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This morning on Good Morning America, they featured a company called 23 and Me. The company sells DNA testing kits and offers a service where both women and men can test their salvia to generate an individualized DNA report. The way that the segment was introduced and the emphasis of the conversation was based on the idea that this kit can help parents discover potential ailments and hereditary diseases that their child may inherit.

I am curious to hear your feedback regarding this and all of the many preventive/genetic testing out there. Do you agree that eventually one will arrive at the point where too much information is just that, too much? I hear many alarming stories of couples being persuaded to test for everything disease under the sun and watch their stress levels surge at all of the possibilities. Is all of this worrying before birth really necessary? Do you think that all of these tests and kits take away from parents’ ability to fully enjoy and embrace their pregnancy or enable parents to do so?

To Cloth or not to Cloth that is the question. Many parents are curious, confused or somewhere in between when it comes to selecting the most environmentally friendly diapering system for their little one. Adopting a cloth diapering regime may not be for all, especially for the many who live in the city and do not have access a washer and dryer on their floor or within their building. Thankfully, there are other eco-friendly options out there that can be adaptable for all lifestyles. My suggestion is to have both a stash of regular diapers such as the ones referenced below as well as either a hybrid cloth diapering system or cloth diapers in case of emergencies.

Diaper Recommendation
Nature babycare diapers “Nappies”

*Convenience of high-performance disposable diapers
*Non oil-based plastic used in construction like other major brand diapers; uses corn based ingredients instead
*100% Chlorine-free diaper
*Natural, breathable high performance diaper
*Wonderful leak protection
*Absorbent pulp from sustainably harvested Scandinavian forests
*No latex, fragrance, or TBT (tributyltin)

Cloth Diaper recommendation
BumGenuis

*Tabs that stretch for a perfect fit
*Super absorbent
*Sizes available specifically designed to fit newborns
*No inserts required, just throw into the wash

You can also contact cloth diapering services such as Healthy Diapers or Queen Bee Diaper Service . These companies will deliver fresh cloth diapers to your door and clean your soiled ones for you. Do keep in mind to research and confirm that your diapering company uses eco-friendly laundry detergent and not industrial strength toxic solutions. You do not want to have your baby develop a rash from harsh cleaning products.

Hybrid Cloth Diapering Recommendation
G Diapers

* Hybrid: combination of cloth diapering and regular diapering
* Inserts are flushable, though leakage has still been reported to occur
* Can put the cover in wash cycle
* Can compost wet liners (50-150 days to break down)

Check out these affordable and adorable organic spring finds from Kate Quinn Organics. Most of the garments come in a variety of sizes ranging from infancy to 8 years old. Until March 31st, you can receive free shipping on all orders over $50. As well, you can check out the collection at a variety of retailers across the country. The brand only uses certified organic cotton and all garments have been certified Fair Trade. I will be keeping an eye out for Kate Quinn Organics will soon be releasing a line of women’s clothing sometime this year! The items are reasonably affordable compared to most organic collections. The clothing is simple, fresh and “green”.

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Miriam Perez of the NLIRH (National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health) wrote a very interesting article in the blogosphere entitled, “The Cost of Being Born”. She raises many valid and attention worthy points addressing homebirth and holistic healthcare in low-income communities. As well, she refers to demographics other than the higher brackets primarily portrayed in the media and documentaries who have homebirths. Some specific points mentioned include the lack of education, exposure and assistance available for low-income demographics. One of the biggest points made in this article is that Medicaid (which large populations of women are dependent on) makes it hard to cover a homebirth.

After further research, I have uncovered that the insurance provider, Medicaid, only provides upto $1,000 in coverage for homebirths. This is ashame that that is their max. I have learned though that a GHI Medicaid plan does cover uptowards $6,000. Interestly enough, New York State regulations do require that private insurance companies are to cover out-of-hospital birth with a licensed practitioner. Now if only the midwifery model was paid more respect in the U.S. as it is around the globe.

I think it is great to raise this dialogue so that we can derive a solution. The benefits of homebirths, midwives, doulas and holistic care are beyond exceptional, substantial and sustainable. Hopefully this will make it to capital hill as healthcare is being reformed. At the end of the day, homebirths are more economical than the hospital fees that are paid my Medicaid. This especially is the case if babies are born via C-section or administered drugs through out labor. The natural holistic model of midwifery and homebirth, truths and re-education of the female body and pregnancy should be accessible to all. Women from all demographics and cultural background deserve the access and resources to reconnect with their bodies purpose, their rights, the facts, the inspirations and so forth. At the end of the day, we are all in the same in the fact that our bodies share a universal function. I hope that this universal bridge to communication and awareness is built for all women very soon.

I recently discovered a wonderful organization called Earth Birth. Earth Birth is an NGO which is ran by midwives to foster an international women’s health movement that encourages and promotes safe and peaceful birth. Directed by midwife, Rachel Zaslow, Earth Birth raises funds to build clinics and restore communities amongst women in various countries such as Brazil, Sudan and Uganda. With a sustainable mindset, the clinics that are built incorporate green building practices such as rainwater collection, composting for agriculture and solar power. It is the organization’s mission to lower maternal and infant mortality rates, lower mother to child HIV transmission, grant access to supplies, access to trauma counseling, empower women to have positive childbirth experiences and more.

Add Earthbirth on Facebook today to stay connected and find out ways that you can participate.

Whole Foods Market is celebrating all things baby this month with their “Whole Baby” campaign. As part of the campaign, they are having a cutest “Baby’s Favorite Foods” photo contest where parents can upload those hilarious photos of babies enjoying their favorite foods. The prize is a Canon Powershot SD880 IS digital ELPH camera, a “Whole Baby” gift basket and a Whole Foods gift card. All pictures must be submitted by March 13th and the babies in the photos must be younger than 12 months.

In addition, special offers,discounts, educational podcasts, in-store lectures, and a brochure providing lifestyle tips & ideas will be available to all new parents throughout the month. Some topics of discussion include prenatal top priorities, natural baby care choice, tips & concerns for breastfeeding mothers and top 10 “first food” facts

Participating companies whom are offering specials and discounts during the initiative include Seventh Generation, Bellybar, Earth’s Best, Plum Organics, Traditional Medicinals, Hyland’s, Stonyfield Farm, Peter Rabbit Organics and California Baby. Visit your local Whole Foods/ Whole Body today.

Despite all of the talk of fertility clinics in the news, there are many natural solutions available for women to try to increase their fertility of their own accord, before visiting a fertility clinic hoping to become pregnant. Head on over to Inhabitots to read my post on 5 Natural Ways to Increase Fertility. Join the conversation and note the upcoming Fertility Awarness Workshop taking place on March 18 at Nurture New York