Yes, you read that right. Placenta donation. Sounds weird, I know. It's my crunchy side showing up again, but as I mentioned to a friend recently, I hate for things to go to waste. That's what happens with most placentas - they go to waste. They are incinerated with a bunch of other medical waste. It's a little sad really because placentas are pretty cool organs. We all know they work wonders when in use. They provide the link between the mama and developing baby. After the baby is born however, placentas are often thrown out despite their quite awesome future potential.
In crunchier circles, placentas are known for having some amazing health properties. I'm not sure on all the details, but I did hear a story of how ingesting a piece of placenta soon after the baby is born can help to decrease excessive blood loss associated with some labors. Many people will actually save the placenta and send it to someone to encapsulate it and then the new mama takes a placenta pill every day. Ingesting placenta after the baby is born is rumored to keep away postpartum depression and help with milk supply among having other benefits. This is of course considered the more savory option for placental ingestion, but not the only one out there.
Being a typical American with that typical cringe that comes with the thought of ingesting the placenta, it wasn't something that I felt compelled to do. Neither was taking it home and planting it under a tree which is something that many people also do. In fact, once you start talking about or researching various things to do with the placenta, you run into all kinds of interesting (or gross, depending on your opinion) things that are done including having a lotus birth where the umbilical cord is never cut and the placenta is carried around with the baby until the umbilical cord falls off on it's own. Don't ask me how this is done, but feel free to Google it.
In one of the many colorful discussions in my mommy group when I was pregnant with my second, the subject of postpartum placenta use came up. One of the moms had heard that placentas are used in the training of search and rescue dogs. This instantly piqued my interest. As it turns out, placentas are the perfect thing for search and rescue training because it is a readily available human organ. It contains so many scent markers that only a very small sample is needed for training. I wanted to know more and I wanted this to be what was done with my placenta when my son was born.
That particular mom learned about this practice because a relative of hers works as a CSI. That relative works with a woman that is active in search and rescue that works with the local police department as well as others that may need their help (they were called out to help after the destruction of the World Trade Center among other disasters).
After getting contact information, I called up and let her know I was interested in donating my placenta. I learned many things in that discussion. She was definitely excited to have another placenta for her training since despite their commonality, they are rarely donated. Mine would actually be the first that she would obtain after a hospital birth since most that she receives come from home births or are saved by local birth centers. She was actually a bit concerned that if I was going to have a hospital birth, there might be some red tape that I'd have to deal with in order to obtain the placenta. That was something I had to look into.
I called the women's center at the hospital where I was planning my son's birth and asked what would need to be done. They had never heard of donating a placenta, and said to talk to my doctor. My doctor had also never heard of donating and he said it was about 15 years ago or longer since he had any patients that were interested in keeping the placenta. He had heard of some people planting a tree over a placenta many years ago. My doctor was on-board though and said he'd do whatever needed to be done.
As it turns out, all I needed to do was bring a cooler and a gallon size freezer bag to the birth for the placenta. I added the request to save it as part of my written birth plan and made sure that I discussed it with the staff when I went in for labor. Everything worked out great and after the baby was born, the placenta was brought back to our house and stored in the freezer by my in-laws. After that, all that was required was a phone call to the search and rescue trainer to let her know I had it and to coordinate our schedules for her to pick it up. And now I know, that my placenta didn't go to waste!
If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in donating a placenta to search and rescue, I'd recommend looking into it as early as possible. After first hearing about it, I tried to look up information online, but saw a few blogs or forum posts of people that had mentioned they'd done it or knew someone who did. No info was out there as to HOW to do it and rarely was any detail included in their posts. I tried to look up local search and rescue groups which also proved difficult. My suggestion would be to contact the local police department and see if they work with any local groups and go from there. I probably wouldn't have been able to donate mine without the connection from the mom in my mommy group, but I have to say, I'm super excited that I got the opportunity to help people out - not just those working in search and rescue, but also every person they are able to find and save because my of contribution to training those dogs!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
On Disposable Diapers 2
In my previous post on disposable diapers I compared several brands that I used with my first baby in the first couple of months because he was too small for the cloth diapers we had. Also, I had been given several different kinds as gifts and got to see how they all varied. If you are a follower of mine, you probably know that I cloth diaper for the most part, but I am by no means anti-disposable. I prefer the cloth because it's cheaper and I hate having to take out the trash so often with the disposables. In any case, after some time (since my last 'sposie post), I've had more opportunities to try additional types of diapers. My oldest is occasionally in disposable if we are traveling and the second one also has itty bitty hips like his brother did at first and he doesn't fit into our cloth diapers quite yet (at almost 8 weeks old). So I've been able to try a variety based on what I've been given or what I've purchased. In addition, since I started making diaper cakes as a kind of side business to being a mom with Beth's Baby Boutique, I've learned much more about what is out there and the brands available. Below, are my observations and comments based on the ones I've used.
Huggies Little Snugglers - These diapers I picked up because it is what we used with our first when he was first born. I really like the newborn diapers because they fit well and they have the umbilical cord cutout. I also have used the size 1, now that my infant is a little bigger and in using them after using the Pampers Swaddlers (you'll see my review below) I find that they are a bit smaller than the Swaddlers and narrower between the legs which I feel gives a better fit. Now, I seem to remember in my last diaper review that Huggies ran big, but I think that might be with their regular Snug and Dry line rather than the Little Snugglers.
Huggies Little Movers - For my toddler, these are the diapers I've purchased most often, though, I'll be honest, it's been a while since I got them. I've purchase Pampers more recently (I had a coupon) and been given some Pampers so I haven't needed to buy them. I like these because they fit very well and have a narrow crotch area. I don't recall having too many leaks with these that I've used in size 3 & 4.
Pampers Baby Dry - Now these diapers I've used in just about every size from when my first was a baby to now as a toddler. My main complaint with them is that they don't hold urine very well, at least not in the bigger sizes and definitely not very well overnight. My most recent experience with these was when I went to visit my mom for three weeks with my oldest (this was before I had the second baby) and my experience with them led me to vow never to use disposables for that long of a period again. The leaks drove me crazy. That and the amount of garbage. Also, the size 5 diapers, which should fit my toddler just fine right now, because he is well within the weight range for the diapers, fit kinda narrowly and his bum cheeks get a bit exposed. Maybe I'm just too used to the cloth diapers and how wide they fit, but it still seems too narrow.
Pampers Swaddlers - These diapers have the new Dry Max, a feature that Pampers added to several of their diapers to improve absorption. This addition was made after the birth of my first so I didn't get an opportunity to use them when he was little. These were the diapers that they had at the hospital in the newborn size and in general I liked them. However, after we came home from the hospital and I got an opportunity to try them again in size 1 when my baby got a bit bigger, I liked them less. The diapers contain a mesh layer that is supposed to let moisture go through it to keep the surface against the baby's skin dry. I guess it kinda works like putting a grate in a puppy's cage (not that this is recommended). In any case, what I found out was that the mesh liner sticks to my baby's bottom every time he poops. I'm not sure if this would be the case with formula fed babies or poop from older babies, but infant breastfed poop seems to not be very compatible with these diapers. They also are kinda big - maybe that's just compared to what I was using prior, but they are a bit wide between the legs and at the waist.
Walgreens Premium - These diapers my hubby picked up when we first came home from the hospital with our second. I would have grabbed something else because I'm a bit biased toward Huggies, but he likes cheap, so he picked these up in the newborn size. I have to say, I was impressed with these. If I have to go with generic diapers, these I might get again. I liked the way they fit and I didn't have any leak issues with the exception of some poo seeping out the legs.
This time around, I've had much more success with disposables with our little baby. We have yet to experience any big blowouts, but with all the diapers I've used with our infant we have had some poo seeping out the legs at one time or another. Although, the decreased incidence of poop issues may be related to the fact that he doesn't like to have a dirty diaper so maybe he tells me more than my older son did because he didn't seem to care either way. It's also entirely possible that since he's still small, the amount in the diaper is less than it will be as he grows, but hopefully, he'll be in cloth by then and only in disposable on occasion.
Huggies Little Snugglers - These diapers I picked up because it is what we used with our first when he was first born. I really like the newborn diapers because they fit well and they have the umbilical cord cutout. I also have used the size 1, now that my infant is a little bigger and in using them after using the Pampers Swaddlers (you'll see my review below) I find that they are a bit smaller than the Swaddlers and narrower between the legs which I feel gives a better fit. Now, I seem to remember in my last diaper review that Huggies ran big, but I think that might be with their regular Snug and Dry line rather than the Little Snugglers.
Huggies Little Movers - For my toddler, these are the diapers I've purchased most often, though, I'll be honest, it's been a while since I got them. I've purchase Pampers more recently (I had a coupon) and been given some Pampers so I haven't needed to buy them. I like these because they fit very well and have a narrow crotch area. I don't recall having too many leaks with these that I've used in size 3 & 4.
Pampers Baby Dry - Now these diapers I've used in just about every size from when my first was a baby to now as a toddler. My main complaint with them is that they don't hold urine very well, at least not in the bigger sizes and definitely not very well overnight. My most recent experience with these was when I went to visit my mom for three weeks with my oldest (this was before I had the second baby) and my experience with them led me to vow never to use disposables for that long of a period again. The leaks drove me crazy. That and the amount of garbage. Also, the size 5 diapers, which should fit my toddler just fine right now, because he is well within the weight range for the diapers, fit kinda narrowly and his bum cheeks get a bit exposed. Maybe I'm just too used to the cloth diapers and how wide they fit, but it still seems too narrow.
Pampers Swaddlers - These diapers have the new Dry Max, a feature that Pampers added to several of their diapers to improve absorption. This addition was made after the birth of my first so I didn't get an opportunity to use them when he was little. These were the diapers that they had at the hospital in the newborn size and in general I liked them. However, after we came home from the hospital and I got an opportunity to try them again in size 1 when my baby got a bit bigger, I liked them less. The diapers contain a mesh layer that is supposed to let moisture go through it to keep the surface against the baby's skin dry. I guess it kinda works like putting a grate in a puppy's cage (not that this is recommended). In any case, what I found out was that the mesh liner sticks to my baby's bottom every time he poops. I'm not sure if this would be the case with formula fed babies or poop from older babies, but infant breastfed poop seems to not be very compatible with these diapers. They also are kinda big - maybe that's just compared to what I was using prior, but they are a bit wide between the legs and at the waist.
Walgreens Premium - These diapers my hubby picked up when we first came home from the hospital with our second. I would have grabbed something else because I'm a bit biased toward Huggies, but he likes cheap, so he picked these up in the newborn size. I have to say, I was impressed with these. If I have to go with generic diapers, these I might get again. I liked the way they fit and I didn't have any leak issues with the exception of some poo seeping out the legs.
This time around, I've had much more success with disposables with our little baby. We have yet to experience any big blowouts, but with all the diapers I've used with our infant we have had some poo seeping out the legs at one time or another. Although, the decreased incidence of poop issues may be related to the fact that he doesn't like to have a dirty diaper so maybe he tells me more than my older son did because he didn't seem to care either way. It's also entirely possible that since he's still small, the amount in the diaper is less than it will be as he grows, but hopefully, he'll be in cloth by then and only in disposable on occasion.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
On Natural Parenting (the Mainstream Way)
I was having a phone conversation with a friend of mine the other evening and I mentioned the mom group I'm in and how many of them are a bit "granola" or "crunchy" and how I fall in line with a number of the things they do. He asked if I was always like that or if I had gotten worse since he knew me in high school. Despite being a member of my high school's environmental club, I told him it may have gotten a little worse. Then I got to thinking about it as we talked a bit more. See, I'm not necessarily idealistic. So, while I may adhere to many of the "natural parenting" habits that many other "crunchy" mamas have (and you've probably seen it before if you've read previous blog posts); my personal reasons for being "crunchy" are often much more mainstream and at times, just plain selfish. Keep reading to see what I mean. Here are some examples of my "crunchy" parenting and my less than noble motives:
Breastfeeding:
This is one area where I get pretty crunchy. I'm a huge breastfeeding advocate and I do truly believe/know that it is what is best for babes. I'm even mildly anti-formula and fall in line with the recommendation that formula be the 4th option when it comes to baby feeding. I know in some cases it's necessary so I'm glad it's available; but, most moms can feed their babies by nursing and all too often they fall victim to "booby traps," have poor education or support, and/or have a lack of discipline and/or determination. As a bonus, breastfeeding is cheap, as in free, so that works out great for me too. But that's just a cherry on top.
Co-sleeping/Bed-sharing:
While some moms are fans of bed-sharing (all too often confused with co-sleeping) because it brings them closer to the baby for bonding or because of studies that have shown a decrease in SIDs, I do it because I'm just plain lazy. Yep, that's right. If the baby is right there with a boob in his face, I don't have to get up when he awakens me at night. I just plug him in and go back to sleep. I actually used to be against bed-sharing and thought that it was dangerous and it was likely that I'd smother the baby in my sleep. After falling asleep nursing from sheer exhaustion multiple times with my first, I finally gave in and let him sleep in the bed on purpose. I also did some more research and learned that many doctors actually recommend it as long as you follow certain safety measures to prevent accidental suffocation. So, after having my fears relieved a bit by my research (and discovering that I literally do not move when I sleep next to the baby), I let my laziness take over as well as my desire to get some sleep at night. With baby number two, I thought of having him co-sleep (in the room but on a separate surface) but my laziness took over and I just let him sleep in the bed.
Cloth Diapering:
Save the earth! Don't fill up the landfills with non-biodegradable petroleum based diapers! Don't put those chemicals on your sweet sensitive babies! Meh. Sorry, I can't say that any of that motivated my decision to cloth diaper. My husband actually suggested it and I agreed. Our reason? It's cheap. Yep, that's right. We looked at the bottom line. While we could probably swing paying for disposables, it would put a strain on our pocket books from time to time and prevent us from making other purchases or payments. So, while other mamas are looking out for the earth, we are looking out for our finances. It really isn't much of an inconvenience even with the extra laundry so that's a non-issue, and no, it doesn't impact our water bill either. I've heard cloth diapered babies potty train sooner, so that's cool, makes my life easier - lazy me. =)
No Baby Food:
No, I don't worry about all the preservatives in artificial foods (ok, maybe some...). Again, I'm cheap. I had intended to make my own baby food. I'm too lazy for that. Starting some at 6 mo but really picking up around 8 mo when my oldest really started showing an interest in foods, we just fed him whatever we had on our plates (we did make sure to introduce new things one at a time though). Sure, I prepared foods that were softer or easier to chew at first or overcooked the veggies to make them squishy, but puree? Nah, too much trouble. I've heard that feeding this way makes it easier to introduce regular foods with varying textures. Ok, bonus, but really, I'm just cheap and lazy.
Baby-wearing:
Research says that baby-wearing comforts babies and makes them more secure by keeping them close to mama or papa. It also says that babies that are worn, learn to be more sociable since they are carried higher up and see more faces as they are carried around in public. For me, these facts are all bonuses. I like to baby-wear because it makes my life easier. See that laziness popping up again? Here are some examples: At the grocery store, I don't have to lug around that heavy car seat carrier and I don't have to worry about leaving my kid in the cart when I reach for something on the shelf. When going to the park, for a walk, or to a craft fair or similar event, I don't have to mess with that bulky stroller. Sure the carrier and stroller have their uses, but if I can just strap the baby to me, I know they are safe and I can be hands free without excessive weight to lug around. Even better, now that I have two, my stretchy wrap is a life-saver so I can wear the infant and chase my toddler.
So, yeah, in many ways I fit in with the "crunchy" moms in my mom group. I'm glad for all the benefits my kiddos get from the choices I've made, but I'd be lying if I said those were my primary motivations for doing a bunch of these things. Let's be honest, we all want what's best for our kids, but sometimes our own motives get in the way. I lucked out in some of these ways where I can be cheap and lazy and my kiddos still get some great benefits. =)
Breastfeeding:
This is one area where I get pretty crunchy. I'm a huge breastfeeding advocate and I do truly believe/know that it is what is best for babes. I'm even mildly anti-formula and fall in line with the recommendation that formula be the 4th option when it comes to baby feeding. I know in some cases it's necessary so I'm glad it's available; but, most moms can feed their babies by nursing and all too often they fall victim to "booby traps," have poor education or support, and/or have a lack of discipline and/or determination. As a bonus, breastfeeding is cheap, as in free, so that works out great for me too. But that's just a cherry on top.
Co-sleeping/Bed-sharing:
While some moms are fans of bed-sharing (all too often confused with co-sleeping) because it brings them closer to the baby for bonding or because of studies that have shown a decrease in SIDs, I do it because I'm just plain lazy. Yep, that's right. If the baby is right there with a boob in his face, I don't have to get up when he awakens me at night. I just plug him in and go back to sleep. I actually used to be against bed-sharing and thought that it was dangerous and it was likely that I'd smother the baby in my sleep. After falling asleep nursing from sheer exhaustion multiple times with my first, I finally gave in and let him sleep in the bed on purpose. I also did some more research and learned that many doctors actually recommend it as long as you follow certain safety measures to prevent accidental suffocation. So, after having my fears relieved a bit by my research (and discovering that I literally do not move when I sleep next to the baby), I let my laziness take over as well as my desire to get some sleep at night. With baby number two, I thought of having him co-sleep (in the room but on a separate surface) but my laziness took over and I just let him sleep in the bed.
Cloth Diapering:
Save the earth! Don't fill up the landfills with non-biodegradable petroleum based diapers! Don't put those chemicals on your sweet sensitive babies! Meh. Sorry, I can't say that any of that motivated my decision to cloth diaper. My husband actually suggested it and I agreed. Our reason? It's cheap. Yep, that's right. We looked at the bottom line. While we could probably swing paying for disposables, it would put a strain on our pocket books from time to time and prevent us from making other purchases or payments. So, while other mamas are looking out for the earth, we are looking out for our finances. It really isn't much of an inconvenience even with the extra laundry so that's a non-issue, and no, it doesn't impact our water bill either. I've heard cloth diapered babies potty train sooner, so that's cool, makes my life easier - lazy me. =)
No Baby Food:
No, I don't worry about all the preservatives in artificial foods (ok, maybe some...). Again, I'm cheap. I had intended to make my own baby food. I'm too lazy for that. Starting some at 6 mo but really picking up around 8 mo when my oldest really started showing an interest in foods, we just fed him whatever we had on our plates (we did make sure to introduce new things one at a time though). Sure, I prepared foods that were softer or easier to chew at first or overcooked the veggies to make them squishy, but puree? Nah, too much trouble. I've heard that feeding this way makes it easier to introduce regular foods with varying textures. Ok, bonus, but really, I'm just cheap and lazy.
Baby-wearing:
Research says that baby-wearing comforts babies and makes them more secure by keeping them close to mama or papa. It also says that babies that are worn, learn to be more sociable since they are carried higher up and see more faces as they are carried around in public. For me, these facts are all bonuses. I like to baby-wear because it makes my life easier. See that laziness popping up again? Here are some examples: At the grocery store, I don't have to lug around that heavy car seat carrier and I don't have to worry about leaving my kid in the cart when I reach for something on the shelf. When going to the park, for a walk, or to a craft fair or similar event, I don't have to mess with that bulky stroller. Sure the carrier and stroller have their uses, but if I can just strap the baby to me, I know they are safe and I can be hands free without excessive weight to lug around. Even better, now that I have two, my stretchy wrap is a life-saver so I can wear the infant and chase my toddler.
So, yeah, in many ways I fit in with the "crunchy" moms in my mom group. I'm glad for all the benefits my kiddos get from the choices I've made, but I'd be lying if I said those were my primary motivations for doing a bunch of these things. Let's be honest, we all want what's best for our kids, but sometimes our own motives get in the way. I lucked out in some of these ways where I can be cheap and lazy and my kiddos still get some great benefits. =)
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