished, happier and healthier.

This article is by Jessica Watkins courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

Drinking Organic: Q&A with Kwany Lui Of Bundle Organics - Organic Juices for Pregnancy

Bundle Organics

Eating healthy and focusing on nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the health and wellness of both mom-to-be and baby. Often, most busy moms-to-be struggle to consume the right amount of nutrients and vitamins on a daily basis. So you can imagine our excitement when we sat down with Khawny Lui, Co-founder of Bundle Organics, a line of organic prenatal juices that are fully pasteurized and specially designed to address the unique nutritional needs of expecting moms.

NN: Tell us about the Bundle Organics story. What was the inspiration behind Bundle Organics?

KL: I spent many years working for a large consumer packaged goods company and in particular, an organic brand of cereals, granola bars, and frozen fruit and veggies. Working on that brand completely changed my grocery and eating habits. I started purchasing organic food, joined a CSA (community supported agriculture group), drank raw, fresh-pressed juices and eventually started doing my own juicing.

Soon enough, I met my co-founder, John Mascari, who was a classmate of mine from Harvard Business School. We had a lot of friends and family members who struggled to get the right balance of nutrients in their diet during their pregnancy. Even though most women take prenatal vitamins, everyone still worries about their nutrition and whether they are getting the minerals and vitamins they need from their diet. We decided to dig a bit deeper and partnered with Dr. Errol Norwitz, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He became an advisor for Bundle Organics and informed us that for expecting moms, prenatal vitamins won’t necessarily meet 100% of your daily vitamin and mineral needs. In addition to providing for your own health during pregnancy, you also need to take in large amounts of extra minerals and vitamins that are required to grow a healthy baby.

And so, Bundle Organics was born! We knew there had to be a better way for prenatal moms to get the nutrients they needed without the worry. So, why not through a tasty juice designed specifically for expecting moms to take in addition to their prenatal vitamins, to get the extra ‘bump’ of nutrients they need?

NN: What was the creative process behind the juices? Did you develop the juices yourselves?

KL: We have an advisory board that includes a leading OBGYN and nutritionist, who helped us identify the key nutrients pregnant women needed. We worked with them to formulate the juices with USDA organic fruits and veggies, such as apples, kale, berries, lemon and ginger, that are particularly beneficial for expecting moms.

NN: What are some of the nutritional benefits that Moms-to-be can expect from drinking Bundle Organics juices?

KL: Our juices were made to include just the right amount of nutrients to complement those that pregnant women are already getting from a prenatal vitamin, like folic acid, while also providing those that might be more difficult to obtain, even in a well-balanced diet, such as calcium, iron, omega-3, and vitamin D. It’s a delicious way for moms-to-be to get the nutrients they need, while also safely enjoying the current juice trend! Additionally, folic acid, calcium, iron, and all the nutrients we have in our juices are good for pre- conception and breastfeeding too!

NN: What is your best advice to Moms-to-be for getting all of the necessary nutrition?

KL: Needless to say, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so important for expecting moms and their growing babies. And as mentioned previously, prenatal vitamins may not necessarily meet 100% of your daily vitamin and mineral needs so you should make sure that you can still get the vitamins and minerals you need from a healthy diet. For moms who are looking for ways to supplement their nutritional intake during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, I hope you’ll give Bundle Organics a try!

NN: Where can Moms-to-be find Bundle Organics products?

KL: They’re currently available for delivery directly from our website at www.bundleorganics.com or from www.amazon.com. Since the juices are pasteurized, they’re not only safe to drink during pregnancy but they’re also easy to ship and transport without refrigeration - which means you can order them without worrying about coolers or ice packs. We also offer a monthly bundled subscription that automatically delivers Bundle Organics to your door each month. You have enough to worry about during your 40 weeks and when baby arrives! Plus, all of our juices are available in convenient, grab-and-go 16 oz. bottles that are also BPA-free – so you can sip worry-free.

NN: What is your favorite flavor Bundle Organics flavor?

KL: That’s a tough one. That’s like asking someone who their favorite child is! We currently offer three delicious and nutritious flavors:

  • Dark Berry and Veggie; Kale, Apple, Lemon and Ginger; and Orange,
  • Carrot, Berry and Ginger. I am slightly obsessed with kale and ginger, so my go-to juice is usually our
  • Kale Apple Lemon Ginger. It’s not too sweet and I think the apple does a good job of covering the natural bitterness of kale.

KwanyLui

Kwany Lui is the co-founder of Bundle Organics, a new line of organic prenatal juices that are pasteurized and specially designed to address the unique nutritional needs of expecting and new moms. The juices are packed with organic fruits and veggies, plus an extra bump of essential vitamins like iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega 3, and folic acid to support a baby’s healthy development.

 

 

 

 

9 Important Sun (and Sunscreen!) Safety Tips From Nine Naturals

Sun Protection

Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner. It’s time for bright sunshine and the fun outdoors. This means it’s also time to find a good sunscreen to protect ourselves so we can enjoy that sun.

Safe sun protection is especially important for pregnant women. Due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, a woman’s skin becomes extremely sensitive to the sun. Further - many ingredients in sunscreen may be harmful to pregnant women or babies; choosing the right kind of sun protection is critical.

We’ve put together nine tips to help you understand your sunscreen and choose the best one for you and your family:

  1. Select a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how much of the sun’s UVB radiation - the kind that causes sunburns – is blocked by your sunscreen. The higher the SPF the longer you can stay in the sun.
  2. Prioritize broad-spectrum protection. Though a high SPF value indicates that burn-causing UVB rays are being blocked, it says nothing about your protection from UVA radiation, which is the kind associated with skin cancer and aging. A “broad-spectrum” label in the United States means that at least 90% of harmful UVA rays are blocked, thereby mitigating burning and other risks.
  3. Avoid oxybenzone-based sunscreens. High levels of oxybenzone in the body were associated with low birth weights in a recent study. Oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin and is present in about 80% of sunscreens on the market so it’s important to keep an eye out for this ingredient.
  4. Opt for zinc-oxide suncreens. Zinc oxide is a physical sun blocker that protects you by coating the surface of your skin and reflecting away light. Unlike chemical sun blockers, these molecules aren’t absorbed through the skin, which makes them a safer choice. Titanium dioxide is another common physical sun blocker, however it doesn’t appear to work nearly as well as zinc oxide.
  5. Beware of nano-particles. Nano particles are so ultrafine that they can enter into your skin. You’ll find nano particles in some newer zinc or titanium sunscreen formulations, particularly sprays. Nano particles are mostly untested and thus it’s very important for pregnant women and all parents to look for “non-nano” particles – like “non-nano zinc oxide.”
  6. Moderate exposure to Vitamin A. While some Vitamin A is essential for a healthy pregnancy you should get enough from your diet and supplements. Excessive Vitamin A is associated with birth defects and it can contribute to skin damage so pregnant women should be cautious. A very common A Vitamin in sunscreen is retinyl palmitate, but watch for the words retinol or retinoic acid on ingredients lists as well in order to minimize exposure. Plus they’re also found in other skin care products such as acne medications, so be on the look out!
  7. Apply rules for other cosmetics to sunscreen. While we’ve covered smart sunscreen shopping above, don’t forget that general cosmetics concerns apply to sunscreen as well. For instance watch out for parabens, phthalates and other such things that you might be trying to more widely avoid.
  8. Apply efficiently & amply. A number of studies have shown that people typically apply only 20-50% of the sunscreen the FDA uses when determining if a product works. This means that most people aren’t getting the protection they need or are counting on! It’s also just as important to reapply every hour or two to maintain that protection.
  9. Commit to brands that create simple, smart and safe products. We love Nine Naturals’ new Natural Sunscreen SPF 32: It’s an all-natural, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen, which means that you don’t have to worry about chemical sun blockers like oxybenzone or nano particles entering your blood stream. Like all of our products, our pregnancy sunscreen is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, DEA, synthetic fragrances and artificial preservatives. It’s also formulated with luxurious shea butter and jojoba seed oil to help moisturize you skin. Best part of all, our natural sunscreen is safe for the entire family (though you may be reluctant to share!).

Want more information? Read our article on Natural Sun Protection During Pregnancy.

The Toxins That Threaten Our Brains

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Dear Friends,

Today I want to share with you an important article from The Atlantic. “The Toxins that Threaten Our Brain” features recent research by two experts in the fields of pediatric medicine and toxicology – Dr. Philippe Grandjean from Harvard Medical School and Dr. Philip Landrigan from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan.

In late February, Grandjean and Landrigan published a paper arguing that exposure of children to industrial chemicals was responsible for a wide array of neurodevelopmental defects. They further argued that these defects are occurring with such massive, worldwide scale as to merit the label of “silent pandemic.”

The Atlantic article highlights several interesting points about the issue of environmental toxins that we find very relevant to pregnant and new moms: 1) chemicals are omnipresent, 2) pregnancy is the most vulnerable time for exposure, and 3) the regulatory process meant to govern these chemicals is very broken.

Omnipresent Chemicals
Grandjean and Landrigan’s research names twelve chemicals we encounter in our everyday lives, a so-called “dirty dozen”. These include some you’ve probably heard of, like lead, methylmercury and ethanol, and others that might surprise you. These substances pop up pretty much everywhere: in our couches, our cars and in our beauty products. For instance, toluene made the list, and, until recently, it was widely used to make nail polish.

Vulnerability during Pregnancy
The concern arises from the growing body of evidence that these chemicals affect neurological development at levels far below the “safe” limits set by the EPA. This exposure has been linked to loss of IQ points as well as a number of behavioral disorders.

Neurological development is a delicate process; billions of cells must orchestrate themselves in space to ultimately create the most complex organ in the body - the brain. Any disturbance of the developing brain generally has permanent consequences because, physically speaking, the brain reaches its finished form by the age of two. This is why exposure to neurotoxins is so much more pernicious during pregnancy and for newborns.

As for what you can do to reduce risk, Dr. Grandjean recommends eating organic during pregnancy when possible. This will at least minimize pesticide exposure, which is a main area of concern. However, this is not a viable long-term solution for our society.

A Regulatory Process in Need of Reform
The point of all this isn’t to make you panic, but rather to draw attention to the glaring faults of our regulatory process in the United States. As with any toxin “the dose makes the poison.” However, the vast majority of the 80,000 chemicals approved for use are untested, and thus we have no idea what the dangerous dose actually is.

The EPA is almost powerless to fully ban a substance – it’s happened just 5 times out of 20,000 cases since the current legislation was put in place. This is why large-scale reform is needed. Dr. Grandjean suggests requiring at least basic testing of new products in order to identify those that need more involved safety research. He also points to the European system that requires more testing for substances that are more widely used as a very reasonable solution. But all of this will require action, and thus far we have failed to keep up with the science. Until we do, it’s critical that expecting mothers do what they can to minimize exposure.

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At Nine Naturals our mission is to make beauty safe and simple for moms-to-be. We feel that education is the first step in this process and that research like this must be shared. This information empowers us to protect ourselves, our families and our futures. (The Atlantic).

Please share this article with your friends!


Grace
CEO, Founder Nine Naturals

Sun + Sweat: We Have You Covered. Introducing Nine Naturals Naturals Sunscreen SPF 32 & Unscented Natural Deodorant

Natural Pregnancy Deodorant, Natural Pregnancy Sunscreen

 

And, as always, No Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrochemicals, DEA Synthetic Fragrances, Artificial Preservatives, Chemical Sunscreens, Aluminum

Love the sun? Now you’ll love sunscreen, too. With 8 luxurious natural & organic ingredients, Natural Sunscreen SPF 32 is safe for pregnancy and the entire family. Non-nano zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Organic shea butter and cocoa butter moisturize the skin and Jojoba seed oil and nourishes your skin while you bask in the sun.

Winter or summer, sunshine or rain, big bump or just popping … sweating is natural! Unscented Natural Deodorant allows moms to fight odor with confidence with this all-natural, non-toxic deodorant. Non-nano zinc oxide naturally controls the bacteria that cause odor. Organic shea butter and cocoa butter allow for a smooth application and provide natural fragrance.

Nine Naturals Belly Butter Ranked as a Top “Safe Skincare Product for Mamas-to-Be”

babyzone & babymeetscity

Wonderful words from BabyMeetsCity via BabyZone about our Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter which they list as the top safe skincare product for pregnancy!

“Crafted from rich, organic emollients like broccoli seed oil, shea butter and cupuaçu butter, each ingredient in Nine Naturals Belly Butter is packed with restorative omega fatty acids. Additionally, all Nine Naturals products are 100% natural, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, BPA-free, triclosan-free, with no artificial chemicals or synthetic dyes or fragrances.”

Thanks, BabyMeetsCity & BabyZone!

Things We’ve Read: Week of March 10th

Armed with Arm Candy (Environmental Health News): Researchers test slightly modified silicone bracelets for 1,200 substances and detected several dozen compounds – everything from caffeine and cigarette smoke to flame retardants and pesticides.

FDA Official Rejects Cosmetics Firms’ Safety Proposal (Wall Street Journal): “The cosmetics industry is fighting against modern regulation. It’s the Wild West as to what the industry puts in its products.” The FDA Official Rejects Cosmetics Firms’ Safety Proposal

Leave Mothering Decisions to Mothers (The Atlantic): New studies question the importance of two behaviors mothers are often shamed for: drinking during pregnancy and not breastfeeding

Secondhand Smoke Tied to Miscarriages, Stillbirths (Reuters): Pregnant women who have been exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke have a higher rate of miscarriages, stillbirths and fetal deaths, a new study suggests.

Warning Signs: How Pesticides Harm the Young Brain (Fern): Researchers have been trying to unravel the tangled effects of pesticides and other chemicals on children’s development.

Babymoon Fashion - Our Favorite Looks for Every Type of Vacation!

Earlier this week, we posted about some of our favorite babymoon locations. Of course, once you start thinking about vacation, the natural next step is to start thinking about resort wear, new vacation clothing and shopping! Whether you are headed for the beach, a beautiful spa, or the hustle and bustle of a big city, Nine Naturals has put together a list of some of our favorite babymoon looks for every vacation type - all the inspiration you need to book that trip and get your shopping list ready to go. Enjoy!

Beach Bum Babymoon: When you’re heading to the beach (avec bump) for your baby moon, there are a few easy ways to feel both comfortable and sexy. Show a little leg with a short tunic and embrace your bump (literally and figuratively) with a stylish bathing suit. Then find a simple scarf and a chic pair of shades to give that “effortlessly beautiful” bottomline to your look.

Luxury Lover (Canyon Ranch Spa) Babymoon: This is the babymoon that is all about you. Your relaxation, your indulgence. Think “loose-fitting” so you can glide into a robe for a massage, into the pool for a swim or onto a lounge chair for a nap. Focus on accessories to tie the outfit together. Few things make us feel more stylish and mysterious (thank you, Ms. Hepburn) than a fabulous pair of sunglasses. Add a classic, wide-brimmed hat and a terribly fashionable pair of wedges to bring it all together. And -remember - you’ll want everything that adds to your relaxation from magazines to tablets to books to your Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream - so don’t forget your favorite spa tote.

City Slicker / Globe Trotter Babymoon: If a city is your babymoon destination, we tip our hats to you. We admire your adventurous spirit and we also happen to totally agree that cities are a great place for a babymoon. And, if you’re taking on a city, you’re taking on walking, museums, shopping, eating and more! Focus first on the brands, patterns and designs that will make you feel like one of the city’s haute fashion jetsetters. And then filter for comfort. A Bateau top means style in any language and originates from the comfort and flexibility that sailors once needed to scurry around boats adjusting the sails (so it should meet the comfort standards for moms-to-be!). Comfortable jeans (such as these Rag and Bone demin looking designer sweatpants), patent leather flats along with your favorite bag will round out a great look whether you’re in Milan, Pars, New York or Santa Monica.

Nine Naturals Featured in the HCHW “Shop Healthy” Pocket Guide!

Our partner Healthy Child Healthy World has put together a “Shop Healthy” pocket guide featuring trusted brands (including Nine Naturals!) that cover everything from personal care, baby gear to household cleaning. It’s easy, simple, and fits right in your pocket or wallet!

Download it here: http://bit.ly/1eQGob8

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