Saturday, July 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Forgetting my first Blog
After starting my new blog, I find it difficult to keep up with this more personal blog. I will write about all my green information on my Living Semi-Crunchy blog and leave this one for my family.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Cloth Diapers - Break it down!
There are certain things I am passionate about, and cloth diapering (CDing) is no exception. I became interested in CDing while pregnant with my daughter, and quickly became addicted to the cute styles, however, the different options were overwhelming to me. I didn't know what AIO, OS, prefold, pocket or fitted meant, I and I certainly didn't know what options would work best for me and my family. So, I am going to break down the different options for diapering, and try to make it as easy as possible for anyone who may be interested in cloth diapering.
First I will explain sizing. Keep in mind all babies grow at different rates. Some babies are full in the waist and thighs, whereas others maintain a leaner, skinnier frame. When possible, try to measure your babies waist and thighs and/or go by weight. Some diapers companies use age as a way to measure, which may be less accurate. Here are some approximate weights vs size that I have averaged/compiled from various diapers.
x-small/newborn: 6-12lbs
small: 7-18lbs
medium: 15-27lbs
large: 22-30/40lbs
One-size (OS): This is a diaper that adjusts with 2-3 layers of additional snaps. The snaps make it possible to change the diaper from a size small to a size large, without buying multiple size diapers. Although these diapers usually cost more money, they last longer and can be used for more than one child in the event you have multiple children in diapers. This diaper should last you from birth (approx 2months) to potty learning.
Cloth Diaper options:
1.) Prefolds(PF) or Flats
Prefold refers to a rectangle piece of cloth that has a thicker center for added absorbency. Most prefolds have a 4x8x4 measurement, with the first and last numbers referring to the number of layers on the right and left side of the prefold and 8 layers for the middle section. Prefolds can still work great with less layers, but often need a doubler (see below for more info) for added protection. Prefolds come in bleached (white) and unbleached (natural) fibers. Both work well, although the unbleached tend to last longer since the fibers have not been chemically weakened by the bleach. Organic fabrics are now commonly available at a higher cost, but for many people the benefits of organic fabrics out way the cost. Among organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are becoming more commonly used as a prefold fabric because of it's ability to absorb more wetness.
Chinese Prefolds vs. Indian Prefolds:
Chinese Prefolds are made in China and tend to be a bit sturdier and will last a bit longer. They are made with a slightly more durable fabric. Indian style is made in India or Pakistan. These are usually softer and a bit more absorbent, but will not hold up to as many washings. They also "quilt up" more when washed, although both styles will plump up and become softer when washed. The differences are subtle and no matter which you choose you can't go wrong as long as they are diaper service quality (DSQ). This means that they are made to stand up to industrial strength washing.
Flats simply refer to a prefold that has equal number of layers throughout, without a bulky middle section. Flats are usually less absorbent for this reason, but work great as "stuffers." PREFOLDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.
2.) Fitteds
Fitted diapers are a contoured or tailed fitted diaper that requires no folding like a traditional prefold diaper. It typically fits snugly against babies body and secures with snaps or velcro/aplix, although some fitted diapers come without snaps or velcro and close with either a snappi or pins. This gives a more customized fit. FITTEDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.
3.) Pockets
Pocket diapers are a contoured diaper that usually consist of three layers. An outer waterproof shell, an inner fleece (or similar material) that touches babies skin and a stuffer or doubler that goes inside the pocket between the outer and inner layers. Since pockets are waterproof, they do not require any additional cover. Since the inner stuffing is removed for washing, the diaper tends to dry quicker than other diaper options.
4.) All-in-Ones (AIO's) and All-in-Two's (AI2's)
AIO's are diapers that consist of an outer waterproof shell, and a number of inner, absorbent layers. There usually is no need to stuff like a pocket diaper, unless you have a heavy wetter and need added protection. AIO's are the closest thing to a disposable diaper and are typically the easiest cloth diaper to use. AI2's are similar to AIO's, but have a removable insert much like a pocket, making it easier to dry.
5.) Hybrid Diapers
Hybrid diapers are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers. They come with a cover which can be used multiple times during the day unless soiled and is washable. Covers can be used with cloth inserts or biodegradable inserts.
6.) Covers
Covers are typically used over prefolds or fitteds, since neither is waterproof. There are many different styles of diaper covers, including wool, fleece and PUL. Some PUL covers can simply be wiped cleaned between uses and can often be found as a OS, which will work from birth to potty learning.
First I will explain sizing. Keep in mind all babies grow at different rates. Some babies are full in the waist and thighs, whereas others maintain a leaner, skinnier frame. When possible, try to measure your babies waist and thighs and/or go by weight. Some diapers companies use age as a way to measure, which may be less accurate. Here are some approximate weights vs size that I have averaged/compiled from various diapers.
x-small/newborn: 6-12lbs
small: 7-18lbs
medium: 15-27lbs
large: 22-30/40lbs
One-size (OS): This is a diaper that adjusts with 2-3 layers of additional snaps. The snaps make it possible to change the diaper from a size small to a size large, without buying multiple size diapers. Although these diapers usually cost more money, they last longer and can be used for more than one child in the event you have multiple children in diapers. This diaper should last you from birth (approx 2months) to potty learning.
Cloth Diaper options:
1.) Prefolds(PF) or Flats
Prefold refers to a rectangle piece of cloth that has a thicker center for added absorbency. Most prefolds have a 4x8x4 measurement, with the first and last numbers referring to the number of layers on the right and left side of the prefold and 8 layers for the middle section. Prefolds can still work great with less layers, but often need a doubler (see below for more info) for added protection. Prefolds come in bleached (white) and unbleached (natural) fibers. Both work well, although the unbleached tend to last longer since the fibers have not been chemically weakened by the bleach. Organic fabrics are now commonly available at a higher cost, but for many people the benefits of organic fabrics out way the cost. Among organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are becoming more commonly used as a prefold fabric because of it's ability to absorb more wetness.
Chinese Prefolds vs. Indian Prefolds:
Chinese Prefolds are made in China and tend to be a bit sturdier and will last a bit longer. They are made with a slightly more durable fabric. Indian style is made in India or Pakistan. These are usually softer and a bit more absorbent, but will not hold up to as many washings. They also "quilt up" more when washed, although both styles will plump up and become softer when washed. The differences are subtle and no matter which you choose you can't go wrong as long as they are diaper service quality (DSQ). This means that they are made to stand up to industrial strength washing.
Flats simply refer to a prefold that has equal number of layers throughout, without a bulky middle section. Flats are usually less absorbent for this reason, but work great as "stuffers." PREFOLDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.
2.) Fitteds
Fitted diapers are a contoured or tailed fitted diaper that requires no folding like a traditional prefold diaper. It typically fits snugly against babies body and secures with snaps or velcro/aplix, although some fitted diapers come without snaps or velcro and close with either a snappi or pins. This gives a more customized fit. FITTEDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.
3.) Pockets
Pocket diapers are a contoured diaper that usually consist of three layers. An outer waterproof shell, an inner fleece (or similar material) that touches babies skin and a stuffer or doubler that goes inside the pocket between the outer and inner layers. Since pockets are waterproof, they do not require any additional cover. Since the inner stuffing is removed for washing, the diaper tends to dry quicker than other diaper options.
4.) All-in-Ones (AIO's) and All-in-Two's (AI2's)
AIO's are diapers that consist of an outer waterproof shell, and a number of inner, absorbent layers. There usually is no need to stuff like a pocket diaper, unless you have a heavy wetter and need added protection. AIO's are the closest thing to a disposable diaper and are typically the easiest cloth diaper to use. AI2's are similar to AIO's, but have a removable insert much like a pocket, making it easier to dry.
5.) Hybrid Diapers
Hybrid diapers are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers. They come with a cover which can be used multiple times during the day unless soiled and is washable. Covers can be used with cloth inserts or biodegradable inserts.
6.) Covers
Covers are typically used over prefolds or fitteds, since neither is waterproof. There are many different styles of diaper covers, including wool, fleece and PUL. Some PUL covers can simply be wiped cleaned between uses and can often be found as a OS, which will work from birth to potty learning.
Bagshot Row Bamboo
So, I finally took the full plunge in to fitted diapers and decided to try a Bagshot Row Bamboo, better known to the cloth diapering world as BsRB's. BsRB's are fully adjustable by folding down the rise. It is constructed from two absorbent layers of bamboo/organic cotton fleece with an outer layer of boutique cotton knit that is perfect for use with a snappi or pins. The owner and maker of all BsRB's, Joyce, has been selling her diapers via Hyena Cart since November 2007 and had great reviews.
I put Ariana in her Volcom BsRB and closed it with a pin. She lasted almost 3 hours before I needed to change her. Here is a picture of the cute print.
I put Ariana in her Volcom BsRB and closed it with a pin. She lasted almost 3 hours before I needed to change her. Here is a picture of the cute print.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Random Encounters
Today, while at my daily visit to Peet's with Liz, I stumbled upon a great family that shared similar beliefs as me and my family. Trisha, the mom, was wearing her 18 month old son Ry-Ry. Her two other boys, 3 and 5, were being well behaved with their dad Adam in the patio area. Within a few minutes of conversation Adam told me and Liz that their youngest child was a successfully planned home-birth. This obviously got our interest to ask more questions of the two. Trisha also explained that her first child was born via cesarean section after a domino of (somewhat) unnecessary medical interventions. We spoke for about a half hour learning that she also cloth diapered her children, home schooled them and participated in the Holistic Moms Network. It sparked many questions for Liz, who is pationate about becoming a midwife herself. I am eager to find out more information about the HMN and what things I may be able to take back to our smaller OMG group.
You just never know who you will meet at any given moment, and how those particular people may affect your life.
You just never know who you will meet at any given moment, and how those particular people may affect your life.
Friday, May 14, 2010
OMG
So, I started an Organic Mama's Group via Facebook. The intent is to give other mommy's information about an organic lifestyle and how to live a safer, greener life with children. Until I had kids, these things didn't mean much to me. Although I shopped at Whole Foods, I did it more out of glamor than the actually need to live healthier. The meaning of organic was not clear to me and I took it for granted that foods and products could be organic, yet still have unnecessary, harmful ingredients in them. Now that I have a family to take care of, I am constantly thinking about the things they put in their bodies, on their bodies or near their bodies. Although it is still a work in progress, I am sure my children will have a healthier lifestyle than I had, free of BPA's and GMO's.
So this is starting place. I will attempt to update Facebook and my blog with helpful information for busy mom's and dad's. Today I will start with a helpful tip my good friend Liz gave me. An unbiased web site that rates the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
So this is starting place. I will attempt to update Facebook and my blog with helpful information for busy mom's and dad's. Today I will start with a helpful tip my good friend Liz gave me. An unbiased web site that rates the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
"Mommy, houses DON'T go backwards!"
So last week Grayson told me he saw a plane flying backwards. I had to explain to him that airplanes cannot fly backwards just like birds don't fly backwards. He was rather confused since he swore the plane he saw in the sky was indeed going backwards. Needless to say, he accepted it until today. He saw a helicopter in the sky and told me helicopters don't fly backwards. I didn't know how to explain this because technically a helicopter can fly backwards. As I was trying to break it down in 3 year old language, he blurted out, "Mommy, houses do NOT go backwards." There you have it... my son is a genius!
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Work at home Mom?
Well, I'm still at home with Ariana and don't plan on going back to the Deli for a little while and we all know I will never be a banker again, so I started thinking about ways to make money while at home. I have recently become obsessed with cloth diapers and thought sewing a few trials might be a great idea. I went to Sheida's house and got my sewing machine and all my sewing supplies. I had all the materials and the pattern to make a purse and thought that might be a good starting place. I'll post pictures as soon as I'm finished. I also realized that infant bows and headbands were a new hot commodity, and the cost and time to produce one was close to nothing. We'll see if I venture in to that.
So, I'll have to see where I'm at in a month. Either I've broken ground on some projects, but if I haven't we know I was just blowin smoke!
So, I'll have to see where I'm at in a month. Either I've broken ground on some projects, but if I haven't we know I was just blowin smoke!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Cloth Diapers
As old fashion as it sounds, I decided before Ariana was born that I wanted to venture in to the world of cloth diapering. I had been exposed to the cloth diapers (otherwise known as CD in my new world) from my Doula instructor back in June 2009 when I first found out I was expecting. After doing some research, I found that modern cloth diapers are not only MUCH easier to use than than "old fashion" pin and rubber pants from my days as a baby, but they were also MUCH cuter! There was a whole world of fancy prints, cute characters and bright colors I could choose from. I liked to shop for clothes, it wasn't hard to believe that I would be in to CDing.
Surprisingly, Hooman was very supportive of my strange request to CD our daughter even though we not only used disposables with Grayson, but he was STILL wearing pull-ups at night! He was on board with trying it out and didn't seem to mind that I was the only one of my friends who was going to attempt this.
As far as finding actual stores to buy from, it was slim pickings, even her in the liberal San Francisco Bay Area. I did finally come across the Nurture Center in Lafayette which happened to be where I met my doula, Deanna, for Grayson's birth. I returned home with my very first (of many) CD purchases. Six Bum Genius (BG) All-in-One (AIO) One-Size (OS), and six BG Pocket OS. Pocket means I stuff an insert into the inside of the diaper. AIO means there is no stuffing, the insert is already a part of the diaper. Both type of diapers are waterproof and require NO additional cover to keep baby dry.
Now, I will tell you... if there had been many other choices of CD's at the nurture center, I may have lost my mind, because the options for CD are somewhat endless, and we all know how I am with making up my mind! Needless to say, BG's were the only brand they sold, which have proven to be the 5 star diapers in the CD world so far.
I had to wait till she fit in to any of the diapers, but after 6 weeks of disposables, she finally fits them! So, here we are, 4 days in to starting to CD, and so far... I LOVE IT!!!!
I was worried I wouldn't like it, and the initial investment would be a big waste. Now I'm just worried all the cute styles are going to break the bank! Poor Hooman!
Surprisingly, Hooman was very supportive of my strange request to CD our daughter even though we not only used disposables with Grayson, but he was STILL wearing pull-ups at night! He was on board with trying it out and didn't seem to mind that I was the only one of my friends who was going to attempt this.
As far as finding actual stores to buy from, it was slim pickings, even her in the liberal San Francisco Bay Area. I did finally come across the Nurture Center in Lafayette which happened to be where I met my doula, Deanna, for Grayson's birth. I returned home with my very first (of many) CD purchases. Six Bum Genius (BG) All-in-One (AIO) One-Size (OS), and six BG Pocket OS. Pocket means I stuff an insert into the inside of the diaper. AIO means there is no stuffing, the insert is already a part of the diaper. Both type of diapers are waterproof and require NO additional cover to keep baby dry.
Now, I will tell you... if there had been many other choices of CD's at the nurture center, I may have lost my mind, because the options for CD are somewhat endless, and we all know how I am with making up my mind! Needless to say, BG's were the only brand they sold, which have proven to be the 5 star diapers in the CD world so far.
I had to wait till she fit in to any of the diapers, but after 6 weeks of disposables, she finally fits them! So, here we are, 4 days in to starting to CD, and so far... I LOVE IT!!!!
I was worried I wouldn't like it, and the initial investment would be a big waste. Now I'm just worried all the cute styles are going to break the bank! Poor Hooman!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Happy Persian New Year
Today is Persian New Year. Although Hooman is at the deli working, me Grayson and Ariana plan on spending this first day of spring outdoors. I gave Ariana a warm bath and put her in her new clothes (not too difficult, all of her clothes are new), and Grayson and I are also on our new clothes. Since the weather has been in the upper 70's low 80's, I think a day at the park will be perfect!
To all our Persian family and friends, Happy New Year!
To all our Persian family and friends, Happy New Year!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Happy one month birthday baby girl!
Ariana has arrived!!!
Although this post comes late, as most of my posts often do, I figured it was about time to give all the wonderful details of my little princesses arrival.
I started the previous week out with some stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. On Friday, February 6th, the BH were lasting 10-15 minutes without letting up. Although I knew they were not real labor contractions, I called labor and delivery to ask their advice. They were concerned about the baby since the contractions were in fact lasting so long and advised me to come in to l&d immediately. I was actually told by my midwife that she felt I was in active labor since I was already progressing to 3cm and contractions were 3 minutes apart, lasting 2-3 minutes. I, however, was convinced she was wrong and told her I would be going home until I really felt as though I were in labor. Well... good thing I listened to my instincts and left, because by the next morning I was not having any contractions at all! Matter of fact, contractions didn't start again until the following Wednesday night.
I started feeling the same BH contractions as the prior week. They were lasting 5-10 minutes long and I really couldn't time them at all since they seemed to be running together. I wasn't convinced that I was really in labor, so at 11pm I went for a brisk walk around our neighborhood, even though Hooman was begging me not to! By the time I came back I thought all contractions had stopped and we would be having a peacful evening. Shortly after I finally felt my first labor contraction and was able to start timing them. They started about 3-5 minutes apart. I was able to talk through the contractions, but found I was even more relaxed in our jet tub listening to my HypnoBabies MP3's. Grayson, unfortunately, had come down with a bad cold, and was waking up every half hour or so and didn't want anyone other than his mommy. It started to get difficult to go to him and relax the way I really wanted to, so around 2:00am Thursday, February 11th, I called my mom and told her to make the drive from Modesto so Hooman and I could get to l&d. Although I wasn't really ready to leave the house, I really wanted to take advantage of the natural birthing room at Kaiser Walnut Creek that offered a jet tub, and as of that moment it was still available. My mom made it in no time at all and Hooman and I gather our belongings and headed to the hospital for our final delivery!
By the time I made it to triage around 3:30am, I felt like labor was slowing down and continued to pace the halls waiting for the nurse to come check me. When the triage nurse, Nicole, finally checked me, she said I was 7cm and that she would get me to room 7 (the room with the tub) immediately.
When I made it to the room, I got my antibiotics and within an hour or so was in the tub. Again, I felt as though labor was slowing down, so I opted to have the CNM break my water to progress things along. She broke my water at 6:25am. For the first hour after that, labor still seemed slow and COMPLETELY manageable... then, everything changed. Around 7:30am I started having extremely intense contractions that would not let up or subside in between each other. I was barely able to catch my breath. Getting up to go to the bathroom proved to be a bad decision and I thought I was going to faint from the intensity of the contractions. I climbed back in to bed and contemplated what I wanted to do. I knew an epidural was not in my birth plan, but I just couldn't see how I would last any longer in this roller coaster of pain. I called my mom around 8:30am and told her to get to the hospital. Five minutes later I finally asked the nurse for a shot of pain medicine. She gave me Fentynal in my IV and I thought it would be my miracle drug. Boy, was I wrong! It did give me a break between contractions, but I still was shaking through them and barely able to breath or relax. Then, 10 minutes later I asked if I could push. About 5 pushes later and Ariana came screaming in to this world at 8:46am. She is just beautiful! She had less hair and lighter hair than Grayson did when he was born, and boy did she have a set of lungs on her!
Ariana Sheida Hamzeh
Thursday, February 11, 2010
8:46am PST
7lbs, 7ozs, 19 3/4 inches
Although this post comes late, as most of my posts often do, I figured it was about time to give all the wonderful details of my little princesses arrival.
I started the previous week out with some stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. On Friday, February 6th, the BH were lasting 10-15 minutes without letting up. Although I knew they were not real labor contractions, I called labor and delivery to ask their advice. They were concerned about the baby since the contractions were in fact lasting so long and advised me to come in to l&d immediately. I was actually told by my midwife that she felt I was in active labor since I was already progressing to 3cm and contractions were 3 minutes apart, lasting 2-3 minutes. I, however, was convinced she was wrong and told her I would be going home until I really felt as though I were in labor. Well... good thing I listened to my instincts and left, because by the next morning I was not having any contractions at all! Matter of fact, contractions didn't start again until the following Wednesday night.
I started feeling the same BH contractions as the prior week. They were lasting 5-10 minutes long and I really couldn't time them at all since they seemed to be running together. I wasn't convinced that I was really in labor, so at 11pm I went for a brisk walk around our neighborhood, even though Hooman was begging me not to! By the time I came back I thought all contractions had stopped and we would be having a peacful evening. Shortly after I finally felt my first labor contraction and was able to start timing them. They started about 3-5 minutes apart. I was able to talk through the contractions, but found I was even more relaxed in our jet tub listening to my HypnoBabies MP3's. Grayson, unfortunately, had come down with a bad cold, and was waking up every half hour or so and didn't want anyone other than his mommy. It started to get difficult to go to him and relax the way I really wanted to, so around 2:00am Thursday, February 11th, I called my mom and told her to make the drive from Modesto so Hooman and I could get to l&d. Although I wasn't really ready to leave the house, I really wanted to take advantage of the natural birthing room at Kaiser Walnut Creek that offered a jet tub, and as of that moment it was still available. My mom made it in no time at all and Hooman and I gather our belongings and headed to the hospital for our final delivery!
By the time I made it to triage around 3:30am, I felt like labor was slowing down and continued to pace the halls waiting for the nurse to come check me. When the triage nurse, Nicole, finally checked me, she said I was 7cm and that she would get me to room 7 (the room with the tub) immediately.
When I made it to the room, I got my antibiotics and within an hour or so was in the tub. Again, I felt as though labor was slowing down, so I opted to have the CNM break my water to progress things along. She broke my water at 6:25am. For the first hour after that, labor still seemed slow and COMPLETELY manageable... then, everything changed. Around 7:30am I started having extremely intense contractions that would not let up or subside in between each other. I was barely able to catch my breath. Getting up to go to the bathroom proved to be a bad decision and I thought I was going to faint from the intensity of the contractions. I climbed back in to bed and contemplated what I wanted to do. I knew an epidural was not in my birth plan, but I just couldn't see how I would last any longer in this roller coaster of pain. I called my mom around 8:30am and told her to get to the hospital. Five minutes later I finally asked the nurse for a shot of pain medicine. She gave me Fentynal in my IV and I thought it would be my miracle drug. Boy, was I wrong! It did give me a break between contractions, but I still was shaking through them and barely able to breath or relax. Then, 10 minutes later I asked if I could push. About 5 pushes later and Ariana came screaming in to this world at 8:46am. She is just beautiful! She had less hair and lighter hair than Grayson did when he was born, and boy did she have a set of lungs on her!
Ariana Sheida Hamzeh
Thursday, February 11, 2010
8:46am PST
7lbs, 7ozs, 19 3/4 inches
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