Customer Reviews

Growing Up Green: Baby and Child Care: Volume 2 in the Bestselling Green This! Series

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I really wanted to like this book. I try my best to raise my chilren "green". To me breastfeeding and being green go hand in hand. Breastmilk is by far superior to infant formulas. To even think that the toxins that are found in breastmilk outweigh the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child are laughable. Breastfeeding rates here in the U.S. are already low, I am sad to think that new mothers who read this book might be influenced by it's information and advertisements of organic infant formulas.

I really wanted to love this book and had hoped to give it a 5 star rating. In this review I will fully explain the reason for rating this book with 3 stars. I think I have given it a fair judgment. Note I have implemented many of these suggestions in our family's life in the years past and am supportive of families making healthier choices as well as making choices that are better for our environment.

The best thing about Growing Up Green! Is that Deirdre Imus has taken every single green living issue pertaining to children and health and summarized it in one place. Buying and reading this book can save you lots of time and money. As a comparison, I have been reading about health, wellness, and green living and parenting for twenty years and have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on books and magazines and hundreds of hours combing through lots of information to extract out the latest recommendation on a topic. If you have not yet invested that kind of time, this book is a time saver for you (and a bargain).

The book is easy to read. You can breeze through it quickly. One of my problems was that I was so horrified by two subjects that twice I had to shelve the book for a few weeks to save my sanity (more on that later).

The book's strong point of being all encompassing and cutting to the chase is also its weakness. Imus covers each topic shallowly, sometimes too thinly. Although she does provide websites to go read for more information on nearly every topic, sometimes there just is not enough information to explain a topic. Other topics deserve reading an entire book (or two) on the topic. Specifically troublesome was that some topics that I know from other sources are conflicted or are being credited as junk science is never mentioned in the book. Things come across as fact without saying that some of these topics are questionable, with conflicting studies published on both sides of the position, so I (the informed reader) don't truly know what to believe (others ignorant on some topics may take everything as gospel).

Several times, Imus says that we should just choose the course of action assuming the worst is true, and avoid that thing lest we possibly harm our children's health. That would not be so hard if it involved one or a few choices in our lives but when you put all the recommendations together, to really do all the things in this book just may drive a person crazy (seriously) or at the least, would leave them worried and possibly angry at the world too.

Another major issue is there is no prioritization of the recommendations. Eating your fruits and veggies versus eating organic versus going totally vegan versus using all green school supplies and children wearing only organic cotton and renovating your home to replace everything with green materials is all weighted the same. The fact is that even if we have a desire, putting every single one of these recommendations into place is not possible, especially when a family's budget is limited. It is not feasible for most families to renovate their homes just to make them greener. Even with our best intentions the fact of the matter is that some of the lifestyle changes that are not prohibited by our budget are hard to be consistent with over the long-term as they require constant effort to go against the tide which can be emotionally draining and exhausting. I speak from experience when I say that swimming upstream is difficult in the long term.

Additionally we hear over and over how the author was able to implement these changes with her only child. Perhaps if she had two or more children she might see that sometimes a parent's best intention is altered by the different wills, personalities, and taste buds of different children even born into the same family and raised with the same parenting style and diet as the other children in the family. Additionally parents with more than one child have less energy and patience to juggle all these recommendations with different aged children. This book does fall prey to the mother of an only child typical thing "I did it with my one child so you all should have the same success with all of your own children if you would just try".

The author gives no sympathy to the reader by way of acknowledging that making all of these changes might be difficult, by the way.

Take it from me, a mother who has over the years implemented and practiced some alternative parenting methods and choices, managing an alternative parenting lifestyle is challenging. We face challenges at the grocery store when shopping, when at friend's and relative's homes, when at children's birthday parties, and when at the doctor's office. The lack of guidance with some kind of a priority scale and the lack of encouragement for readers to use critical thinking and their personal discernment about which battles to fight and which to surrender is an issue. Reading all of these recommendations for green parenting will leave some readers overwhelmed. Some readers will be left confused and may give up, while some may even end up neurotic and angry or exhausted as they try to do everything recommended (and worry of damaging their children if they fail or choose to not follow a recommendation).

I found the book scary in some parts. The most disturbing to me was the one thing that I'd not heard about before. The author says that chemicals and drugs used in the infertility treatment process may damage the very children that are conceived from such procedures. We were not led on where to go for more information or told what studies or reports discuss this. If this really is true our country is in real trouble and we all would have serious reasons to be skeptical of American medical doctors.

The next issue that caused me worry and family strife was the use of plastics in food wraps, food storage containers and water bottles. One of the issues is Bisphenol A. I was so worried about what I read that I went and did more research and found the topic to be debated and studies conflicted each other. The author may be happy to know I've thrown out most of the plastic we own in a fit of fear and anger after reading that section of her book. I'm now worried about hormone disruption in my sons and wonder if they will be infertile in adulthood. My husband thinks I'm crazy and we're actually having disagreements over this topic. This is one topic in the book that is not covered as deeply as I felt it deserved. For example if a study showed that the plastic with food in it should not be heated then why can't we still use it to hold cold food? We are told instead to just avoid the use of it entirely and buy glass food storage containers.

Although the book has a chapter on how to become an activist in the community, it is lacking something else more important. The book really needed a chapter about how concerned mothers can convince their husbands to go along with these changes (especially since some are not easy to implement and others are very costly and some may be too costly for the family budget). In fact the topic of the budget is never discussed, since it is not an issue for the author I guess she thinks it is not an issue for mainstream Americans? Additionally dealing with other relatives on our alternative choices is something that we need support with. That topic is completely absent. If you do all the things in this book it will be you against the world, or perhaps only with the support of other green living parents that you meet in online discussion groups.

The author quotes about a dozen medical doctors who are famous in their fields or have published books on the topics. Their biographies are at the end of the book. To be more of a thinking person readers should really go on to read those books too. I have read some of them and they educate and enlighten the reader more than this book can in its short length and broad scope.

The book really needs an index so we can quickly reference the topics, especially to look back on a topic we know we read on the first go-through. I can't believe there is no index!

The book also had some typos, spelling mistakes and grammar mistakes. One duplication error was in a chemical reference chart. I'm surprised the editor and this major book publisher let those get through.

The topics in the book span from pre-conception through raising teenagers. Some of the larger topics touched upon which deserve more reading and self-education are Autism and the vaccination debate. One or more whole books on those topics really should be read. A few other topics are thrown in like saying we should use public transportation. My husband said he heard Don Imus on the radio the day after Deirdre did a book signing at her own town's library in which he admitted he sat in the limo with the engine idling while she did her talk, and he was chastised by a citizen for doing so. Could they not have driven themselves from their own home to the public library in their same town or used public transportation?

To summarize if you want to be told what to do and to not think much about all the background information or to even question if these statement are correct you'll love the book and would think it is 5 star book. If you want all the topics in one book for fast reading you'd love it too (5). If you worry that the book over-generalizes or possibly conceals that the topic is actually based on junk science, it is a 3 or a 2. If you are well read on these topics already then the book won't be of much use to you and it would be a 3 or a 2. If you like to gather your own information and think on your own you may think this is a 3 or a 2.

I have implemented many of the suggestions in this book before it was published. If you don't know this stuff already perhaps this is a good starting point for a quick read summary of all the recommendations.

I wish all parents well and hope that everyone's children are healthy now and in the future. I hope you are able to be happy on your parenting journey too--don't let worries ruin it.

This book does provide some useful links and ideas but it is mostly a testament of what worked for the author personally and for her one and only child. The book is preachy and light on facts, heavy on opinions. I was horrified by her remarks that state breastfeeding may not be the best choice due to toxins in breastmilk. She does her readers a real disservice by presenting this idea and giving links to organic formula. According to La Leche League International, a reputable authority on breastfeeding, human milk is still the best choice. Also there was not much information on cloth diapering -- the author glossed over the idea saying she could not keep up with the laundry rather than giving resources or facts about a great green idea. I am glad I got this at the library and saved my cash for better resources.

I started reading this book with a neutral/positive attitude and after reading a quarter of it I was totally alienated. The author makes sure to quote experts for straightforward ideas such as "fetal alcohol syndrom is difficult to detect at birth." Yet for more controversial ideas, no sources or basis other than her opinion is given, such as "I never eat fish." Well, good for her, but why? I am well aware of the dangers of mercury, but never have I heard any advice on going without fish given its benefits for mothers and unborn babies such as the omega 3s. Same thing for her advice about dairy. Every day I read about experts lamenting the lack of calcium in growing kid's bodies and yet Ms Imus claims that given that non-organic dairy has problems, we should go dairy free. I would think that the benefits of organic dairy would outweigh its costs, but for some reason her sense of propriety has been offended by all things dairy. She thinks that fruits and veggies are all you need, but she does not talk about how to replace the missing protein and calcium if you forego meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and also vitamin supplements... Someone who wants to follow her advice may cause serious developmental problems on their kids. I am all for raising vegetarian or vegan kids, but in addition to talking about how to exclude things from our diet, shouldn't we also consider how to replace what we exclude?

I agree with others who hated her book about her advice on breastfeeding. Her book should be banned or sold with a disclaimer such as "NOT approved by XYZ medical association" for her claim that organic formula may have benefits over breastfeeding. After reading this, I would not be surprised if she claimed that "babies should not be held because mothers are carriers of all sorts of chemicals. If you really have to hold your baby, be sure to use organic mittens."

This book should be in every school, doctor's office, daycare center and home. Look at American kids today. Sick sick sick. Asthma, ear infections, food allergies, environmental allergies, ADHD, seizures, mental illness, autism, learning disabilities. Our kids are bearing the brunt of our toxic world. Deirdre explains what's going on and offers solutions in an easy to ready book. In a world where parents are determined to raise the next LeBron or Tiger, enrolling their kids in class after class to get a leg up on the competition and sacrificing left and right to make sure their kids have the best of everything, what good is all of that if the child is not well?

Parents have the power to make their kids lives' safer. Deirdre helps you to learn how.

This is a perfect baby shower gift, Mother's day or Father's day gift, end of year teacher gift. Even a copy for Grandma and Grandpa who may still have a bottle of rat poison next to the lead paint cans in the garage..... It's never too late to learn!

When I ordered this book, I was so excited to get it. I am always looking for resources that support my decisions for a healthier life style and give me more ideas to implement those choices.

As the mother of three, I have always tried to give my children the best start in life - from good prenatal care, unmedicated births and exclusive breastfeeding to making my own baby food, not vaccinating, buying healthy foods and limiting their exposure to media.

I was appalled to read Imus' very limited and very uninformed information on breastfeeding - which I had assumed would be a very large part of "Growing Up Green." After all, what is "greener" than that? True, there are some toxins present in breastmilk, but what about the toxins and artificial ingredients in formula? What about all the toxins and wasted resources that go into making the formula? What about all the waste that goes into landfills from the packaging of formula and the bottles that must be used to feed the formula? I can't think of anything LESS "green" than that, not to mention the fact that infant formulas have been recalled many times due to contamination. To even imply that artificial feeding (organic or not) is in some way better for our children than breastfeeding is ludicrous.

Imus also writes about how unhealthy our diets are, which is totally true for most Americans. However, she fails to discuss that a mother who has a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods is exposing her child to various tastes through her breastmilk and is therefore more likely to have a child who will develop a taste for these foods.

She mentions several times about the childhood obesity epidemic and the rise in various childhood illnesses such as asthma, allergies and diabetes, yet fails to mention that breastfeeding has been proven to prevent obesity and these other childhood diseases that she speaks so often about. Not only is breastfeeding healthier for children, but also for mothers. Research shows that breastfeeding significantly reduces a woman's chances of pre menopausal breast cancer.

Perhaps one of the most important things Ms. Imus neglects to mention is the fact that breastmilk provides antibodies and immunities to protect our children from various illnesses. That is something that infant formula has never been able to replicate - and probably never will. Breastmilk is a live food, a perfect food. For someone who speaks so often of the importance of making whole foods a part of our diets, she is doing a real disservice to the women and children of this country by suggesting that artificial feeding is in any way equal to or better than breastfeeding simply because there may be toxins present in a mother's milk.

Growing Up Green, by Deirdre Imus, is a well-researched and comprehensive book on how to make your child's world eco-friendly to keep them healthy.

Imus presents to problem in the introduction: "The World Health Organization estimates that we could prevent more than 80 percent of all chronic illnesses by improving our lifestyles in simple ways, like working to reduce our exposure to environmental pollutants and eating a healthier diet. Eighty percent! So why aren't we doing more to protect our children?"

In chapter two, Imus addresses the role of the environment in children's health. Specifically, she writes about the health issues caused by pollution including learning disabilities, headaches, hyperactivity, asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, autism, pediatric cancer and more.

"Prevention is the best cure," Imus says.

With prevention is the best cure in mind, the remaining chapters focus on way to keep your kids healthy, beginning with preparation for pregnancy. This chapter includes information on greening your home by replacing toxic chemicals with safe products. She also discusses green building and specific green tips for the nursery.

The following chapter shows the expectant mother how to eat healthy for two.

Next, Imus describes how to develop a healthy eating "palate" for your baby, which includes organic and healthy food.

Imus writes about all green aspects of your child's life, including safe toys and personal care products. One of my favorite tips was to use apple cider vinegar in the bath, as it boosts mood and is relaxing for children. Add bubbles to the vinegar in the bath and you get amazing and fun foam!

The chapter on pediatrics was excellent and covers vaccinations, antibiotic overload, natural homeopathic cures and more.

Imus even includes a section on getting the schools to go green.

Finally, the book includes a list of basic foods for your kitchen, healthy breakfast recipes and easy recipes, recommended reading and resources.

The book is health insurance for your kids.

By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

My Mom bought me this book thinking I would really enjoy it. I must admit, I was looking forward to reading it!

I actually feel like I was being lectured to by a self-righteous, caddy Mom at a playgroup (certainly not a Le Leche League meeting!).

This book seems to have a goal of instilling great fear into parents. After reading it, it would seem that no matter what we do, we are destined to be swimming in toxins. The book offers a lot of specific websites and brand names for "natural" products. That is good to a point, but it ends up feeling like commercials.

I was horrified by the breastfeeding portion. Basically a doctor says that breastfeeding is a "double edged sword" and there are soooo many toxins in an adult woman...blah blah. (what about an adult cow or soybeans grown in the soil of the toxic earth??...not to mention the negative effects of soybeans which are not mentioned at all in this book) The doctor goes on to say that he may be old-fashioned, but he thinks that there is something to be said for the closeness of mother and baby...duh!

I feel like I am more informed than this author...I just don't have all the money in the world to publish a book and preach of my "good deeds" and my wonderful husband. I'm glad the profits go to the Imus Ranch...it is the only redeeming factor and the only thing that keeps me from cringing when I think of supporting such an irresponsible book.

As being a "green" mom I was very disappointed with this book. She says that cloth diapers "overwhelmed" her by having to wash them with a newborn. Umm maybe you should buy more so you don't have to wash them everyday. I cloth diaper and it's so easy for me, I throw them in the wash every other day and volia! fresh clean diapers. Then she goes on to say she used disposables, the "green" ones (Tushies) I don't think using any disposable is going "green" . The kicker is when her son got "too big for regular diapers but not yet potty trained" She used PULL UPS! That's the beauty of most one size cloth diapers they can go up to 35 pounds! This lady has no idea how to be "green". I reccomend "Raising Baby Green" By Alan Greene, a much better book!

This book was helpful (if scary sometimes) at pointing out hidden dangers around us. Quite a few of the links were also helpful (the Amish cribs and mattresses are lovely) However I would like to point out my two hangups with it. While it is helpful to point out what cleaners to avoid, I wasnt given much in the way of alternatives. I do not live in the USA and ordering products and shipping them from her store to my country would be excessively expensive. A more in-depth study of healthy alternatives that are easy to find anywhere would have been more helpful, the few there were, vinegar and baking soda, I was happy to use.
My second hangup is her being obviously a hardcore vegan. Not every one can happily live that way and to show such disapproval for fish and animal products was annoying, I felt like I was being lectured. Also she fails to point out that soy is not a good alternative as it has estrogen mimics that can cause breast cancer and also that it is indigestable to babies. A little onesided wouldn't you say? And the argument against breastmilk! I agree with other mothers who were horrified by this!