With my first little one who is now 21 months old, I didn't do a very good job writing up his birth story. It's still partially done. I decided I'd go ahead and write up my experience with my second little one who was born just under a week ago.
After my last labor, I was happy with the care I received and the overall experience, but I still wanted some things to be different, and after experiencing it that time, I felt I knew more what to expect and could plan a bit better. I felt more empowered that I could make the decisions rather than being lead in a particular direction.
The major thing I wanted to be different was that I wanted to avoid medical interventions and medications. I wanted this with my first, but it didn't work out that way and after reflection, I felt that I had gotten so stressed out by the traffic in and out of my room during labor and the constant emphasis on time. I was hoping for less stress and less traffic. I actually got that!
After a pretty uneventful pregnancy (I lucked out and had nausea, severe heartburn, and backaches in the later stages but otherwise I avoided a number of other normal pregnancy discomforts), I neared the due date with a sense of calm and relaxation. I was in no rush to have the baby and I felt I had all the time in the world. it actually took my father-in-law visiting for a week and getting on my case to get things done like pack the hospital bag and get the baby clothes ready. I also had been reading HypnoBirthing, a book I borrowed from a friend, to try to gain some skills to keep myself less stressed during my labor and help me tune out the traffic in and out of my room. Inspired by that book and a few other factors, I wrote up my birth preferences (which I had not done with my previous baby) and printed out a copy to take with us. Among my preferences I listed the desire for a heparin block (vs. fluids) and intermittent monitoring so I could move around and change position during labor; reduced lighting, traffic, and checks during labor and delivery; no to limited medical interventions; breastfeeding immediately after the birth; weight checks, evaluations, and other newborn procedures to take place in my presence; avoid taking the baby to the nursery if at all possible; return the placenta to me for donation; and a few others.
My labor started on Friday afternoon. I was getting contractions throughout the day and in the afternoon I noticed they were getting a bit more frequent. Duration and spacing were not in a regular pattern, however. I called my in-laws (both nurses) to let them know I had started getting contractions. They were going to come and watch our older one while we were at the hospital and needed advanced notice since they live about 5 hours away. The rest of the evening was low key. I took a nice long shower and my husband kept our 21 month old from climbing on me too much. I gathered up the rest of the items I wanted to bring with us to the hospital. My husband went and picked up dinner for us to eat and I headed to bed a little early. I wasn't feeling very tired, but I lay down anyway, watched a bit of television and continued to monitor my contractions and practice the relaxation techniques I had read about. My in-laws arrived while I was resting. From about 10:45-11:30 they were coming fairly regularly with almost all of them being about 4 minutes apart. We decided we'd go ahead and pack up and head out.
We arrived at the hospital and checked in around midnight. We went to the triage area where I was hooked up to monitors and we filled out paperwork. My husband handed the nurse my list of birth preferences which she copied and placed in my chart, but barely looked at it. I was a little bit worried, but since I knew my preferences I figured we'd discuss it all as it came up. My contractions continued to be every 4 minutes and I was dilated to 3 cm. We were moved to a labor and delivery room where we filled out more paperwork. With a bit of difficulty, I was able to receive a heparin block rather than being hooked up to fluids and we then settled in for the night. It was a long night. I tried to rest, but it was difficult with the contractions and my very active little boy that didn't seem to like being squished. Eventually, with the help of my MP3 player, I did get intermittent sleep. When the morning came, things seemed to have slowed down some which was a bit unsettling. My new nurse came in and the first thing she told me was that she had read my birth preferences and everything looked great. She asked if I wanted to get up and take a walk, which I was more than happy to do to see if we could get things moving along. We took a stroll around the labor and delivery area but I didn't really feel any different. Around 10, the doctor came in to see how things were going and he check my progress. My contractions were really spread apart and so I wasn't progressing much at all. I had only dilated 1 more centimeter since we had arrived. He talked to me about various augmentation options which I told him I'd prefer to delay some more and see if we could get labor started up again naturally. He suggested I walk around for an hour or so (briskly) and he'd check me again in a few hours. My nurse told me no strolling that she wanted me to come back huffing and puffing and told us we could go further than just the labor and delivery unit. Off we went to wander the hospital - briskly.
We returned after an hour and continued the monitoring. My husband headed out to grab lunch and returned shortly after. When the doctor returned after 12 to check me, I hadn't made much progress. The doctor spoke again of possible interventions that were available to help move things along. Despite his assurance that this kind of intervention is "normal" for obstetrics today, I still was very hesitant to have anything done because I feared the snowball effect that seems to happen and had happened during my previous labor. Eventually, I opted to let him break my water and see if labor would progress some more - after all, it's the least detrimental of the interventions they can do and your water has to break at some point anyway. My nurse suggested that after he broke my water, we could wait a bit and then take a walk around to help things move along some more. This time, we needed to stay a bit closer. We walked around the unit and I was feeling more contractions which was great. We returned to our room where we relaxed for a bit. I sat on my exercise ball some, but eventually decided to lay back down in the bed. My contractions started to pick up and were not only more frequent, but were also stronger. I could feel them throughout my entire abdomen. I was able to incorporate the breathing techniques that I had read about and tried to keep in a relaxed state between them which seemed to work well. The contractions were far from the easy painless ones that I had before.
Around 3, the doctor returned to check me again. He had seen that my contractions had picked up so he was pleased with that. I had dilated another couple of centimeters and was now at 6. I have to admit, this news was disappointing to me. I really had hoped I was further along. I began to stress out a bit because I didn't want them to start talking to me about more interventions. Luckily, despite the "slow" progression, the doctor was happy to continue to watch and wait since I was making some progress. While this made me feel a bit better, I was still a bit on edge. My nurse asked if we wanted to walk around again, but at this point, I really didn't feel like it, so I decided to stay where I was. I did sit on my exercise ball again and leaned up against the bed when the contractions came along. Another nurse came in to check on me because the monitors were not reading as well when I was on the ball, but my nurse came in and said it was fine since the baby had been doing well and I could stay on the ball as long as I was comfortable. The contractions were getting stronger and I really wanted to get back in the bed. My nurse came back in and let me know that if I laid on my side and switched from time to time it might help things progress. I liked this idea since the firm bed was uncomfortable and laying on my side/stomach would be more comfortable. It was, except when I had a contraction.
My nurse was definitely right. Laying on my side/stomach definitely made things pick up and the contractions came stronger and longer. I also started experiencing back labor. I breathed through the contractions and tried to stay calm which was not very easy at all, but I managed. My husband started massaging my back which made a huge difference and really helped me get through the contractions. After a bit, I wanted to switch sides. We called my nurse in since the monitors were not reading well as I had been laying in that position so she readjusted them when I turned over. Again, the contractions picked up. Stronger and longer. The back pain was horrible. I felt I couldn't make it though a contraction without my husband rubbing my back. I'd tell him as each contraction came up. He decided he needed to run to get something to eat since things were starting to speed up. While he was gone, it seemed like an eternity. The contractions were so bad and I had fleeting thoughts of asking for meds as I tried to breathe through them. Each time they subsided, I tried to recenter myself and calm down again, but they came so quickly it was hard to do. I felt the slightest urge to push during one contraction but ignored it. The next few contractions, I felt the urge again and it was getting stronger. My husband returned (and, poor guy, got a not-so-happy me complaining that he was gone too long and I really needed him to massage my back - that he should have brought the food back instead of eating away from the room). After another few contractions, the urge to push was so strong I couldn't ignore it any more. I told him - mid-contraction - that I needed them to come in and check me because I was feeling the urge. He said it was too early, which I agreed, but there it was and I needed them to check me. He tried to leave, but since I was in the middle of a contraction, I wouldn't let him go just yet to get them. When that one was over, he went to get the nurse and another contraction started almost as soon as he left. I was feeling the urge to push so badly. Apparently, despite both of us thinking it was too soon, it wasn't and I was ready to go. I was begging to push but they kept telling me not to. I needed to change positions so they could de-construct the bed and get things ready. I was so close to crowning and they had to rush. The doctor came in right around then and before I knew it, it was go time.
It was all of three pushes, if even that, and they told me to look down which I did and there he was. I couldn't believe he was out already. I heard a nurse call out 6:31 as his time of birth. They placed a very blue, very fussy baby on my stomach and I heard the doctor repeating to the nurses to be careful because the cord was short. The little guy was screaming, which I instinctively tried to calm while my husband was in my ear telling me he needed to cry to get oxygen. I watched as the precious blue little baby cried on my stomach and eventually started to get pinker. When the cord stopped pulsing, they cut it. I had torn some which the doctor repaired and then shortly thereafter, I delivered the placenta with an easy push.
The nurses proceeded to bustle around and clean up as I held my new little baby taking it all in. They weighed and measured him: 8lbs. 5 oz., 19 1/4 in long and returned him to me to hold and nurse. He latched on right away and we had our first nursing session with my champion nurser.
My husband proceeded to make calls letting everyone know the baby had been born. Before too much longer, my in-laws arrived with our older son and bringing supper for me. I was so elated to see my little man whom I had been missing all day long. He was fascinated with the baby and proceeded to point out body parts, like nose, eye, hands, feet. It was such a beautiful moment.
We were moved to the recovery wing and settled in for the night. There were a few more visits from the nurses to check on the baby and me. Throughout the night we had only a few interruptions for checking vitals, etc. which was a nice change from my previous labor and, according to the nurses,can be credited to my birth plan which indicated a calm, low traffic environment. We spent two nights in the hospital and returned home Monday morning to start our new life as a family of four.
Welcome to the world my new little baby boy!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
On Stored Baby Clothes and Stains
All the while I had my oldest munchkin breastfeeding, he was a major spitter. Spit-upper. I'm not sure of the grammatically correct term, but you get the idea. One of the great things about breastfeeding, I was told was the lack of staining since breastmilk doesn't stain clothing. I was thrilled to discover that was correct and happily went about with all the spit-up coming out easily in the wash. At least, I thought.
It turns out, that even if you don't see it, the stains can still be present. As my little one out-grew his clothing, it was cleaned, packed in storage containers, and placed in the attic until it was time for our next little one. With the anticipated arrival of baby number two (coming in a few days - theoretically) the clothes were brought down from the attic and I started the process of sorting through them and washing them in preparation for the new baby.
I was shocked to find that about half of the wardrobe for the smallest size I had was covered in yellowed spit-up stain. How was that possible? I am too particular about stains to have packed away clothing with visible stains on them. And breastmilk isn't supposed to stain. My only conclusion was that apparently, the stains were still there, but not visible. The heat in the attic over the past year or so must have brought them out again. I was so upset, thinking I'd have to get rid of a bunch of the clothes. Before I did so, I wanted to give it the "good ol' college try" and see if there was anything I could do about it. I'm glad I did.
An initial wash was not sufficient enough. In true form of how I do my laundry, however, I never dry anything with stains on it (although, all those now stained clothes technically were dried before they were packed away). I took all the items with stains damp out of the washer treated them directly with Clorox 2 and let them sit. They went through the wash again until they came out clean. About half of the stained items came clean on the first wash, but all showed big improvements. I only had a few items that needed up to three or more washes.
I now have even more reason to love Clorox 2. I already sing it's praises when it comes to getting my diapers clean and now, I have one more reason to keep it as my primary choice for stain removal. A whole set of clothing that not only went through the dryer, but also sat in a warm/hot attic for over a year came clean! I'm super excited that I don't have to worry about getting half a wardrobe of new clothes. All it took was a bit of patience!
It turns out, that even if you don't see it, the stains can still be present. As my little one out-grew his clothing, it was cleaned, packed in storage containers, and placed in the attic until it was time for our next little one. With the anticipated arrival of baby number two (coming in a few days - theoretically) the clothes were brought down from the attic and I started the process of sorting through them and washing them in preparation for the new baby.
I was shocked to find that about half of the wardrobe for the smallest size I had was covered in yellowed spit-up stain. How was that possible? I am too particular about stains to have packed away clothing with visible stains on them. And breastmilk isn't supposed to stain. My only conclusion was that apparently, the stains were still there, but not visible. The heat in the attic over the past year or so must have brought them out again. I was so upset, thinking I'd have to get rid of a bunch of the clothes. Before I did so, I wanted to give it the "good ol' college try" and see if there was anything I could do about it. I'm glad I did.
An initial wash was not sufficient enough. In true form of how I do my laundry, however, I never dry anything with stains on it (although, all those now stained clothes technically were dried before they were packed away). I took all the items with stains damp out of the washer treated them directly with Clorox 2 and let them sit. They went through the wash again until they came out clean. About half of the stained items came clean on the first wash, but all showed big improvements. I only had a few items that needed up to three or more washes.
I now have even more reason to love Clorox 2. I already sing it's praises when it comes to getting my diapers clean and now, I have one more reason to keep it as my primary choice for stain removal. A whole set of clothing that not only went through the dryer, but also sat in a warm/hot attic for over a year came clean! I'm super excited that I don't have to worry about getting half a wardrobe of new clothes. All it took was a bit of patience!
Friday, March 18, 2011
On Making Shoes
You may have read in my previous posts my position on shoes for babies. This position remains the same even now as my little one is 20 mo old and walking and running quite well. He still wears soft soled leather bottomed shoes, but I have run into an issue with my determination that he wear appropriate footwear.
My little one is on the big side. What can I say, he takes after his dad. As you may have seen in previous posts, I've probably mentioned this before in struggling with clothing sizes from time to time. It also seems to extend to his feet. Aside from his feet being on the large size for his age, they are also wide which he likely could have gotten from me. At 19 mo of age, he outgrew the commercially available soft soled shoes which are only available from most manufacturers up to 18-24 mo sizes. Many shoes are available in his size that still have flexible soles, but I feel he needs less structure since developmentally (even though he's and adept walker as far as I can tell) he's still young. Aside from that, among the flexible soled shoes, many have much more structure than I would prefer not to mention the cost of said shoes is astounding. Purchasing those shoes would mean spending what I spend on a pair of shoes for myself; and, when you need to replace a toddler's shoes every couple of months, it's not always feasible or friendly where the pocket book is concerned.
So, what is one to do? My solution? Make the shoes. I am fortunate in that I learned to sew when I was younger and from time to time, though I don't sew often, the "need" arises and I'm thankful that is one skill I learned.
The process to make the shoes did take a little bit of research and effort. First, I needed to establish the sort of materials I'd need. The shoes needed to be breathable and durable. A leather bottom was, of course, needed to protect the bottom of the foot outside; however, the entire shoe needn't be made of leather as long as the material used was sturdy and breathable. Next, I planned on examining the shoes he'd worn previously to see how they were made and then I would create my own pattern. Luckily, I was saved from this effort by my sister-in-law who helped me locate a pattern for cloth infant "booties" that were put together very much the same way as the shoes my boy was wearing. A change in materials used and an increased size was all that was needed to adjust the pattern for shoes that were safe to wear for walking outside and appropriate for his size.
I measured his foot in comparison to the size of the pattern and calculated the scale difference and was able to enlarge the pattern to fit his foot. I then started with a practice pair of shoes. For this, I used some sturdy materials, but I did not have the leather on the bottom (as this was the most expensive part of the shoe). For the practice shoes, I used scraps of materials that I'd used for other projects in the past. Mostly, I wanted to work out any kinks and see how the shoes came together. I also wanted to ensure that I had scaled up appropriately so that the shoes would be comfortable for my little one to wear. This is a picture of the practice shoes. I'm happy with the way they turned out, though I did run into issues with the thickness of some of the materials I used and it may certain aspects of the shoes difficult to sew together. As an added bonus, they fit well and my little boy loves to wear them around the house.
I decided it was time to proceed with the actual shoes so I purchased the materials I'd need. I purchased the leather, heavy duty thread, and a sturdier needle (to use with the leather) which were items I didn't have to ensure the shoes would hold up and function as intended. Since I had already gone through the entire process before, it only took a couple of days (during naps and after bedtime) to complete the shoes. I did experience some tension issues when using the leather, but I managed to work it out and ended up with a pair of shoes I was proud of. A few days after I completed them, they experienced their first real test. We went to a crawfish boil at a friend of my husband's and we spent the afternoon outside. My little one was able to get his shoes scuffed up and worn in and had no problems. He even got them soaked by walking in a puddle of water. I left his socks and shoes on and they dried out in no time, which I think is a great testament to the breathe-ability of the shoes. The "real" shoes fit well too, though they have more extra width than they have length. When it's time to make the next pair, which won't be too long from now, I'll probably adjust the pattern more for length and keep the width close to where it is currently is since he has a lot of side room.
My little one is definitely happy to be in shoes that fit again which is nice. I'm happy because I can keep him in the optimum style of shoe for his stage of development. I really wish they were available and more affordable at larger sizes for other moms that are in the same position with a larger munchkin like me, especially if they don't know how to sew. If you do sew, or if you know someone who does, this is definitely an option to try out. I'm definitely happy I did.
My little one is on the big side. What can I say, he takes after his dad. As you may have seen in previous posts, I've probably mentioned this before in struggling with clothing sizes from time to time. It also seems to extend to his feet. Aside from his feet being on the large size for his age, they are also wide which he likely could have gotten from me. At 19 mo of age, he outgrew the commercially available soft soled shoes which are only available from most manufacturers up to 18-24 mo sizes. Many shoes are available in his size that still have flexible soles, but I feel he needs less structure since developmentally (even though he's and adept walker as far as I can tell) he's still young. Aside from that, among the flexible soled shoes, many have much more structure than I would prefer not to mention the cost of said shoes is astounding. Purchasing those shoes would mean spending what I spend on a pair of shoes for myself; and, when you need to replace a toddler's shoes every couple of months, it's not always feasible or friendly where the pocket book is concerned.
So, what is one to do? My solution? Make the shoes. I am fortunate in that I learned to sew when I was younger and from time to time, though I don't sew often, the "need" arises and I'm thankful that is one skill I learned.
The process to make the shoes did take a little bit of research and effort. First, I needed to establish the sort of materials I'd need. The shoes needed to be breathable and durable. A leather bottom was, of course, needed to protect the bottom of the foot outside; however, the entire shoe needn't be made of leather as long as the material used was sturdy and breathable. Next, I planned on examining the shoes he'd worn previously to see how they were made and then I would create my own pattern. Luckily, I was saved from this effort by my sister-in-law who helped me locate a pattern for cloth infant "booties" that were put together very much the same way as the shoes my boy was wearing. A change in materials used and an increased size was all that was needed to adjust the pattern for shoes that were safe to wear for walking outside and appropriate for his size.
I decided it was time to proceed with the actual shoes so I purchased the materials I'd need. I purchased the leather, heavy duty thread, and a sturdier needle (to use with the leather) which were items I didn't have to ensure the shoes would hold up and function as intended. Since I had already gone through the entire process before, it only took a couple of days (during naps and after bedtime) to complete the shoes. I did experience some tension issues when using the leather, but I managed to work it out and ended up with a pair of shoes I was proud of. A few days after I completed them, they experienced their first real test. We went to a crawfish boil at a friend of my husband's and we spent the afternoon outside. My little one was able to get his shoes scuffed up and worn in and had no problems. He even got them soaked by walking in a puddle of water. I left his socks and shoes on and they dried out in no time, which I think is a great testament to the breathe-ability of the shoes. The "real" shoes fit well too, though they have more extra width than they have length. When it's time to make the next pair, which won't be too long from now, I'll probably adjust the pattern more for length and keep the width close to where it is currently is since he has a lot of side room.My little one is definitely happy to be in shoes that fit again which is nice. I'm happy because I can keep him in the optimum style of shoe for his stage of development. I really wish they were available and more affordable at larger sizes for other moms that are in the same position with a larger munchkin like me, especially if they don't know how to sew. If you do sew, or if you know someone who does, this is definitely an option to try out. I'm definitely happy I did.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
On Washing Diapers
In various forums and discussion groups (both live and online) the topic of diaper care has come up and there seems to be a lot that goes into it and a lot that can confuse people. We hear that cloth diapering is better for a number of reasons related to baby health, financial ease, environmental factors, etc., but then when the conversation comes up about caring for those diapers, everything seems to get really confusing. There are special detergents, special diaper creams to use for the baby that are safe on the diapers, line drying, stripping, and more that comes up and it can seem almost overwhelming to the point where you'd want to throw in the towel just based on that! I hope here I can simplify things a bit to make it seem less cumbersome.
First off, don't get too worried about what others are doing to care for their diapers compared to what you are doing. The reason? Most people like different types of diapers (and these days the variety of cloth diapers is astounding). Different diapers have different care instructions. So, consider that before you worry that you aren't doing all the stuff that someone else is. Consider first what diapers they have versus what you use. That in and of itself may make a big difference.
When purchasing diapers, take note of the care instructions. Take these things into consideration when chosing diapers and caring for those that you have purchased:
- Do you need to pre-wash before use? How many times?
- What kind of pail should be used? Wet or dry?
- Do you need to use particular detergents for cleaning?
- Will you need to line dry or can you use a traditional dryer?
- Should certain diaper rash creams be avoided when using these diapers?
- What stain removers are safe to use? Is bleach allowed?
- Are there different care instructions for covers, diapers, AIOs, or pockets made by the same manufacturer?
Try not to get overwhelmed, but prepare yourself with how to care for the diapers. Take note also, if the instructions vary if you choose several different types of diapers to use. How you care for your diapers can affect how long they last, so make sure you follow recommendations.
Here is a more detailed write up of how I care for my diapers:
- First off the diapers - I use Mother-ease cotton terry OS (one-size) fitted snap closure diapers, snap-in cotton terry liners, and Mother-ease Air Flow covers. I also use bamboo terry wipes.
- The pail - I use a 5 gallon bucket from a local home improvement store. Nothing fancy. I add a splash of vinegar and a splash of Clorox 2 (it's bleach free) and fill the bucket about 2/3rds full. Used diapers are emptied of solids in the toilet and placed directly into the pail to soak before washing which is roughly 2-3 days max.
For the diapers:
- Washing - Sometimes I pour off the excess water from the bucket in the toilet, other times the whole thing goes into the washer (I have a top loader). The water level is set as I would for a normal load based on how many diapers I'm washing. I first run the diapers, liners, and wipes through a double rinse cycle (I start the cycle on the rinse setting of a normal wash and have the extra rinse cycle function turned on). When the two rinses are complete, I then add detergent - I use Tide liquid in the same amount as I would any other similar sized load - and run a regular wash cycle on the casual setting (with the extra rinse cycle still on). I will then reset the washer for another double rinse like I did at the beginning. If the diapers are particularly malodorous, I will add a splash of vinegar before the final double rinse cycle.
- Drying - All of my diapers and liners go into the dryer if they have been washed clean. I do not put anything in the dryer that has staining on it. I dry the diapers and liners on a medium heat setting. According to the care instructions for the wipes, they do not go into the dryer. I'll leave them damp and place them back in the warmer adding excess water if necessary.
- For stains - For the diapers, liners, and wipes that have staining, I treat directly with Clorox 2 (as mentioned, it's bleach free) and spread it to coat the entire stained area - this must be done quickly since the diapers and liners will start absorbing the stain remover making it harder to spread out. I let them sit for at least 15 minutes. They are then washed again as mentioned above without the initial double rinse.
For the covers:
- My covers are washed with the rest of the baby laundry. I use Tide liquid detergent, wash on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry on low. Similar to the diapers if there is staining, they are pre-treated and washed again before being dried in the dryer.
So, in a nutshell for me, the process is: Rinse, wash, rinse. Don't dry if stained.
One more note: Stripping
- Many moms notice that their diapers begin to have decreased absorbency after some use. Occasionally this happens because of build-up of detergent, stain removers, or creams on the diapers. "Stripping" is simply a series of rinses to wash away any impurities that may have built up over time and could be affecting the absorbency of the diapers or causing irritation to the baby's bottom. Some times this needs to be done every couple of months or so, but is usually done on an as needed basis. I'm not sure if it's because of the type of diapers I use or the excess rinses I run on my diapers (admittedly it's a lot of rinse cycles) but I have never had to strip and have never noticed a decrease in performance.
I'm sorry if this is long, but I hope it's useful. If you do run into problems, seek the advice of the manufacturer or other moms that use the same types of diapers you do. It will be the most helpful!
First off, don't get too worried about what others are doing to care for their diapers compared to what you are doing. The reason? Most people like different types of diapers (and these days the variety of cloth diapers is astounding). Different diapers have different care instructions. So, consider that before you worry that you aren't doing all the stuff that someone else is. Consider first what diapers they have versus what you use. That in and of itself may make a big difference.
When purchasing diapers, take note of the care instructions. Take these things into consideration when chosing diapers and caring for those that you have purchased:
- Do you need to pre-wash before use? How many times?
- What kind of pail should be used? Wet or dry?
- Do you need to use particular detergents for cleaning?
- Will you need to line dry or can you use a traditional dryer?
- Should certain diaper rash creams be avoided when using these diapers?
- What stain removers are safe to use? Is bleach allowed?
- Are there different care instructions for covers, diapers, AIOs, or pockets made by the same manufacturer?
Try not to get overwhelmed, but prepare yourself with how to care for the diapers. Take note also, if the instructions vary if you choose several different types of diapers to use. How you care for your diapers can affect how long they last, so make sure you follow recommendations.
Here is a more detailed write up of how I care for my diapers:
- First off the diapers - I use Mother-ease cotton terry OS (one-size) fitted snap closure diapers, snap-in cotton terry liners, and Mother-ease Air Flow covers. I also use bamboo terry wipes.
- The pail - I use a 5 gallon bucket from a local home improvement store. Nothing fancy. I add a splash of vinegar and a splash of Clorox 2 (it's bleach free) and fill the bucket about 2/3rds full. Used diapers are emptied of solids in the toilet and placed directly into the pail to soak before washing which is roughly 2-3 days max.
For the diapers:
- Washing - Sometimes I pour off the excess water from the bucket in the toilet, other times the whole thing goes into the washer (I have a top loader). The water level is set as I would for a normal load based on how many diapers I'm washing. I first run the diapers, liners, and wipes through a double rinse cycle (I start the cycle on the rinse setting of a normal wash and have the extra rinse cycle function turned on). When the two rinses are complete, I then add detergent - I use Tide liquid in the same amount as I would any other similar sized load - and run a regular wash cycle on the casual setting (with the extra rinse cycle still on). I will then reset the washer for another double rinse like I did at the beginning. If the diapers are particularly malodorous, I will add a splash of vinegar before the final double rinse cycle.
- Drying - All of my diapers and liners go into the dryer if they have been washed clean. I do not put anything in the dryer that has staining on it. I dry the diapers and liners on a medium heat setting. According to the care instructions for the wipes, they do not go into the dryer. I'll leave them damp and place them back in the warmer adding excess water if necessary.
- For stains - For the diapers, liners, and wipes that have staining, I treat directly with Clorox 2 (as mentioned, it's bleach free) and spread it to coat the entire stained area - this must be done quickly since the diapers and liners will start absorbing the stain remover making it harder to spread out. I let them sit for at least 15 minutes. They are then washed again as mentioned above without the initial double rinse.
For the covers:
- My covers are washed with the rest of the baby laundry. I use Tide liquid detergent, wash on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry on low. Similar to the diapers if there is staining, they are pre-treated and washed again before being dried in the dryer.
So, in a nutshell for me, the process is: Rinse, wash, rinse. Don't dry if stained.
One more note: Stripping
- Many moms notice that their diapers begin to have decreased absorbency after some use. Occasionally this happens because of build-up of detergent, stain removers, or creams on the diapers. "Stripping" is simply a series of rinses to wash away any impurities that may have built up over time and could be affecting the absorbency of the diapers or causing irritation to the baby's bottom. Some times this needs to be done every couple of months or so, but is usually done on an as needed basis. I'm not sure if it's because of the type of diapers I use or the excess rinses I run on my diapers (admittedly it's a lot of rinse cycles) but I have never had to strip and have never noticed a decrease in performance.
I'm sorry if this is long, but I hope it's useful. If you do run into problems, seek the advice of the manufacturer or other moms that use the same types of diapers you do. It will be the most helpful!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
On Trying to Breastfeed
On a networking site I belong to for moms I was recently intrigued by a poll that someone posted in a pregnancy forum. The poll asked if moms were planning on breastfeeding or formula feeding. Many of the votes (at least when I originally looked at it) were for breastfeeding. The additional comments had a number of responses saying how moms were going to try and see how it worked out.
I was kind of taken aback. I got the impression that many women, especially first time moms think that breastfeeding is a huge challenge and they get the impression that there is some reason they won't be successful. I really wanted to see if this impression was true so I added my own post to the forum asking moms what "try" meant to them. I straight up told them I was a breastfeeding advocate and for me, formula feeding is not an option. I asked them to what extent they would try and mentioned many possibilities such as lactation consultants, supply boosters, breastfeeding aids (nipple shield, SNS, etc.), support groups, etc. I asked what their breaking point was to where they would decide their trying wouldn't work and why they used the word "try" as though they had the impression there would be problems.
I got a pretty decent response from the moms, though many of them did not answer the questions specifically. There were several that seem to have the same impression that I do that if you say you are going to "try," it assumes that you anticipate problems and it allows a less successful nursing relationship that may turn to using formula instead. Many responded that to them there was no "try" they would or did do it and that their determination helped them. Much like me, it was an "I will" vs. "I'll try."
The vast majority of responses was exactly what I predicted, however. Many moms had previous experiences where they nursed and had challenges and eventually switched to formula feeding and therefore figured they would follow the same course with a new baby. I received many responses with varying degrees of hostility about how not everyone can breastfeed, there were too many complications, and how breastfeeding is "shoved down everyone's throat." Only a few moms discussed how the resources they used when difficulties presented themselves helped them overcome the hurdles and they had very successful nursing relationships with their babies. Another few mentioned how with previous pregnancies, they were uneducated and didn't know any better. This, I believe is at the heart of the matter.
Many of the moms that presented difficulties mentioned using some of the resources I mentioned in my original post that can help overcome hurdles of breastfeeding, but most didn't scratch the surface or go very far beyond one or two things to discover what was wrong and find a solution or management plan. Some list seeing several lactation consultants, but I wonder if they were looking for a quick fix or if they only sought help from a single consultant once (none that stopped breastfeeding said they saw consultants for multiple visits or long-term consultations - of course, they may have, I just don't know). One mom who ended up formula feeding said consultants didn't tell her anything she didn't already know, she didn't take a preparation class, and that she was too intelligent for support groups. She also didn't know what nipple shields or supplemental nursers were. Sorry, but I hardly think she knew everything she claimed to know - or at least enough to allow her to continue.
So, after all this, what do I figure out? My suspicions were true. So many breastfeeding relationships fail because of lack of education, support, and will. I beg every new mom that is looking forward to breastfeeding - especially if she's had trouble in the past or if this is her first child to educate herself and find local support. Breastfeeding rarely succeeds without it.
And one more thing I learned - many moms think that a low milk supply means the end of nursing. Not true! People talk about supplementing with formula when what they actually mean is formula feeding. Supplementing means "in addition to." Some low milk supply issues can only be helped so much - that is true. That doesn't mean that nursing has to be given up completely. Nursing and supplementing can work together and the baby will benefit from any amount of breast milk that he or she gets.
So, for those that are looking to breastfeed for the first time or looking for a better experience than before, please consider the following:
Breastfeeding Classes: Classes are available through community centers, hospitals, birthing centers, and many other places to help you get prepared. They will teach you about how to hold the baby, how to get a proper latch (when the baby attaches to the breast), how milk production works, how to maintain appropriate levels of milk production (supply and demand), what is an appropriate amount for a newborn and how to tell if your baby is getting enough, what are some common challenges and how to overcome them, and many other things. I came from a very strong breastfeeding background and I still learned an astounding amount of information from my class.
Breastfeeding Aids: Many breastfeeding aids are available. They come in the form of nipple shields (for nursing with painful nipples or inverted nipples), herbal supplements or prescriptions for boosting milk supply (if this is an issues), creams and pad for sore nipples, breast pumps and accessories, breastfeeding pillows, nursing covers, supplemental nursing systems, and many many more. Some of these are discussed in breast feeding classes, others you can learn about from consultants or support groups - not to mention where to get them. There are many things that can help breast feeding go smoother or assist you when you meet challenges.
Lactation Consultants: Lactation consultants are invaluable. They can help you on a one-on-one basis to make sure you have a good latch, they can help monitor intake, offer solutions to problems, identify the source of problems you may encounter. It is very common for moms that had c-sections or premature babies to experience challenges to breastfeeding especially in the early stages and consultants can help to turn around some of the negative breastfeeding related effects of the birth and early days and assist moms in having a very successful nursing relationship with their baby. Consultants come in many forms with varying degrees of education. For common problems, a Community Breastfeeding Educator (CBE) or La Leche League Leader (LLL Leader) can be a wonderful asset. For more challenging issues, a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), Licensed Lactation Consultant (LLC), or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help. Seek out local consultants so you know where one is in your area and consider a prenatal consultation.
Support Groups: Support groups are not just for the down and broken. With so many challenges and perceived challenges to breastfeeding support groups are wonderful. They provide a low pressure environment to discuss anything you have questions about. Many of the moms may have experienced something similar and can tell you what worked for them. You may also learn about breastfeeding challenges you never knew were a possibility and how they can be overcome. You also are more likely to learn to more confidently nurse in public and learn some tricks to doing so discreetly. By being surrounded by other nursing moms, you are more likely to succeed with your breastfeeding goals. Support groups are available at community centers, hospitals, churches, shops, through La Leche League (which also offers educational discussions), and many other places. Consider finding a group and joining before the baby is born for an eye-opening and educational experience.
I was kind of taken aback. I got the impression that many women, especially first time moms think that breastfeeding is a huge challenge and they get the impression that there is some reason they won't be successful. I really wanted to see if this impression was true so I added my own post to the forum asking moms what "try" meant to them. I straight up told them I was a breastfeeding advocate and for me, formula feeding is not an option. I asked them to what extent they would try and mentioned many possibilities such as lactation consultants, supply boosters, breastfeeding aids (nipple shield, SNS, etc.), support groups, etc. I asked what their breaking point was to where they would decide their trying wouldn't work and why they used the word "try" as though they had the impression there would be problems.
I got a pretty decent response from the moms, though many of them did not answer the questions specifically. There were several that seem to have the same impression that I do that if you say you are going to "try," it assumes that you anticipate problems and it allows a less successful nursing relationship that may turn to using formula instead. Many responded that to them there was no "try" they would or did do it and that their determination helped them. Much like me, it was an "I will" vs. "I'll try."
The vast majority of responses was exactly what I predicted, however. Many moms had previous experiences where they nursed and had challenges and eventually switched to formula feeding and therefore figured they would follow the same course with a new baby. I received many responses with varying degrees of hostility about how not everyone can breastfeed, there were too many complications, and how breastfeeding is "shoved down everyone's throat." Only a few moms discussed how the resources they used when difficulties presented themselves helped them overcome the hurdles and they had very successful nursing relationships with their babies. Another few mentioned how with previous pregnancies, they were uneducated and didn't know any better. This, I believe is at the heart of the matter.
Many of the moms that presented difficulties mentioned using some of the resources I mentioned in my original post that can help overcome hurdles of breastfeeding, but most didn't scratch the surface or go very far beyond one or two things to discover what was wrong and find a solution or management plan. Some list seeing several lactation consultants, but I wonder if they were looking for a quick fix or if they only sought help from a single consultant once (none that stopped breastfeeding said they saw consultants for multiple visits or long-term consultations - of course, they may have, I just don't know). One mom who ended up formula feeding said consultants didn't tell her anything she didn't already know, she didn't take a preparation class, and that she was too intelligent for support groups. She also didn't know what nipple shields or supplemental nursers were. Sorry, but I hardly think she knew everything she claimed to know - or at least enough to allow her to continue.
So, after all this, what do I figure out? My suspicions were true. So many breastfeeding relationships fail because of lack of education, support, and will. I beg every new mom that is looking forward to breastfeeding - especially if she's had trouble in the past or if this is her first child to educate herself and find local support. Breastfeeding rarely succeeds without it.
And one more thing I learned - many moms think that a low milk supply means the end of nursing. Not true! People talk about supplementing with formula when what they actually mean is formula feeding. Supplementing means "in addition to." Some low milk supply issues can only be helped so much - that is true. That doesn't mean that nursing has to be given up completely. Nursing and supplementing can work together and the baby will benefit from any amount of breast milk that he or she gets.
So, for those that are looking to breastfeed for the first time or looking for a better experience than before, please consider the following:
Breastfeeding Classes: Classes are available through community centers, hospitals, birthing centers, and many other places to help you get prepared. They will teach you about how to hold the baby, how to get a proper latch (when the baby attaches to the breast), how milk production works, how to maintain appropriate levels of milk production (supply and demand), what is an appropriate amount for a newborn and how to tell if your baby is getting enough, what are some common challenges and how to overcome them, and many other things. I came from a very strong breastfeeding background and I still learned an astounding amount of information from my class.
Breastfeeding Aids: Many breastfeeding aids are available. They come in the form of nipple shields (for nursing with painful nipples or inverted nipples), herbal supplements or prescriptions for boosting milk supply (if this is an issues), creams and pad for sore nipples, breast pumps and accessories, breastfeeding pillows, nursing covers, supplemental nursing systems, and many many more. Some of these are discussed in breast feeding classes, others you can learn about from consultants or support groups - not to mention where to get them. There are many things that can help breast feeding go smoother or assist you when you meet challenges.
Lactation Consultants: Lactation consultants are invaluable. They can help you on a one-on-one basis to make sure you have a good latch, they can help monitor intake, offer solutions to problems, identify the source of problems you may encounter. It is very common for moms that had c-sections or premature babies to experience challenges to breastfeeding especially in the early stages and consultants can help to turn around some of the negative breastfeeding related effects of the birth and early days and assist moms in having a very successful nursing relationship with their baby. Consultants come in many forms with varying degrees of education. For common problems, a Community Breastfeeding Educator (CBE) or La Leche League Leader (LLL Leader) can be a wonderful asset. For more challenging issues, a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), Licensed Lactation Consultant (LLC), or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help. Seek out local consultants so you know where one is in your area and consider a prenatal consultation.
Support Groups: Support groups are not just for the down and broken. With so many challenges and perceived challenges to breastfeeding support groups are wonderful. They provide a low pressure environment to discuss anything you have questions about. Many of the moms may have experienced something similar and can tell you what worked for them. You may also learn about breastfeeding challenges you never knew were a possibility and how they can be overcome. You also are more likely to learn to more confidently nurse in public and learn some tricks to doing so discreetly. By being surrounded by other nursing moms, you are more likely to succeed with your breastfeeding goals. Support groups are available at community centers, hospitals, churches, shops, through La Leche League (which also offers educational discussions), and many other places. Consider finding a group and joining before the baby is born for an eye-opening and educational experience.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
On Weaning
When it came to weaning my oldest, I wanted to take the easy approach - I wanted him to self-wean. I had heard horror stories about how difficult it was to initiate it as a mom. I also would have been comfortable nursing until the age of two which is recommended by the World Health Organization, but much longer than that, I wasn't too keen on. At 15 months, my little one showed no sign of slowing, which was fine, but I wondered if he would call it quits on his own (which I preferred) or if I'd have to step in once he got a little older.
My "easy" approach, and what I really hoped for, was to get pregnant, have my supply drop, and then have him wean because of a lack of supply. Well, it kinda happened that way. But, as my sister once told me, we make plans and God laughs. I really believe this is true sometimes.
I did get pregnant. My little one was about 12 months old when I got pregnant. As I said, at 15 months he was showing no sign of slowing, so the reduction in milk supply seemed to not be an issue. Until it was. Around 16 months, he started to be really bothered by it. We had weeks, I'd say 2-3 at least where he'd ask to nurse so I'd oblige. I followed the recommendations for easier weaning that said, "Don't offer, don't refuse" - a supposedly gentler way to ease them through the process of self-weaning. But that time period was pure torture. He'd ask, and I'd nurse him, but after several moments of not getting much of anything, he'd sit up and show me the signs for "milk," "more," and "please." I'd change sides so he could nurse on the other side. Again, after a few moments, he'd sit up and request, "more milk please" signing frantically. We went back and forth several times, each time, he'd get more and more frustrated. Fussing and crying was added into the mix of frantic sign language. Eventually, he'd climb down off of my lap and stand in front of me, tears streaming down his cheeks, crying and signing incessantly. It broke my heart. I was helpless. And this happened several times a day for weeks. Every time I'd sit down, no matter where, he'd beg me to nurse. Every time, I was completely lost. There was no way I could help my little boy. I felt like a terrible mother. His world was falling apart, and it was my fault. What had I done to him? Occasionally, I'd try to offer him a sippy cup with milk. He had started drinking cow milk by this age, but when he wanted to nurse, he refused the sippy cup and swatted it out of my hand. I cried along with him many of those times because I had no clue what to do about it. There was no way I could ease his pain.
It did get better though. Eventually, he would take the sippy cup here and there. Then, he'd take it more frequently. We were able to reach a time when he'd nurse even with little supply for short sessions and then go about his business. Our main nursing sessions became when he went to bed for a nap or for the night. He started sleeping through the night more frequently by this point too. Some nights he'd wake up and scream and cry and I'd nurse him back down. Other times, he'd awaken, but go back to sleep on his own. This was around 17 months of age.
After a while though, the lack of milk available made him nurse for even shorter periods of time. It wasn't long enough to settle him down for sleeping. I'd always offer milk in a sippy cup before bed, but turned instead to standing and swaying to settle him down for naps and bed time. We've been doing this for a couple of weeks now.
Looking back, I really don't want to experience those early times of reduced supply ever again. It was horrible, heart-breaking, and made me question my mothering ability. After he came to terms with it, weaning was a dream and couldn't have gone smoother. I had no angst about him not continuing for longer (after all, I really had no intentions to tandem nurse. Kudos to those who do it, but it's not for me). I was at peace with letting him grow up and ease away from it. I miss the cuddle time with him immensely, but the nursing itself, I'm not mourning the loss of. It happened like I wanted, but not how I expected. I really thought it'd be easier, but I didn't anticipate his reaction. I only hope that other moms that experience forced weaning due to pregnancy acknowledge that this can happen - it may not, but it is a possibility. I don't think anything can really prepare you for it, but there you go - the info is out there.
My "easy" approach, and what I really hoped for, was to get pregnant, have my supply drop, and then have him wean because of a lack of supply. Well, it kinda happened that way. But, as my sister once told me, we make plans and God laughs. I really believe this is true sometimes.
I did get pregnant. My little one was about 12 months old when I got pregnant. As I said, at 15 months he was showing no sign of slowing, so the reduction in milk supply seemed to not be an issue. Until it was. Around 16 months, he started to be really bothered by it. We had weeks, I'd say 2-3 at least where he'd ask to nurse so I'd oblige. I followed the recommendations for easier weaning that said, "Don't offer, don't refuse" - a supposedly gentler way to ease them through the process of self-weaning. But that time period was pure torture. He'd ask, and I'd nurse him, but after several moments of not getting much of anything, he'd sit up and show me the signs for "milk," "more," and "please." I'd change sides so he could nurse on the other side. Again, after a few moments, he'd sit up and request, "more milk please" signing frantically. We went back and forth several times, each time, he'd get more and more frustrated. Fussing and crying was added into the mix of frantic sign language. Eventually, he'd climb down off of my lap and stand in front of me, tears streaming down his cheeks, crying and signing incessantly. It broke my heart. I was helpless. And this happened several times a day for weeks. Every time I'd sit down, no matter where, he'd beg me to nurse. Every time, I was completely lost. There was no way I could help my little boy. I felt like a terrible mother. His world was falling apart, and it was my fault. What had I done to him? Occasionally, I'd try to offer him a sippy cup with milk. He had started drinking cow milk by this age, but when he wanted to nurse, he refused the sippy cup and swatted it out of my hand. I cried along with him many of those times because I had no clue what to do about it. There was no way I could ease his pain.
It did get better though. Eventually, he would take the sippy cup here and there. Then, he'd take it more frequently. We were able to reach a time when he'd nurse even with little supply for short sessions and then go about his business. Our main nursing sessions became when he went to bed for a nap or for the night. He started sleeping through the night more frequently by this point too. Some nights he'd wake up and scream and cry and I'd nurse him back down. Other times, he'd awaken, but go back to sleep on his own. This was around 17 months of age.
After a while though, the lack of milk available made him nurse for even shorter periods of time. It wasn't long enough to settle him down for sleeping. I'd always offer milk in a sippy cup before bed, but turned instead to standing and swaying to settle him down for naps and bed time. We've been doing this for a couple of weeks now.
Looking back, I really don't want to experience those early times of reduced supply ever again. It was horrible, heart-breaking, and made me question my mothering ability. After he came to terms with it, weaning was a dream and couldn't have gone smoother. I had no angst about him not continuing for longer (after all, I really had no intentions to tandem nurse. Kudos to those who do it, but it's not for me). I was at peace with letting him grow up and ease away from it. I miss the cuddle time with him immensely, but the nursing itself, I'm not mourning the loss of. It happened like I wanted, but not how I expected. I really thought it'd be easier, but I didn't anticipate his reaction. I only hope that other moms that experience forced weaning due to pregnancy acknowledge that this can happen - it may not, but it is a possibility. I don't think anything can really prepare you for it, but there you go - the info is out there.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
On Nursing in Public vs. Smoking in Public
During World Breastfeeding Week, I remember reading a blog entry that was linked from one of the many breastfeeding articles, blogs, and forum discussions that were prominently linked or displayed on some of the social networking sites I belong to. I'm not sure where the actual link came from, but the blog stood out in my mind. I'm not even sure it was a blog, it could have very well been an article or editorial, but the actual source wasn't my focus, it was the subject matter.
The woman who wrote the essay, I'll call it, was intending to bring to light the fact that nursing in public is legal and a woman's right as much as smoking is. She discussed how she felt it was wrong to hold your breath or move on quickly past smokers or make rude comments because they are practicing their legal right to smoke. The same should be done for nursing mothers - rather than balk, make rude comments, or expect the mother to cover up or find another place to nurse, you should just go about your business because they are practicing their legal right to nurse in public.
While I understand the point she was trying to make, and agree with her position on nursing in public, I don't agree that it is the same as smoking in public. Yes, both are perfectly legal, I get that, but smoking has a much more profound affect on those not participating in the activity than nursing does.
When a mother is nursing in public, an offended or disturbed onlooker simply has to avert their eyes and move on. There is no one holding them in that spot or requiring them to watch a woman feed her baby. There is no need for them to focus in that particular direction.
The same is not so for walking by or seeing a smoker. When passing a smoker, one can hold their breath, but that does not mean that they are free from the ill effects that can occur from going past or being around that person. Even if the passerby made a point not to breathe, third-hand smoke (the smoke that settles on clothing and has been proven to be just as harmful as second-hand smoke) can still cause harm to the health of the person going by long after they passed the individual. Not to mention, an adult may know to hold their breath to protect themselves from the ill-effects of second-hand smoke, but a young child or infant doesn't know to do the same. The system of a baby is not even mature yet. Add that to the fact that many smokers ignore the laws that require them to smoke far away from entrances to public locations and it brings in a whole new set of problems. Above all, even a smoker who is following the law, can blow smoke into the air that can be carried by the wind and travel to a location near an entrance or near an individual that doesn't care to be negatively impacted by second- or third-hand smoke.
So, I would have to argue, that my health is negatively affected by someone smoking in public and I am not affected at all by someone nursing in public. They both may be legal, but they are not the same.
*As an added note: I am sorry if I offend someone who chooses to smoke, but I do not appreciate my efforts to keep my children healthy and free from the harmful effects of second- and third-hand smoke being unavoidably shattered simply because "it's legal". I don't say anything because as the original writer of the essay mentioned, it is within their rights. However, if you do choose to smoke, I beg you to respect those of us that choose not to and at least follow the law and smoke in approved areas. I know you can't change which way the wind blows, but you can do your part to respect the rights of others.
The woman who wrote the essay, I'll call it, was intending to bring to light the fact that nursing in public is legal and a woman's right as much as smoking is. She discussed how she felt it was wrong to hold your breath or move on quickly past smokers or make rude comments because they are practicing their legal right to smoke. The same should be done for nursing mothers - rather than balk, make rude comments, or expect the mother to cover up or find another place to nurse, you should just go about your business because they are practicing their legal right to nurse in public.
While I understand the point she was trying to make, and agree with her position on nursing in public, I don't agree that it is the same as smoking in public. Yes, both are perfectly legal, I get that, but smoking has a much more profound affect on those not participating in the activity than nursing does.
When a mother is nursing in public, an offended or disturbed onlooker simply has to avert their eyes and move on. There is no one holding them in that spot or requiring them to watch a woman feed her baby. There is no need for them to focus in that particular direction.
The same is not so for walking by or seeing a smoker. When passing a smoker, one can hold their breath, but that does not mean that they are free from the ill effects that can occur from going past or being around that person. Even if the passerby made a point not to breathe, third-hand smoke (the smoke that settles on clothing and has been proven to be just as harmful as second-hand smoke) can still cause harm to the health of the person going by long after they passed the individual. Not to mention, an adult may know to hold their breath to protect themselves from the ill-effects of second-hand smoke, but a young child or infant doesn't know to do the same. The system of a baby is not even mature yet. Add that to the fact that many smokers ignore the laws that require them to smoke far away from entrances to public locations and it brings in a whole new set of problems. Above all, even a smoker who is following the law, can blow smoke into the air that can be carried by the wind and travel to a location near an entrance or near an individual that doesn't care to be negatively impacted by second- or third-hand smoke.
So, I would have to argue, that my health is negatively affected by someone smoking in public and I am not affected at all by someone nursing in public. They both may be legal, but they are not the same.
*As an added note: I am sorry if I offend someone who chooses to smoke, but I do not appreciate my efforts to keep my children healthy and free from the harmful effects of second- and third-hand smoke being unavoidably shattered simply because "it's legal". I don't say anything because as the original writer of the essay mentioned, it is within their rights. However, if you do choose to smoke, I beg you to respect those of us that choose not to and at least follow the law and smoke in approved areas. I know you can't change which way the wind blows, but you can do your part to respect the rights of others.
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