Pregnancy Series: Diapers

Yesterday I had a baby shower and was overwhelmed by the amazing gifts. I always laugh at how some gifts make you so excited about your little one on the way (like the adjustable baby bath tub my sisters bought me) and how other gifts, although so welcomed and needed, scare the jeepers out of you (like bum wipes). There is just naturally a feeling of panic that comes over me - and likely most first time mom to be's - at the thought of diapering.

There are many options when it comes to diapering. We are so lucky compared to how things were when I was a newborn, and even more so compared to when my mom was a newborn. Here are some choices I've learned about:

1. The Diaper Free Baby
This is a pretty revolutionary idea that is actually a very old idea which involves studying your child's behaviour to understand when they need to eliminate. Then you bring them to a baby potty at the correct times, teaching them to use a toilet from a very early age. It's something that's a little too involved for me which a first baby, unless Calvin was really into the idea (I doubt it). I'd be very impressed by any mommas trying this and would love to hear about it more.

2. Disposable diapers
This category usually brings to mind Huggies and Pampers, and though they now undoubtedly offer eco-friendly options, there are other companies who truly care about the environment and your natural baby's health and have been producing eco-friendlier options, all along, exclusively. The diaper I'd recommend is sold at Quarter Master and is called Seventh Generation. These are chlorine-free and free of other yucky chemicals and are available in all sizes. I plan to keep some of these on hand for night time, traveling and when others are baby sitting.

3. Hybrids
There is also a brand called gDiapers making a reusable, cloth outer-diaper with disposable eco-friendly inner liners. The benefit of this is clear: fewer trips to the laundry room (if the outer portion is still clean you can continue using it with a fresh liner) and all the convenience of simply chucking the soiled part of your baby's diaper. This would be a good fit for a mom transitioning to reusables.

4. Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers have been the go-to system for many years and in a way I wish things had never changed. Back then, women used huge rectangular or square pieces of thin cloth to fold up these origami-like diapers for their babies to wear - sometimes using differing folding methods based on where the most coverage would be needed (middle for girls, front for boys). I can say I'm a pretty mean old-style cloth diaper folder, but the thought of doing this how-many-times a day (wait - don't tell me how many) is disenchanting. Now-a-days there are easier options. Some companies like Bummis and bumGenius are making gorgeous and easy cloth diapers that feature a stylish outer piece with a simple foldable insert that can also be customized for gender. Most of these diapers are conveniently one-size-fits-all, with snaps or velcro helping you go from newborn to toddler. Keep in mind snaps wash nicely and last a long time but velcro offers unlimited size options.


*If you think the idea of scraping off poop (that could be anywhere from liquid to rock solid) into the toilet and then washing the diapers is gross consider a cloth diapering service. Try http://www.cheerfulcheeks.com/ For a reasonable flat rate they will supply you with unlimited diapers and wipes and all you need to do is leave the soiled ones on your porch once a week in a bag, and they'll replace that bag with fresh ones. If you can handle the smell of baby poop for up to seven days, or have a nice expensive diaper bin for storage, it would be the easiest way to go!

5. Bamboo Diapers
Lastly, another reusables option. I was told that bamboo-based diapers better absorb liquids away from your child's body so that there is less risk of rash. I really hope to get some of these soon!

No matter what remember that what's best for the planet is most likely what's best for our baby so if you have the time and patience make an eco-friendly choice when it comes to diapering.

Wild Foraging

Forage: To wander in search of food or provisions.

It's unbelievable what delicious bounty our city has to offer for free if we'd only look for it. My friend Brad has a secret spot for wild asparagus. A nature hike near my cottage turned up fiddlehead ferns long before I knew they were one of my favourite vegetables. Almost every forest contains copious amounts of rhubarb. And you'll find an unreal variety of edible berries within our city. You can eat dandelion leaves, sorrel and nettle to name a few.

Yesterday I picked a quart of saskatoon berries from a tree outside my work. I ate a few and then made the rest into jam. The only tricks to eating wild edibles are finding them and confirming that they aren't poisonous. Sources tell me that all wild berries with a crown are edible. Typically if I see animals eating them it's a pretty good sign - but a quick check at the library and a test on my lip a few hours before the big chow down is my standard protocol.

Rhubarb Crumble

Wow, short of the fiddlehead pasta I've been really slack on posting seasonal recipes! This was brought to my attention with the new books I've been reading:

and

So in all my guilt I've decided to post a recipe. Really after this one I'm not that far behind. I don't have anything brilliant to show you about asparagus (just cook it lightly and eat - can't get any better) so with fiddleheads, asparagus & rhubarb down I'm on to June which of course brings to mind strawberries so I'll see what I can do about that one soon! Roots are also available right now but because they're so easily stored I say enjoy them all year round.

Here's my favourite rhubarb crumble.

Preheat the oven to 350.
In a large bowl combine 3 cups chopped rhubarb, 2 medium apples chopped, 1 egg and 1/2 cup maple syrup. Sprinkle in a few nice warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Pour into a large baking dish.
In that same bowl (don't bother cleaning it) combine 1 cup flour (I've tried this recipe with 3/4 cup rice flour and 1/4 cup tapioca starch - it was great), 1/2 cup sucanat or brown sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Then cut in 1/2 cup cold butter or Earth Balance.
Crumble this mixture over the fruit and bake for 45 - 55 minutes.



There's no picture. We ate it all right away. Every time.

More Important than Folic Acid?! DHA!

As long as I've been aware of it the big caution through the child bearing years has been to intake enough folic acid. This is undeniably important, however a newer realization is leaving nutrition professionals promoting DHA supplements or adequate intake as equally or more vital.

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a polyunsaturated omega 3. Among other things, its function is to aid in brain, nervous system and eye development. There is no greater time in our lives that we need a heavy dose of DHA than while we're growing in the womb. Because babies can't reach out and snag a serving of tuna salad, we as moms need to make sure that we're getting enough from our food (unlikely) or taking a fish oil supplement. There are vegan options, made from algae, and there is also the potential to convent plant-derived ALA fats into DHA if you're quite healthy and eating a lot of ALA-rich foods. (ALA is found in flax, hemp, chia and many nut oils.) The greatest need for DHA is during the third trimester.

Studies testing the effectiveness of various maternal nutritional efforts to increase childhood IQ came up with little benefit - most often a difference in score of 1 or less. Then, new studies showed DHA supplementation during pregnancy producing an increase of 6 - 10 points in IQ score. 

DHA can also decrease risk of preterm birth, and can lessen or prevent postpartum depression symptoms. Some doctors and researchers believe the mood changes are due to severe DHA depletion in new mothers - only to worsen upon breast feeding, when the infant continues to need high doses from mom's stores.

If you're looking for food sources of DHA some of the safer fish are pollock, haddock and cod. You can also go by the old rule that you shouldn't eat the same variety fish in one week in hopes that they'll contain different metals/ toxins and won't build up; or go with smaller fish that don't have the fat content in their bodies to store heavy metals.

Lastly, remember, pregnancy is no time to worry or stress. Advice should be considered with an open mind and positive thinking, it should not be a source of stress. In fact, stress raises cortisol levels and will undo any beneficial efforts you've been managing. It is a beautiful time and if you stay calm, nourish yourself and look forward to your little bundle of joy, everything will work out perfectly.