11 – Convincing Others That Cloth is Awesome

Oct 10,2011 / By Maria / 8 Comments

The Mailbox Mondays feature is where I answer a reader submitted question, and ask my readers to help too!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

This week’s is sort of a multi-parter, but both of my askers (that’s probably not a word, is it?) already know that cloth rocks, they just need help convincing someone they love!

Dodie says:

Hello I am writing this to find a way for one of my daughters to know the savings and the reason that cloth is much better than disposables. Can you explain to me the difference in the diapers and what you need to know for a new mother?

Thank you

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Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 10/3/11 – Microfiber vs. Hemp or Bamboo Inserts

Oct 3,2011 / By Maria / 3 Comments

Mailbox Mondays posts are where I answer a reader submitted question, whether they are looking for cloth diaper advice, or something else!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Stephanie says:

I really despise microfiber and would rather go for hemp or bamboo for my pockets. Will these eventually develop the “stink” of microfiber? Do you have any recommendations on a good insert and washing tips? My stash is primarily made up of BG elementals, can they all be washed together?

Thanks!!

Sorry it’s like 4-5 questions, you just do a great job answering my questions I can’t help myself! 😉

Stephanie

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Mailbox Mondays

Mailbox Mondays 9/26/11 – Clothes to Labor in

Sep 26,2011 / By Maria / 15 Comments

Mondays are when I answer a question that a reader asked, and ask other readers to help out too!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Melissa says:

So here is a non cloth diaper related question…I am giving birth for the first time in November. I will be at a hospital, hopefully in their natural birthing center, but that just depends on if the little one cooperates 🙂 Either way my plan is to do it naturally. I will not be required to wear a hospital gown and would prefer not to. So, do you have any recommendations for what to wear while in labor? I have heard that all inhibitions go out the window during transition and birth, but there will be at least a few hours before that that I would like to be at least partially clothed but still have everything accessible for the nurses. I found an online retailer that makes birth skirts that I am intrigued with but I am not sure I am willing to fork over that much money for one. Any suggestions?

Thank you so much!

Hey this is a great question, and actually one I’ve been thinking about lately myself. My hospital wasn’t as accommodating, so I went with the ever stylish hospital gown, and saved my battles for other stuff!

First of all, congratulations!! I have seen the birth skirts you’re talking about and while fabulous, they are also a little spendy. After my post last week, you probably know I’m planning a home birth. It may not be as important a decision, since I won’t have to pack a bag & can change my mind easily, but I’ve still been trying to figure out what to wear! Weird as it sounds, I’m not comfortable being naked (even by myself), but obviously I can’t be wearing a 3-piece suit during labor/birth!

You definitely want something that is comfortable, not restrictive, allows easy access to medical staff (to check you, apply monitors, blood pressure cuffs etc.) and allows easy skin-to-skin contact and nursing access after the birth. You will probably want a backup labor outfit as well if you really want to avoid hospital gowns. There’s always the possibility that what you’re wearing might become soiled enough that you need to change. You also probably want to choose darker colors, or something that wasn’t too expensive since you won’t be able to rush home and pre-treat/soak it!

So here’s what I’m thinking…a loose fitting, elastic waist skirt. I actually have one from Target that isn’t maternity, but folds down like yoga pants to sit under my belly (and was considerably less expensive than that one!) You’ll want a loose fitting top that’s easy to pull up, gives access to your arms, and preferably also access to your chest (for baby!) Since I’m not sure if I will end up in the tub, I’m considering my maternity tankini top (which I never actually used this summer!) because the faux crossover front is easy to pull down/aside for skin to skin and nursing. Or consider a short sleeved, loose fitting top.

I think layers are the way to go since hormonal shifts made me go from sweltering hot to freezing cold in an instant. You could do a maternity/nursing tank top with a tie or button front sweater/shirt even. Depending on how modest (or not) you are, you could just wear a comfortable nursing sleep bra under your clothing, and plan to take your shirt off if you get hot/after the baby is born. Though hospital gowns make for easy chest access. I regret not fighting to keep my bra on, since I really don’t like going braless (especially while carrying around pregnancy sized boobs!)

I already mentioned having a backup change of clothes for labor, but you will also want something for the first day or so after the baby is born. Depending on how long you were in labor, you might feel like you’ve been wearing the same clothes forever, and nothing feels better than a shower and clean clothes! Most hospitals still check you quite a bit during that first day, so you will want something similar, or a nursing nightgown/robe. You will probably not want to be wearing pants or long sleeves.

You didn’t ask this, but you’ll also need something to wear home! Unless you have incredible genes/are a supermodel (in which I hate you…kidding…sort of…) you will not be skinny leaving the hospital. Most women are around the size they were at 5-6 months pregnant, so it’s probably not a good idea to bring pre-pregnancy clothes to wear home (unless you like feeling depressed!) I found jeans to be extremely uncomfortable because of the crotch seams, which seem about 1,000 times bigger/bumpier when you’re sore! What would be good are some maternity sweats or loose fitting yoga pants, along with a nursing top, or nursing tank and loose, zip up hoodie.

What about everyone else? Have you worn your own clothing during labor? What did you wear?

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Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 9/19/11 – Solid Foods & Cloth Wipes

Sep 19,2011 / By Maria / 6 Comments

Every Monday, I answer a reader question, and ask everyone else to weigh in too!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Stephanie says:

My little one is still EBF so the poo is easy to clean up, but when she starts solids in a couple months, what am I supposed to do with the wipes? Do they need to be sprayed off along with the diaper before putting them in the wash or is there another way (or maybe a simpler solution)? I know it’s kind of an odd question, but I am just not sure. Thanks!

Stephanie

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Cloth Diapers Mailbox Mondays

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 9/12/11 – Vaccines & Cloth Diapers

Sep 12,2011 / By Maria / 1 Comment

On Monday, I answer reader questions!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Rachel says:

Here is my question for mailbox monday… I wasn’t able to find much info on the web… My little guy just got a round of immunizations and one of the vaccines, measels mumps rubella, was a live vaccine. Is there anything different i need to do with his cloth diapers? Will the virus transfer to his diapers?

Thanks, Rachel

This is a great question, and one I hadn’t really thought about! Luckily, my B.F.F. is a scientist who holds an M.S. in Molecular Biology, does technical writing, and has worked in a lab with cancer cells, specimens (and other stuff I don’t understand!) In fact, she wrote a great post on Cafemom about How to Kill a Virus, so she was definitely the right person to ask! I’ve actually been trying to get her to guest post forever, but she’s been too busy. I have essentially tricked her into guest posting by grilling her for info, tee-hee!!

So first off, most viruses live less than 2 days outside an animal body. She says: “Understand what happens in the immune system. When germs get in your body, a series of events happens, which ends (more or less) with cellular recognition of the germ (or partial germ, viral particle, peptide, etc) and production of antibodies against the germ. The antibodies bind to the germs, sending signals to other cells to kill the germs. This all happens within a few days when you get sick – and at the same time the germs are multiplying in you, making you sicker.”

“Most vaccines are weakened or partial virus that can’t multiply no matter what, so there is no virus being produced in the vaccinated person, nor is there any virus being shed, anywhere, including the diaper.” Remembering what was said earlier about how the immune system works; “Well, when the germs come from vaccines, they cannot make more germs, so you don’t really get sick. Your cells still recognize the germs and make antibodies you keep forever – so whenever that germ gets in you in your lifetime, the antibodies already have a head start to find & destroy.”

“If the vaccine is a live virus and the mom [or caregiver changing the diaper] hasn’t been vaccinated – I would say 2 days max on the diaper (or any body fluid)… but these ‘live’ viruses are extremely weakened and also should not be able to reproduce, so they should not be able to pass illness to an unvaccinated person.”

2 ways to “kill” a virus are:

Soapy water (including in the dishwasher and washing machine). A good foamy solution works best at 98-130 degrees F. Use this to wash fabrics, hands/skin, carpets and solid surfaces.
Heat between 165 – 212 degrees F for more than 15 minutes. You can sterilize solid items in boiling water or in your oven, including food if you think it is contaminated. Your dishwasher and washing machine may also reach this temperature, depending on the setting of your hot water tank.

It sounds to me like cloth diapers should be a non-issue, even if the person handling the diapers hasn’t been vaccinated. If you want to be on the safe side, your usual hot wash followed by a 15 minute tumble in the dryer (since your water heater is probably only around 120) should be more than enough!

Note from Maria: I’m not a scientist and I don’t play one on the internet. My posts shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. I also trust that we, as moms, have all done our research & made the right choices for our families, so I really don’t want this to turn into a vaccine debate…please and thank you!

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Category : Mailbox Mondays

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 10/10/11 – Convincing Others That Cloth is Awesome

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 10/3/11 – Microfiber vs. Hemp or Bamboo Inserts

Mailbox Mondays 9/26/11 – Clothes to Labor in

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 9/19/11 – Solid Foods & Cloth Wipes

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 9/12/11 – Vaccines & Cloth Diapers

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