If ever there was a time to try and dramatically reduce chemical exposures it is when you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. This is a time when individuals and couples tend to be taking stock of their lives and are looking forward. It is also a time when people tend to do a good deal of shopping in preparation for a new baby and are nesting which is generally accompanied by painting, cleaning and the like.

Here we share fifteen strategies for reducing chemical exposures when pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Keep in mind that even if you only implement one suggestion you will be doing yourself, your baby, and the environment a big favor. The key is to identify the strategies you feel you can implement easily and then work your way into those you might characterize as next steps. In the end you may find that most on the list are quite doable. Keep in mind though - we have marked some of the strategies as “CRITICAL MUST DO” meaning that for the health of a pregnant woman, an unborn baby, or a young infant, these are must do and failing to do so could cause serious birth defects or other developmental problems. If any of these apply to you start here and for goodness sake, seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible if you need it.