My own journey on cloth..

First I'll talk about why I am switching to cloth pads for my menstrual cycle. I have been using cloth diapers (between the two of my sons) for about 2.5-3 years now. I have been using cloth exclusively on my youngest son for quite a while now. He even sleeps in cloth. =]
I enjoy saving money using cloth diapers and I love the fact that there aren't any chemicals, like dioxin, a carcinogen, on my child's skin. I also love how cute his cloth diapers are and how soft they are. He seems to enjoy them very much and I enjoy changing his diapers.

I recently realized that I have been putting harsh chemicals on my own skin and IN my body. I came across a few articles that dioxin (and other icky chemicals) are also in disposable pads and in tampons. I never usually used disposable pads, only liners, not including after I had my children. I usually used tampons during my menstrual cycle and I was noticing some heavy side effects from my last two cycles. For the last 4+ years, I was either pregnant or breastfeeding so I hadn't experienced my period in that time. My youngest son quit nursing in January and I had received my first cycle the following month. I purchased some tampons and some liners like I had used to and not even a day after using them I noticed I was VERY crampy. I was also nauseous (reminded me A LOT like morning sickness), VERY tired, moody..I've never experienced menstrual cramps or symptoms like these before. They were intense! I was also beginning to get bumpy skin down there and I was even getting swollen. The skin inside my vagina was even swollen and I could NOT wear a tampon any longer. It was just too painful. That is when I began researching about other alternatives to tampons and disposable liners. I remember reading on cloth pads many years previous (and I had thought about switching before I got pregnant the first time). That is when I learned about the chemicals in disposables. I was putting these inside my body all my menstrual years-- it was truly shocking. I was disgusted and I knew why I was suddenly feeling all of these side effects more so then I was when I was a teenager. It was SO long since I had used any of those products...when I did...it was chemical over-load and my body said no thank you.

My last cycle I had used a giveaway sample from Party in my Pant's Cloth Pad Curious. All you have to pay is $3.99 for the shipping and you can pick from any 1 of 4 size liners in flannel or cotton. It's a great deal because these liners usually run at $9.99 WITHOUT shipping if you order them online.
They send you a random fabric design so I was very excited on not only trying out cloth but also on what it looked like. ;]
I also researched a few brands of cloth pads to get a starter kit. I was tossing between Glad Rags and Luna Pads. Both of the brands had great reviews and I couldn't really decide-- I did end up purchasing the Luna Pad Starter Kit with a small mesh laundry bag and a stain remover stick (LOVE!) though because I thought their way to adjust absorbency was interesting and I seen more (easier) changes this way with their unique design.
This kit includes two mini pads and two maxi pads-- each pad includes a basic liner and a wing liner. The way I see it, that's 12 changes depending on your cycle! With my cycle...that's how many times I can use these.
You can also see the white mesh laundry bag in the photo-- very nice to keep the pads together in your laundry. =]
Here is another shot on the design-- you can see it more clearly on the back of the pad. I decided to get random fabrics because I didn't want to decide. I loved the surprise, anyway. =]



After using the Party in my Pants liner I received in the mail-- I ordered a couple more because I did like it. I haven't tried any of the pads from Party in my Pants yet-- only the liners (so far!) so I can't comment on those YET. The demi liner on the far left is the sample I received in the mail. Love! The center one was from their sale section because the fabric wasn't to their satisfaction (not very "flannely". It does feel "cottonly" but it is nice. =]) I love the monkeys on the far right-- the flannel material is very soft on my skin.

I love how with the cloth pads-- they have the snaps so no "riiiiiiip" sound while i'm in a public bathroom or sticky tabs to wrap around my panties... I also experienced the sticky part sometimes getting on my skin-- ouch!
You can also see on the far left liner in the Party in my Pants photo-- I have their "extender" connected to the right snap. Depending on the type of panty you're wearing (wider or skinnier gussets)-- you can choose to add the extender to better fit on your panties. This helps prevent "crinkling up" if you're wearing a wider gusseted panty. But if you're wearing the extender while wearing thinner gusseted panties-- you'll experience sliding..so be careful.

Here is my choice in storage while out-and-about. I wanted something where I could easily carry my pads around in my purse without being so "obvious"...and I wanted it to be simple because I'm a college student and a mommy so I didn't want to carry a couple different containers. I went with Planet Wise's mini wet bag (LOVE!).
I can carry both my clean pads and my used pads in the same bag! You can see a couple of my clean pads in there now-- on the top zipper is where you put the used pads-- it is like a cloth diaper wet bag so the "mess" stays in without leaking (if you have rinsed the pads first). Everything stays in their own little area-- so convenient and the bag is just so cute! And like Planet Wise's bigger wet bags-- you can choose from a long list of designs.

And the AWESOME part...I haven't had ANY cramps while using these cloth liners and pads. A few days ago I received my body's "signal" cramp letting me know it was coming in the next day or two... but that is always short and very tolerable. It's not even a "cramp"-- more like a "nudge" on my woman parts inside my body. =D

No nausea...no moodiness...no cramps...no bumpy skin...no swelling on the inside OR the outside...the list can go on and I am very happy that I'm actually having a "happy period". I think it's Kotex or some other disposable pad brand that has that line. A "happy period" using THOSE??? Yeah right..... ;p
Just put on Party in my Pant's "peace sign design" liner or pad and think about having a "peace-ful" period hehehe, ;].

The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change! Have you heard about the event that is trying to get cloth diapers in the Guinness Book of World Records?

This national event is taking place celebrating Earth Day this April 23rd at 9AM PSD (12PM EST) and each child participating getting their diapers changed at that time simultaneously (in to a cloth diaper that can be purchased online or in a retail store)will be recorded to make the record book! HOW EXCITING!

What's even more exciting is I'm hosting an event for the GCDC locally in Marquette, MI! So far I do know it will be located in the Upper Peninsula Children Museum. More information will be released via my facebook pages.

I have created a facebook page specifically for the GCDC and there you can pre-register to attend! This way you can reserve a goodie bag and get the form out of the way.

Even if you don't currently cloth diaper-- you can still participate! There is a box on the pre-registration form you can check in this case. I may have diapers you can purchase right at the event before 12PM or I can help you choose one or a few that is right for you! Contact me and I can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

I hope to see you there!

I'm the UP Diaper Lady ;]

A few posts ago in November I mentioned in my choice in becoming a Diaper Parties Consultant.. Well, I did. I’m in my second week and so far I’m loving the idea. I’m the only DP consultant in the UP (so far ;] ) and I am very excited to begin my journey! I already have some people interested but now I just have to get my kit established and finish up about four papers I have to turn in soon for my classes. =]

Instead of explaining all about Diaper Parties again- I have a fb page you can look at that is also linked from my home page on this blog and my website through Everything Birth (that isn’t CURRENTLY set up yet- the crafty lady just had her baby ;] )

So, “like” me as a friend on fb and get some updates information on new products, some interesting conversation, and of course- giveaways! I’m having a couple giveaways soon so stay tuned for that! It should be a great experience and I hope you get involved.

So, on a random note. How is life balancing four BUSY university classes, raising two beautiful sons, caring for a three-bedroom house (that sometimes seems to mess itself?), living “green”, being a member of the Parenting Policy Committee, being the diaper lady through Everything Birth, and occasionally have some free time… It’s a treat. I love every moment of it and am very happy. I drink A LOT more coffee than I ever had before…But good thing I love coffee, too! Haha!

*..Sunbaby Cloth Diaper..*

When I began cloth diapering... I only had three gDiaper brand cloth diapers and five Sweet Doll Baby brand cloth diapers (from Ebay) I received from a friend for my youngest son's baby shower. I fell in love with the Sweet Doll Baby diapers so I went online Ebay to find some more.

I noticed a brand that was very similar-- called Sunbaby. I found a great price at approximately $50 for 15 Sunbaby brand cloth diapers. I believe the ones I have are "Sunbaby 2.0". I noticed now on Ebay you can purchase the "4.0" type for around the same price. You really just have to look around if you want a cheaper price-- sometimes you can bid and wait or you can just settle with a price and "buy now" which is what I did.

The Sunbaby cloth diapers come in many different colors and designs and when you order you can choose which you want-- if you don't specify, they'll just give you a random assortment.

The Sunbaby diapers are a one-size pocket diaper. They have three rows of snaps in the front and two snaps on each strap. That way they can fit 7 lbs.-35 lbs. comfortably and is very easy to change the size by using the snaps. My oldest son wore them until he was potty trained-- and even used them as a 'pull up' while he was sure about not wetting the bed during the night. The one-size cloth diaper is nice because that way you don't have to purchase different sizes! These are extra small, small, medium, and large all in one!

There isn't a cover needed with Sunbaby-- they have a waterproof outer layer and the inner 'pocket' liner is made out of polyester.You can also adjust the absorbency with the separate liners by inserting them in the 'pocket'. The liners are three layers of absorbent microfiber and breath very well. Diaper rash is never a concern--the inside keeps the skin very dry. I put two liners in the inside of the pocket and I change every 2-3 hours or so-- that is the recommended time to change with these diapers with one liner but how much your baby or child urinates makes a difference of course. So having the ability to add more liners if you want is nice.

After each change-- shake off solid parts in the potty, remove liners and toss them in a pail. It is recommended on the website to use a dry pail or bag. Sometimes I use a small amount of vinegar water with tea tree oil in my pail to neutralize any odors that may occur.
The website also recommends to use a cold rinse or soak before washing in your washer then use a hot wash cycle with a cold rinse but I skip and use a hot wash cycle with a few shakes of baking soda and a cold rinse with about 1/4 C vinegar and about 6 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils. Doing that, my diapers and liners come out white and smelling fresh (no they do not come out smelling like vinegar).
It is highly recommended you don't wash with any fabric softeners (it isn't needed anyways-- mine come out soft) and not to use fabric sheets in the dryer (use tumble dry setting if drying in the dryer). Using those affect the absorbency-- I've never had a problem with stiffness or static with my diapers anyway. When you can-- hang dry them in the sun. The sun helps "bleach" the fabric even more from using the vinegar in your rinse cycle. Mine still look brand new doing this.

In my personal situation-- I don't recommend using Sunbaby as a night time diaper for infants. I haven't had leaks when my oldest son was an older toddler but otherwise... I have had leaks about 75% of the time. You can play around with the liners to see how many work for your baby. For a boy, I think night time is a little more challenging because the pee tends to channel to one side (causing leaks in the "love handle" and belly area). I use a different diaper during nights.
Sunbaby is a GREAT day time diaper though-- I would recommend them. Do a search on Ebay and see what you think. There are quite a few different sellers that sell them so check out the different prices and good luck! =] Thanks for stopping!

*I Love You Rituals*

I Love You Rituals by Becky A. Bailey is a great book. It has 204 pages of fun activities for parents and children to do together to build that true connection that many families (without realizing it) lack. They are not only fun for both parent and child (grandmother, aunts, uncles, teachers, anyone involved with the child) but they boost the child's brain potential, encourage cooperation, builds bonds of unconditional love-- and even increases attention spans and decreases those frustrating power struggles that may occur in our daily life.

Before getting into the positive nursery rhymes and fun games and finger plays-- the author talks about the four vital goals of I Love You Rituals and includes a few real life examples that really make sense. A couple of them actually brought me to tears because I Love You Rituals can make a HUGE difference-- not only for children...but for adults, too (just tweak them a little for an older child, teenager, or adult). The second chapter talks about discipline and how you can easily fit I Love You Rituals into that. A parent doesn't have to get frustrated or yell at a child-- there are I Love You Rituals that can fit into many situations that may happen or will happen.
There is also a short chapter on ensuring success and positive encouragement for the parent/guardian as well. I also want to add that I love the positive quotes that are listed in the beginning of each chapter. =]

The rest of the book is packed with wonderful songs and easy to learn games to have that special connection and really do boost the child's mood, increases understanding, and plain and simple-- gets the child to listen AND be happy/fulfilled at the same time.

Just last night my three-year-old son was so tired and exhausted from his morning and afternoon at school-- he was unable to vocally put his feelings into words. All he was able to do was collapse to the floor and cry and dangerously flail around because he was so mentally exhausted. It was impossible for me to talk to him in the frame he was in--he didn't even want me to hug him. I remembered an I Love You Ritual for just this situation. A special song. I grabbed his teddy bear quick (we call it his makwa--"bear" in Ojibwe)... and I scooped him in to my arms and sat on the couch with him and sang the "Snuggle Up" song to him. The song ends with, "...just cuddle yourself..And the bear with a hug." Instead of 'bear' though-- I sang 'makwa'. I don't think I sang for five minutes before he was totally relaxed...he was able to return the hug I was giving him...his breathing returned to normal...and he fell asleep. It was an amazing feeling to be the one in control. Because the reality is...when a child is acting that way-- they are in control. You have to step in and be in control-- to help that child with his/her feelings. That song helped me do just that.

There have been I Love You Rituals to help both of my sons feel better about waking up, going to school/child care, going to sleep...and my youngest can stay still while I'm changing his diaper now. There is an I Love You Ritual for many things-- any sort of change that may occur, sadness, owies, transitions, etc. I Love You Rituals may even help those children that are labeled as problematic-- and children with special needs. They can be used great in the process of a family member's death, a divorce, even the birth of a new sibling.

Here is an example positive nursery rhyme from I Love You Rituals... which one would you rather share with your child?

There was an old lady
who lived in a shoe.
She had so many children,
she didn't know what to do.
She fed them some broth
without any bread,
And whipped them all soundly
and sent them to bed.

If you ask me, that sounds very hurtful and would no way calm my child if I shared that with him. Here's the positive replacement that is from I Love You Rituals...

A wonderful woman
lived in a shoe.
She had so many children,
she knew exactly what to do.
She held them, she rocked them,
and tucked them in bed.
"I love you, I love you,"
is what she said.

I did the game that is in I Love You Rituals that includes that last song with my children and they really enjoyed the connection we had. The squeal of delight they get and the big loving smile I see....it is worth the extra time to do these activities. And it definitely makes happier children.

There is an "Other Works by Dr. Becky Bailey" page which include CDs and Cassettes, Videotapes, Books, Audiotapes, and Keynotes and Lectures. The book even comes with two CDs that have over 70 songs on them! It is a miracle in the car-- =] !

So, over-all, I highly recommend this book. I'm also interested in her other works. I will definitely check them out. Thanks for stopping!

Life Changes

I have decided to take on, in my eyes, something big. Not in the sense of it being too difficult but to do something I feel that may make a big difference. Always trying to make things better for people—I do love that. But I've also been making some changes in my life. I was trying to help two of my family members out by having them stay with me for awhile… but that was getting to be too much on my children. There was a lot on my part for the two members that joined my household..I had forgot how to do the things –I- had to do…like keep up on my homework…take care of myself better…think.. And my son's moods are affected from my mood so it was getting to be too much for everyone. I wasn't happy all the time with the situation…I had to make some changes because the things I was trying to do in my own life were being negatively affected. In two separate situations—that was the case. So I had to make some hard decisions and not help those people anymore.

I have to pick my GPA back up because that dropped significantly in the past month… I'm facing the fact that I will have to ease up next semester because I have very important tests I have to take to continue in the School of Education (because my gpa…) and I've also been thinking about going to a totally different university altogether. The one I had eyes on recently is approximately nine hours away from my current position. That would be toooo much in my current situation…mostly with the life of my children's father. I don't want to make that more complicated than what it should be.

Anyways, on a happier note. I've picked up a few things that make me happy and help me finish the things that I am required to do. I've been attending all of the parenting meetings with my son's Head Start…and I also represent the center by being on the Parenting Policy Committee and my vote is counted towards making many decisions involving my son's school setting (and the many schools in the surrounding area). I've also decided that I'm going to become a consultant with Everything Birth doing Diaper Parties. I absolutely love cloth diapers and I can't believe how many myths there are out there about them.
They aren't your grandmother's cloth diaper—I love that saying. There aren't any pins required and they are very easy to clean. Work entailed… dump the poo in the potty (not as bad as it sounds—very easy especially when you have a routine!) then toss the diaper (and liners if have them) into your diaper pail or diaper bag. When it is full… dump them in the washer…add soap… voila! Oh yeah, close the washer lid! I love adding Tea Tree and Lavender oils into the rinse cycle (along with some vinegar) because it makes them smell so fresh and clean. The baking soda I add in the wash cycle also whitens them. I don't use any fabric softeners or sheets in the dryer (when I cannot hang dry them outside)—but they are not needed! They are soft, white, clean, and smell great!
You couldn't even tell that my baby poops in them. =]

But you definitely get your own routine that works for you on your and your baby's schedule. And you get that farm fuzzy feeling that you're truly making a difference in the world, too! It's been in the news that cloth diapering is becoming more of a trend these days. Here are
six reasons to cloth diaper!

So, if you're interested in cloth diapers—ask me. If you have doubts or a reason why you can't cloth diaper…still talk to me because I will help you see that cloth diapering is the best option for you and your children.
Even if you only use one cloth diaper a day…It makes a HUGE difference. Using one cloth diaper a day can save you between $200-$300 and keep around 300 POUNDS of diaper waste out of the landfills.

I don't know about you but that makes me feel good inside. =]

So, help me help you.
I am happy to. =] Interested in cloth diapers? I am your girl. Interested in just about anything I can probably have a conversation with you. Lol

Thanks for the visit. ;]

Title.

I am disappointed in quite a few people lately. I don't even know how to express my disabled understanding of some people's thought processes and actions.
First off.... Why can't people just be honest? Straight-forward and just plain honest. Even if it is a lame excuse as "I just didn't want to hurt your feelings..." or "I didn't think it was so bad.." or SOMETHING. It's all lame.
Just be honest and true to the people around you-- most importantly, to yourself.

I have about one million things on my mind lately...and I am unable to go through them all. So many choices I have to make...and no one to sit down with me to talk about it with-- get opinions... Or just.. hang-out. Relate. To be a friend with.
I am lacking in the friend department. Not only because lately-- it's hard for me to be social... but when I do TRY to be... I don't get much of a reaction.

I've been stressing so much lately that I'm actually getting OCD reactions. I need to do something out of town-- see some new people. Something.

My thinker is just going too fast...I don't even know what to say anymore.
My baby is asleep... seeing as it takes me forever to fall asleep and STAY asleep at night now... I'm going to go take a nap (try to). Good day.