Bringing a baby into the world isn’t easy. From the ups and downs of trying to conceive, to the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, to the immediate stressors of life with a newborn: it’s a wonderful, admirable undertaking, and it requires plenty of strength and resilience.
Embarking on this journey of motherhood while also prioritizing a low-waste, eco-friendly lifestyle can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Adding stress to your life is not what we’re about. The following are a few ideas for using less waste from TTC to postpartum, and we hope you’ll find them more empowering than intimidating.
Remember: 1) Do what you can with what you have, and 2) Trust yourself to know your limits.
Conception:
Did you know that plastic pregnancy tests create 2 million pounds of waste each year? Ovry’s tests are a much more earth-friendly option.
Firstly, they aren’t encased in plastic, and there are no battery-operated screens. Essentially, it’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Our ovulation and pregnancy tests are manufactured in Canada, and we’re a woman-owned and operated business with the highest quality standards.
Something else to consider for an eco-friendly TTC journey are your prenatal vitamins. These are ideally taken six months prior to conception and can often be continued after birth. Nutritional guidelines for gestating women and lactating women are different, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the daily allowances.The most essential prenatal nutrients are folate, calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
Pregnancy:
Fast fashion is one of the more insidious manufacturing industries of our time: it contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined.
To reduce waste and unneeded purchases during pregnancy, make a plan and think ahead. Assess your closet. What can be used? What can be put away for now?
Local Facebook groups are a great option for buying gently used clothes, but when buying new, try purchasing intentionally oversized clothing that work for both pregnancy and postpartum. That way, if you plan on future pregnancies, you’ll already have some staples in the closet.
Alday is an option worth checking out for maternity essentials. Their manufacturers are women, their clothes are made in Canada, and their fabric mill is a family-run business that has produced the highest quality textiles for generations.
Bleeding during the first trimester happens in about 20% of pregnancies, and bladder leakage becomes common as baby grows. For both, period underwear is a great eco-friendly option.
REVOL Cares underwear has gone through external testing and certification to ensure safety, is responsibly produced, and mainly contains natural, renewable and biodegradable fibres.
Another way to reduce our environmental impact at any point in our lives is to eat more plants. But eating “healthy” looks different for everyone, and this is especially true while pregnant.
Getting enough nutrient-dense food to keep you thriving is the most important thing. And, if you have the opportunity, consuming a bit less meat (while making sure you get enough protein) and more plants will likely have a positive impact on both you and the planet.
Postpartum:
Postpartum bleeding is common, and can last up to six weeks, but may last longer (always consult your doctor about bleeding). Reusable pads are better for the environment than disposable pads, and don’t contain the same irritating chemicals. We love Canadian woman-owned brand Aisle's reusable pads.
Reusable breast pads are great for colostrum leaks, which can start during pregnancy.
Weleda is an ethical skincare brand that has a wide range of products for pregnancy and postpartum, including nipple balm.
The important thing throughout your TTC to postpartum journey is to keep you and your baby healthy. Do what works for you and incorporate whatever less waste options you can into your routine to make life less stressful while having a positive impact.