To Go Organic… or Not To Go Organic…

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As an expectant mother I was determined to be as prepared as possible.  I enrolled my husband and I in parenting classes, I read the books “What to Expect When Expecting” and after finishing that informational book I read “What to Expect In The First Year” and I probably would have read on if I wasn’t so engrossed with the many trends taking over the baby scene at the time.  The biggest eye catching trend for me was the ‘organic’ trend I found many of my parent friends falling into.

My goal when pregnant was to be as healthy as possible.  This goal is initially what turned me onto organic eating.  In 1993, The Journal of Applied Nutrition found that organically grown fruits and vegetables had higher nutritional values than those grown through conventional farming methods.  In fact, later research showed that organically grown corn and strawberries have higher antioxidants than traditional grown products.  Although, extensive research had not been done, the little information that I found about organically grown fruits and vegetables were convincing enough for me!

After putting more effort into my research, I found that only a small percent of farmers manage their farms using organic techniques.  Organic management techniques include: using only organic pesticides, not allowing any form of antibiotics into the farmed products (meat and dairy), no products on the farm can be treated with hormones, and cows on the farm must have access to a grazing pasture.

After researching conventional farming I found that the meats we eat are many times routinely treated with antibiotics to prevent illnesses and control diseases in animals.  Although, all products on every farm meet USDA standards and have been found to be safe, I was not convinced that I wanted my unborn child consuming these potentially unnecessary products.  Therefore, I choose to go organic.

I found that organic products were everywhere.  Not only did I purchase organic fruits and vegetables, but also I found organic milk, meats, even baby food!  Organic sales have grown 21 % and availability of organic products continues to grow.  I am confident that going organic is not only the best possible choice for me as an adult, but it’s the best possible choice for my baby as well.

Going organic is important to me and carefully considered in every aspect of my life.  I learned that although many products were more expensive, how the products were grown, harvested, and overall treated (pesticides, lack of antibiotics, etc.) put my mind at ease.  I am confident that the extra price of organic products is worth the added benefits to our health!


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