I am a first-time African American mother, to a four-year-old young boy. While being a first-time mom is rewarding, there are many unknowns and challenges you face daily in the world of motherhood. Adding-in food allergies, environmental sensitives, and other complications, it can feel like you’re on another planet!
Maneuvering through the world of reading the fine print, small labels, and asking “What in that?” has become part of our routine. This isn’t always the most convenient or easiest experience. Nor the clearest to explain to those who don’t have skin or food sensitives.
Over-time however, and with a lot of practice and support, it does get easier. Through my son’s sensitives, it’s caused us to also be more sensitive to our environment. We try to purchase sustainable products. I’ve found the products with fewer artificial ingredients in them and are fragrance-free do not irritate his skin. I find that natural and organic clothing works the best because it doesn’t have a chemical or artificial odor. If a family member buys him something and it’s organic, he can safely try it on and I don’t have to hold my breath waiting to see if he is going to breaking out in a full-body rash.
As I try to make a smaller carbon footprint, I realize washing clean clothing doesn’t help. I can confidently wait to wash my son's organic clothing until after he wears it.
Finding the sweet spot of quality, safe, affordable clothing that is stylish and doesn’t irritate his skin is the constant hunt. The "mommy guilt" that you get when you put something on his body or in his body that can hurt him is always a thought.
Choosing natural and organic products subdues a lot of those thoughts. Not being hard on yourself, using local small businesses you can trust, and having support from both people that are in your life and others who have similar experiences is imperative. As I teach my son to love his beautiful brown skin, I will also teach him the importance of organic and natural products he puts on it.
Mrs. Jecika White
"Mommy Guilt" is Real