Something you might not be thinking about when breastfeeding is your deodorant. Why should we rethink our purchases of deodorants and antiperspirants? Let me tell you. It’s all about the ingredients—especially while breastfeeding.
But first, do you know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? We know that they both fight body odor, but what is really the difference?
- An antiperspirant builds a barrier that keeps you from sweating. It’s often made with water solvent ingredients like aluminum.
- A deodorant still allows you to sweat, but it is made to kill, reduce, or mask the odor when you do. Deodorants are often made with antibacterial ingredients like Triclosan and fragrances.
If you begin to look at large deodorant and antiperspirant companies’ ingredients and research those questionable ingredients, you will be shocked! I know I was. For example, did you know that there are growing concerns that aluminum may lead to various cancers, Alzheimer’s, and a bunch of other diseases? Scary! Triclosan, Paraben, and propylene-glycol are also used in mass-produced deodorants and have all been linked to many different health issues.
So why are we putting these things on our bodies while we are pregnant and breastfeeding? I think it’s because we trust that these large corporations would never put harmful chemicals in their products. Sigh . . . Unfortunately, this is not the case. Fortunately, there are cleaner and safer options on the market. I’ve made the switch and have chosen Earth Mama’s organic deodorant.
If you didn’t or still don’t think switching to a safer deodorant is important, I’m sharing 10 reasons why you should, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
1. Because Earth Mama deodorants are better than natural — they’re organic!
Earth Mama deodorants have been tested and are certified NSF/ANSI 305 by Oregon Tilth. Their ingredients are safe and simple, so you know you’re getting the best! Just remember, fewer ingredients mean safer for you to use.
2. So you can sweat it out! And remove the stink.
Our bodies need to sweat. It’s how we regulate our own temperature, and sweating is one of the ways our bodies get rid of toxins. If we’re blocking our pores with these chemical-filled products, we’re not letting our skin breathe—a big no-no.
However, just because we need our bodies to sweat, it doesn’t mean that we have to continue to stink. Rather than covering up the smell with a fragrance, Earth Mama’s deodorants include baking soda, which prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming in the first place. 🙂
3. Avoid “fragrances.”
Speaking of fragrances, you may have heard that “fragrances” on labels can actually be a bad thing. And that’s putting it lightly. Did you know that when listing “fragrances” on ingredient labels, companies are actually not required to list exactly what is in their products? That means there could be tons of different things in there that could be harmful to us. Scary! Luckily, with Earth Mama’s deodorants, you know that you are getting natural and certified organic ingredients, including their scents. #NoFWord
4. Keep your hormones in check.
As breastfeeding mamas, our hormones are already all over the place. (At least mine are!) But did you know that regular chemical deodorants have parabens in them? And parabens are estrogenic. Our bodies absorb estrogen through our skin, and this can cause hormonal imbalance. No, thank you! Organic deodorants like Earth Mama are paraben-free, so it’s now one less thing I have to worry about.
5. Decrease your risk of breast cancer.
As I mentioned, our skin absorbs everything we put on it. When you use antiperspirants–which can contain cancer-causing chemicals–they are locked into our bodies since we are not able to sweat them out. And even more of those chemicals can be absorbed if we have any small abrasions in the skin. With the armpits being so close to our lymph nodes and breasts, toxins can easily build up there, leading to cells mutating into cancer. #LoveYourLymphNodes
6. Decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s.
It is believed that there may be a correlation between Alzheimer’s Disease and high exposure to aluminum. With Alzheimer’s becoming more and more prevalent and people being affected at a younger age, we need to do all that we can to reduce our chances of becoming affected. Alzheimer’s is something that runs in my family, so for me, this hits close to home.
7. When breastfeeding, reduce the chemicals you’re passing on to your baby.
When I’m breastfeeding, my son is wiggling around and putting his hands everywhere, including my armpits. The last thing I want him to be exposed to or put in his mouth is harmful chemicals. Not only that but when you’re breastfeeding, what goes into your body (the products you are using) goes into your child’s body. That means whatever toxins you’re taking in you are passed on to your baby. I’m all about doing my part to provide a healthier start for my son.
8. Reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy.
When you’re pregnant, you wouldn’t think to drink alcohol, smoke, or do drugs. Obviously, those things are unhealthy and unsafe for you and your growing baby. So why don’t we do the same thing when it comes to toxic products that we use? Especially with the ones that we use every day!
FYI, these deodorants by Earth Mama weren’t just created for breastfeeding mamas. They were made for pregnant women, for people with sensitive skin, and for YOU! #WhatGoesOnGoesIn
9. Helps people who have sensitive skin.
If you have sensitive skin—like I do—you’ll know all too well how chemicals, when applied to the skin, can leave your skin with rashes, feeling dry, breaking out in hives, and even developing lumps. It’s not fun. Deodorants and antiperspirants with chemicals can cause us to have the same intense reactions. Earth Mama products can help you avoid all of these.
10. Prevent toxins from building in your body.
Even if you don’t notice it today, tomorrow, or a year from now, putting chemicals into your body on a daily basis is never a good thing. You wouldn’t take aspirin every day if you didn’t need it. Why should your deodorant be any different?
