What is in your skin care products: Mineral Oil

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Most of the ingredients you use on your skin are absorbed into your body. What do you know about what is in your skin care products and their effect on your health?


For the next few weeks I thought I would give you a little information about some of the chemicals you may see when you read the label on the side of your personal care products. My aim is to enable you to make an informed choice about the products you use on yourself and your baby. 


Many products that were given to me by the hospital in my free baby bonus gift bag contain these chemicals. Clever marketing by big brand companies who have worked to create a direct link in your mind between their product and the safe nurturing environment of a hospital. After spending some time reading the product labels on these items, I left most of the "gifts" from my bag in the hospital room declining their offer to place these chemicals on my one day old babies skin.


The good news is that it is now quite easy to avoid the following list, if you choose to.


1. Mineral Oil (Petrolatum, Vaseline, Paraffin)
2. Methyl / Propyl / Butyl / Ethyl Paraben
3. Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
4. Propylene Glycol
5. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate
6. Synthetic Colours
7. Synthetic Fragrances

MINERAL OIL (Petrolatum, Vaseline, Paraffin)

It is found in many skin care products from baby oil which can be 100% Mineral Oil, to lipsticks and lip balms. Mineral oil is a clear, liquid oil with no scent and it will not spoil. It is produced as a byproduct of the distillation of petrol from crude oil. Mineral oil is the leftover liquid, and because it is abundant, it is very cheap. 


The World Health Organisation has classified Mineral Oil as a carcinogen to humans. Many mineral oils have been shown to be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).  It is often impossible to know the source of the mineral oils used in a product and therefore it is impossible to assess the risk of products containing 'mineral oil'.


Mineral Oil forms a barrier on the skin and is said to interfere with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne, eczema and other skin disorders. Petrolatum is a mineral oil jelly. It can interfere with the body's own natural moisturising mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You could be using a product that creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. 

It is not difficult to take precautionary measures to avoid mineral oils in products. Look for products that contain cold-pressed natural oils instead such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond Oil, particularly for use on the sensitive skin of babies.

Spelt Flour Crackers

With Jack only having two safe grains to eat, so far, I am pretty restricted on what I can buy from the supermarket. I did a bit of research today and found this extremely simple yet delicious recipe for Spelt Flour Crackers. The whole family tried them with hummus and cheese on the back deck in the warm sun this afternoon. They received a big thumbs up by all. I think next time I will try putting some finely chopped rosemary into the dough.


1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
1 1/2 cups white spelt flour, plus more for flouring surface
Course sea salt or fennel seeds or caraway seeds


1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dissolve the salt in the cold water. Stir in the spelt flour until combined. Knead the dough a few turns until a ball forms.
2. Flour the back of  a 12 by 17 inch biscuit tray and roll out the dough on top of it, using as much flour as needed to prevent sticking, until the dough covers the whole tray from edge to edge.
3. Using a spray bottle filled with water, spray the dough to give it a glossy finish.
4. Prick the dough all over with a fork. If you choose, sprinkle with salt or one of the seeds.
5. For neat crackers, score the dough into grids.
6. Bake until the dough is crisp and golden and snaps apart, 15 to 25 minutes. Start checking it after 10 minutes.
7. Break into pieces and serve with hummus or cheese.


Adapted from a recipe by Heidi Julavits published in the New York Times Magazine

A Reprieve

With the relative certainty on foods that Jack is reacting to I made a decision two weeks ago to remove his trigger foods from my diet. I knew rice, soy and oats were passing through my breast milk to him as he always vomited after he breastfed when I ate them. I had not noticed a direct correlation on the other foods though  so I did not cut them out. With a nasal gastric tube looming for him due to his poor nutrition and constant diarrhea I decided to pull out all stops and cut all his trigger foods from my diet and see what happened.

Gees...it has been hard for me to do. Now I am not eating rice, oats, soy, wheat, rye, corn, tomato, citrus fruits or nuts. Are there any grains left I hear you ask. Yes, thank goodness, I am still eating spelt flour and buckwheat. There is not much prepared food in the world that does not have one of these ingredients in it. I am pretty much on a meat and salad and vegetable diet. This week I got adventurous at the local health food shop and tried mung bean pasta, and a potato bread. Both turned out to be surprisingly good.

The exciting news for Jack is... it has been a HUGE success. He has gone from waking up constantly through the night with tummy aches and hunger, to waking up at 11pm, 3am and 5am. Ohhh sleep...I love you and have missed you!  His diarrhea has stopped. He has started to want to eat foods. This week he willingly took a mouthful of natural yoghurt off a spoon. A milestone that caused me to ring everyone I knew cheering about his progress. Jack has been reacting to the foods in my diet.

We saw the Immunologist and Nutricianist again on Thursday and they have given us a reprieve on the nasal gastric tube when they heard our news. Jack gets 2 more weeks to start eating more food and put on weight. We are very hopeful.

Products I Adore - Ziggy Floor Mat

This Ziggy Floor Mat found at French Bull would look perfect in our house. A rainbow of colour to brighten our day.

Toxic Plastic

Plastic, plastic everywhere. It has permeated ever aspect of our lives. It is in our children's toys, cars, drinking straws, toothbrushes, the computer I write this on. How can we recognise the different types of plastic and those which may be harmful for our health? 


Learn the Recycling Codes
Start by learning the recycling codes and look for the little symbol printed on items. Remember that the number codes 3, 6 and 7 could pose a risk to your health.


Make a Choice to Avoid;
Number 3: PVC - a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor
Number 6: Polystyrene - a carcinogen
Number 7: Polycarbonate - an endocrine disruptor

Number 1: PET Plastic (polyethylene terephthalate)

This is the most common plastic used for bottled drinks. Some of the places you will find this plastic in your home is bottled water, and softdrinks, mouthwash, peanut butter and vegemite jars, vegetable oil bottles. When used as a single use and then placed into your recycling bin it poses a low risk to your health from leaching toxins into the substance they hold.

Number 2: HDPE Plastic (high density polyethylene) 

HDPE is a versatile plastic with many uses, especially for packaging. You find this plastic in milk bottles, juice bottles, bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles, shampoo and conditioner bottles, margarine and yogurt containers, garbage bags. Like plastic 1, it poses a low risk to your health from leaching toxins into the substance they hold.

Number 3: V (Vinyl) or PVC 

PVC is tough and weathers well.  It can be found in window cleaner and detergent bottles, cosmetic bottles, cooking oil bottles, cling wrap, electrical wire cover, household water pipes and shower curtains.  


World wide there is significant concensus of opinion that number 3 plastics should be avoided for food and drinks due to the pthalates within them that make these plastics soft and flexible. Pthalates are an endocrine disrupting chemical. Vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen is released in the manufacture of PVC. 


The risk of food and drink contamination from these chemicals is highest when containers start wearing out, are put through the dishwasher or when they are heated (including microwaved). If you must cook with cling wrap, don't let the plastic touch food. PVC materials can also off-gas toxic plasticizers into your home.

Number 4: LDPE Plastic (low density polyethylene) 

It is found in squeezable bottles like moisturizer bottles, bread bags, frozen food packaging, dry cleaning and shopping bags, clothing, furniture and carpet.

Number 5: PP (polypropylene) 

Polypropylene has a high melting point, and so is often chosen for containers that must accept hot liquid. It can be found in some yogurt containers, tomato sauce bottles, caps, straws, and medicine bottles.

Number 6: PS (polystyrene) 

Polystyrene can be made into rigid or foam products -- in the latter case it is popularly known as the trademark Styrofoam. It is commonly found in disposable plates and cups, meat trays, take away containers,  compact disc cases. Evidence suggests polystyrene can leach styrene a carcinogen into foods. This is particularly evident which heated. 

It definitely makes you think twice about ordering that coffee in a polystyrene cup. 

Number 7: Miscellaneous 

A wide variety of plastic resins that don't fit into the previous categories are lumped into number 7. They are commonly found in drinking bottles, baby bottles, some dishes, office water dispenser bottles, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, food containers, and nylon. 


Significantly, Polycarbonate is number 7, it is a hard shatter proof plastic made with BPA, an  endocrine disruptor. Since awareness of BPA has increased of the past few years many manufacturers are now steering clear of it. It can still be found in the water station in your office. These polycarbonate bottles are continually rinsed and re-used causing BPA to leach into the water they hold. This process is exacerbated when heat is applied, such as when they sit on the back of a truck in the hot sun waiting to be delivered. 


Images Source: Iphoto

Inspiring Words: Don't Worry

Our littlest boy is going into hospital tomorrow to have an endoscopy so they can take some tissue samples. I am focusing on the good that will come from it for his long term health. My mantra to get me through the day will be these Bob Marley Lyrics, "Don't worry cause ev-ry little thing gonna be alright...". 


Source: Keep it Fancy on Etsy

Olympics

Yah, the 2012 Summer Olympics have begun! I admire the immense dedication and commitment of the athletes. It takes years of very hard work and great mental strength to achieve your goal of being the best in the world. Good luck to you all.

Growth Charts

I had an appointment at the Immunologist yesterday. We are certain now that Jack is FPIES to Rice and intolerant (or chronically allergic) to oats, soy, wheat, rye, nuts, milk formula, citric acid (in strawberries, pineapple, orange, mandarin, lemon, lime etc). I am suspicious of peas, pear, beef and corn and the immunologist has asked me to try and feed them to him again. 

On the positive side Jack could eat, carrot, lamb, potato, cucumber, chicken, and sweet potato if he wanted to. Unfortunately he is not willingly eating anything. We tested these foods by almost force feeding him. It was awful. He is happy to have them as finger food where he chews at them and spits them out like cookie monster. He will not swallow them. We are grateful he is exploring them though learning about tastes and textures, aromas and temperature.

The immunologist called in a dietician to our appointment and together they discussed his poor growth and explained to me that he is not getting enough nutrition and that it would be  impacting on his development, including his brain.  The photo above is of his weight chart. His length chart looks similar. He is supposed to be on the 50% line. He would weigh 9.4kg. He currently weighs 7.4kg. At 9 months he is still wearing the same clothes that he wore for Christmas.

The Doctors told me he will not be achieving his full potential if his lack of nutrition continues. He is refusing to drink the elemental formulas no matter how I try to disguise them. He sniffs at his drinks and if he can smell them he outright refuses them. The elemental formula's have all the elements your body needs with all the proteins already broken down.

Despite my best efforts, 100% breast feeding is not enough for him any more. They have advised us that Jack needs an urgent nasal gastric tube put in to ensure he achieves sufficient nutrition. They have given me one more week to try again with the elemental formula in a bottle. We have a follow up appointment next week to discuss a hospital admission to insert the tube and teach me how to manage it.

The immunologist agrees with the gastroenterologist that Jack may also have Eosinophilic Esophagitis which would be causing the unwillingness to swallow the food when he has a real desire to eat. Jack is being anesthetised on Monday for them to do an endoscopy to diagnose it. The scope will tell them definitively and they will be able to treat it.

I am emotionally drained and exhausted writing about it. I know these Doctors are right though. We have been battling on for a few months now and made so little progress. Jack needs more help than I can give him at the moment.  Like any mother, if there is something that is inhibiting your child from achieving their full potential in life you will do what you can to overcome it. 

Products I Adore - Elemeno T Shirt

How cute is this Elemeno T Shirt by Pluto Tees? VERY CUTE! I am sure that my kids used to think that was how the song went.

Giving Back - FPIES - Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome

Bit of a long post today but this is one close to my heart. Our youngest child, Jack was diagnosed at 5 and a half months with Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) after eating his first food, rice cereal mixed with breast milk. After swallowing a few specks we ended up at the hospital for an over night stay.

FPIES is an allergic reaction in the gastrointestinal system. The most common triggers are milk and soy, but any food (even those thought to be hypoallergenic e.g. rice, oat) can cause an FPIES reaction.

FPIES is very rare. There has been an average of 5 children diagnosed with FPIES in Queensland each year. Our little boy is one of those.

Unlike most food allergies, the FPIES reactions are delayed and usually begin about 2 hours after ingestion of the causative food. FPIES reactions are characterized by profuse vomiting and diarrhea. In about 20% of cases the child will have such an extreme reaction to a food that they will go into shock and need to be taken quickly to the Emergency Room for immediate treatment. Unlike common food allergies, standard skin testing and blood testing for specific IgE are routinely negative in these patients.

Many children have only one trigger food and are able to eat a normal diet otherwise. Others have a few safe foods but some don’t have any. These children rely on a diet of breast milk (where moms may have to eat a special diet) or an elemental medical formula.

Although it is likely that there are safe foods for all FPIES children, the process of finding them is extremely painstaking. Each food must be trialed slowly while parents look for reactions before they are "full blown." When a reaction does occur, healing can take days to weeks before a new food can be trialed.

In 60-90% of affected children, FPIES is outgrown in the first 3 years of life. However, there are individual children that have FPIES continued into adulthood.

What does all this mean for our family?

We are slowly trialing Jack on new foods trying to find something safe for him to eat. We comfort him through his discomfort and lingering effects of reactions. As he is breastfed I read food labels and try to keep him safe from unsafe foods that pass through my milk.

Our main challenge at the moment is getting our boy to eat any food. He refuses to put anything but breastmilk into his tummy. Each time he has eaten he has felt awful, creating a negative food association. We are working hard to bring him the joy of food.

How You Can Help

You can help children diagnosed with FPIES by donating to The International Association for Food Protein Enterocolitis (IAFFPE). It was created to develop in-depth research, provide widespread education to medical professionals and to establish supportive services for children and families affected by FPIES. Research is conducted at the leading medical centers specializing in FPIES throughout the world.

Why Research?

• Very little is known about FPIES.
• Few doctors are able to recognize and diagnose the syndrome.
• There is currently no cure or treatment for FPIES.
• While seminal studies report that children may outgrow FPIES between ages 2 and 3, many families are finding that this is not the case for their child.  
• There are a variety of symptoms among FPIES children that are currently not recognized by the medical community as being related to FPIES.
• More research is needed.

www.iaffpe.org.

An FPIES child often looks healthy on the outside. It is what is going on inside and the cost of staying healthy that is debilitating for the FPIES child and family.

Inspiring Words: Distracted

Distracted is...

When I read this quote I laughed and laughed. I do this. I am easily distracted. As a mum I am constantly having half a conversation with someone, starting a story and never finishing. Starting a task I deem important only to find hours later that I got distracted and forgot about it. Will this end?... Is this me? or ...Will it end when my lovely little distractions grow up?

Products I Adore - Mini Stool

This mini stool from Yorkwood is made from repurposed wood pallets salvaged from local businesses in the New York City community. Each piece has style, attitude, and character. These attributes are usually reflected through knots and nail holes which are highlighted through natural wood finishes and a simple steel frame. Because Yorkwood is created from pallet wood their furniture features an assortment of wood types such as pine, walnut, poplar, and mahogany, among others. Each piece is unique and has its own story to tell.

Pearceful Moments: Great Things To Say To Your Children

I am being the best mother I can be and my children know that. They know they are the most important thing in the world to me. They know they are loved and valued for their unique and precious qualities. I am proud of each of them.

It is the things we say to our children, together with our actions, that show them they are loved.   

Great things to say to your children

1. I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that.

2. You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!

Inspiring Words: Choose Happiness

A wonderful woman named Julianna changed my life in the most powerful way when she told me that I can choose how I feel, and react, and behave in any given moment. I protested, "Some people's behavior makes me so angry". She responded, "It is not the person who is making you angry, it is how you are choosing to react to what they have said, done, or not done".  Since that incredible light bulb moment, I have realised that I am in charge of how I feel, and each day I choose happiness. 


At first it was not easy, I was used to blaming others for my feelings, saying something or someone made me feel angry or sad. But, after a lot of practice, I have realised that it is not these external events that give rise to my emotions. It is my own brain which I have control over. I have the power to change how I feel and react. Today I am choosing happiness. 

Products I Adore - Rainbow Sound Blocks

I would love to have these for Jack.They are Wonderworld's Rainbow Sound Blocks. They are perfect to stimulate his senses.  They can be shaken to listen to the different sounds. They can be placed in front of one another to see the spectrum of new colours that can be created.  They can be used to learn about shapes with the cyclinders, cubes and rectangular blocks.

Its Natural - Seed Pods

We are all packaged a little differently but inside we all want the same thing...to grow and thrive and to be washed in the things that nourish us.

Image sourced from Jay Steingold on pinterest.

Recipe - Gingersnap Biscuits

Baking a batch of these gingersnap biscuits will fill your home with the most enticing aromas, and warm your belly on a cold day.

We have had a cold snap, by Brisbane standards, and I am seeking out some warming comfort food. These spicy ginger biscuits are doing the trick with a mug of warm tea to wrap my hands around.

The whole family loves these. You cannot resist one straight from the oven when the house is filled with the smell of cinnamon, ginger and cloves. I made a batch yesterday and when I went to get one this morning to have with my cuppa, I found my beau had been quietly snacking on them all day, making a substantial hole in the biscuit tin.

For the recipe click through.

Pearceful Moments - Birthday Wishes

This week it was my birthday. It has always been a particularly special day because it is full of great happiness and sadness for my family. I can only imagine the emotion the day bought my grandfather when he was alive. You see my grandfather was born on the 4th July. One day, on his birthday, his father died. Then, a few years later on his birthday, his first granddaughter was born (that was me). Then, a few years later on his birthday, a grandson was born (my cousin). Imagine the emotion that he felt each year as he marked his own aging, remembered his lost father, and celebrated new life.

I have always loved sharing my day with Donald McIntyre. I have missed you. We honoured you when we named our brave little boy, Jack Roman McIntyre.

Products I Adore - Cheeky Fox

How I would love our iPad  to be cosily cocooned within the tummy of this cheeky Fox iPad Sleeve by BoutiqueID on Etsy.

Inspiring Words - Friendship

I don't have an address book filled with friends. I like my own company, and mostly prefer to spend my time with my beau and children. The friends I hold close, get that, and love that about me. I may not have a long list of friends but the ones I do have in my life are the real deal. Thank you for making me laugh, holding me up when I am down, encouraging me and loving me. I value our friendship and hope that I give back to you the friendship you need.

Source of image is tinywhitedaisies.

Giving Back - Queensland Cord Blood Bank

Our two boys, Tom and Jack were born at the Brisbane Mater Mothers Hospital. Prior to their births the Queensland Cord Blood Bank wrote to us and asked us if we would like to donate our boys  umbilical cord blood following their birth. Without hesitation we agreed. We were so happy to be part of saving a precious life by bring into the world a precious life.

Products I Adore - Nami Belt

I wish my blue jeans were being held up with this Nami Leather Belt I found on Hard to Find. Nami means wave in Japanese. Based in Melbourne Australia, Temono, hand makes these belts from a slightly aged looking belting leather with a hand drawn wave pattern burnt and embossed into it.

Its Natural - Pebbles

Water worn pebbles that have rubbed up against each other smoothing their rough edges and creating a thing of beauty. I like to think that is what life is doing to me.

This art print is available from Machel Spence on Etsy.

Pearceful Moments - Cousins

My sons and their cousins are the same age. Their family has just moved closer to us to live, so the boys are getting to know each other. They are completely different but sometimes that is what forges the strongest of friendships. An appreciation and respect for difference can lead you on a wonderful journey of discovery.

Products I Adore - Wenge Wood Bracelet

My wrist is calling for this handmade Wenge Wood Bracelet. Every bracelet is a one of a kind creation made from salvaged veneer offcuts from the woodworking industry which would otherwise be thrown out. The bracelets hold their shape and have incredible strength due to the construction process called bent lamination.

Inspiring Words - Be Brave

Be brave everyday. Live your own life with courage. Be true to yourself and a happy fulfilled life will follow.

This decal is illustrated by Shanna Murray.

Pearceful Moments - Beanies for Babies

When Jack was born at the Mater Mothers Hospital the midwives put a gorgeous hand knitted beanie on his head. It was the first thing he wore and was something hand made with love and donated by a stranger. We have that little beanie packed away as a tangible memory from that moment.

Last week I had to go back up to the Mater Mothers for a final blood test to allow the Queensland Cord Blood Bank to release Jacks cordblood to a child in need. Whilst I was there I popped by the Ladies Ancillary stall in the foyer to support the work they do and purchased Jack a new little beanie just right for his 8 month old head.

If you would like to help by making beanies for the Mater Mothers’ Hospital, please contact Beth Burt on (07) 3163 2525.

Products I Adore - Cloud Cutting Board

How wonderful would it be to butter your toast each morning on this cute wooden cloud cuttingboard found at snug.

Its Natural - Feathers

Feathers are such incredible things. I love how in the bird world the boys woe their misses by looking as pretty as they can. They primp and preen their colourful feathers to get their girl. Why is it that I like my boy to look a little rough and ready? A curl falling forward on his forehead, a days growth on his chin...Image sourced from ignite light

Pearceful Moments - Park Life

I love to go to the park with the kids. It provides a great environment for them to explore new skills and sensations. We have started going to a new park that has a lot of kinetic activities, a flying fox, spider web swing, see saw etc. It also means that I am always involved in what they are exploring and truly connecting with them. Yes...is also means I have to do all the pushing. I try to see it as incidental exercise.

Has anyone noticed that when the prospect of something fun, like the park, is about to happen kids find within themselves the ability to tie their own laces and fill their own water bottle and collect their own hats so that they can get their faster? Nothing like a bit of motivation to encourage independant skills.

Products I Adore - Modern and Colourful Patchwork Quilt

As the cooler months approach I am dreaming of snuggeling up under this wonderful modern and colourful Patchwork Quilt handmade by Rita at Red Pepper Quilts. She made a lovely floor play mat for Jack when he was born with his name embroidered on it. I am a huge fan of her work.

Inspiring Words - Hi

Just thought I would say Hi! I am embarking on this blogging journey and I hope that we get to know each and enjoy each others company as we go on this adventure together.

Image from Rustic Beauty

Giving Back - Mummy's Wish

As a mum with young children, I am grateful for Mummy's Wish helping me to help ease the burden of cancer diagnosis on mothers of young children.

The co-founder of Mummy's Wish, Bernadette Vella, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma just 14 weeks into her second pregnancy. Bernadette called the charity Mummy's Wish because her wish is that there was no need for such a charity to exist.

Mummy’s Wish was founded in 2007 by two Brisbane mums, Bernadette and Gayle. Thorough their own experiences with cancer, they understood firsthand the challenges they faced with having a young child and also having cancer. They made a promise that if they survived they would start a charity to help other mums in similar situations.

In 2010 they supported 75 mums and in 2011 they supported over 150 mums with cancer. There goal is that by 2015 they will be able to reach and support the 1000+ mums a year diagnosed with cancer in Qld. Once they have been able to reach and support all mums in Qld then they hope to expand their service to all areas of Australia.

You can help Mummy's Wish to help mums with cancer by making a donation here. The money will be used to help organise and pay for practical assistance such as house cleaning, baby sitting, parking at hospitals, groceries, fuel and much more. All mums receive a "treat bag" of goodies to brighten their day with practical gifts, like a notepad to help with memory loss, a nice new toiletries bag to use in hospital, or a magazine to read. They lend laptops to mums for use while they are undergoing treatment in hospital, and put mums in contact with companies that agree to support the mums by offering free services, such as family portraits prior to treatment.

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