The Modern Cloth Diaper

2010-07-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Cloth diapers. They are nothing like the old, dingy, hard-to-use diapers that come to your mind. Modern cloth diapers are actually very easy and, well, CUTE! They go on and come off just as easily as disposables, except they are much softer and less crinkly! I only wish I had known I would fall in love with this "fluff" when I was pregnant!

Before I had Wesley, I had no idea how cloth diapers have changed. I thought they were nasty, stinky, ugly things that nobody used anymore. I didn't even discover the modern cloth diaper until Wes was about 4 months old. I was on a website for mom's called "Babycenter" and I saw pictures of these adorable, fluffy butts. I almost couldn't stand how cute some of these diapers were! I started asking questions. I asked other cloth diapering moms how much work it was to use them, how horrible the laundry was, why they chose to use them...... and I liked their answers.

I then started my research. The overload of information on cloth diapers is mind-boggling! I spent a whole week trying to figure out which kind of diapers I would most like, how I would wash them, and most importantly, how to convince Ray! I finally figured it out, convinced Ray, and ordered my first nine diapers.

Never would I have thought I would be so excited to get diapers in the mail, but let me tell you, I dug into that package like it was Christmas! I couldn't wait to get them washed and try them out! After they were all washed and ready I hesitantly put the first one on Wes. I waited, and waited, and waited, and was amazed when I found that he had peed in it, but it had no leaks! I also no longer had to worry about the chemicals in diapers causing a rash on Wesley's bottom. Since making the switch he has very seldomly gotten any diaper rash. I was hooked from the very first use.

At four months old, Wesley was still exclusively breastfed, and he had some nasty, runny poops. Everytime he pooped in a disposable it would result in a "poonami". The poop would inch up his back, out his thighs, and seep onto whatever clothing he was wearing at the time. It was horrible. Since we have switched to cloth would you believe me if I told you he has never once leaked poop out of his diaper? Well believe it, for it is true. We have had a couple pee leaks here and there, but never a poo.

Cloth diapering is not for everyone, but it really is so much better and easier than it once was. Washing them is a breeze, and putting them on your baby is easier than you could imagine. By cloth diapering you can save SO much money! I have spent under $400 for diapers, and I will never have to buy diapers again, not even for my next kids! Most people will spend at least $1500 in disposables...PER kid! I love putting a fresh, clean, fluffy diaper on Wesley's butt, if you give it a try, you may love it too!

My Breastfeeding Journey

2010-07-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I had no clue how strong of a bond it would create between Wes and I, I just knew that breast milk is better and more nutritional than formula, so I might as well give it a try. When I later learned the full extent of the amazing benefits breast milk provides, it became even more important to me. Little did I know how extremely dear it would become to me and my relationship with Wes.

Before that first drop of milk came in I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous of my capability to do something that many women I have known struggled with. It was so perfectly natural, yet so daunting. I figured I would try it and if it worked out for us I would keep with it until my sweet baby boy grew teeth, I mean I didn't want to get BIT, right?!

Then he came. My beautiful boy was born. When it came time to nurse him for the very first time, it DIDN'T come naturally. I had no idea how to hold him, how to angle his mouth. My dear nurse had to help me several times during our hospital stay to get him latched on , or in a comfortable position. It didnt hurt the way I imagined it would. When he was latched on correctly there was only a slight tenderness, which the nipples quickly adjusted to on their own. That first week of Wesley's life was the most difficult nursing-wise, but as we grew comfortable with it and with each other it became easier and easier.

When Wes grew his first tooth around 4 months, no way was I ready to give up nursing yet! It comforted him as well as me and it gave us our own special time to get to know each other. That tooth didn't come with biting as I had thought it would, nor did the next three that popped up shortly after. I wanted to at LEAST make it to 6 months before weaning him! And when 6 months rolled around I had no desire to stop there either. I would breastfeed him for at least a year. The World Health Organization and many other organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least TWO years! Blows your mind, doesn't it?

Recently Wesley had his first birthday. He is not ready to cease breastfeeding. It makes him feel secure with his place in this world. Breastfeeding past infancy (1 year) benefits in many ways. Don't believe me? Look it up. It is normal. I know many women who have done it as well. Don't judge me or any other mother for doing what is right for their child. If you take the sexual stigma away from the breast, is breastfeeding still gross? Nasty? Wrong? I doubt it. Our society has turned something that is beautiful and natural into something that is weird and appalling. Nurturing our children is what our breasts are there for. Educate yourself before you make snide remarks about extended breastfeeding. I nurse my son with pride. I am proud of what I have and continue to give him, just as any other mother should be.

My Life as a Mom and Wife

The Modern Cloth Diaper

My Breastfeeding Journey