shortages

Cecilia's-life

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
May 10, 2021
Messages
1,157
Reaction score
2,580
Points
185
Location
USDA zone 5b
If your baby isn't in daycare, cloth diapers are very do-able. I think new parents should have some cloth dipes on hand even if they plan to use disposable. Especially true for families with any financial insecurity so that running out of diapers before payday is not a problem.

I can help with cloth diapering. Finding the right kind can be hard. They're not available in stores and the grandmas who offer cloth diapering advice have no idea what they're talking about. Cloth diapering has changed dramatically. Its so much easier now!
My baby isn’t even here yet lol! Cloth diaper advice is much appreciated! Daycare isn’t in the plan.
 

tortoise

Wild Hare
Joined
Nov 8, 2009
Messages
8,449
Reaction score
15,226
Points
397
Location
USDA Zone 3b/4a
This is true, I’m not sure where to source them though. Formula is scarier for me, in case I die during childbirth or my body isn’t producing enough. I don’t want DW to panic.
Not having access to formula is a scary thought, especially since so much breastfeeding know-how has been lost by 2 generations now. Kellymom.com is an excellent resource. La Leche League is still an excellent resource too.

One of the big problems in breastfeeding success is that pediatricians no longer check newborns for tongue and lip ties. Tongue and lip ties prevent babies from removing milk from the breast, and then the breast tissue isn't stimulated to make milk. But the time it's identified, it's usually too late.

My DS6 had the worst time learning to latch. It took a month or so before he could get the hand of breastfeeding. He has a lip tie. Identified by his DENTIST at 6 YEARS OLD. :duc The hospital lactation consultant never checked for ties either because he was gaining weight.

You should also know that relactation and induced lactation are possible! A non-biological mother can breastfeed! La Leche League has information on it! Show your DW! Lactation can be induced with drugs or with suckling. Until milk comes in, baby is fed formula or donated breastmilk through an SNS.
 

tortoise

Wild Hare
Joined
Nov 8, 2009
Messages
8,449
Reaction score
15,226
Points
397
Location
USDA Zone 3b/4a
Oh! Chicken feed! I've had issues getting it sometimes so I go at least every other week to top up. I need more storage space for it.

And oystershell has been nearly impossible to find for a year and a half. I have plenty because I bought before the shortage and found a bag last June.
I had no idea there was oystershell shortage. My chickens mostly eat pellets and have access to dirt, so I don't usually offer grit. I buy granite chick grit for my succulent houseplants! :gig

I hope to grow my own chicken feed, but have to wait until next growing season.
 

Hinotori

Sustainability Master
Joined
Nov 2, 2011
Messages
5,444
Reaction score
11,267
Points
373
Location
On the foot of Mt Rainier
Have you seen this? I want to try it just because. I can't think of a use for distilled water, it's not something I buy.


Ive seen that article. Getting a tubing that can actually handle the heat and not leach is almost impossible. That's why metal is normally used. I've been considering buying a small distiller to not risk burns as well. Can even find them on Amazon for under $100.

Or I could go drag out the steam juicer that I use for grapes. Actually, I really should do that. It's a bit inefficient because of some steam loss, but will make distilled water.
 

Cecilia's-life

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
May 10, 2021
Messages
1,157
Reaction score
2,580
Points
185
Location
USDA zone 5b
You should also know that relactation and induced lactation are possible! A non-biological mother can breastfeed! La Leche League has information on it! Show your DW! Lactation can be induced with drugs or with suckling. Until milk comes in, baby is fed formula or donated breastmilk through an SNS.
I had no idea! We will definitely look into this! Gianna is going to be relieved.
 

NH Homesteader

Sustainability Master
Joined
Sep 6, 2016
Messages
7,800
Reaction score
6,665
Points
347
One of my OB/Gyn’s and her wife adopted a child and she took medication to cause her to lactate, and she breastfed. I don’t have any more details than that unfortunately!

I tried cloth diapering with DS and it gave him horrible skin issues. My husband wasn’t on board so I quit trying. I’m sure I could have found a different style that worked but having 3 kids and doing most animal chores around here, I pick my battles!
 

Cecilia's-life

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
May 10, 2021
Messages
1,157
Reaction score
2,580
Points
185
Location
USDA zone 5b
DW would probably think cloth diapers are gross. Her father was a doctor. But in times of dire need!
 

tortoise

Wild Hare
Joined
Nov 8, 2009
Messages
8,449
Reaction score
15,226
Points
397
Location
USDA Zone 3b/4a
I tried cloth diapering with DS and it gave him horrible skin issues.
Some of the new cloth diapers are very difficult to get clean and get detergent residue out of them.

@NH Homesteader brings up a great point, when you are sleep-deprived and overwhelmed with child care is NOT the time to learn to cloth diaper. I wanted to use prefolds with my second baby because the laundry is easier, but I didn't learn any of the folds. I was so sleep-deprived I was unable to follow the instructions and learn how to do it!! Get diapers early, get or borrow a life-size newborn doll, and practice before baby is here. The doll isn't going to kick, roll away, or pee on you like the real thing. :gig
 
Top