Increasing Your Milk Supply

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A few days ago I mentioned in a post that I could not nurse my first child like I wanted to. So, this time around I made it a point to do all I could to be able to nurse my baby girl. With my first, I assumed I would be able to nurse easily but I learned quick that it is a learned process. It's not an effortless art to everyone. So this time, I set my mind to it, I prayed, and then I turned to the God-given foods and herbs within arm's reach to help me out.

There are lots of things people say to do. For example:

• Nurse often. In the first few weeks especially, your baby will need to suck often. As hard as it is on your body (and your sanity!), you need to let them nurse as much as they want. Why? The more your little one nurses, the more milk you will produce. From one who is less than four weeks in, I will tell you that the days are long and the nights are hard. Sometimes you may feel like all you do is feed your baby, but it will pass. ---and I say this to encourage myself too.
     
• Eat and eat healthy. Breastfeeding moms need an extra 500 calories on top of the 1800-2000 calories they operate on a day. It's been said that if your body is making milk, it is the equivalent of running a marathon! So...we need sustenance. If you're hungry, EAT. And though you can indulge in a milkshake and Dove chocolate, it's important to eat as healthy as possible. Whatever you eat, baby eats.
     
• Pump. Invest in a good pump. Preferably a double electric pump. If you pump after your baby nurses, it will send messages telling your body to produce more. Plus, as you make more milk, you will be able to store it which will allow others to feed your baby and give you a break. Double win. :)
     

If you're like me when I had my first, those three things may not be enough. So here are a few more ways to boost your milk supply.

• Mother's Milk Tea by Traditional Medicinals is something I purchased right before my baby girl was born. It is a sweet and spicy, slightly bitter-tasting tea that is full of herbs like fennel and coriander.  Personally, I'm not fond of the taste and so I add honey and lemon to it. But it's worth it and it may be tasty to you.
    
• As I posted the other day, Lactation cookies are a delicious way to boost your milk supply. Courtesy of Pinterest, and tasty as all get out, these cookies are AH-MAZE-ING.
    
• If you read my post on pregnancy supplements, you will remember my singing the praises of Red Raspberry Leaves. Along with providing relief for women who have painful or heavy periods, and strengthening the uterus and prepping the body for childbirth, Red Raspberry Leaves also aid in milk supply.
       
• Fenugreek capsules is something I tried after my first was born but I think I was too far gone by that time and I gave up. This time, I began taking Fenugreek immediately after my baby girl was born and slowly increased the dosage. Many women claim to see a significant increase in their milk production in the first 24-72 hours!

There is much more you can look into and try. Oatmeal, Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa, papaya, Flax, water, spinach, carrots, Hummus, apricots - there are lots of foods and herbal supplements available that will help us, lactating mothers, produce more! Happy lactating! :)

Postpartum Belly Wrapping

Have you heard of postpartum belly wrapping?? When my oldest was around five months old, I learned about belly binding and was surprised to learn about its history. It's fairly uncommon here in America but the benefits are wonderful! The concept behind belly wrapping is to support the muscles and the skin of a woman's midsection after delivery. If you are a mommy, you know all too well how loose everything is after giving birth. Your body has undergone a massive ordeal and, in the six weeks after delivery, your organs are slowly working to get back into place. And, of course, you have extra skin on your tummy from stretching to accommodate your little darling. Some well-meaning women may tell you that your belly (and body!) will be ruined after having a child. That's not a happy thought...  and thankfully it doesn't have to be true.

Here is a little history:

"For centuries, Japanese mothers have used their “Sarashi” to speed up weight loss and toning of the abdominal muscles and skin after childbirth, while Hispanic mommies believe their “faja” helps bring all the muscles used in the birthing process back together again. No matter what she calls it, women in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Latin America, Mexico, Spain, England, and the Philippines have benefited from using an abdominal compression wrap after childbirth."

In cultures like those mentioned above, it is actually considered cruel NOT to bind your belly. After reading about the ancient art of belly binding, I decided I would give it a try this time around. To be honest, I am very skeptical of things like this but I've been pleasantly surprised.

After tons of research and reading lots of reviews, I decided to try the 9" Three Panel-Elastic Abdominal Binder & Waist Trimmer. It can be overwhelming when you see the many styles and prices out there, but be encouraged that you CAN find a good wrap at a decent price! Some are very expensive! Like I said, I'm skeptical of things like this and I didn't want to spend a lot of money only to be disappointed, so I chose an inexpensive wrap that had good reviews and hoped for the best. May I just say that if the Lord gives us more children, I will ALWAYS wrap my belly after delivery!! I have loved it.

So what are the benefits of belly wrapping?

• It helps restore organs and muscles to their original positions.
• It reduces the appearance of the belly quicker.
• It lessons the likelihood of postpartum depression.
• It helps stabilize a woman's mood.
• It eases the transition of becoming un-pregnant.
• It supports post-birth digestion.
• It offers gentle support of the back and stomach.

Sounds great, doesn't it?

36 hours postpartum without the wrap

36 hours postpartum with the wrap

With my first, I dropped 20 lbs within the first month, but the last 15 lbs I could.not.lose. This time, at two weeks postpartum, I am five pounds away from my pre-second-pregnancy weight! --I still have a few more to get back to my pre-FIRST-pregnancy weight. I contribute the weight loss this time to 1) breastfeeding and 2) wrapping my tummy. The wrap has given my back and my abdomen a lot of support and has made me feel extremely less "loose!" In fact, though I still have some flabby skin, my tummy is a lot firmer this time around. I put the wrap on for the first time 36 hours after giving birth. Some say to keep it on 24/7 with the exception of bathing. I, however, do not wear it all day, every day. And I do not sleep in it. It is comfortable, though sometimes it rides up and I have to readjust. So I give myself a break in the evenings. But I have been so very pleased with my purchase.

If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it!

2 weeks postpartum (with the wrap)

Supplements and Vitamins I Took While Pregnant

I am not a doctor, midwife, herbalist, or anything of the like. 

 The information in this post is just that - information. 

 This is simply what I have learned and what I tried in my pregnancy. 

 Do your own research before you take any supplements or herbs.

Contrary to my first pregnancy, I took a lot of vitamins while pregnant the second time around. In my first pregnancy, I wasn't consistent in taking my prenatals (probably because I was too consumed with trying to find a way to combat the acne I suffered!). This time, however, I made a vow that I would be religious in taking whatever vitamins and herbal supplements I felt was necessary to make my pregnancy and, more importantly, my delivery as smooth and as healthy as possible. And I'm so glad I did!!


Prenatal Vitamins

For my prenatal, I simply took Spring Valley's Prenatal Multivitamin. Later, I also tried the Rainbow Light Prenatal Multivitamin tablets. Next time around, I plan on using Rainbow Light again.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair, bone growth, healthy skin, and helps your body fight infection. It also helps the body absorb iron and, in pregnancy, it keeps the amniotic sack strong. It is suggested that pregnant women take at least 85 mg of vitamin C per day.


Calcium

Calcium is, of course, essential for bone health, but it also benefits the kidneys, blood pressure, and can even prevent certain type of cancers! When I was little, I developed an allergy to milk, so drinking milk has never been a part of my diet. I would enjoy a little ice cream here, and a few slices of cheese there, but I was always careful not to overdo. As I grew up, I learned how to handle milk products more and more but I never could develop a taste for straight milk. So suffice it to say, Calcium is very important for me to take. In this pregnancy, I found myself craving ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and chocolate milk often and my husband was always intentional in reminding me that I needed as much calcium as possible. I took Calcium supplements every day and allowed myself to indulge (not gorge!) in whatever "calcium cravings" I acquired.


Evening Primrose Oil

Once I hit the 37 week mark and was considered full term, I began taking Evening Primrose Oil. Many midwives and dulas suggest taking Evening Primrose Oil to help prepare the cervix for labor. Some take it before they are full term, but I tend toward the cautious side because the oil has been proven to induce labor in some women. So I began taking one, sometimes two, 500 mg pills a day, beginning at 37 weeks. It took only a little over one week for my cervix to be completely ripe and ready.


Red Raspberry

I honestly think this was the most important thing I took. After clearing it with my OB/GYN, I began taking Red Raspberry supplements once I was full term. I chose Natures Way Raspberry Leaves and after reading that you can take up to 4500 mg of Red Raspberry a day, I began taking four a day and increased to six a day, taking two at breakfast, two at lunch, and two at bedtime. Red Raspberry has an abundant supply of calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Some women use raspberry leaf for painful periods, morning sickness, preventing miscarriage, and easing labor. I had read numerous stories of women who had all-natural births that were easier than previous births and contributed it to red raspberry leaves. I also bought Raspberry Leaf Tea. I'm not a big tea drinker, but I enjoyed sipping this tea every day. What Red Raspberry does in pregnancy is prepare and strengthen the uterus for labor. With your uterus stronger, each contraction is able to achieve more. It also helps the uterus clamp down easier and deliver the placenta without much help (massaging, etc). Another benefit of Red Raspberry is that it aids in milk supply, eases postpartum pain, and contributes to the female system in its entirety. Does it sound like I'm a believer?? I am. This was my first all-natural birth and, though painful, it was unbelievably easier than my previous, MEDICATED birth.

Naturally, I give all credit and glory to the Lord for giving me a healthy pregnancy and bringing me through delivery. I'm not putting my trust in Red Raspberry or any other vitamin or herb I took, but I am very thankful for the things God has given us in nature that aid our health and help strengthen our bodies.

Natural Conditioner - Coconut Oil

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to the no-poo method of shampooing:

Baking soda. Vinegar. Water.

I loved it! However, my husband (who has a keen sense of smell) wasn't particularly fond of my hair carrying a whiff of vinegar. So what's a frugal natural-wanna-be to do?? Alas!

To take the place of the vinegar, I have introduced Coconut oil to my daily hair regimen.

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* Coconut oil contains Vitamin-E. Nearly everyone knows the importance of vitamin-E for skin and hair. It keeps scalp and skin healthy and hair rejuvenated.
   
* Coconut Oil has a high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This prevents breakage of hair.
  
* Coconut Oil also has very good anti dandruff agents with its fatty acids. A regular application can help you get rid of dandruff for ever.

After you get out of the shower, drop a pea sized amount in one hand and rub together. Then evenly distribute through hair, using a comb if you can. Do not put more than a pea sized amount. Trust me.
There are so many health benefits in using coconut oil! Do your own research and be amazed.

The Heart of Simplicity eBook

I just bought the new eBook, Heart of Simplicity and, ladies this is a must have! I can't praise it enough. I have been an avid follower of several blogs by many of the authors and so I was very excited to finally purchase this eBook.

Chapters include:

Chapter 1: The Foundation: Surrendering our Homes to the Creator
Chapter 2: Marriage: Nurturing a Love that Lasts a Lifetime
Chapter 3: Motherhood: Delighting in our Children
Chapter 4: Missions: A Home-Based Vision for God’s Great Commission
Chapter 5: Family Economy: Embracing the Simple Power and Peace of Contentment
Chapter 6: Education: Growing Hearts and Minds for God’s Glory
Chapter 7: Health: Bringing God Glory by Caring for our Bodies
Chapter 8: Cleaning: Tending the Gardens of Our Homes to the Glory of God
Chapter 9: Organizing: Reflecting our Orderly God by Keeping an Orderly Home
Chapter 10: Time Management: Managing our Hearts to Use Time Wisely
Chapter 11: Hospitality: Welcoming Others into our Homes
Chapter 12: Giving: Showing the Love of Christ through Simple, Intentional Generosity
Chapter 13: A Mother’s Legacy: Storing Up Treasures in Heaven


Doesn't that sound inviting? Go buy and download it, friends. You won't be disappointed.

A 1st Year Photo Book

This past Thursday, I checked the mail and was elated to find my photo book from Shutterfly!!!! I have made a couple of photo books now, but I could not wait to get my hands on this book. Combining my month-by-month posts found here on the blog about Nathan and his growth, I put together Nathan's 1st Year Book. I am beyond pleased with it and will continue to do it every year, Lord willing. Here is a little peak!

the front cover

the first page

Planning a 1st Birthday Party

I began planning Nathan's first birthday when he was six months old. Yes, I'm that kind of mom.

It took me a while to figure out how I was going to execute the whole thing. I have never thrown a party before, so I gave careful thought to the "what, where, why, and when" of pulling off a kid's birthday party. After deciding on all the details, I began to buy a little at a time, to reduce the overall cost AND to take advantage of various sales and such. I must say, it was gloriously fun! Below is the planning process and some tips to save money while you pull off a cute little birthday for your kiddo!

The theme: Puppy Dog. We are a DOG family! There are quite a few in our backyard, what with my husband so heavily into hunting. We also have a little pup named "Sadie" that is Nathan's new buddy. Nathan also has a little stuffed puppy named "Blue" that he loves! So.....puppy theme, it is!

I looked at various puppy-themed invitations and didn't like ANY of them!..until I ended up at simplybirthdaystuff.com and found the invitation pictured below. I loved everything about it, but I especially loved how the little puppy in the picture looks exactly like Nathan's stuffed, "Blue." Can we say perfect?!

Here is a picture of the invitation (minus our personal info)

At Simply Birthday Stuff, I found this theme and I decided to buy the invitations to send out to our families. There was no way I was going to buy the whole "theme package" as I found it to be overpriced and unnecessary. But I did buy the invitations, four place mats, and a banner.

For plates and cups and napkins, it was a no-brainer! I went to Wal-Mart! I looked at Oriental Trading which has some excellent prices if you're buying in bulk, but when I compared the prices AND the amount of what I would need to Wal-Mart's prices, Wal-Mart won out. :) I simply bought solid-colored tableware in the three colors of the theme. And all less than $15!

My friend and neighbor who is an awesome photographer took some excellent pictures of Nathan and I wanted to send out an updated picture of him with the invitations, especially for the members of our family who rarely get to see him. I looked at what it would cost and decided to purchase a few. Before I made the purchase, my wonderful friend, Shutterfly, gave me 101 FREE PRINTS!! *happy dance* So, instead of buying 10-15 pictures, I ordered 101 various pictures that cost me nothing except the shipping. Shutterfly, you are just too kind!

As you can tell from the birthday post, the party was simply wonderful!! We were SO blessed! And I think I had more fun than Nathan! hehehe

Here are my tips for having a low-cost birthday party:

1. If you are going to have a theme, do your homework first. Look around. There are several websites that offer cute, low cost party decorations and themes. Oriental Trading is one of the best, but dig a bit before you make a decision. And don't be obligated to HAVE a theme! There's no rulebook that says you have to.
                    
2. Buy a little at a time. Don't spend a chunk of money all at once. Think before you buy, and then slowly build. And have fun with it!
      
3. Watch for sales and discounts. Some party websites and stores will have seasonal offers where you can get 10%, 25%, and even 50% off! Take advantage of that!
       
4. Start early. Don't wait until the last minute because then you will be rushed and stressed, and you will end up spending MORE money by missing discounts and buying a little at a time. I started buying little pieces here and there before Christmas!
       
5. If people offer to help or take care of something, let them. It will ease your work load and God may be using their generosity and thoughtfulness to bless you. Plus, they may really want to be a part of your little one's special day. :) And don't be afraid to ask others for help. You would be surprised at what can be done when you are open to another's suggestions and helping hand. For example: I really wanted a birthday wreath. It wasn't a big deal, but I did want it! I wasn't about to spend $50 on one and I knew I wouldn't be able to make it. So I asked around to see if anyone knew of a cheap place to buy. In an answer to my simple prayer, my mother-in-law offered to make one herself! Another family member gave me a box of balloons to use. My sister offered to make the cake! Recognize those gestures as blessings!...and bask in them!
     
6. Save where you can and spend on what matters. Is it that important to have goody bags? It isn't to me. Do you have to have the birthday hats or centerpieces? For me, I made food a priority because I knew that many of our family would be driving over an hour to get here, and that the party would be held around dinner-time. Due to work schedules and such, I knew they would all most likely be hungry, so I wanted to have plenty of food for them. That came first -- and it always will.
        
7. Be creative! If you can draw or paint or if you have a color printer (unlike me with all three!), try making your own invitations! If you can decorate a cake (totally not me!), make it yourself! Get creative and utilize your own gifts and talents.
       
8. Have your party at home or a place that doesn't require a fee. For us, I wanted to have it at home, not just because it would save money (which it does, anyway), but because I wanted to have the close, family atmosphere I love so much. I moved our furniture around and brought in a few chairs from a nearby Church so all of the grandparents, great-grandparents, and aunts and uncles would have a place to sit. If you are able, do the same! Or go to the park! Or ask your Church if you may use their fellowship hall! There are plenty of options.
              
9. Use balloons. Balloons are the most inexpensive decoration and they come in every color imaginable! Buy a few bags, blow them up, and have them everywhere! It will definitely give a "party" atmosphere! And, really, what kid isn't captivated by balloons?! :)
      
10. Finally, pray for wisdom so every decision you make can glorify God AND bless your husband. James chapter 1 says that if we ask for wisdom, the Lord will give it to us - liberally! So ask. This birthday was HUGE for me. I wanted it to be special and big...but I also wanted to be wise and not "break the bank." As the keeper of the home, it is my responsibility to be mature in my management and planning. Of course, you can have fun! And, with your husband's approval and "green light," there may be times when you can splurge, but honor your role as the home-keeper and be smart and practical, and a wise woman who builds her home.

My 2nd Anniversary Gift to Grant

Today marks Grant's and my 2nd Anniversary! I wanted to get him something special. Last year was difficult what with Nathan being born a few days before. We were not able to go out or do much. Instead, we stayed home and our mothers cooked up a gourmet meal, and we just spent time with one another and our brand new little baby!

This year, however, I wanted to do something a little more special for him. I picked him up a gift card to his favorite store. I bought him some candy (his favorite). Then I bought him the movies Ben Hur (an old classic) and Gone With The Wind, which we watched together on our honeymoon (his first-ever time to watch it!). Then I did something incredibly fun! I was given a free photo book from Shutterfly (have I mentioned how much I dearly love Shutterfly??) and I thought to myself, "What can I make for him?"

Aaaaaand, ta da! I decided to get as many pictures of the two of us that I could find and place them in a photo book with some of the many reasons I love him! I am sooooo pleased with the final result and Grant absolutely loved it! He loved all of it! Below is a little peak of the book. I didn't want to add all the pages because if you read all the many things I love about my husband, you would love him too! :)

I'm linked to: Time-Warp Wife

Watch: "Children Are a Blessing" for FREE!

Only for the month of April, this video will be available to watch for FREE!!! To order your DVD copy, simply click the link below.

Be encouraged. Be stirred. Be enlightened. And be reminded that GOD says children are a blessing!

To order, click here.

Diaper Rash

My sweet boy came down with the flu 12 days ago and for the past 10 days, he has had an extreme...*ahem*...upset tummy. Poor little man. Our pediatrician gave me some excellent advice on how to soothe and help his very bad diaper rash and I thought I would share with you what I'm doing. Up until yesterday, I have been using Desitin and Arbonne's Herbal Diaper Rash Cream. Yesterday, however, I tried...umm...Boudreaux's Butt Paste. Now I had no intention of ever buying this stuff because I, personally, do not use the word "butt." I feel it's just too crude and so I don't say the word. However, my mom had told me that this stuff has been getting great reviews and, I was desperate to comfort my boy. So....I got some. And I really like it!

After talking with my pediatrician, he suggested that I put Vaseline on under the diaper rash cream. I did this last night and this morning, I can already tell a difference. That is happy news!

So moms, if you are experiencing the diaper-rash blues, there's a tip!

Sneak Peek: $500 Cloth Diaper Giveaway Starts Saturday!

Would you like to win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of cloth diapers?!

The Go Green ♥ Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers starts this Saturday, March 24th!

Over 175 blogs are coming together to present this fantastic fluffy giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering. Mark your calendar because you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!

ONE WINNER will receive a gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546!

And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This amazing prize pack will include:

20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

(these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!)

20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes

40 microfiber inserts

20 cotton flannel liners

Visit The Modest Mom for more info! Sneak Peek: $500 Cloth Diaper Giveaway Starts Saturday!

It's Fun Buying Cloth Diapers!

I am just loving cloth diapers. Even more, I love BUYING cloth diapers, diaper covers, and accessories.

LOVE IT.

Such fun! It takes restraint to keep from buying one (or two! or three!) of everything! Anyway, here is the latest of my cloth adventures.

Last week, I found myself in need of a few more diaper covers for Nathan. I currently own two Bummis Super Lite, (one small and one medium), one Blueberry Coverall, and two Imagine covers. The Bummis is great, but it is always possible that a leak may occur, so Nathan only wears that one at home. I really like the Blueberry coverall, especially the adorable pattern of monkeys that I purchased, but I do not like how the top usually turns inward, leaving a little mark on N's tummy from time to time. :( The Imagine covers have been my favorite, so I made a point to get one more. Then I decided to purchase a Thirsties cover. My friend has been raving about them, so I decided to give it a try. I was so happy when I found my package in the mail yesterday! Here is what I got:

I purchased one, Thirsties diaper cover (medium) for Nathan and I LOVE it!
Nathan is currently wearing it as I type this. It is very soft and easy to clean.
It is similar to the Imagine covers, but....different in its own awesome way.
Super awesome! Thank you, Sarah!

I knew I loved the Imagine one-size covers, so I bought another.

The only difference is that instead of the Hook and Loop closures that I

already own, I went with a snap closure. At first, it was a bit confusing

because the adjustable rise is also snaps! So.....yeah. But after a minute, all was well.

Next I purchased liners. I had never tried these before so I was curious

if they would meet a need I have. I have been afraid of taking off on the road

with cloth diapers because it is nearly impossible to clean the soiled (and dirty!) diapers

when you are not home, or have easy access to a washer. It's just.....difficult.

But I looked at the Flushable diaper liners and thought, "Hmmm, maybe?"

So I bought 100 of the Imagine Biodegradable Liners (for less than $6.00).

Today, I used them for the first time and....so far, so good. It needs a bit of

tweaking, but I definitely am happy with my purchase!

So there is the latest. I am planning to try out the Bumkins cover next, as well as purchase a second wet bag. I'll be blogging on those items next time!

Singing Scripture

A few months ago, I shared a chart that I made for me and Nathan as a way of helping me teach him Scripture. I call it my "Saturate chart." Children are like sponges and they learn so much, so fast, so early in their lives. It has been a challenge for me to remember to incorporate the Word into everyday life happenings, but we are getting there! We take it one day at a time. :)

When I was younger and in the AWANA program at our Church, I remember my mom taking the Bible verses we needed to remember and putting a tune to them. We were all singers and singing Bible somehow made it easier to remember those tough verses. There was a time when one of my little sisters, instead of reciting the verse to her AWANA leader, sang the verse....and had a few body motions to go with it! -- for effect, I guess? :)

     

Months ago, I began taking Nathan's bath time to recite to him Psalm 51:10. Not long after, I began to sing Keith Green's song that he wrote from that passage, "Create in Me a Clean Heart." Following suit, and being a singer, I took his mealtime verse of Psalm 34:8 and put a tune to it myself. -- Below is a video of my version.
  

The other day, with all of this on my mind, I thought to myself, "I bet there are Scripture songs out there!" So I pulled up Google and searched for KJV Scripture Songs for Kids. What I found made my heart happy! After looking at various CDs out there, I ended up at iTunes and downloaded fourteen Scripture songs that will make it a lot easier to instill many verses into my son's little heart.

I downloaded songs from the ABC Memory Verse CD, and several songs from the Bible Songs for Kids collection. I am LOVING them! It is a lot easier for me to "soak" him in Jesus and flood his mind and his heart with God's Word through song. And it's easier for me to memorize Scripture more too! (I'm no easy sponge anymore!)

So if any of you mommies love singing around the house and also want to teach your children Scripture, I highly recommend using Scripture songs. Find some you love....or put a tune to verses yourself! Whatever method you choose, I just encourage you to saturate your kids.

 

This is my tune to Psalm 34:8. I have found that there are many versions out there,
so if you don't like mine, you can find another. :) Though Nathan always gives me a
tiny smile, he is still more interested in his food. However, I am sure that if I stay
consistent, he will have those verses rooted in his heart forever.

Cloth Diaper Purchases

Okay, so I am nearly a month into 85% cloth diapering. I say 85% because when we go out, I still use disposable most of the time and Nathan wears a disposable to bed. But I am slowly on my way to becoming "cloth exclusive." So today I decided to share what I have bought and the products that I have come to love, thus far (there are so many!).

Nearly a month ago, I spent a grand total of $92.82 for cloth diapers and accessories. You may be thinking, "$92.82?? For diapers? That's quite expensive...." Well, it was a chunk of money that I didn't fully enjoy spending (I'm very frugal), but I am SO SO SO SO pleased with my purchases. AKA - it was money WELL spent! :) When you calculate the cost of disposable diapers vs. cloth, cloth diapers come out on top every time. :) Here is an awesome chart to better understand the amount of money you save when you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. Oh and for the record, I am NOT against disposable! I have several packages in my house. My reasons for using cloth are 1) because it's cheaper (and who doesn't love that?!), 2) because it's more natural and free of chemicals, and 3) because they are the ultimate in recycling. Here is a very interesting article with facts on cloth vs. disposable. Beware, some of it will make you go - EW!

So with all that said, moving on....

Having only one, very small diaper cover, I knew I needed to buy at least three more in the next size for Nathan. So after browsing around for what seemed like hours (....and it might have been), looking at the various functions and styles, I ended up getting one, Bummis Super Lite diaper cover, one Blueberry Coverall One Size, and two Imagine One Size diaper covers. I'm very practical, so of the four diaper covers I bought, three were solid-colored and could be used for a boy or a girl. But I did spend a few extra dollars on the fourth one because I just couldn't resist the oh-so-cute pattern....monkeys.
                   

After purchasing the covers, I knew I needed more cloth diapers. I wanted to have enough to last two, maybe even three days should something prevent me from being able to wash every day. So I purchased two dozen Imagine Indian Prefold diapers. Love them. They are very soft and are thicker than the Wal-Mart brand cloth diapers and they look so much more comfortable. If I were a baby, I would much rather have them on my bottom than disposable. I am very glad that I purchased two dozen as well, as that makes it where I wash one load of cloth diapers - with covers - every other day. If I had to, and I haven't had to yet, I am sure I could make it every two days, but I don't like having soiled diapers in the pail for that amount of time. Ew....

To top it off, I bought one wet bag. There were - and are - so many to choose from, but I ended up getting the Bumpkins Zippered wet bag which I am VERY pleased with. I used it for the first time last weekend when I spent the night with my family while my husband was out hunting with friends and I am officially happy with it (I was nervous at first!).  In fact, I will most likely be buying a bigger one in the future. The wet bag is for storing the soiled diapers (and clothes if need be). It is leak-proof and smell-proof (glory be!) and very easy to manage. I had it hooked to my diaper bag and never had a problem with it.

I have found it to be incredibly easy to use cloth diapers. There are many websites you can go to in order to buy various cloth diaper products, but MY personal favorite is NickisDiapers.com. Do your own research. You may find a place that better serves you, but I was incredibly impressed with Nicki's Diapers and will be using it more in the future. :)

So there's the cloth update! I'm loving it and....judging by the boy's face....I think he loves it too.