Meanwhile, I was left with a dilemma. Our bottle system really works for us. It's easy. I use the avent pump, allowing me to pump directly into the bottles and then just put them in the fridge for later use. Easy, less cleaning, no in between steps. However, that means that the milk sits in the bottles for one to five days, greatly increasing the risk of leaching.
So, I went out (after much debate) and bought the Born Free bottles that don't leach carcinogens. Honestly, I'm not sure whether to trust the studies or not. I'm trying to be a mom, nurse, housekeeper, book keeper, chef and now, expert reader of scientific studies. In the end I couldn't decide if the results of the studies where conclusive enough for me to be worried or not. However, I don't want to be wondering 20 years down the line if I caused her to get cancer because I refused to spend $60 on new bottles. So, I bought them.
However, now the bottles don't fit on the avent pump. I can't use the old bottles that did fit because they leach carcinogens. I tried my three other pumps, none of them fit the born free bottles. One of the pumps (the medela) that I have has it's own small storage containers that are BPA free and therefore safe. I tried using that pump; it hurts, I can't do it.
I find myself feeling utterly overwhelmed by this. It just points out to me all of the dangers lurking in the world for her. It also just frustrates me that I get one aspect of this parenting thing worked out and another part of it stops working. Ie: gain sling skills, lose my pumping system. Sometimes it just feels like I'll never get it all together.
Add to this, the moral quandary now. I have all of these avent bottles and nipples left. Do I give them to goodwill or throw them away? I don't wish to expose someone else's baby to potential carcinogens. However, having worked in a shelter for two years, I know that there are many moms out there who can't afford bottles at all, carcinogenic or not. If I donate them to goodwill, they'll be able to feed their babies. They can't afford the Born Free bottles at $13 a pop. But, if it's not good enough for my baby, it's not good enough for theirs either. Thoughts?
5 comments:
Those are very good points. I don't think you should throw the bottles in the garbage because everything deserves at least two uses. Another idea might be to suggest that the bottles are used as toys- as "play bottles" for "play baby dolls" or maybe donate them to an organization that does parenting workshops and could use them for different feeding demonstrations, etc.
I've looked at this whole situation and wondered, myself. I also have the same pump (and love it) and a goodly collection of Avent bottles, too. In terms of your own use - this is what I had planned to do (if I find myself doing any more pumping). Use the pump that works for you and pump into an Avent bottle. Having the milk sit in one of these bottles for less than an hour is not going to do anywhere near the emotional or financial damage that switching pumps is going to do to you. Pump into an old bottle and store and feed in new bottles. As for the old ones - I would donate them away and let folks on the other end decide. As you point out - there are plenty who would opt for Avent over no bottles at all. Otherwise, use 'em to store your nuts and bolts and beads and stuff. They are nice and see-through! I did finally cave in and toss all our old sippy cups - only to recently come across a list of which brands are 'bad' and which are 'good' and discover that some of the ones I tossed were alright! Don't be hasty! (too late, for me!)
Thanks Gretel and anonymous, good thoughts. Gretel, this is exactly what I was thinking I might do. Switching pumps is bloody expensive and stressful. Len did call Born Free to see if they've come up with an adaptor yet to allow us to pump from avent into born free. They have one for medela to born free. No answer yet, but I'm sure they're pretty busy with all the attention that their bottles are getting now!
having used a pump and plastic bottle before all the studies came out.. i'll point out that my kid is turning out healthy and normal. Protect kids while you can and how you can... but remember in 10 yrs someone will produce a study that says the homemade squash you fed them causes freckle decay.. or something like it. There are many things pushing carcinogens into our bodies - pick your battles. I support you in whichever ones you select and not try and make you crazy about the ones that you haven't managed to get to yet.
dennie
As I was looking through the miles and miles of information on BPA I found a list of baby items that were BPA free and though none of the Advent bottles were on it the Advent Via breastmilk storage containers were along with a couple of other items. I believe that the storage containers fit onto the Advent Breast Pump which might help out.
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