Cloth Diapering Time Machine

This cloth diapering thing has worked out well for us so far - almost seven months in and counting - but there have been a few lessons learned. These are the things I would do differently if I had access to a Michael J. Fox-esque DeLorean.

1. I would have got it through my head sooner that sometimes you have to spend money to save money (and energy).

I know, I know, we should have just done the smart thing and gone with the 10 week trial diaper service, and rented covers like reasonable first timers. In hindsight, by buying covers we ended up locking ourselves into a set of diapers that we might have otherwise decided weren't the right type for us. We're lucky we don't mind the flat/fitted plus cover combination, but I sometimes wonder if we would have gone the more expensive but also more convenient route of pocket diapers or all-in-ones. By doing the trial we could and should have tried all of these options, and decided what was best for our family based on real experience rather than on our assumptions. Also, having been through the early days of having a newborn and imagining doing that with a toddler in diapers at the same time, if we were to have a second child I can envision us engaging a diaper service for the first few months, to get us through the period of time where we'd be in survival mode.

2. I would not underestimate the affect of first-time-parent syndrome and would have been slower to make purchases.

At the time, the wipes warmer seemed to be an absolute must. I had a screaming baby half the night, and if I could prevent even one episode of screaming baby in the daytime I was going to do everything in my power to do so. The day after we took the warmer out of its packaging, our midwife told us about another genius solution. Get a thermal carafe, that you fill with hot water every day. Take a pair of tongs and dunk the wipes in the carafe just prior to use. Ta-da!!! a less expensive, and dual purpose solution. Taking a wait and see, or a wait and research, approach would have saved us money, and in many cases left us with a better solution. 

3. Everything changes. Quickly. Constantly.

Just when we thought something had become consistent enough to be a pattern (discomfort at being wiped with cold wipes, or needing extra covers because the baby is pooping so much), it changed. This too caused an unnecessary outlay of money, and some baby frustration because we were a bit slow to catch on. It turns that the fundamental definition of parent should be, “learns to adapt, frequently, out of necessity.”

And finally…

4. What works for other families may not work for us, and vice versa.

So much of what we've learned by trial and error is really about adapting to what works for us and our child. For instance, I can only imagine that most human beings don't like to have a dirty diaper. But our baby really, and I mean REALLY, does not like it. As a result it was causing her to wake up multiple times through the night in distress. As soon as we got some super absorbent microfibre stuffed pocket diapers like Bum Genius diapers, she was able to sleep through the night in relative comfort. Similarly in the day, bamboo squares work better for her than cotton fitteds, just in terms of her comfort level. We can still tell when she needs her diaper changed, and we respond immediately, but thankfully it isn't accompanied by the screeching pterodactyl cries, which had come to be her ‘I must be changed, and I must be changed NOW' signal. Along those same lines, we have the time and energy to deal with flat diapers and covers, but all-in-one diapers might better suit other families' lifestyles.

Next up: Advice for first timers...

Confessions of a First Time Cloth Diaperer

Hi, my name is Chelsea, and I'm a first time parent.

Why does it feel like I've just stepped behind a podium and am about to confess the last time I had a solid night’s sleep? Probably because I'm addicted to chubby cheeks, wiggly toes, huge grins, and various other wonderful baby attributes - even the less cute ones.

Aaaand speaking of poop. Seriously, you must be baby junky if you go so far as to share stories about the colour and consistency of your baby's poop, while chatting leisurely over brunch with a child-free friend, like my husband did on a recent Sunday.

Figuring out how we were going to harness our baby's waste was a topic of much discussion in the latter days of my pregnancy. We knew we wanted to cloth diaper in order to save money and to partially make up for inflicting another rampant consumer on the world. What we didn't know was where to start. Engaging a diaper service in the early days was the easiest way to get used to cloth diapering. That way, we wouldn’t have to worry about the laundry learning curve on top of all the other new parent adjustments. The downside was, if we have a second child, we would have to either re-engage a diaper service or get newborn diapering supplies for a newborn. Our work around was to buy...time. That way we saved a bit on the diaper service and had covers to use for any future children.

Here are the things we did in our first eight weeks of cloth diapering:

We engaged Sweet Peach for a four weeks of diaper service and purchased 8 diaper covers, rather than renting them. Their diaper service offer two types of diapers: fitted and prefold as well as wipes and soakers - for overnight. We opted to try out both types to give us an idea of what works best for us and for baby, before going out and investing in them ourselves.

We bought a wipes warmer, in spite of making fun of such a concept only a few months prior. When you’ve got a baby who abhors the cold, and an old home who’s pipes are slow to deliver warm water, you do what you have to in order to solve the problem.

We bought four more covers three weeks in, so that we didn't have to do laundry every day. Who knew newborns needed so many diaper changes, not me!

After our four weeks of service were up, we bought in for an additional three. Sleep deprivation meant we weren't ready to make a decision about what kind of diapers we were going to invest in yet and it really is very convenient to have someone else taking care of that laundry.

When it started getting close to go it on our own, we decided to go with seven bumGenius pocket diapers at night for their wicking properties, 12 bamboo squares for day time and a few Sweet Peach Side-Snapping Fitteds for their trim fit and adorable prints. This should be enough diapers so that we only have to wash them every other day. We also invested in a diaper pail, two waterproof laundry bags, and a small travel wet bag for our diaper bag, along with a stash of cloth wipes and two snappis to help fasten the squares.

Ultimately we transitioned to washing our own diapers mid-way through the last week of diaper service to test everything out and make sure we were ready to go it alone.

All in all we're set for the rest of our daughter's diapered life, except for needing to invest in a half dozen more covers when she grows out of the first size.

Stay tuned for future posts on diapering options and costs, frequently asked questions, and detailed information on cloth diaper types and accessories.

Next up: What I'd do differently during the early days if I could have a 'do over'.

Princess Fiona, Part 1.

Three years ago this coming Monday, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She just looked so perfect - blue, but perfect. Five days later, we found out she could not live without machines. She would need to be tube fed forever and intubated for quite some time. We had to make the hardest decision of our life, do we keep her or let her go?

Fiona Karen Fournier was born at home in Perth. I wrote the following note last year about her birth. My memory was very foggy, as most mother’s are from natural birth. I ran it by a few people who were there, and changed very little, as this is my memory of it.

November 14, 2008 is a day I will never forget - our oldest daughter was born on that brisk fall afternoon. Jason (my partner) took parental leave a couple weeks before my due date (Nov 21) and wasn’t at work. The weeks prior to my actual labour were filled with days of pre-labour - we’re talkin’ contractions every ten minutes for hours on end. I was at work when Jason ran home to get his equipment for Friday afternoon hockey. I waddled upstairs to do some paperwork and after five minutes, I was floored with a wicked contraction. It was 12:49. Another one came at 12:54 and another at 12:58. Focusing during contractions was out the window so I figured this might be it. Downstairs I went. I told Sheila and she called Jason, who thought it was a joke to get him out of playing hockey. He showed up, saw a contraction and panicked. Haha. “Oh my god, we have to call the midwives, fill up the birth pool. Are you okay? What can I do? Is it really coming? How long will it be?” I was totally lucid between contractions which helped him a bit.

We drove home (in the van with stinky hockey equipment) talking about how excited we were. “I’m going to have a BABY.” When we got there, I paged Christy (the student at our midwive‘s practise) and got a phone call back. I told her I was doing okay. Contractions were coming every 4 minutes or so and I was feeling them in my lower back. I got relief from leaning over tables, swaying my hips and moaning deeply, but quietly to relieve some pressure. Jason and Stacey (my sister-in-law) had inflated the birth pool and were filling it up with a little help from me. My mother-in-law thought I was nuts.

Karen (my amazing midwife) and Christy called when they were in Westport (coming from Kingston) to see if they should call Anita, the second midwife. I told them not to bother her and that this baby wasn’t coming in a huge rush. They called and told her to get a move on anyways (definitely a smart idea.)

When they got there Christy checked my dilation and I was 6 cm. An 8 would have been a nice number, but Karen reminded me that there wasn’t another midwife here and a 6 was good. The birth pool was topped up so I hopped in. I was offered anti-biotics for group B strep a few times and I repeatedly said ask me later, until I said “No, don’t ask me again.”



At some point between getting into the tub and giving birth, I mentioned something strange that happened on Tuesday night (this was Friday) - my belly was almost vibrating. I was sitting at the kitchen table playing cards with Jason and his parents when my belly basically started convulsing. It happened on and off for about 20 seconds at a time for an hour or so. After that night, it happened another couple times. I can’t remember if there was a vibration, then I mentioned something or if it happened after I explained it. But everyone saw my belly shaking. I remember Karen going “Hmm,” with a very concerned, puzzled look. She didn’t think it was nothing, but she didn’t know what it could be.

Within 10 minutes of that conversation, I started to get the urge to push. I was in the pool so Karen asked me to reach down to see if I could feel any cervix and all I could feel were bulging membranes - I was fully dilated. Jason actually got to feel the membranes too - he wasn’t as impressed as I was. Karen told me to go ahead and push for some relief and calmly reminded me that there wasn’t another midwife present - not as a threat, not as a “don’t push,” just so I understood the situation. Everything was going to be fine so I opted to get this baby out. Four contractions, 20 minutes and about 6 pushes later, Fiona was born into her father’s hands. Karen and Christy talked Jason through the catching process. I was on my hands and knees and when my water broke while pushing, I nearly shot Jason out of the pool (contraction 2.) During contraction three, they told Jason he would see her face when her head was born, but the beautiful back of her head was presented to him. To this day he still doesn’t remember - “there was so much going on, I didn’t even notice.” I flipped over and the rest of her body was born into his hands and mine at 3:50. We brought her to the surface and submerged her body (not her head) back under, and turn her around to unwrap the very long cord that was snugly wrapped around her neck and chest.

Karen mentioned that water-born babies often take an extra couple moments to take their first breath, as their bodies are still under water. I was so hopped up on natural oxytocin that her tiny limp, blue body just seemed wonderful. Everyone around me was waiting for her to wail. After a few seconds we were rubbing her to stimulate her lungs to work. I remember yellow gloves, a white towel and tears in Jason’s eyes. Karen found the cord and said “Casey, I have to take your baby. She isn’t breathing and it’s been a long time.” I reminded her that her cord was still pulsing and she was still getting oxygen. She very kindly said “Yes, she is. The blood she is getting will slow down very soon and we need to get her breathing now.” She gave Jason the scissors and “Jason, cut it quickly.” I have no idea how he did it while shaking and with flooded eyes. He doesn’t remember what it felt like, it was all just a fog.

Karen took Fiona to the resuscitation table (yes, they have those at home with suction, oxygen and all sorts of different things,) to work on her. I was still in my own little “Oh this is totally common and she’ll turn pink any second now” world. Karen and Christy worked on her for what seemed like a mere moment to me. They were rubbing her, trying to stimulate blood flow and breathing, but it wasn’t working. She was given oxygen and was suctioned to get any mucous out of her lungs, nothing. I vividly remember Karen saying in a calm, but stern voice “Casey, come talk to your daughter. She needs you.” I got out of the tub with much help from everyone, drying me off and holding bowls under me to catch the blood I was losing. I took the three steps to her little limp body and it clicked in. This is not normal and it is not okay. Still calm though, I gently rubbed her shoulder, told her I loved her and needed her to breathe. “You need to breathe and your heart has to work honey. Just take a breath. You can do it. I love you. Take a breath.” Who knew a kid would actually listen to her mother? Breaths came slow but they came. They stopped stimulating her, I started talking and touching her and she started to breathe. She was very mucousy. They wrapped her up in a receiving blanket and threw us both into bed, gave me some drugs to help me birth the placenta and we cuddled. She wasn’t crying or trying to get the gunk out of her airway, but she was breathing. The paramedics left and we enjoyed our beautiful little girl. We had a little girl.

We unwrapped her a little so we could enjoy some skin to skin while the midwives made sure nothing was majorly wrong with me. I lost a litre or so of blood (which is fairly significant) so I wasn’t getting out of bed. I had to adjust positions so Daddy took his new little girl for a cuddle. After a few minutes, he said she didn’t look so good. After a quick peek, Karen gave her back to me for more skin to skin and see if we wanted to nurse. Twenty minutes after she was born, when we were more or less settle, Anita, graced us with her presence. “The Baby Midwife” is what she is known as by her colleagues. She observed our attempt to breastfeed - something wasn’t right; she was pushing my nipple out of her mouth, not sucking it in. After a few more attempts and a moment to cuddle, Anita took her for a longer look. Within a few minutes she was dusky and wasn’t breathing. She still had the gurgle and still had not cried. It was like she couldn’t cough it up. Anita attempted to stimulate her, nothing. “Call the ambulance, something isn’t right.” She gave her back to me, and pink again. My skin, my warmth, my voice, my heartbeat was keeping her alive. As long as she was with me, she was fine.

Everything after that was blurry. I had to get clothes on and clean myself up a bit. Standing was a huge issue, as my blood pressure plummeted every time. I had to bend over to not pass out, so that is how I was walking. The paramedics were getting Fiona, who wasn’t breathing, into a damn car seat, a CAR SEAT. “For heaven’s sake, the itty bitty little baby is dying and you think she needs to get in a bloody car seat? Take her. Take her now.” I was still the optimist that I am, thinking “everything will be fine, but take her now.” While they were getting her ready, I was walking to the bedroom door ready to go when I was stopped in my tracks. “You can’t go,” Karen said to me. I lost my mind right then and there. “What? I have to.” “You’ve lost too much blood. If you need to go, I will call another ambulance for you.” Then it clicked in that I would have to send Jason with Fiona and I’d be alone (yet totally surrounded by people that love me - my entire immediate family was there, with the exception of my mother.) I started panicking, Jason started panicking. “Jason, you have to go with your daughter. Now.” A quick kiss and they were gone together. Jason left in the ambulance with Fiona and his mom. I collapsed into Karen’s arms begging for her to say “she will be fine.”

I quickly got myself back together (panicking is not something I do - ever,) told myself she was going to be okay, took a few breaths and said I had to go. I have no idea how long it was between the time they left until the time I walked out the door. I think I walked downstairs backwards, bent over with people on either side of me so I wouldn’t pass out. Karen drove me to the hospital. I remember getting in, turning the car around and getting out. Karen told me I was not allowed to pass out. Into the Great War Memorial Hospital I went.

I got into the trauma room (you know, the big room in the corner) and saw Jason and Nancy holding each other, looking at the crowd of people around our daughter. I was shocked - all she needed was a bit of suction (or so I thought) but she was intubated and there were things stuck to her everywhere - they even had a tube coming out of her umbilical cord - our connection.

A haze. I remember very few things. I remember being in the waiting room, with my head between my knees. I remember Karen and Anita discussing going to the car to get an IV started for me. I remember going in and out of that trauma room, wondering what to do next and when we could go home. I remember discussing what her name would be - looking to the future.


More may come in the next few days or weeks...

Ok, Diaper Inserts Part 2...

Ok, Diaper Inserts Part 2. Here’s where things get interesting. There are so many different makes and types of inserts on the market these days that it would be overwhelming to try and discuss them all. Hopefully, though, I can give you an idea of some different styles of inserts and diapering systems that use inserts.

Pocket diapers are usually sold with an insert tailor made to fit in that diaper. Each brand has a slightly unique shape or design of insert and diaper in an attempt to stand out above the others. For example Rumparooz has their 6r system in which the two microfiber or hemp inserts can be snapped together in various ways to accommodate different sizes of babies or to customize the absorbency of the diaper. Bum Genius One Size (OS) diapers come with one pocket cover and a microfiber insert that can snap down for smaller babies, as well as a newborn microfiber insert that can either be used on its own or in combination with the regular insert for greater absorbency.

There is even more variation in the all in two system (AI2) of diapering (a cover and insert). Most companies create covers and inserts to be u

sed together, but for the most part either could be used with another brand. The Flip system by Cotton Babies includes covers and either stay-dry or organic inserts. The stay dry inserts are the same microfiber inserts used in their bumGenius pocket diapers, but with a layer of suedecloth to keep baby’s skin dry. The organic inserts are basically prefolds made of organic cotton and are extremely buttery soft and super absorbent. The covers are designed to fit either insert, but could also be used with a variety of other inserts. Conversely, the Flip inserts can also be used with other covers.

The AI2 diapering system is designed so that the covers can be reused and just the inserts changed as needed. This makes it an ideal system to customize. Many people take what they like from one system, either the cover or insert, and combine it with the cover or insert from a different system to create a customized diapering set up.

This is one of the many great things about cloth diapering; you can completely customize your cloth diapering experience to suit you and your baby’s individual needs.

Sometimes a little extra absorbency is needed and so smaller inserts called soakers or boosters are used. Bamboo, hemp and zorb are usually used for these inserts. They’re thinner and often smaller than regular inserts. The advantage of using a

soaker/booster rather than an extra insert is that you add absorbency without adding bulk. While using two Flip organic inserts would give amazing absorbency for Emma overnight, the diaper would be so thick and bulky she wouldn’t be able to get comfortable (not all babies have issue with their diaper being too bulky, but many do). Instead I use a bamboo insert behind the Flip organic to give added absorbency without making her legs so far apart she has to waddle.

There are so many inserts on the diapering market today and the only way to know for sure what will work for you and your baby is to try a few different ones. Although I believe there are some inserts that stand above the others (such as Flip Organics- really these inserts are awesome!!), many are fairly interchangeable and do a great job. Have fun trying different ones and creating the perfect diapering stash that works for you!

All about inserts...

Well, I think it’s time to dust off the old typewriter and what better way to start than with a brief overview of diaper inserts. Besides the different varieties of diapers, the types of inserts might be the most confusing decision when cloth diapering. My goal here is to keep it as simple as I can and provide a basic summary of different types of fabrics used in inserts and different types/makes of inserts.

Before we begin, let me just mention that like types of diapers, inserts are very much a personal preference. What works for one baby might not work for another or might not work for that same baby down the road. Conversely, what doesn’t work at the newborn stage may be ideal for a bigger baby or toddler. I really believe you have to try out a variety of inserts and diapers to see what works best for you.

Ok, that said, let’s get to it. In this first section I’ll briefly mention the different materials or fabrics most widely used in diaper inserts.

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber, soft (though can be stiff when line dried and gets rougher over time), inexpensive and easy to care for. Depending on the insert, cotton can add bulk to a diaper.

Hemp: Hemp is also natural (most often organic,) very absorbent, trim, but there can be the potential for odor problems. Hemp is generally more expensive than cotton and can get stiff and rough over time (this is actually why hemps inserts tend to be a cotton/hemp blend- the cotton helps keep the inserts soft and supple).

Bamboo: Bamboo is an environmentally friendly, natural fiber that is silky and soft (and stays that way after washing!), and naturally antibacterial. Bamboo doesn’t hold up to repeated washing and drying the way cotton does.

Microfiber: Microfiber is a manufactured fiber (a polyester/polyamide blend), very absorbent, inexpensive and fast drying. Microfiber should never be in direct contact with baby’s skin so these inserts are generally used in pocket diapers or with a liner. Microfiber also has the potential for odor problems if not washed and rinsed well.

Zorb: Zorb is one of the newest players to the diapering game. It’s a mixture of fibers from bamboo/cotton/viscose and poly microfiber. It’s a non-allergenic, very absorbent and trim material that absorbs much faster than other diaper fabrics.

Wool: Wool is highly breathable, waterproof and absorbent. It does require special care, but also has natural antibacterial properties so does not need to be washed as often as other fabrics.

Microfleece: Microfleece is a 100% polyester fabric that is ideal as a moisture wicking diaper layer. When used next to baby’s skin it keeps baby’s skin dry, even in a wet diaper. It’s easy to clean and does not hold stains like many other fabrics.

Suedecloth: Similar in function to microfleece, suedecloth does not pill the way microfleece does.

Microchamois: Also similar to fleece in its stay dry properties, but stays extremely soft and doesn’t pill.

Wicking Jersey: An athletic fabric used in golf shirts, it is often used as a layer to help keep baby’s skin dry, but holds up better than suedecloth. This is the stay dry layer used in our diaper service diapers.

Many inserts are actually a combination of these fabrics to get the benefits of more than one material. For example the Flip stay dry inserts are a microfiber insert for great absorbency and trimness, with a suedecloth layer to keep baby’s skin soft and dry. More on these and other various types of inserts next time…

Be Quick!

Okay, time for another Ju-Ju-Be blog. As Christmas approaches I’m always on the look out for neat gifts and fun stocking stuffers and the Ju-Ju-Be BeQuick fits the bill perfectly. This functional, multi-purpose, and of course beautiful little accessory would make a great Christmas or baby shower gift for any mom (or child). It’s the perfect size to help organize larger bags (like in the picture of my BFF) or it can be a bag in its own right, and it’s available in all the gorgeous Ju-Ju-Be prints. It comes with a little strap that can either clip onto other bags or a stroller or it can serve as a wristlet strap to carry the quick. There’s a small zippered pocket on the inside as well, perfect for holding all kinds of things. Ju-Ju-Be BeQuicks have all kinds of uses, but let me highlight a few of my favourites to give you some ideas.


1. Diaper changes: This is probably my favourite and most often use for a BeQuick. I can fit a cover, insert (usually a prefold), Ju-Ju-Be BeLight change pad, cream, wipes and a wetbag in a quick. That way when I’m away from home and need to change Emma’s diaper I can just grab the BeQuick and it has everything I might need. It’s also very handy if someone else takes Emma out for a trip; they know they can just take the diaper BeQuick and it has everything they’ll need.








2. Spare clothes: I always have a BeQuick in my purse with spare clothes in it. I can easily fit a pair of pants, shirt, onesie, sweater, socks and bib in a BeQuick with room to spare.

3. Car toys: I keep a BeQuick with toys especially for the car. That way Emma isn’t bored of the toys and when we’re going out I can just grab the BeQuick. Of course, half the fun for her is taking all the toys out, but at the end of the car trip I can put them all back in and it’s ready for the next time.

4. Breast pump: A BeQuick is the perfect size to hold my Medela Harmony breast pump and two spare medela bottles. It keeps everything together and because the BeQuick is machine washable (like all Ju-Ju-Be) I can make sure it stays clean.

5. Sling/wrap: Okay, I can’t get my ergo in a BeQuick (though I’ve tried), but I can get my ring sling or a woven wrap in one. I got tired of either packing my sling at the bottom of my diaper bag and then having to unpack everything to get it, or packing it on top and having to take it out to get at everything else. It’s so handy to be able to pack my sling in a BeQuick and then I can clip it onto my purse or other bag.

6. Nighttime diaper/clothes: Whenever we’re going to be out in the evening and I know we’ll be putting the girls in pj’s before we drive home I bring a BeQuick for each of them with everything they need for bed. That way when it’s time to get ready for bed, it’s easy to find what the girls need.

7. Mini purse: Kaitlyn has caught the “Ju-Ju-Be” bug (though not as severely, yet…) and so I gave her a BeQuick to use for some of her small dolls. She proudly carries it as her purse, telling anyone who will listen that she has her very own Ju-Ju-Be.

8. Restaurant toys: I’ll admit I haven’t actually been to a restaurant in a really, really long time, but I know other mamas who have used their BeQuick as restaurant sanity-savers. You can easily pack crayons, small colouring book, puzzles, toys, etc into a BeQuick to keep kids busy while you’re waiting for your food.

9. Snacks: BeQuick make great pouches for snacks as well. Throw in a couple of granola bars, a juice container, a package or two of Mum-mums and you’re all set. And again, because they’re completely washable you don’t have to worry about them getting messy.

10. Puzzle pieces: For some reason our puzzle boxes seem to end up squished or eaten (between the puppy and Emma) and I’ve discovered that a BeQuick makes a great holder for puzzle pieces. They take up less space that way as well and so far Emma hasn’t been able to mangle or damage them.

Cosmetic bag, first aid kit, pencil case- there really are countless other ways to use Ju-Ju-Be BeQuick and at only $16 each, you really can’t go wrong with them.

Oh, and did I mention they’d make great stocking stuffers! Hint, hint, Santa…

Jenny

I've never been really good with change...

I’ve always had trouble with the change of seasons, change of teachers, doctors or coaches, change in routine. I’ve never been adventurous with food; I’m nervous around new people and my idea of a great holiday is staying at home. I am anxious by nature, and change of almost any kind used to through me into turmoil. Call me boring, but that’s who I am. Or rather was.

I’ve realized, lately, that I’m not so bothered by change. The changing of seasons has always been really hard, (not ideal when you live in the Ottawa Valley). Normally this time of year is especially difficult for me. The transition from summer to fall to the pre-winter gloom has always unsettled me. I’m usually dragged through winter’s pregame show kicking and screaming, refusing to wear socks or close my windows, until I surrender to the inevitability of winter and collapse into a human hibernation of gloomy thoughts, carb overload and pale, dry skin. I’ve never enjoyed fall, despite its unmatched beauty and crisp, clean days, because I would anxiously anticipate the inevitable cold, dark days that unfailingly followed.

Last year I never went through this turmoil, but instead rolled through the transition from summer to winter light-heartedly, thoroughly enjoying my walks through the woods as the leaves changed and then fell. At the time I chalked it up to being pregnant, figuring my early January due date was giving me momentum to ride through the fall.

This year, though, I’m not pregnant, and yet I still feel content and again, I really enjoyed the fall, viewing each crisp, sunny day as a gift. Even now that we’re in that awkward in between time when the leaves are gone and Halloween is done, but the stores are not yet totally overrun with Christmas (I do love Christmas) and the first snow hasn’t yet come to lay down a fresh blanket over the soaked, muddy earth, I still feel happy.

I have nothing in particular to feel happy about. In fact, most people who know me would say it’s been a rather difficult fall and yet at this, my most dreaded time of year, I feel happy. I feel content and blessed. I think it’s because at the ripe old age of 29 I’ve come to realize that change is inevitable. While previously I dreaded change and resisted it in all forms, (almost always in futility I might add) I now recognize that aligning my sail with the wind, rather than against it makes for a far more enjoyable ride. Accepting that my life and the people in it will change frees me to totally and freely embrace all that is good right now.

I think I’ve also realized that not only is change inevitable, it is necessary. As much as I sometimes wish I could stop time, to prolong those moments when the world seems just right, (sometimes as I’m snuggling and nursing Emma, sometimes when I’m with the horses in the barn or the dogs in the woods), I know that those moment will pass, but new, precious moments wait. After all, if I keep my hand clenched around the moments of today, how will I embrace those of tomorrow?

So while I still curse the mud and the early dusk as I yet again hose off my horses muddy legs I also feel content and thankful that right now, at this moment in my life I have a wonderful horse. And as I grumble about having to convince Emma to leave her hat on, to stop biting her mittens or quit arching her back as I try to put her fleece suit on, I am overwhelmed by how much I love that little girl and how blessed I am to share these days with her. And as I grudgingly start carrying Kleenex in my pocket for the seemingly endless task of wiping little runny noses I feel grateful that we are healthy in mind and body. Of course it’s not all rainbows and sunshine in my world, far from it, but I know enough now, or maybe I just have accepted, that the rain, the snow, and especially the storms are inevitable, so it’s worth my while to soak up the sun every day I can.

Jenny

Prefolds vs. Fitted Diapers

Boxers or Briefs? Pepsi or Coke? Coffee or Tea? We all know these classic, age old debates over which choice is better. In the world of cloth diapers we also have one such debate, prefolds vs. fitteds. Of course there are other types of diapers, just as there are other underwear options and other soft drinks, but the fitted vs. prefold preference is a very commonly addressed debate. My goal here is not to persuade, nor to be biased (unlike my Ju-Ju-Be posts), one way or another, but rather to highlight the pros and cons of each.

First, a basic description: Prefolds are rectangular diapers that have a middle panel that is more absorbent than the outer two panels. There are different ways to fold a prefold, but the simplest is to just fold it in thirds and lay it in a cover. Other folding styles require pins or a snappi to hold the prefold in place. Prefolds come in a variety of fabrics and sizes.

Fitted diapers are cut to fit a baby and so do not need folding or pinning. Fitted diapers also come in variety of fabrics and a huge range of styles. These diapers do not have a waterproof barrier and require a cover.

Okay, on to the comparison.

Cost: Prefolds are extremely economical. Fitteds are comparatively much more expensive, especially if you need to buy different sizes. Prefolds tend to last longer as well, which adds to their economic advantage.

Versatility: Prefolds have the advantage here as well. Because there are different ways to fold the prefold, as long as you have a cover that fits well, you can guarantee you get a good fit on your baby. By nature of being fitted, fitted diapers are more individual. One brand may fit a chunky thighed baby well, but not a long skinny baby. Also, prefolds can be used as burp clothes, doublers, stuffers, and even cleaning rags.

Style: One could argue that this is perhaps not really worth considering, since both prefolds and fitteds require a cover, but I think there are some super cute fitteds out there and so this is worth considering. I think the greatest selection of prints is actually found on fitted diapers. (In the summer Emma often wore a fitted without a cover because they were too cute to cover up and I wasn't worried about her pants getting wet).

Performance: Here’s where it gets a little messy (no pun intended). It depends on the prefold and the fitted, of course, but in my opinion, I find prefolds to be more absorbent, but do not contain messes as well as fitteds. On a newborn, prefolds are bulkier than fitteds (because you can get really small fitteds), but once baby is bigger, prefolds are trimmer. Depending on the material, fitteds often take longer to dry than prefolds.

Ease of Use: What makes prefolds so versatile, also makes them a little more complicated than prefolds. Fitteds are just like disposable diapers, with either snaps or aplix closures, which means they go on very simply and quickly. Prefolds need to be folded and then placed in the cover or folded around the baby and fastened with pins or a snappi.

Choosing fitteds or prefolds is very much a personal choice. Here’s what one Sweet Peach Diaper Service Customer has to say about the Sweet Peach fitteds and prefolds:

When I first found out I was pregnant, a million things ran through my head. The one thing that stood out in my mind was whether I wanted to use cloth diapers or disposables. Both my mother and mother in law used cloth diapers and had nothing but good things to say about them and the benefits of using them, so I began looking into different cloth diapering options.

I discovered I basically had 2 choices, either purchase diapers or go with a diaper service. I knew about Sweet Peach's diaper service, and decided it would probably be the easiest option and in the long run, probably the cheapest!

With the diaper service from Sweet Peach, you have a choice of the fitted diapers or the organic prefolds. When my baby was first born, all I used were the fitted diapers. I thought they were great as they were easy to use and they contained everything nicely. After a few weeks I was given some cotton pre folds to try. I found that these were great for overnight as you can fold them several different ways for maximum absorbency and I have found that my baby will not fuss as much when she's wet and wearing a prefold.

I prefer to use the fitted diapers during the day as they are quick and easy to use, are not as bulky as the prefolds, and they also take up less room in my diaper bag. The only downside to the fitted diapers is that they are not as absorbent and I do find that I'm changing my baby more often compared to the prefolds.

Cloth diapering really is the way to go and whether you choose prefold or fitted, the best part about using these diapers is the super cute diaper covers you get to choose!

Personally, I recommend trying both, at different stages to see what works best for you. I have both prefolds and fitteds in my diaper stash because my preference often changes and I like to have some variety. Just like Pepsi or Coke, boxers or briefs, it’s a personal decision and there’s no one right answer.

As promised...meet my new BFF!

She helps me out tremendously, makes my life easier, helps me stay organized and often brings a smile to my face. She sounds perfect doesn’t she? She’s not a person though… she’s the newest Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag, just released this summer. (And yes, I realize I’m using a personal pronoun- sometimes a bag is more than just an “it”, it’s a “she”).

Before I delve right into the great features particular to the BFF, let me outline some of the features common to all Ju-Ju-Be products. The outside of the bags are made of Teflon, which protect against stains, tears and general wear on the bag. The inner fabric is made of a microbial fabric to help reduce odors and prevent bacterial nasties (we all know some funky things can be found in diaper bags). The linings of the bags are all light coloured to avoid the “black hole effect”. While the black hole might be great for Mary Poppins, most of us don’t enjoy having to stick our heads in our bags to try and see what’s in there. The change pads are made of extremely cushy memory foam, covered on one side with the same inside fabric of the bag and on the other side with the matching, patterned, outer fabric.All of Ju-Ju-Be’s products are completely machine washable, even their earth leather (which is an animal friendly leather). All of the Ju-Ju-Be hardware is metal, rather than plastic and you won’t find a strip of Velcro on any Ju-Ju-Be product. As well as wearing poorly, Velcro is often quite loud, which is not ideal when you want to avoid waking a sleeping baby. Instead, Ju-Ju-Be uses hidden magnets (my hubby’s personal favourite) and smooth metal zippers.

On to the BFF herself. As I mentioned, the BFF was revealed at the beginning of summer, to much anticipation by the Ju-Ju-Be fans. This bag did not disappoint. Many claim it is Ju-Ju-Be’s best bag yet and I would have to agree. There are so many wonderful features of the BFF, it really is a cut above most other diaper bags.

The organization of the BFF is what really makes it stand out. 4 gusseted inner pockets, 3 inner zippered pockets, 2 outer insulated bottle pockets lined with 3M insulate, a lined electronics pocket and a fabulous “Mommy pocket”, with its own compliment of pockets and key fob, make it easy to find a place for everything. It’s easy to find things on-the-go and keep them organized without much effort, especially when using other smaller Ju-Ju-Be bags within the BFF.


One of the greatest features of the BFF is that it can be worn as either a backpack or messenger style bag. Detachable backpack straps and a detachable, adjustable messenger strap make the BFF very versatile. I also love the grab handle on the top of the bag, which is extremely convenient and handy (no pun intended).

My BFF’s first outing was to our local fair, where she was truly put to the test. It was a cold, windy day so I had to pack an extra blanket and sweater, as well as the usual compliment of baby accessories- cloth diapers, wipes, bum paste, sippy cup, cheerios, spare clothes, snacks for me, my wallet, camera, water bottle, a few toys and my ergo. The BFF easily held it all without feeling stuffed. My water bottle and Emma’s sippy cup stayed cold because of the insulated bottle pockets and I never had to dig through the bag to find things. I was able to change Emma on a wooden bench thanks to the squishiness of the memory foam change pad. I'm embarrassed to say I almost cried when the BFF picked up some nasty black grease stains, but when I got home I gave her a little squirt of stain remover, tossed her in the washer and she came out good as new.

Although the BFF is primarily marketed as a diaper bag, it doesn’t obviously look like one and can be easily used far beyond the diapering years as a work bag, school bag or camera bag. I can see mine being used for many years to come.

It’s no secret I love all things Ju-Ju-Be. With superior craftsmanship and stylish prints to fit every taste it’s hard not to love them. I truly believe, though, they have come out with the ideal diaper bag. The only hard part is choosing which print. Don’t roll you eyes when I tell you there are some Pink Ladies who have the BFF in a few different prints because they love it so much. It took me weeks to decide which one I liked; there are just so many gorgeous prints to choose from.Bottom line- I couldn’t be happier with my Marvelous Mums BFF.



Jenny

High Praise for the Birth Pool in a Box from a Guest Blogger

I had known since the day I found out I was pregnant that I wanted to give birth in water. My aunt had done it twice and said it was an amazing experience and said that if she were to have another baby, the birth pool in a box was the way to go.

I was 13 days overdue with my daughter and found out I was in labor when I was at the hospital having an ultrasound done. I was dilated to 6cms and my contractions were 3.5 minutes apart. By the time I got home from the hospital (5 minutes from my house) I was almost 7.5 cm dilated. We hadn't set up the pool yet, or even looked at it, so I was panicked that we wouldn't get it ready in time! However, within 15 minutes, my husband had everything set up and the birth pool was being filled. (The only problem we ran into was running out of hot water!)

The pool design is great. It fit perfectly into our medium sized bedroom and we still had enough room to walk around. I was in the pool with my husband; my mother, my mother in law, and the 2 midwives were in the bedroom as well and we all had lots of room to move around the bedroom.

The birth pool was very comfortable. It fit myself and my husband easily and I had lots of room to change positions. I ended up giving birth while in the sitting position, with my feet and legs being supported by my husband while he sat on the step in the pool.

We were in the water for about 20 minutes after my daughter was born, and the water stayed nice and warm, which was a concern of mine. I was worried the water would cool quickly, but I was pleasantly surprised that it stayed so warm for that long. In total I was in the birth pool for about 4 hours. (My labor was 5 hours long but I spent the first hour out of the pool.)

Overall the experience with the birth pool in a box was excellent. It was very easy to set up and take down; no mess and no fuss.

It's a must-have on my list for my next baby!

Confession time...

I have an obsession. It may even be bordering on an addiction. No, I’m not talking about cloth diapers, although I am obsessed with those. Nor am I referring to my french fry addiction (I visit our local chip wagon far too often). This time I’m talking about Ju-Ju-Be (and I don’t mean the little candies). I’m referring to the beautifully made, amazingly functional, outstandingly gorgeous diaper bags and accessories made by Ju-Ju-Be. If you haven’t seen any of these bags or, (GASP), even heard of them, let me take you down the rabbit hole.

I blindly got sucked into the Ju-Ju-Be vortex when my hubby bought me a Ju-Ju-Be bag and wallet for Mother’s Day. Neither of us had any idea about the Pandora’s box that had been opened. I quickly fell in love with the superior craftsmanship and organization that is common to all Ju-Ju-Be products. The attention to detail didn’t hurt either. I’m not really a glitzy, “bling” sort of girl, but there’s something charming and appealing about the little Rhine stones embedded in every zipper pull.

What finally pushed me beyond the point of no return, however, was the discovery of The Pink Room, an online forum where Ju-Ju-Be fanatics (or Pink Ladies, as we are affectionately called) unite and enable each others' bag obsessions. Among the many sub forums there are sections for interests such as cloth diapering and baby-wearing, a “family matters” forum where Pink Ladies ask for advice and offer support, and perhaps the favourite forum of most Pink Ladies, the Ju-Ju-Be bag-swap. Here you can find all things Ju-Ju-Be offered for sale or trade (FSOT) as well as specific items Pink Ladies are in search of (ISO).

It was on the FSOT forum that I found my next Ju-Ju-Be addition and added a whole new dimension to my growing obsession. Pink Ladies buy, sell and trade their bags like kids trading cards or marbles on the school yard. Granted the “merchandise” is a little more valuable and shipping costs have to be factored in, but the delight over trading and acquiring new Ju-Ju-Be’s is as pure and all encompassing as that of a child finding a rare marble to complete her collection.

Just so you don’t think I’m completely off my rocker I would like to say that although to the uninitiated my Ju-Ju-Be obsession my seem extreme, I am just a “Pinkadette” or “Pink newbie” compared to the more experienced, long-term Pink Ladies. Some of the more senior obsessed have complete collections of a certain print. They diligently and patiently search for every item ever made in that print. Others have 3 or more of the exact same bag in the exact same print because they want to have a back up in case something happens to one of their bags. My collection and obsession pales in comparison to this level of dedication.

I won’t overwhelm you with the plethora of bags and accessories available, nor will I try to describe the dozens of beautiful prints they come in. I merely want to give you a glimpse of the wonderful world of Ju-Ju-Be. After all, I would hardly be able to call myself a true Pink Lady if I didn’t at least try to spread the Ju-Ju-Be love.

Stay tuned for my review of Ju-Ju-Be’s newest and best selling diaper bag, the BFF. I promise not to be biased…

Jenny

Baby-wearing has been on my mind a lot lately...

As Emma is on the cusp of crawling it makes me realize how quickly she is growing up, how too soon she will want to get from here to there on her own, so the moments when she is in a carrier with me are very precious. Of course I know she’s a long way from driving off with the family car, but crawling is just the first step on the path to independence that every parent both devotedly works towards and simultaneously dreads.

I should probably clarify that baby-wearing is fairly new to me. Kaitlyn was in the stroller more than she was in a carrier, but it’s the reverse with Emma. I think Emma has been in our rather expensive jogging stroller only twice. Maybe it’s because the girls were born in different seasons (Kaitlyn in the summer, Emma in the winter), so it made more sense to wear Emma than push a stroller through snow, ice and slush. Maybe it’s that I’ve had to keep up with Kaitlyn while caring for Emma and the farm. Or maybe I just know that too soon Emma is going to want to walk and run on her own rather than cuddle with me and so I want to have her with me while she still wants to. It’s probably a combination of all of these, but regardless Emma spends a good part of her day strapped to me as we go about our daily activities.

Wearing Emma just felt natural to me. Just like co-sleeping and not letting her cry it out, having her close to me as much as possible just seemed like the right thing for both of us. Emma is a pretty easy-going baby and plays really well by herself, but sometimes she just needs to cuddle and sometimes I just need to cuddle her. Unfortunately, despite my deepest pleas, time does not stand still for these cuddles. This is where a carrier has come in very handy. I can keep working around the farm and the house or play with Kaitlyn without missing out on holding Emma.

Being able to keep Emma close to me has allowed me to carry on with all the responsibilities of being on a farm and taking care of a family and house, without having to miss out on quality time with Emma. Whether it’s hiking with the dogs in the woods, mucking stalls, cleaning the house, helping Kaitlyn ride her bike or cooking dinner, Emma can be with me. She can experience the world around her from a safe and cozy vantage and of course when she needs to eat she can do so easily. If she gets tired she just has to lay her head against me and drift to sleep. And I love that her soft head is easily within kissing reach. My heart melts every time she wraps her arms around my tummy and lays her head on my chest for a cuddle. Having already had one child I know that these precious moments are fleeting and so to be able to have more of them by having Emma with me as much as I can is a treat.

I know that Emma won’t remember our baby wearing days, but I will. I will always hold onto the memories of her little warm body pressed so close against me; how I want to cry every time she looks up into my eyes and smiles. I will cherish these days when it seems like she and I share a private little cocoon together, exploring and living together. When she’s older and yearns for some space, and especially when she asks to borrow the car, I’ll have these memories to hold close.

Since there’s a Rumparooz G2 OS pocket diaper give-away on this week...

...I thought it would be a great time to write a little blog about them. I feel it’s only fair to start off by saying I’m more of a fitteds/AI2’s kind of mama, although I do have a few pockets I keep on hand. I’ve tried my fair share of pockets and found a few I like, but for $25-$30 per diaper I have high expectations. I can honestly say the Rumparooz G2 easily surpasses and meets my high standards.

First off let me say a little about how much I like the “green” factor of the Kanga Care company. Of course the whole concept of cloth diapers is in itself earth-friendly, but Kanga Care takes it a step further by making their diapers completely biodegradable. The outer waterproof layer of their diapers is biodegradable TPU (thermoplastic poly-urethane) as opposed to the PUL (poly-urethane laminate) used in most diapers. The inner fabric is 100% polyester, which is also biodegradable. This combination of earth friendly fabrics mean that when composted the diaper will break down in 4-5 years.
One of the other great features of the Rumparooz G2 is that it’s a OS diaper, but with 4 sizes rather than the common 3 sizes of many OS diapers. In general I really like OS diapers and the Rumparooz G2 is no exception. To me it just makes economical sense to have a diaper that can be adjusted from birth to potty learning. They are designed to fit right from birth (6.5lbs) due to a contoured insert that makes the diaper narrower through the crotch. At 7 months and 19 lbs, with chunky, chunky thighs, Emma fits perfectly on the medium rise setting. I anticipate these diapers will easily last her as long as they’re needed (the large setting fits 35lbs +).

When trying a diaper I figure it’s a “sink or swim” kind of situation. There are so many great diapers on the market that if a diaper can’t stand up to heavy wetness or messy poops it doesn’t get a passing grade. With this is mind I first tried a Rumparooz G2 overnight. Emma is normally in her diaper for 11-12 hours and she sleeps beside me so has access to the all night milk bar. This means her diapers need to have a lot of absorbency and be leak proof (I really, really don’t like rolling over to find wet spots!). The 6r soaker included with the diaper is comprised of two microfiber inserts that snap together and can customize to 6 levels of absorbency and sizing. I used both inserts, with the doubler folded down into the “girl” position, as illustrated on the package. As luck would have it Emma also had a little bit of an upset tummy and ended up having a runnier than normal poop in the middle of the night (Emma NEVER poops in the night!). I was extremely impressed that after 5-6 hours of wetness and a very messy poop there were no leaks, thanks in part to the innovative inner gussets that completely trap even really messy poops. There are currently no other cloth diapers with this feature and it is definitely one of my favourite things about this diaper.

I was worried that because I didn’t take care of the messy diaper the way I should have (who really wants to deal with a super messy diaper in the wee hours of the morning?) I might have stain issues, but with a regular wash and a couple of hours in the sun the inner fabric looked as good as new. I find that in general I am very pleased with the inner fabric. It stands up really well to washing, maintaining its softness and whiteness. I also like that the fabric is made of a hypoallergenic microchamois fleece. Emma is very sensitive and she didn’t have the slightest bit of redness with these diapers, even after wearing them for extended periods of time.

Of course one of the best features of the Rumparooz G2’s is the selection of great colours and prints to choose from. I am a sucker for a cute diaper and these diapers come in some extremely cute patterns and colours. The colours stay vibrant after washing and with so many options to choose from, matching with an outfit is a breeze, (call me obsessive, but often I match Emma’s diapers to her clothes).

Overall I am extremely impressed with the care and thought that clearly went into designing this diaper and am more than pleased with its performance. It stood up to the toughest tests, has many great features, is economical and gets and A+ for cuteness. The Rumparooz G2’s have been awarded a permanent place in my ever-changing diaper stash!

Jenny

In keeping with the breastfeeding theme...

...and since last week was World Breastfeeding Week I thought I'd write a review of one of my favourite breast feeding accessories.

Having successfully breastfed my first daughter for 16 months without the use of any type of special nursing pillow, I was skeptical when my husband gave me one for Christmas right before the birth of our second baby. I knew a lot of women loved them, but I had tried a different nursing pillow with no success and so figured it was just one more gimmicky baby thing to clutter our already cluttered house. Little did I realize the bosom baby nursing pillow was no ordinary nursing pillow! The fabric alone was almost enough to change my mind- a washable, ultra soft, plush, minky fabric cover - but I was soon won over completely by its performance.

I immediately brought the pillow to bed to join the other herd of pillows already established there in an effort to eek out more than a few hours of sleep at a time. My minky green pillow took up the place of honour, supporting my endlessly expanding tummy and aching hips. I loved how the pillow was so plush and soft, yet very supportive at the same time. The form fitting nature of the pillow meant I could maneuver it into whatever position I needed, and yet it retained its shape and softness. It was also great for back support when I was sitting in bed reading, or more likely, eating.

The bosom baby really proved its worth once the baby arrived. After an ultra rapid home delivery in which the pillow got a little caught in the cross fire I was worried it was beyond saving. To say it looked messy would be a severe understatement. But thanks to the removable, washable cover, after one regular wash in the washing machine and a quick spin in the dryer the pillow looked as perfect as ever. It was still as soft and there wasn’t a spot on it.

I stayed in bed for the first few days, getting to know Emma, and the bosom baby never left my side. It was absolutely perfect for nursing in bed. With a couple of regular pillows propped up behind me the bosom baby put Emma at exactly the right height to nurse when I was sitting in bed. It helped align her spine and head so that she was in a correct nursing position. Unlike the other nursing pillow I’d tried, this one fit around me perfectly; I didn’t feel like I was being squished (no mama wants to feel they’re too big for something in that post partum squishy belly phase!). It also provided support for my whole arm and elbow, not just for the baby. She could lie across it comfortably and I felt completely supported as well and never had any back or shoulder ache.

With my first baby, when she woke up to nurse in the night I would sit in the rocking chair with her, and although I intended to go back to bed when she was finished, more often than not I fell asleep with her in the chair. With Emma I knew we were going to co-sleep and having the bosom baby pillow allowed me to sit up and nurse and then slide back down into bed and go back to sleep. Eventually, once Emma was a little older I nursed her lying down and then the bosom baby became my essential back support.

Emma went through a phase where she wouldn’t sleep unless she was cuddled on my chest and again the bosom baby came through with flying colours. It was the perfect support to have behind my upper back and neck so that I was slightly propped up in bed. I never had any neck or back pain and the softness and plushness of the pillow made it extremely comfortable.

Among the multiple uses for the bosom baby nursing pillow is as an aid for baby tummy time. Emma loved being propped up with the pillow so that her body was supported and she could see everything around her. And of course the luxurious fabric made it an appealing place to rest her head and then snuggle into it.

The bosom baby nursing pillow is described as the cadillac of nursing pillows, and with its versatility, incredible softness and comfort I can see why. It is extremely well designed, easily cleaned, has endless uses and comes in a variety of appealing prints and colours. This is no ordinary nursing pillow and I can say, without reservation, this should be on every mama’s (new or not) must-have list.

I'll take that breast to go, please!

Of course when I was pregnant with my first baby I was told about all the great health benefits of breastfeeding. There was never a doubt in my mind I would breastfeed and I was lucky to have a fairly easy time of it with both of my kids. I don’t think I realized, though, how incredibly convenient breastfeeding is. With my first baby, more often than not, I took the time to get comfortable in a chair, propped up with pillows, to nurse. With my second baby I seem to be so much busier (go figure!). Being able to nurse on the go has been immensely useful.

When Emma was little I could nurse her in one arm while doing something else with the other,- cooking, reading to my other daughter, changing the laundry. Sometimes I would nurse her in the moby wrap, but usually I just held her in my arms. When Emma started packing on the pounds and her thighs became too big to hold easily in one hand I knew I needed some assistance.

I bought an ergo baby carrier after reading rave reviews about it. I particularly liked how supposedly easy it was to nurse in. When I first brought it home I looked at the instructions quickly, but didn’t see anything about how to nurse while wearing it. I thought it wouldn’t be too hard to figure out when I needed to. After all I had managed to figure out how to nurse in the moby wrap fairly easily.

Our first occasion to try nursing in the ergo occurred in Chapters, maybe the second or third time I wore the ergo. I was in the children’s section with my older daughter, looking at books, when Emma started that telltale snuffling whimper and tried burying her face as low down into my shirt as she could. Great! A chance to put the ergo to the test. I immediately realized I had absolutely no idea what to do. When Emma had needed to nurse while she was in the moby wrap I put her sideways across my body, so I tried that with the ergo. That was definitely not what I was supposed to do. Emma ended up with her chubby little legs hanging out of the side and her head completely wedged against my chest. Being so close to my breast without being able to nurse made her frantic and she started flopping like a fish in the bottom of a boat. At this point she was basically stuck in all the straps and I had to call for backup (Grandpa was fortunately nearby) to undo the buckles of the ergo. Freed from the tangle Emma could finally have her snack uninterrupted, but I received more than a few questioning, concerned glances from other parents.

I have since watched videos on utube showing how to nurse in the ergo. It’s quite easy when you simply loosen the arm straps to lower baby to nipple height. With a little practice I think we’ve mastered the art of nursing in the ergo. Emma can even nurse while I’m mucking stalls!

I don’t think a single day has gone by since Emma’s birth that I don’t mention how convenient it is to be able to pop out a breast anywhere, anytime, whenever Emma is hungry. On a plane, on vacation, on a hike, in the shower, in the pool, while shopping, at a wedding, at the market-you name it we’ve probably nursed there. No preparation required, always the right temperature, no delay (unless you’re trying to figure out the ergo). In my opinion, the convenience of nursing is one of the greatest reasons why breast is best!