Breastfeeding Blog Hop: Weaning

March 23rd, 2011
10:29am


I never wanted to wean my children. Weaning always seemed like curse word to me. I love the nursling/mama bond, why would I want that tot stop. I have three children, a 4 year old girl (Sally), a 2.5 year old boy (James) and a 3.5 month old baby girl (Charlotte). Charlotte is nursing and loving it and I'm not looking forward to the day when she weans. My philosophy tends to lean more to the side of child lead weaning; where the child decides when to stop nursing. While I do have a top age limit, 4 years or so, I do not practice extended breastfeeding.

My daughter Sally decided to stop nursing WAY before I was ready. She was only 15 months old and I was three months pregnant with James (yes, I've been knocked up and/or nursing for the past 5 years). She stopped cold turkey from nursing about 4-5 times a day. This was so painful for me. My breasts were engorged and sore for about a week. I remember feeling like somewhat abandoned. My baby didn't need me in the same way that she used to. She was growing up. I wasn't thinking about what my daughter needed but about what I wanted. That realization helped me a lot!

My son stopped nursing a week before Charlotte was born. I really wanted to tandem nurse (having more than one nursling). James got a stomach bug about a week before he weaned that made his poo very liquidy. When it didn't clear up after the bug, I thought it might be the colostrum that my body was producing. He was down to one nursing right before bed. I stopped offering to see if not nursing would firm up his poop. It did and he never asked about "nursies" again.

I think I was more emotionally prepared for James' weaning than I was for Sally's. It helped that there was a baby coming soon after James stopped. I have a personal goal to give my children the best start possibly by breastfeeding for at least two years. Perhaps I had a harder time when Sally stopped nursing because I didn't fulfill my "goal". The global average age of weaning is approximatley 4 years and I think that is why around the age of 4 seems to be my weaning number.

I wonder how I'll feel when Charlotte decides she's done. So far, we seem to get pregnant when our littlest is about one. We'll see if that rings true.

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Great article on the life of a Midwife's Husband

March 23rd, 2011
1:36pm

I often think of what I'll do with myself when my kids are all grown up. Being a Stay at Home Mom is an amazing profession and the next logical thing for me to do is homeschool my kids. But what am I to do after raising my children? I'll have been out of the workforce for more than 20 years with little to no "skills". I'll have spent those years teaching my children and doing my best to be a mother. I will have experience with birthing and breastfeeding. Two things I'm passionate about. I'd love to become a midwife or lactation consultant in the future. I've talked to my husband about this and he's very supportive. I came across this article on a husband's perspective on it all.

http://www.mothering.com/pregnancy-birth/married-to-the-midwife

Are you a stay at home mom? What do you plan on doing when your kiddos are all grown up?

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Sugar Plum Baby Fitted Cloth Diaper Review and Giveaway

March 22nd, 2011
6:00pm

Sugar Plum Baby is run by Susan Mraz of Monkey Toe Diapers . By stripping away some of the flairs while leaving the style, she was able to simplify and create her own line of fitted cloth diapers. Instead of offering prints, she has decided to offer fitteds in bamboo fleece with your choice of colored thread and snaps. Sugar Plum Baby offers you an affordable, sleek looking way to cloth diaper baby. You can save even more by purchasing diapers in packages of 3,6, or 12.

The Review:

I had the opportunity to review the Sugar Plum Baby Basic Bamboo Fleece Fitted diaper in small with pink snaps and serging. There is a snap in soaker that combines with the diaper to offer 6 layers of absorbency. Sugar Plum Baby diapers come in 4 sizes: Newborn (birth -12lbs), Small (10-15lbs), Medium (15-25lbs), and Large (25-35lbs). The newborn diaper features a snap down front tab for the umbilical cord and the Medium and Large sizes come with hip snaps and a doubler.

Ease of Use: Simple,simple. Just 4 little snaps and you are good to go.

Fit: We received this diaper when Charlotte was a month old and 10lbs. The small size fits babies 10-15lbs. The diaper fit really well; snug around the thighs and waist but not too tight. I felt as though the diaper was on the small side. Charlotte grew out of it at 13 lbs. I do have chunky monkey babies and knew it was time to retire the diaper when red marks were starting to show on her legs after use. I was really sad to pull this one out of our rotation and save it for the next babe! It had become a favorite. The elastic was strong and we never had any blowouts.

Care: This diaper still looks brand new! Even after washing and using it daily for almost 2 months! Susan reccommends that you wash and dry on hot. It dried rather quickly. Occasionally the gathered elastic on the legs would still be slightly damp after a dryer cycle but just air drying it or setting it in the sun for a while took care of it.

Materials: Bamboo fleece (70% viscose from bamboo/30% organic cotton), snaps.

Cost: The diaper I tried out was $14.00. A single diaper is anywhere between $12 and $21.
Click here to purchase.

Overall Opinion: I really like the Sugar Plum Baby design. It's simple and easy to use while still being cute. The style and fit are reminiscent of a big name brand but Sugar Plum Baby offers a more affordable version with the kinks worked out. This is a great diaper for any parent to have in their stash. Worked well for overnights, naps and daytime (even with a heavy wetter). They do run small so think about ordering the next size up.

These are of Charlotte when she was about 13lbs, about when she grew out of the diaper.

Connect with Sugar Plum Baby:
Facebook
Website
Etsy

Coupon Code:

Susan has offered you guys a 15% off coupon that will work in any of her stores! Enter KNOCKEDUP at checkout!

The Giveaway:

Susan has offered a Bamboo fitted diaper in winner's choice of size and color.

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit Sugar Plum Baby and tell me your favorite item.
  
• Leave an email address where you can be reached.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Monkey Toe Diapers/ Sugar Plum Baby on Facebook.
• Become a fan of Knocked Up and Nursing on Facebook
• Become a follower of Knocked Up and Nursing on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a URL. You can use: "#win a Bamboo Fitted Diaper from Sugar Plum Baby. Visit http://bit.ly/fq9bIc to enter. @knockedupnursin #clothdiapers " (can be tweeted once a day until the giveaway ends)
• Follow Knocked Up and Nursing via GFC *Plus 2 entries*
  
• Subscribe to my blog via Email (See "connect" tab on top right)
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link to this page/or my blog.*Plus 5 entries* Leave a URL.
• Share on Facebook (Leave a link)
• Grab my button and leave me a link to find it.*Plus 5 entries*

If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Giveaway will run from Tuesday March 22nd, 2011 at 12:00pm (CST) until April 5th, 2011 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be chosen using random.org's true random number generator upon the close of the contest. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen. I was given a product to review and my opinions on the product are my own. Must be 18 year old to enter. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Subject to changes.

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A Greener Home Event Starting April 1st

March 22nd, 2011
9:49am

In a little less than two weeks, I'm going to have a new event on the blog. A Greener Home will feature ways to reduce consumption of paper and plastic products and ways to make your home more sustainable. I'm so excited about this one! This is a subject that I'm really interested in. Not only is reducing your paper products a way to save money but you are also keeping chemical laden products out of your home. AND it's great for the earth.

There are some great sponsors lined up so far and I can't wait for you guys to meet them. Go get acquainted while we wait for the event to start on April 1st.

Planet Hugger

Reuseit.com

Green Heart Shop

Ollie and Ava

Pro Utilitas

Cushy Tooshy

If you would like to be added to this wonderful list of sponsors, Please email me at
knockedupandnursing@gmail.com

EXTRA ENTRY OPTION:

Display the A Greener Home event button on your blog for 5 extra entries into all giveaways during the event!

Simply copy the code in the box below the button and enter it on your blog.
Come back here and leave 5 separate comments with the link to where the button can be found.


<center><a href="http://knockedupandnursing.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/knockedupandnursing/ButtonAGH4.jpg" /></a></center>

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The Bunny Hop Starts April 5th

March 15th, 2011
4:58pm

TerraMade Products is having a re-opening of their Hyenacart store. To celebrate, you are invited to participate in The Bunny Hop! Starting Tuesday, April 5th and running until Saturday, April 9th, players are encouraged to "hop" down the list of sponsors and collect entries into the Grand Prize Basket valued at over $300! A complete list of sponsors will be available soon on TerraMade's website. When the event ends, you can email Terra with all your entries (some entries will be mandatory and others will be extra entries). A winner will then be chosen randomly for the gift basket with fluff and stuff and be announced on Monday, April 11th.

During the contest there will also be some other great giveaways going on at TerraMade and some of the other sponsors so be sure to stay tuned. You don't want to miss this.

Connect with TerraMade Products:
Facebook
Hyenacart

Website

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Doopsy Insert Review and Giveaway

March 14th, 2011
6:01pm

Doopsy is a relatively new name in the cloth diaper world. Ever since I've heard their name thrown around, I've been wanting to get my hand on their products. Doopsy is a one size pocket diaper that fits babies 10-35 lbs and come in three different "styles" to fit your babies absorbency needs and your price range. The three styles let you choose what kind of inserts you'd like. Doopsy's inserts are what make them stand out from the crowd. The insert is backed with PUL.

Doopsy has recently come out with an updated design to their insert and I had the opportunity to review the new design. First, Let me explain the old insert. I don't have any other Doopsy products to do a comparison but you can see the old insert in the video link. It's a long, sock-like tube that you turn in on itself. One side is backed with PUL and the other is Bamboo Double Loop Terry. When turned in on itself it creates a pocket that can be stuffed with Doopsy's Bamboo hemp terry insert. You can better see this on the video.

Doopsy's new pocket insert has the same PUL backing but is topped with bamboo hemp terry. Another layer of bamboo hemp terry forms a pocket opening where a 4 layer microfiber insert can be stuffed. The PUL comes in five different colors (white, red, pink, baby blue, royal blue) and two sizes. The small size is 13" x 5" and the medium/large size is 15" x 5". The inserts are also made in the USA. I received the small in red for review.

New insert

The Review:

When I received the insert in the mail I prepped it by washing about four times in with my other diaper laundry. Joana said that it can take up to six washes to reach it's full absorbency. I have to admit, I was a little confused at the purpose of the insert and what way to best utilize it. I don't have a Doopsy pocket diaper so I couldn't test the Doopsy system as a whole. I ended up using it mostly with covers.

1. Doopsy Pocket Insert with microfiber insert. 2. Inside of the pocket insert showing the bamboo hemp terry fabric.


The trim fit on Charlotte. Love it.

Ease of Use: I didn't have any problem with it's use, just figuring out what to use it with. For some reason it was not blatantly apparent to put it in one of my other pocket diapers. The microfiber insert is easy to stuff into the pocket; though dad or someone with larger hands might have a problem. To use it in a pocket diaper, you simply stuff the insert in as you would a regular insert. To use with a cover, lay the pocket insert into the cover and put on baby.

Fit: The insert fit well with many different brands of covers. The width was perfect. I don't think the insert would work well with the smallest settings of some one size diapers or small diapers though because of the length. The top of the insert sticks out of the back of the diaper. I found the insert fit most diapers at the medium setting. This insert is pretty trim and gives a sleek profile. As far as using it with fitteds to give them that extra boost of leak protection, I didn't get a chance to do that yet. I think that a contoured option would be great for smaller babies (think hourglass shape) and contribute to an even trimmer look. Also, it would be nice to see it in an even smaller size to accommodate new babies.

Care: Throw it in the pail; no need to unstuff. Yes, I tried it and it really works! I don't know if the insert would come unstuffed from a pocket diaper. I would pull the insert out from the diaper and throw those in the pail. The materials have held up great to wash and wear. No snags and the bamboo is still super soft. They dry quickly because of the pocket design.

Materials: PUL backed, Bamboo Hemp Terry, Microfiber insert.

Cost:$7.99 To Purchase your own Doopsy Insert click Here.

Other Uses: I think this would work great as a post partum pad. I so wish I had this for our home birth with Charlotte. The absorbency would be great for that and you would have nice soft bamboo next to your skin instead of scratchy paper products that are chemical laden. For our next baby, I'm totally stocking up on these for RIGHT after birth! You can also use these inserts if you have older cloth diapers where the PUL is starting to deteriorate and leak. Since the insert itself is backed with PUL it's like getting a whole new diaper at half the cost of buying a new one.

Overall Opinion: At first, I was unsure at how to best use the Doopsy Pocket Insert but after trying a few different methods, I found that I prefer it with just a cover. It's really easy to use and is a great option if you have more than one child in diapers. I like the price point and think its a great option for heavy wetters or for over night use.

The Giveaway:

Joana has offered a Doopsy Pocket Insert just like the one I received.

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit Baby Eco Mart and tell me your favorite item.
  
• Leave an email address where you can be reached.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Doopsy on Facebook.
• Become a fan of Knocked Up and Nursing on Facebook
• Become a follower of Doopsy on Twitter
  
• Become a follower of Knocked Up and Nursing on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a URL. You can use: "#win a Doopsy Pocket Insert. Visit http://bit.ly/fpyV7R to enter. @knockedupnursin #clothdiapers" (can be tweeted once a day until the giveaway ends)
• Follow Knocked Up and Nursing via GFC.
• Subscribe to my blog via Email (See "connect" tab on top right)
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link to this page/or my blog.*Plus 5 entries* Leave a URL.
• Share on Facebook (Leave a link)
• Grab my button and leave me a link to find it.*Plus 5 entries*
• Visit Doopsy and tell me one thing that you learned.
  

If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Giveaway will run from Monday March 14th, 2011 at 6:00pm (CST) until March 28th, 2011 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be chosen using random.org's true random number generator upon the close of the contest. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen. I was given a product to reivew and my opinions on the product are my own. Must be 18 year old to enter. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Subject to changes.

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Wee Expressions Nursing Pad Review and Giveaway

March 10th, 2011
5:02 pm

Etsy is a great marketplace to support Work At Home Moms. One such mom is Lauren, who runs Wee Expressions. She carries fitted cloth diapers, burp cloths, fleece diaper covers, cloth wipes, bibs and leg warmers. Lauren also has nursing pads (read on for a review) and mama cloth. She uses all her products on herself and her kids ensuring that everything she makes gets a thorough and proper testing.

Mama cloth with replaceable soakers.

The Review:

Lauren contacted me with the opportunity to review her nursing pads. She sent me three pairs to review. After I sent them through the wash, I put them to work.

She has some great fabrics to pick from.

Lauren's nursing pads are approximately 4 inches in diameter. They have a flannel lining that goes against the skin and an absorbent core with a white PUL backing. There is bias tape around the edge of the pad. Since the bias tape is cotton, you could possibly experience some wicking from the absorbent part of the pad. I don't know if the bias tape is completely necessary. A double stitch on the inside around the pad would give it a sleeker look. I really like that these have PUL. I have a very heavy milk flow and let down and the PUL saved me from having to change my shirt because of leaks.

The flannel keeps nice and soft, even after many washes. I did find that my nipple sometimes got stuck to the inside of the pad when my let down dried. Peeling the pad off of my nipple was not fun but I found that if you express a little milk, it moistened the pad and my nipple came right off. Now, this might not happen to you. I have really large nipples (TMI? Sorry).

I'd recommend washing these in a lingerie bag to keep them together so you aren't searching for them and to keep them in good shape.

Cost: $2.85 per pair. You can get a 3 pack for $8.00 or a 7 pack for $17.95. Click here to buy.

Close up of the inside.

I'd like to thank Lauren and Wee Expressions for working with me!

Connect with Wee Expressions:
Facebook
Blog
Etsy

The Giveaway:

Lauren has offered one of you three pairs of nursing pads!

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit Wee Expressions and tell me your favorite item.
  
• Leave an email address where you can be reached.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Wee Expressions on Facebook
• Become a fan of Knocked Up and Nursing on Facebook
• Become a follower of Knocked Up and Nursing on Twitter
  
• Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a URL. You can use: "#win 3 pairs of nursing pads from Wee Expressions . http://bit.ly/hK9jWr to enter @knockedupnursin" (can be tweeted once a day until the giveaway ends)
• Heart Wee Expressions on Etsy
  
• Follow Knocked Up and Nursing via GFC.
• Follow the Wee Expressions Blog Via GFC.
• Subscribe to my blog via Email (See "connect" tab on top right)
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link to this page/or my blog.*Plus 5 entries* Leave a URL.
• Share on Facebook (Leave a link)
• Grab my button and leave me a link to find it.*Plus 5 entries*

If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Giveaway will run from Thursday March 10th, 2011 at 5:00pm (CST) until March 24th, 2011 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be chosen using random.org's true random number generator upon the close of the contest. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen. I received a product for review and my opinions on the product are my own. Must be 18 year old to enter. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Subject to changes.

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Sweet Violet's Mama Review and Giveaway

March 3rd, 2011
5:24pm

Stephanie, of Sweet Violet's Mama, grew up seeing her mother and grandmother work for a cloth diaper service repairing diapers. ( Can you tell that the passion for cloth runs in the family?). That is where she learned to sew and has been ever since! With a goal of providing families an affordable way to cloth diaper with wool, which can get very pricey, what's not to love! Stephanie uses only reclaimed wool from sweaters on her longies and covers. Rather than the sweater be forgotten or thrown away, they are turned into a new creation. In doing so, she lowers her cost (which lowers yours) and gives perfectly good pre-loved items a new life.

Here is just a small selection of what you can find at Sweet Violet's Mama's Etsy Shop:

Sweet Violet's Mama also has some PUL covers if wool isn't your thing.

Stephanie also has wool care items for sale.

The Review:

I bought a Medium Upcycled Wool Cover from Sweet Violet's Mama and mentioned I'd like to do a reivew/giveaway (see below!) for her products! The Cover is made of a recycled Lambswool sweater with greens, golds, greys and blue zigzags. There is another inner layer of wool for added wetness protection. I really appreciate that Stephanie chose a coordinating color (grey) for the inner layer. Everything is double stitched for durability.

Ease of Use: As easy as putting on baby's pants! It's a breeze! With it being a pull-on cover you sometimes have to pick baby up and finish pulling on the cover. My baby has very chunky thighs so I have to move the cover up her thighs one by one.

Fit: We got a great fit from this cover! Stephanie gives measurements on the items she makes and Charlotte was near the bottom range of the measurements given. No drooping or tightness. Just a great fit around the legs and waist. When we first got the cover, it went well above Charlotte's belly button. It now only reaches the very top of it with room to grow!

Care: Wool is a great item if you are a procrastinator like myself. Only wash when it gets stained, starts to leak or smells like urine; about every 3 weeks. You'll also know when it's time to do wool wash when the covers are slightly more yielding around the waist from being pulled up. More about wool care here.

Material: 100% lambswool from recycled sweaters.

Cost: $13.00. Covers range from $12.00- $26.00. (Purchase your own unique cover here)

Overall Opinion: I've been very pleased with the Sweet Violet's Mama cover. The craftsmanship is great. I love the doubled stitching on the seams for durability. The pricepoint allows us to purchase an alternative to PUL that is about the same price. Plus wool is such a great thing to add to your stash.

Charlotte at 12 weeks and 15lbs in her cover!

The Giveaway:

Stephanie has offered a $15 Gift Certificate to Sweet Violet's Mama!

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit Sweet Violet's Mama and tell me your favorite item.
  
• Leave an email address where you can be reached.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Sweet Violet's Mama on Facebook
• Become a fan of Knocked Up and Nursing on Facebook
• Become a follower of Knocked Up and Nursing on Twitter
  
• Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a URL. You can use: "#win a $15 GC to Sweet Violet's Mama . http://bit.ly/gPBJB7 to enter @knockedupnursin #clothdiapers" (can be tweeted once a day until the giveaway ends)
• Heart Sweet Violet's Mama on Etsy
  
• Follow Knocked Up and Nursing via GFC.
• Subscribe to my blog via Email (See "connect" tab on top right)
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link to this page/or my blog.*Plus 5 entries* Leave a URL.
• Share on Facebook (Leave a link)
• Grab my button and leave me a link to find it.*Plus 5 entries*

If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Giveaway will run from Thursday March 3rd, 2011 at 5:30pm (CST) until March 17th, 2011 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be chosen using random.org's true random number generator upon the close of the contest. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen. My opinions on the product are my own. Must be 18 year old to enter. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Subject to changes.

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