When i inquired about jaundice and what role a home birth would play in the diagnosis and treatment of it, I learned some disturbing information about hospitals in my area, more specifically regarding their new born and birthing practices.
First, the hospitals have recently began testing all new borns for jaundice, where as they used to only test babies who had certain signs and symptoms, because the hospitals were introduced to a new method for testing. In addition to being able to play with a new toy, they are able to charge more money to parents for running the test. Makes me wonder what other tests are being performed on babies willy nilly.
Second, it is rumored that hospitals have been advised to keep the NICU running at full capacity since it is a big money maker. The hospitals are also suffering in this economy and are attempting to recoup losses. Who are fault them for being overly cautious with babies and keeping them a few days longer to make sure that they are OK, right? Well, what about the mothers and fathers who want to take their baby home but the nurses say "no." Here is a new story about a family who wanted to take their baby home, was ok'ed by their pediatrician, but was denied by the nurses:
http://www.ktnv.com/story/14338042/baby
And this is happening all over town, from what i hear.
I have also talked with many women who wanted to have vaginal births but were told things like "your baby is too big" or "your pelvis is too small." I understand that our society, with its fast food and sweets everywhere you turn, is likely to grow some larger babies but the number of women I've seen be told these things is alarming. What did women do prior to all this knowledge when we were in the jungle living off berries and lions? Women weren't privy to any knowledge about the size of their baby. They just had their babies. That was it. So why all the need for C-sections?
In 2009, the C-section rates in Nevada were 35% while the national average was listed at 31%, according to Health Plan of Nevada (HPN) & Sierra Health. Some doctors listed were over 50%. There are many reasons that I have heard for the increase in C-sections over the years. These reasons include:
- doctors are trying to cover their butts more to avoid malpractice suits and raised insurance rates. Therefore, any sign of complications at all and the doctors will resort to C-sections
- the introductions of the epidurals and pitocin cause labor to stall out or not progress as naturally as possible causing the need for c-sections
- doctors and nurses would like labor to be faster than it tends to be for some women. So, once a woman labors for a certain amount of time they will decide that the baby isn't coming naturally and suggest a c-section
- its faster for the doctor (taking 15 minutes- an hour) where as vaginal births take many hours and some times days
But, the most disturbing thing to me, which i think may be occurring in light of this new information, is that doctors have realized that a surgery, such as a c-section, is a money maker. And, maybe the hospitals have given the doctors orders to figure out the best way to make money. I wonder if the doctors are getting kick backs or bonuses for racking up doctors bills?
It bothers me to think that a system, facility, or person who is there to help others, save lives, and fix medical issues has money as their bottom line. I do not believe that all doctors, hospitals, nurses or administrators are waking up every day thinking about how they can hurt families and babies to make money. There are amazing care professionals who truly want to help people but are likely caught up in the bureaucracy of it all. OR, maybe they are told that they are to do certain things to because it is the best thing for their patients.
Some people call me a hippie because i want to have a natural home birth. When i think of what a hippie looks like, i think of a pot smoking, tree hugging, no bath taking, Birkenstock wearing love child. That does not fit me at all. I wonder what people call well researched, educated parents who only want the best for themselves and their children? I am certainly an outcast, a rebel, as far as society is concerned. If the people in our society took the time to educate themselves and not make decisions based on what their doctors tell them or out of fear, how many would come to a similar conclusion?
I know that there are still women who would say "give me the drugs, cut me open, and get this baby out!" and that is totally fine. And there will still be medical reasons for c-sections, drugs, forceps, vacuums, etc in birth otherwise they would have never been invented in the first place. But, as parents, we should have the right to be informed about our children and births, the risks at an accurate level (not as a scare tactic from doctors), and be able to make our own choices without the threat of social services being called if we do not conform to their ways of money making.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Home stretch
My pregnancy hasn't been easy by any means. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary or extra difficult, such as having hypermeses or high blood pressure, but if there's a pregnancy symptom you can name then I probably had it. These last few weeks have been the worst of it though! I'm so tired most days that getting off of the couch to pee (for the 150th time today) seems like such a chore that I've contemplated diapers for myself. The baby's cloth diapers ARE extra soft. Additionally, instead of one ache or pain at a time, I'm having multiple. Tonight, for example, I'm having contractions, cramping, heartburn, lower back pain, sciatica pain causing shooting pain down either or both legs, and my hips hurt. This is all at once! I can tell you that I am a complainer. If theres something wrong in my world, everyone will hear about it. I am sure that people are tired of me talking about my ailments at this point, buy right now they are absolutely THE WORST! I am 36 weeks today and will see the midwife for a check up tomorrow. I think this baby will be coming early since my body seems to be charging up for birth right now. Glad we finished the nursery :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
BABYWEARING
Dr. Sears, famous and well known peditrician, shares he thoughts on the benefits of baby wearing:
BABYWEARING
BABYWEARING
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Cloth Diapering
The following information is written by a friend of mine in my mommy group. I currently have no experience with cloth diapers (as JBTB in still in womb) but i plan on CDing and am excited to do so. I found this information extremely helpful and concise. Just another perk of being apart of a mommy group!
Cloth Diapering Lingo
CD-Cloth Diapering
BG-Bum Genius Brand
HH-Happy Heiny Brand
FB-Fuzzi Bunz Brand
RR-Rumperooz Brand
CS-Charlie’s Soap Detergent
Sposies-Disposibles
Hey Groovy Mamas! So you want put a little change back in your pockets, all while doing your part in keeping waste out of our landfills Huh? Well, you’ve taken that first step!
Words of wisdom: With all things baby, there is a TON of information out there which can be overwhelming and discouraging. Just remember, cloth diapering is not nearly as hard as you may think! Just like raising a baby, cloth diapering works differently for everyone. The diaper that one may like may not work so well for someone else. These are just the general guidelines and information to help you get started. Guidelines are meant to be followed, but tweaked to fit you and your family lifestyle.
The average price to disposible diaper a baby from birth to 2 years is roughly $1200 a year. With the recent news of rising diaper prices, it will obviously be more. Expect to spend around $300 on average for your cloth diapering start up stash. Some spend more, while others spend less. Buying CDs used through craigslist, ebay, friends, etc will help defray costs. CDs can be used multiple times for multiple children. So the initial investment will pay off. Plus you can resale your dipes! Watch out because cloth diapering can be addicting. So many choices, styles and colors& patterns, Oh My!
Good Luck!
Types of Cloth Diapers
1.1. Pre-fold Diapers
i. Pre-folds are the old school cloth diapers that everyone remembers and are most economical.
ii. Pre-folds are folded over the baby and kept in place by pins or Snappis. (The modern version of pins)
iii. These are the least expensive of the cloth diapers and can function as other uses once done as a diaper, such as burp cloths, dusting & cleaning rags.
iv. The fabrics can be made out of hemp, bamboo, fleece, etc
v. Pre folds require a diaper cover. Covers can be used more than once per diaper.
vi. Popular brands include: Econobum, Bummis (Gerber brands found at the store are NOT recommended)
vii. Price range: Starting $6 per diaper including cover
1.2. Fitted Diapers
i. Fitted diapers look similar to a disposable diaper and have elastic at the legs and back.
ii. The closures are commonly snaps or Velcro and come in various different materials, such as bamboo, fleece, or hemp.
iii. Requires a diaper cover. Diaper covers can be used more than once per diaper.
iv. Fitted diapers come in set sizes from newborn to toddler. You change sizes as the baby grows.
v. Popular Brands include: Kissaluvs, Happy Heiny, & Thirsties
vi. Price range: Starting $15 per diaper including cover
1.3. Pocket Diapers
i. Pocket diapers are the most commonly used cloth diaper.
ii. Pocket diapers are pre-shaped and have a pocket that allows you to “stuff” the diaper with inserts.
iii. A pocket diapers DOES NOT require a separate cover.
iv. Stuffers for pocket diaper are generally made of micro-fleece, suede-cloth, cotton or bamboo.
v. The pocket diaper is available in one size that allows you to use from newborn to toddler.
vi. Popular brands include: Bum Genius, Happy Heiny, Rumparooz, Fuzzi Bunz
vii. Price range: Starting $15 per diaper
1.4. All-in-One Diapers
i. All-in-Ones are most like the disposable diaper. All In Ones have the soaker is sewn to the waterproof cover making an all in one combination. These are the diapers that are considered “daddy, babysitter, & daycare friendly”. They are the easiest to use, because the diaper is one whole piece with no folding or stuffing to them.
ii. The All-in-Ones require more drying time.
iii. They are the most expensive diaper of all the choices.
iv. All-In-Ones come in various sizes from newborn to toddler. As well as one size
v. Popular brands include: Bum Genius, & Rumparooz
vi. Prices range: Starting $20 per diaper
5. Hybrid Diapers
i. Hybrid diapers offer the convenience of disposable diapers coupled with the reusability of cloth diaper covers.
ii. Each diaper consists of a washable, reusable cloth diaper cover which can be used with either biodegradable disposable inserts or washable cloth inserts.
iii. Most convenient for travel
iv. Popular brand include: Gro Via, Gdiapers, Flip
v. Prices range: Starting $22 per diaper including cover
Cleaning Diapers
Breastfed poop does not need to be sprayed off before cleaning. The natural content breaks down easily in the initial rinse.
Otherwise, just shake, dunk or use a sprayer to remove poops. Then place diaper in diaper pail/bag.
No need to rinse for wet diapers.
Rinse and/or wash as many times as needed on the occasion that problems (see below) arise.
1.1. Cold Rinse
i. Loosens debris and helps with stain prevention
ii. Add Baking Soda to this cycle to help neutralize smells
1.2. Hot Water Wash
iii. With a non-bleaching, non-free/clear, non-fabric softening detergent
3. Warm Water Rinse
iv. Helps remove remaining soap residue
If Needed: Run 2nd Hot Wash w/o detergent OR 2-3 Warm Rinses
Some Recommended Detergents: Original Powder Tide, Charlie’s Soap, Rockin’ Green, Allen’s Naturally, Crunchy Clean
NOT Recommended Detergents: Free & Clears, Fabric Softeners, W/ Bleaches, Baby Detergents. (These will break down your diaper fibers & can rashes due to build ups)
Problem Shooting
1. Repelling
What is it: Liquid not being soaked up properly by diaper, constant leaks
Caused By: soap residue
Solution: Use correct amount of detergent, multiple hot water rinses
2. Stinkies
What is it: Odor on/from the diaper
Caused By: Too long between washes, Not enough washes, Soap residue
Solution: Additional hot washes, in extreme cases-hand washing with Regular Liquid Dawn dish soap, Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle
3. Stains
What is it: A stain
Caused By: Prolonged timing between washes, extreme poop scenarios
Solution: The Sun! It’s a natural stain remover.
4. Build Up
What is it: Build up of soap residue
Caused By: Diapers not being rinsed properly
Solution: Strip them with hot washes no detergent.
5. Leaks
What is it: Your diapers leaking
Caused By: Repelling, Wrong sized diaper, baby being in diaper a prolonged amount of time.
Solution: Check diaper for soap buildup by running them in a rinse cycle, if suds appear, you have soap residue. Check for the fit of the diaper on baby. Change baby :P
How Many Diapers Do I Need
1. The average newborn uses 12 diapers a one day. As your baby grows this number will decrease between 4 and 8 diapers a day.
2. It is suggested to wash at least every 2-3 days. To help prevent stains & buildup
3. If you are currently using disposables, count how many diapers you use in one day, multiply that number by how many days you would like to go between washing and this will tell you how many diapers you should purchase.
4. Suggested number of cds for a newborn is 18-24 if the intention is to wash every other day. Older babies 12-18
Cloth Diapering Accessories
1. Diaper Pail
i. Keeps the diapers and odors contained
ii. A trash can works well, lined with a pail liner
2. Pail Liners
i. Like a reusable trash bag; Gets thrown in the wash with the diapers
3. Wet Bags
i. Small bags used on the go to hold dirty diapers.
ii. Can also be used to hold wet clothing and such
4. Diaper Sprayer
i. Looks like a Kitchen faucet sprayer that attaches to the side of your toilet to spray of sticky poos. No need to swish and dunk.
5. Cloth Wipes
i. Baby wash cloths work well. As well as regular wash cloths
ii. Wipes solutions can be homemade, or bought
a. Water- Free and works just as great!
b. Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Wipes
1 cup water
3 drops lavender oil (optional, for scent)
2 drops tea tree oil
c. Vinegar Anti-Fungal Wipes
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/4 cup aloe vera oil
2 drops tea tree oil
d. Baby Bits Brand
e. Bum Genius Bum Cleaner
f. California Baby Diaper Area Wash (Jess L. dilutes this in a spray bottle, four parts water to one part CA Baby)
Cloth Diapering Websites:
www.jilliansdrawers.com
www.kellyscloset.com
www.kellymom.com
www.diaperpin.com
NOTE: I am not an cding expert, however I will claim to be well informed. I have been cloth diapering for 2 years now, and at one point two Little Ones at the same time. I researched cding for the 9 months I was pg. The best way to get through it is to do it!
Hope this helps some! Happy Dipeing :D - Aisha Fanning
Cloth Diapering Lingo
CD-Cloth Diapering
BG-Bum Genius Brand
HH-Happy Heiny Brand
FB-Fuzzi Bunz Brand
RR-Rumperooz Brand
CS-Charlie’s Soap Detergent
Sposies-Disposibles
Hey Groovy Mamas! So you want put a little change back in your pockets, all while doing your part in keeping waste out of our landfills Huh? Well, you’ve taken that first step!
Words of wisdom: With all things baby, there is a TON of information out there which can be overwhelming and discouraging. Just remember, cloth diapering is not nearly as hard as you may think! Just like raising a baby, cloth diapering works differently for everyone. The diaper that one may like may not work so well for someone else. These are just the general guidelines and information to help you get started. Guidelines are meant to be followed, but tweaked to fit you and your family lifestyle.
The average price to disposible diaper a baby from birth to 2 years is roughly $1200 a year. With the recent news of rising diaper prices, it will obviously be more. Expect to spend around $300 on average for your cloth diapering start up stash. Some spend more, while others spend less. Buying CDs used through craigslist, ebay, friends, etc will help defray costs. CDs can be used multiple times for multiple children. So the initial investment will pay off. Plus you can resale your dipes! Watch out because cloth diapering can be addicting. So many choices, styles and colors& patterns, Oh My!
Good Luck!
Types of Cloth Diapers
1.1. Pre-fold Diapers
i. Pre-folds are the old school cloth diapers that everyone remembers and are most economical.
ii. Pre-folds are folded over the baby and kept in place by pins or Snappis. (The modern version of pins)
iii. These are the least expensive of the cloth diapers and can function as other uses once done as a diaper, such as burp cloths, dusting & cleaning rags.
iv. The fabrics can be made out of hemp, bamboo, fleece, etc
v. Pre folds require a diaper cover. Covers can be used more than once per diaper.
vi. Popular brands include: Econobum, Bummis (Gerber brands found at the store are NOT recommended)
vii. Price range: Starting $6 per diaper including cover
1.2. Fitted Diapers
i. Fitted diapers look similar to a disposable diaper and have elastic at the legs and back.
ii. The closures are commonly snaps or Velcro and come in various different materials, such as bamboo, fleece, or hemp.
iii. Requires a diaper cover. Diaper covers can be used more than once per diaper.
iv. Fitted diapers come in set sizes from newborn to toddler. You change sizes as the baby grows.
v. Popular Brands include: Kissaluvs, Happy Heiny, & Thirsties
vi. Price range: Starting $15 per diaper including cover
1.3. Pocket Diapers
i. Pocket diapers are the most commonly used cloth diaper.
ii. Pocket diapers are pre-shaped and have a pocket that allows you to “stuff” the diaper with inserts.
iii. A pocket diapers DOES NOT require a separate cover.
iv. Stuffers for pocket diaper are generally made of micro-fleece, suede-cloth, cotton or bamboo.
v. The pocket diaper is available in one size that allows you to use from newborn to toddler.
vi. Popular brands include: Bum Genius, Happy Heiny, Rumparooz, Fuzzi Bunz
vii. Price range: Starting $15 per diaper
1.4. All-in-One Diapers
i. All-in-Ones are most like the disposable diaper. All In Ones have the soaker is sewn to the waterproof cover making an all in one combination. These are the diapers that are considered “daddy, babysitter, & daycare friendly”. They are the easiest to use, because the diaper is one whole piece with no folding or stuffing to them.
ii. The All-in-Ones require more drying time.
iii. They are the most expensive diaper of all the choices.
iv. All-In-Ones come in various sizes from newborn to toddler. As well as one size
v. Popular brands include: Bum Genius, & Rumparooz
vi. Prices range: Starting $20 per diaper
5. Hybrid Diapers
i. Hybrid diapers offer the convenience of disposable diapers coupled with the reusability of cloth diaper covers.
ii. Each diaper consists of a washable, reusable cloth diaper cover which can be used with either biodegradable disposable inserts or washable cloth inserts.
iii. Most convenient for travel
iv. Popular brand include: Gro Via, Gdiapers, Flip
v. Prices range: Starting $22 per diaper including cover
Cleaning Diapers
Breastfed poop does not need to be sprayed off before cleaning. The natural content breaks down easily in the initial rinse.
Otherwise, just shake, dunk or use a sprayer to remove poops. Then place diaper in diaper pail/bag.
No need to rinse for wet diapers.
Rinse and/or wash as many times as needed on the occasion that problems (see below) arise.
1.1. Cold Rinse
i. Loosens debris and helps with stain prevention
ii. Add Baking Soda to this cycle to help neutralize smells
1.2. Hot Water Wash
iii. With a non-bleaching, non-free/clear, non-fabric softening detergent
3. Warm Water Rinse
iv. Helps remove remaining soap residue
If Needed: Run 2nd Hot Wash w/o detergent OR 2-3 Warm Rinses
Some Recommended Detergents: Original Powder Tide, Charlie’s Soap, Rockin’ Green, Allen’s Naturally, Crunchy Clean
NOT Recommended Detergents: Free & Clears, Fabric Softeners, W/ Bleaches, Baby Detergents. (These will break down your diaper fibers & can rashes due to build ups)
Problem Shooting
1. Repelling
What is it: Liquid not being soaked up properly by diaper, constant leaks
Caused By: soap residue
Solution: Use correct amount of detergent, multiple hot water rinses
2. Stinkies
What is it: Odor on/from the diaper
Caused By: Too long between washes, Not enough washes, Soap residue
Solution: Additional hot washes, in extreme cases-hand washing with Regular Liquid Dawn dish soap, Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle
3. Stains
What is it: A stain
Caused By: Prolonged timing between washes, extreme poop scenarios
Solution: The Sun! It’s a natural stain remover.
4. Build Up
What is it: Build up of soap residue
Caused By: Diapers not being rinsed properly
Solution: Strip them with hot washes no detergent.
5. Leaks
What is it: Your diapers leaking
Caused By: Repelling, Wrong sized diaper, baby being in diaper a prolonged amount of time.
Solution: Check diaper for soap buildup by running them in a rinse cycle, if suds appear, you have soap residue. Check for the fit of the diaper on baby. Change baby :P
How Many Diapers Do I Need
1. The average newborn uses 12 diapers a one day. As your baby grows this number will decrease between 4 and 8 diapers a day.
2. It is suggested to wash at least every 2-3 days. To help prevent stains & buildup
3. If you are currently using disposables, count how many diapers you use in one day, multiply that number by how many days you would like to go between washing and this will tell you how many diapers you should purchase.
4. Suggested number of cds for a newborn is 18-24 if the intention is to wash every other day. Older babies 12-18
Cloth Diapering Accessories
1. Diaper Pail
i. Keeps the diapers and odors contained
ii. A trash can works well, lined with a pail liner
2. Pail Liners
i. Like a reusable trash bag; Gets thrown in the wash with the diapers
3. Wet Bags
i. Small bags used on the go to hold dirty diapers.
ii. Can also be used to hold wet clothing and such
4. Diaper Sprayer
i. Looks like a Kitchen faucet sprayer that attaches to the side of your toilet to spray of sticky poos. No need to swish and dunk.
5. Cloth Wipes
i. Baby wash cloths work well. As well as regular wash cloths
ii. Wipes solutions can be homemade, or bought
a. Water- Free and works just as great!
b. Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Wipes
1 cup water
3 drops lavender oil (optional, for scent)
2 drops tea tree oil
c. Vinegar Anti-Fungal Wipes
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/4 cup aloe vera oil
2 drops tea tree oil
d. Baby Bits Brand
e. Bum Genius Bum Cleaner
f. California Baby Diaper Area Wash (Jess L. dilutes this in a spray bottle, four parts water to one part CA Baby)
Cloth Diapering Websites:
www.jilliansdrawers.com
www.kellyscloset.com
www.kellymom.com
www.diaperpin.com
NOTE: I am not an cding expert, however I will claim to be well informed. I have been cloth diapering for 2 years now, and at one point two Little Ones at the same time. I researched cding for the 9 months I was pg. The best way to get through it is to do it!
Hope this helps some! Happy Dipeing :D - Aisha Fanning
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