Bisphenol-A research from a very irate mum!

There's been a lot of disturbing news on Bisphenol-A (more commonly known as BPA) in baby bottles, and other food and drink containers.

Being the neurotic mum that I am, I decided to do a bit more research on it.

I mean, if it's bad enough for the US retailers to ban, then it must be BAD. How can baby bottle manufacturers be SO irresponsible to put dangerous harmful substances into their plastic???



After doing some research, I found out that these bottles have been banned in Canada since 2008!

Then yesterday, in the Sydney Morning Herald, I read that the US may also be banning BPA in ALL plastic containers (not just baby bottles).

What makes BPA harmful to babies is that low doses of bisphenol A can mimic the body's hormone oestrogen and interfere with healthy growth and body functions.



Infants fed with liquid formula are among the most exposed, and those fed formula from polycarbonate bottles can consume up to 13 micrograms of bisphenol A per kg of body weight per day.



I cannot believe that corporate America have allowed these manufacturers to harm babies in this manner. The worst thing, is that those brands that are banned are the BIG names: Avent, Dr Brown, First Years, etc.

Having given birth in Malaysia, those are the EXACT same brands that all mums buy for their babies, thinking that it is the best quality bottles! Every mum I know back home uses Avent!!! And so do I!

Well, not anymore! It's bad enough that I've exposed Eva to 15 whole months of BPA-filled bottles.. She may not have many more months of bottle feeding left, but I've placed an order for a new set of BPA-free bottles, just for peace of mind.

I chose to buy a relatively new brand, called Green Sprouts, because the price was quite reasonable. AUD45 for a set of 4 bottles, see pic below:

Click here if you are living in Australia and wish to purchase some! Free delivery within Australia. Note: This is NOT an advert, simply a helpful link. Also, I'm expecting to receive my purchase this week, so I'll try to write up a quick review on it.

Other good brands that I've come across are Born Free, Green to Grow, Smart Baby, etc.

So to all you mums out there, ditch the Avent and the Dr Browns and switch to either glass bottles or BPA-free bottles!

Book Reviews

I've been reading a lot of Fiction lately... Finished 5 books over the last 5 weekends. All hubby's fault. He bought me some books for Valentine's day and I've been hooked since.

Thought I might as well do some book reviews since I've got nothing better to do! OK I could play with baby Eva, but she's asleep dy.

These reviews are done in the order I read them, OK!

Book 1: The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
Synopsis: Mickey Haller, a down and out lawyer, inherits a whole heap of cases when his lawyer friend is murdered, the most important one being a murder case involving a huge Hollywood mogul. The book revolves around the case, and how Mickey has to find the "magic bullet" - the evidence that will provide reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.

Review: I thought this book very accurately described the legal intricacies in the criminal case. But it was a bit TOO long winded. A bit rambly in the middle, and too abrupt in the end. All in all, a good but a tiring read. Rating 7/10.

Book 2: Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell
Synopsis: Another one in the Kay Scarpetta series, where she has to deal with a series of unusual crimes.

Review: I thought this book was pretty predictable right from the get-go, no surprises and a bit boring. Wouldn't rate it higher than a 5/10. And this coming from a Cornwell fan!

Book 3: A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
Synopsis: A man is sentenced to 22 years for a crime he didn't commit, and he goes on a path to seek revenge and win justice.

Review: I would say the first 75% of the book was good, the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, but somehow the ending was sooooo disappointing. There was suddenly fresh evidence produced in court that was apparent right from the beginning. So why did it only surface 22 years later? My gosh, that kinda blew it for me. I would give this a 3/10.

Book 4: The Appeal by John Grisham
Synopsis: A jury returns a shocking verdict on a large chemical company, resulting in a multi million dollar settlement for the toxic waste victims. However, the victory is short lived as the corporation decides to appeal to the Supreme Court resulting in the biggest legal battle of their lives.

Review: This was the best book yet!!! Well researched, gives a good insight into the judiciary system. Only thing is, I didn't like the ending. I don't want to spoil it for you by revealing what it is, but it wasn't what I expected. 7/10, would have been higher if the ending was better.

Book 5: One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell
Synopsis: A story about four women, living in One Fifth Avenue, and how their lives intertwine and the dramas that unfold due to money, success, greed.

Review: I don't like her style of writing. It was a bit too shallow for my liking. After reading so many crime fiction, I thought it would be a refreshing change, but I didn't like the book. The only thing I did like, was the happy ending. Nuff said. 6/10.

Sigh, now I have nothing to read... Looks like it's back to Borders this weekend.