Now-a-days everyone is aware that "going green" is the way to go to protect the earth, minimize waste, protect the environment and pass on the benefits to future generations. The best way to start the new generation off green is at birth, by nursing. It is so simple, so healthy and so environmentally conscientious. By nursing your baby straight from your breast there are no bottles or nipples to buy and wash and throw out. There is no formula to buy and heat up. Breastmilk is always ready with the perfect temperature in a ready to serve form. Best of all, nursing is one of the rare ways to "go green" and actually save money!

Human breastmilk is the most organic way that you can feed your child. There is no substitute for naturally occurring DHA and ARA in human milk, although the formula makers would like to convince you otherwise. Studies have shown that significantly different amounts of these ingredients have been found in the brains and retinas of breastfed versus formula fed infants. It is thought that this difference may also have other effects of the cell membrane integrity of other body parts as well.

Also all types of immunoglobulin are found in human breastmilk, particularly in the colostrums pre-milk that is available the first 3-5 days of a baby's life. This concentrated milk is designed to protect the baby's ears, nose, throat and GI tract. Human milk is even referred to as "environmentally specific milk" which the mother provides to specifically protect the infant against the harmful organisms her baby is most likely to be exposed to during the first year of life.

Breastfeeding also encourages good bacteria to grow as well. Research has found that breastfed infants have a 10 times greater level of lactobacillus (a good bacteria which inhibits disease-causing bacteria and parasites) than formula-fed infants. Additionally, breastmilk as also easier on the digestive system with up to 30 times the level of lysozyme (a potent digestive ingredient) than in any formula.

It is suspected that even the comfort of the nursing experience itself works on the baby's physiological development to further strengthen its immune system. One could not think of a more environmentally friendly way to give a child the best start in life than nursing. With this knowledge in hand, we owe it to the future generation to at least try to nurse our child to the best of our ability understanding that circumstances, both health and time away at the office can often make this endeavor challenging for many of us.

Buying a nursing bra that fits properly and nursing clothes that are comfortable to wear and made for easy and discreet nursing can go a long way towards helping you achieve your nursing goals. Bravado! Designs, Majamas and Japanese Weekend are three brands that can carry you through your nursing year. Bravado! Designs carries every kind of nursing bra you will need for your first year from light support and super stretch to very supportive and more size precise fitting for later months of nursing.

Majamas also carries an excellent lounge and sleep bra called the "Easy Bra" that is super comfortable and can be worn for light support and for night-time nursing. Majamas also has a wide variety of nursing pajamas that are also wonderful for loungewear including the Sleepy Dress, all made for nursing as well as maternity. If you are working and nursing, take a look at Japanese Weekend's line nursing clothes that are both stylish and suitable for any office. Most of Japanese Weekend's styles can be worn during and after pregnancy to make your investment all the more worthwhile.

So start off your baby with your own organic milk to give them every advantage in their first year of life and beyond. Be sure to nourish yourself with the best nutrition and accept any help offered from family, friends and caregivers to allow you the rest you need to maintain your own health. Don't forget to invest in a few good nursing clothes and nursing bras to make nursing an easier, more stress free and pleasurable experience for you. Remember you don't have to sacrifice style to go green!