An excerpt from the book “Green Body, Green Birth ” by Mary Oscategui

When starting on green journey and understanding what green means specifically to you, there comes what is called “The Discovery Stage.” This is the stage where one becomes excited about the discovery of new information, but this is also the state when fear, anger or frustration arises, and sometimes one feels a loss of power or control. These disturbing emotions usually arise when discovering that one has been misled, misinformed, or discovering that you have fallen for propaganda of some sort. 

This is also known as “greenwashing,” a marketing tactic of misleading consumers about a product or service’s environmental friendliness. A 2010 study by TerraChoice, an independent testing and certification organization revealed out of 5,296 products only 265 were really as green as they claimed. 95% of “green” products are being greenwashed.

Going through this stage of discovery may be particularly challenging for just about anyone but in particular it can be difficult for a woman who is pregnant or recently became a mother. Her body and mind have already undergone many physical and emotional changes, and now she has to deal with handling all this new information regarding the various dangers lurking in her cupboards, her air, her breast milk, her food, her furnishings, her car, her supermarket, and her baby’s world and add to that the great possibility of being misled.

I have worked with so many pregnant women and mothers who are excited about beginning their green journey only to become quickly disenchanted with feelings of disappointment, guilt, fear, and even anger. How can we best deal with these feelings? Are they valid? 

The first step is to acknowledge them as normal and healthy. When discovering such information, it is perfectly natural to have some kind of emotional reaction. During this discovery phase, rather than moving forward and understanding the opportunity that lies in front of us, many of us get stuck in our feelings and sense of helplessness.

Where to Begin?

• Acknowledge your feelings.
• In every challenge, lies an opportunity. Find your opportunity.
• Focus on a practical plan of action keeping in mind that trying to achieve perfection is not realistic or practical.
• Start with simple baby steps.
• Know your sources and resources. There are many great tools and resources available like: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Environmental Working Group, and Healthy Child Healthy World.
• Get into the habit of asking questions about everything you are putting into your body, on your body, and what is surrounding you.
• Vote with your dollars.
• Ask for support.
• Surround yourself with people, places, and things that inspire you and give you hope.
• Get active and involved with your community.
• Collaborate with others who share your concerns, passion, and goals.
• Invite space and reflection.

About “Green Body, Green Birth ”

Your body is your first and foremost environment. It is the environment that you never leave, nor enter. Green Body Green Birth provides an in depth understanding of your body’s own toxins and terrain and shows you how greening your body and mind leads to a healthier body, a healthier pregnancy, and a greener world outside. Whether one is a soon to be mother, or just someone looking to gain deeper insights into their health, Green Body Green Birth is for everyone. Readers are provided with simple, practical, yet effective solutions to empower their health and their life.

About the Author

Mary Oscategui is an international maternity business consultant and holistic educator who specializes in maternal health, fitness, nutrition, green living, and sleep. Mary is a leader in educational development and has been consulting and guiding hundreds of clients for the last 17 years. She is the Founder, CEO & President of the International Maternity Institute (IMI), International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (IABPP), and Co-Founder of theAssociation of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC). Additionally Mary also offers health and fitness services through PhysicalAwakening.com, a holistic integrative approach offering the services of yoga, meditation, pilates, fitness, and nutrition.