Months ago the cloth diaper world got great news when a few companies announced that they would be making reusable cloth trainers!  The trainer market already had a few but most were pretty clunky and even fewer were nice to look at.  GroVia is ahead of the style curve in cloth diaper land so I knew they wouldn’t disappoint.  I got my first in person peek at the GroVia My Choice Trainer when I attended ABC Kids Expo.  I was even more impressed with their function and style when I got to handle them in person.  My initial concerns included the sizing (would they get small enough for a baby who is potty training younger than the average American baby), the absorbency level (but you can add more to the pocket opening when needed), and how waterproof the side Flex Panels would be.  I’ve been able to test the My Choice on my 3.5 year old who is day trained but needs a trainer at night.  My review is obviously not a full review for this reason so please keep that in mind.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩✩ These trainers are truly easy up and down just like a disposable Pull Up. If your child can pull up pants or underwear unnassisted then they will likely be able to do the same with the My Choice. My son is older than when many babies would begin thir potty training adventure but he has no trouble with this (you can view him pulling them up himself in the video). The Side Flex panels make this process simple and easy, giving the young child a real sense of independence versus a diaper. For the parent, you can also easily pull them up for your child. If there is a big OOPS and your child makes a solid mess in the trainer then you won’t have to smear it down the leg. Unsnap both sides of the trainer and it comes off like a diaper. There is a 1 step rise that snaps down but this is simple to do and will only need to be done for a fitting, not every change.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ The My Choice Trainer is $18.99 and GroVia is one of those brands that most coupons and sales won’t apply to so you can only get a “deal” if GroVia is running a special or if you find one used. In the grand scheme of things, if you go with reusable trainers in lieu of daytime pull-ups and you buy a handful then you will easily save money over pull-ups. There are cheaper trainers on the market but these make great trainers for outings because they are so easy on and off, which is the point of a trainer, yes?
Performance ✩✩✩ This is where it gets tricky. Everyone’s idea of what a trainer should do varies. Your expectations are based on your child’s needs as well. If you need a night time trainer for a full wetting (or more) than this isn’t for you. This trainer is really good for daytime outings for a child who still has accidents. It is good for daycare or pre-school as well when a child is MOSTLY potty trained. It is good for around the house when learning the potty. But overnight we had leaks almost everytime due to the side flex panels. Even after adding absorbency in the form of microfiber doublers or hemp inserts some moisture would make it out via the side. There isn’t a lot of area coverage there, so even though the panels have a hidden layer of TPU it wouldn’t work for us. Is that a deal breaker? Only if you need a trainer for overnight and the child is wetting the bed (not just having a small miss). Trainer is a word that is used for any up and down diaper but they are all designed differently and for different purposes. I find this a daytime trainer from my use.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ We reviewed the 1T-3T and this fit both of my children on the snapped down rise. Everett isn’t using them quite yet but they do fit his chunky belly and my super skinny 3.5 year old, which is perfect! The next size up goes up to 5T so there is a wide range or sizes. The trainer never left any red marks and the side panels were super soft on their skin. I love that there were no snaps exposed to their skin.
Overall: The design of the My Choice is very aesthetically pleasing to me. I don’t think having the colorful side panels to switch out is something that will make a younger child get excited. I like the color options and the way they look and I’m the one with the money, so there is that. They do look like real underwear for the most part so if your child has an aversion to “diapers” these could work.  The GroCool layer was a nice addition.  It lets the baby feel wet and this can expedite potty training.  I also liked that I could see the wetness so I could know he went to the bathroom, which would also be useful!
Where to Buy:

The longer I nurse the more I start longing for the days of wearing beautiful, lacy, SEXY bras again.  I know part of this is tied to wanting to feel sexy again, and part is getting over the hump of the after pregnancy/birth lack of *ahem* desire for certain things.  Once that desire is back I would like to start looking more desirable and less “sweatpants.”

Usually nursing and sexy bras don’t go together.  There are many brands offering cozy and comfortable nursing bras.  I should know, I own many of them and wear them on a daily basis.  However, when I get all dressed up I would like to have a bra that matches that feeling.  Something sexy, lacy, feminine, and that still gives me access to nurse my baby.

Enter the Cake Lingerie line of nursing bras.  Out of the “sexy” brands now offered for nursing bras I feel this brand is the sexiest!  I was fortunate enough to get to see their line in person at ABC Kids Expo.  These bras are made better and designed better than the bras I wore before having kids.

Cake Lingerie does make the popular nursing bra option of the “smooth cup” for under T-Shirts, and more day to day wear bras.  For my review I was able to try one of the bras in their Fashion line.  I was sent Coconut Ice (Plunge).  This bra has a lot of details- lace all the way around, pretty pink and black striped fabric on the bust, decorative straps, a oretty black bow in the center, and a multitude of settings on the back for the ever changing pregnant and nursing figure.

After doing some playing around with the straps and adjusting it to my size, I was happy to find a different kind of silhouette than my every day nursing bras achieved.   It wasn’t something I would wear under my everyday tight T-Shirts, but would look pretty awesome under my nice dresses.  It was more of a “bombshell” shape.

It was a challenge for me to decide on a size.  The company uses a different sizing system and I was torn as to what would fit best.  After some translating from the European sizes and talking with Ashleigh from Cake Lingerie, I decided on a 32 D and it was a bit too big in the cup.  I used some padded inserts from a bikini I had laying around in order to test the shape better.  In most other brands from the US I am usually a 32 D- 32 DD.

I loved everything about the bra when it came to the shape, the appearance, the quality, and the attention to details.  The only thing was that my skin didn’t like the lace!  Insert sad face here.  I just couldn’t wear this bra all day.  By the late afternoon I was one of those women who walk in from a day out at work/ running errands, who immediately unclasp and throw off their bra. It was kind of funny because I have been wearing shapeless and plain cotton nursing bras for so long I forgot what wearing something “pretty” actually felt like before having babies.  The band with the lace trim caused some itching.  It wasn’t the FIT that made it uncomfortable.  I would like to try their Toffee bra in the future; with no lace I expect it would be much more comfortable for longer periods of time.  It is also the ONLY nursing bra with a convertible strap option!

One thing that is nice about the shape of this bra is the wide set straps.  Often, with nursing bras your straps are more centered to the cup.  Certain shirts require wider straps or else they will be visible.  I like to wear this bra with my Toni Top, and even though that top is so wide set they somtimes sneak out, this is a bra that works with it.  Plus the straps are pretty, black, and lacy, so it works.

I was so impressed with the company and I’m thrilled that I met them at ABC Kids.  They really understand what goes into making a maternity and nursing bra.  They offer a huge variety of sizes, including Plus Sizes, and styles.  I’ve never talked to a man who knows more about nursing bras than Keith, who was at the booth during ABC Kids.

I’m going to be stalking Zulily and hope that Cake Lingerie comes back so that I can try one of their other bras.  Admittedly, their price is high at around 59.00 per bra.  After you have tried a lot of cheaper bras and realize how quickly they wear out their welcome and lose shape you start thinking of more expensive bras as an investment.  It has been a gradual shift in my thinking.  But, I still prefer saving money when I can, which is why I try catching good brands like Cake Lingerie on sale.

You can also find Cake Lingerie at A Mother’s Boutique here in the US in select styles.  If you are unsure of your size I know Judy will answer your questions.

*some links are affiliate links.

One of the diapers I was able to discover at ABC Kids Expo was the Smart One, part of the Smartbottoms line.  I had heard of this brand but previously it was only sold through home party consultants.  Now you will be seeing it available at a few retailers and online.  I really enjoyed meeting with Christy and her husband.  I also LOVE their logo and design scheme/colors and had some fun making my intro to the video demonstration.  I will admit that this diaper is not my favorite but maybe it will be yours.  Make sure to view click over if you are reading this through email to view the embedded video demonstration.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The Smart One from Smart Bottoms is a true All-in-One cloth diaper. This diaper only comes in snaps, and there are 3 snaps per tab. I will say that the hip snap was hard to get used to, the position was not where most other cloth diapers have them and I had to remind myself to snap it closed each time. It was easy to forget. Taking the diaper off is easier since there is no unstuffing or need to attach laundry tabs. You can just toss it into your wet bag or pail.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ You can order the diaper for 20.00. The price is higher than some other true AIO‘s but less than organic AIO‘s (like the bumGenius Elemental.) It uses organic cotton for the soaker and is made in the USA. They also sell primarily through diaper consultants so if you purchase through those women you are supporting their families and Christy (the mom behind Smart Bottoms) in one swoop. Nice.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ My son is not a heavy wetter which meant the amount of absorbency was enough for us except on one occasion when I had a leak from the leg after he saturated the diaper. It is sufficient for longer car rides and naps, not nights.
Fit ✩✩ I have to say that I was not crazy about SOME of the features of this diaper and how they related to the fit. The snaps are positioned very close to the top elastic (and exposed on the inside of the diaper, a pet peeve of mine since I don’t think that is the most comfortable thing in the world for babies). Couple this with the soaker that stops before the top and you get a poof in the crotch. I also thought the width of the crotch was a bit too wide which added to the “bunchy” look. The soaker is rather stiff and I wasn’t sure if it was comfortable for Ev. The hip snap is a great idea and I like the concept but it is really better for babies with skinny legs. To avoid red marks I couldn’t snap it at all and that wasn’t great for the fit. If Ev had been a tad smaller in the legs the diaper would have fit better, it was roomy enough in the stomach area. For the review we were testing a Medium (16-24 pounds.) I remember really liking the design of the XS when I saw them though.
Overall: I really want to love the diaper. The owners are wonderful people. There is a lot of thought in the design of the diapers, it just so happens that they weren’t a good fit on Everett. I would say skinnier babies will have better luck, although I would still like the crotch to have less width. The soaker is sewn in and takes over 60 minutes in my dryer.  To take the drying time down you might want to consider wool dryer balls.  I just let it air dry after the other diapers were dry.  I am always happy to meet with diaper makers and my visit with Christy was really great.
Where to Buy Smartbottoms.com

Ina May Gaskin, America’s Leading Midwife, has a new book out this month titled Birth Matters: A Midwife’s Manifesta. And I am in tears from just finishing it.

I am sure many of my reader’s are familiar with Ina May and her life’s work of not only providing phenomal midwifery services to women at The Farm, her community in rural Tennessee, but also her dedication to promoting the midwifery model of care to improve women’s birth experiences.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth truly made me believe in my ability to birth my son at home.  It made me realize that I needed to “let my monkey out” while laboring, as Ina May so famously suggested.  I needed to tap into my primal self, the self that instinctively knows how to birth a baby.  The self who, if she didn’t realize she was pregnant and suddenly doubled over in pain and thought she had to make a gigantic bowel movement, would assume the position and birth a baby.

And I did. I moaned, I swayed, I paced, and knelt, and reached, and I grabbed that baby -at home- with the care of 2 great midwives, a doula, and my husband by my side.  So thank you, Ina May.

Birth Matters is different from her other books because it is a history of birth, an exploration of why birth changed from midwife driven to obstetrics and surgery, and how we can get it back to being about women, not profit.  Birth is not only a feminist issue, it is person issue.  Birth shapes mothers and fathers; and how babies are born can shape them as well.  Birth should be respected and honored, not treated as a medical issue in need of solving.

The US has a serious problem.  Our Motherhood Morbidity rates far exceed other nations with comparable technology and wealth.  As it stands, we are at 15.1 maternal deaths per 100,000 births in 2005, up from 7.5 per 100,000 in 1982.   Even sadder, the rates are likely higher than even we know since the CDC reports that two thirds of maternal deaths are not represented because the method of reporting deaths has no standard and is not being done properly.  We are behind 40 other countries.

To understand where we are, where we have been, and where we need to go Ina May documents her own journey to midwifery, the witch hunt and near total eradication of the midwife culture in the US, the resurgence of midwifery care thanks to the Natural Birth Movement, and how we still have a long way to go to get midwifery care to all mothers who desire it.

I myself had to travel 1.5 hours away to receive care in order to have a homebirth. Was it worth it?  Yes!  Would I do it again?  Absolutely.  Should I have to?  No. And NY isn’t the worst in terms of laws regarding midwifery care.  At least here midwives are now legal to practice and Certified Nurse Midwives can be covered by insurance.  Others have it far worse than I did.

So much of this book took me back to my own hospital birth.  In a way I am grateful for it because now I see why hospitals aren’t the best place to have a baby.  The OB/GYN model of care treats women as “ill” who need to be monitored, tested, and have their birth’s practically mapped out if the baby won’t come on their “estimated due date.”  Even the EDD’s are changing.  When once the expectation was that a mother would have her baby around 40-42 weeks, we have shortchanged mother’s by 2 weeks and say 40 is the max!  Just in my own life, the mothers I know who chose an OB and delivered in a hospital usually ended up delivering in the 37-40 week timeframe.  Many ended up with inductions.  Of the women I know who chose a midwife and/or a homebirth, most delivered in the 38-41 week time frame, or later.

I appreciate technological advances but where do we draw the line?  Ina May relates many of the “advances” in medicine and technology that have in fact done great harm to mothers and babies.  She even discusses the new phenomenon of stopping periods with birth control.  It seems the research on many drugs and procedures prescribed to women are lacking the long term studies they deserve.  Examples include DES (the hormone pill given to women to prevent miscarriages which has given two generations, maybe more, a rare cancer), X-Ray’s on pregnant women that were once all the rage, forcep deliveries for nearly every birth at one time, twilight sleep (women were drugged and given amnesiacs, tied down, and went totally crazy.  They gave birth tied down but never remembered it, thus thinking it went well and was painless, when in fact it was not).  Then there is the technical advance of Electronic Fetal Monitoring and the pain relief drug, the Epidural.

The last two can be useful, but with overuse they cause more harm than good.  EFM in particular seems wonderful, but it has replaced nurses and doctors with a beeping machine.

And what about the Cesarean? I don’t think even the most staunch natural birth adovocate will deny that the C-Section has a place in this world. It can and has saved countless mothers and babies.

It has also become commonplace, accepted, and normal.  It is no longer just a life saving measure.  It is prescribed for virtually all breach babies, multiples, and of course, for any women who has had a previous C-Section.

The World Health Organization says C-Section births should be no higher than 10-15%.  The US stands at 32%, nearly one in three women! Some hospitals have rates in the 60-75% range.  When the C-Section rate reaches its highest point at 5:00-6:00 PM we know something is wrong.

Ina May and others are proposing we change the broken maternal healthcare system.  Easier said than done, right?

There is a new Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative, and this is laid out in the book.  Among other things, to be classified as a CIMS hospital, free standing birth center, or homebirth practice, C-Section rates cannot exceed 15%, but the goal is 5%.  Inductions (a topic close to my heart) should not exceed the rate of 10%, episiotomies should not exceed 20% but the goal is 5%, and VBAC (vaginal births after Cesarean) should be at least 60% but the goal is 75%.  The VBAC rate finally has a chance to increase thanks to the recent ruling by ACOG saying every woman has the right to a trial of labor to achieve a vaginal birth after cesarean.

Other goals are to treat women with the respect their deserve, to give more women access to midwives who want it, to let women labor and move about freely, to let women eat or drink, and so on.  Things that you would think are common sense, yet they don’t happen in many hospitals.

The CIMS hospital would also discourage non religious circumcisions, follow the WHO-UNICEF’s “10 Steps of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative”  for successsful breastfeeding, and mothers would receive adequate post-partum care including homevisits.

I am almost in tears again reliving the story told in this book (and many other places) of a woman who died of a post-partum hemorrhage a few years ago in NY.  Her mother was concerned about her, and last time they spoke the woman complained of a head ache.  When police finally broke down her door many days alter (after being asked to many times) they found the mother had bled out and her newborn had died of dehydration and starvation.

Had there been a postpartum homevisit her condition would have likely been discovered.  And at the very least, the baby would have been discovered in time.  In the book the number of babies born to single mothers is reported to be nearly 50%.  Many probably don’t have family to check on them.

The US has a problem. There is a solution.  God-willing one day this broken system will be fixed and the needless deaths of mothers (and babies) due to inadequate care, botched C-Sections, and post-partum complications left undiscovered will cease.

That is why I will be joining the Rally at the U.S. Capital with Ina May Gaskin and The Safe Motherhood Quilt.

Find out more information on The Motherhood Quilt and its mission.

You are damn right Birth Matters.  So let’s fix it.

You can find a copy of Birth Matters from my affiliate Amazon.com.  If you buy from my link you can help fund my trip to DC!  I am also hoping to attend her speech which has a hefty ticket price and would involve an extra hotel night.

I received a copy of this book in advance from the publisher for review. I also devoured it in 3 days.  Clearly, I enjoyed it and I think you will too.

Bravado was a brand I knew long before I tried it. The reason I never bought a bra from them was simple. I am cheap. When I bought nursing bras they were from Target or maybe a maternity store. And they all sucked. I lusted after Bravado bras because I had heard the reviews. My wallet always got shy when I was at a store carrying them.

Then I had the opportunity to review the Embellished Microfiber Nursing Bra. Hurray! I was so excited about this. Even more exciting was the fact that Melissa from Bravado was going to help me find out my true bra size. None of my nursing bras fit correctly and I knew it. I did get fitted 2 months prior to our email fitting however the bra I got didn’t fit well either. Until this moment I was resigned to never have a good fitting bra while nursing.

Over emails and after having my husband measure me according to Bravado’s online instructions, we came to a size. 32 D! I had been measured before as a 36 B! What a difference. I was actually skeptical that once I got the bra that it would fit. I was measure in person for the 36 B, but measured by my husband and the size was calculated by someone over email.

The day came that my new Bravado bra made it to my home. I ripped open the package and tried it on. It was a perfect fit! I was blown away at the difference in not only the look of my breasts in the bra (perkiness, smoothness, etc) but the superior comfort. There was no cup spillage (something I mentioned during the “fitting” that I was accustomed to. Many times with other bras I would spill completely out, and I was always checking on the girls. This bra held me in even after jumping!

Bravado has their signature “B” nursing clips. They were slightly different than those I was used to. I had to push my thumb under the clip to release it.  It isn’t any harder, but my old way of releasing my clips didn’t work as easily. After I figured that out it was a breeze to undo the clip and nurse my son.  The best part is that they lay flat, so you won’t see pointy clips under your clothing.

Some people love full support under the cup, but I prefer the open style of Bravado bras. I always had issued with the frame shifting, so when I undid the clip I had to puch my breast through the opening. This was also probably due to having the wrong size also.

The material is super soft. The outside layer is microfiber and the inner lining is a soft cotton. This is said to be best for early nursing mothers also. The bra I reviewed had no underwire, another recommendation for new nursing mothers since the underwire could affect supply. I don’t dislike or like underwire. The bra had enough support without that I didn’t miss it.

I have had this bra for a few months and it has washed and worn beautifully. I have been using it and another version which I bought from A Mother’s Boutique pretty much exclusively since I got it. Every time they are both dirty (a rarity since I rely on them so heavily) I am so sad when I have to put on my ill fitting bras. I have hand washed my bra before to make sure I would have it for the next day!

One thing this review has taught me is that there are some things you want to spend money on. I used to believe bras and panties were just throw away items. But since nursing I discovered you NEED a comfortable fitting bra. I feel so much better in my Bravado nursing bra. My breasts look better, and I am just more comfortable. I don’t have to check for spillage anymore either. I will be keeping my eyes out for Bravado sales to up my wardrobe.

Sadly, I moved recently and lost the bra I purchased. It is probably in the mess somewhere, I hope!

So thanks to Bravado for letting me review this item. If you can’t tell, it is one of my favorite items I have ever reviewed. If you are pregnant and plan to nurse you should consider Bravado for your bra needs. If you are currently nursing and haven’t tried them yet, please do!

Fortunately, Bravado is offering one of my readers the chance to win an Embellished Microfiber Nursing Bra. (LUCKY!)

*giveaway is closed*

Giveaway ends on December 28. Winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.

***Open to US and Canadian Residents!***  I was not paid to perform this review however the sample bra sent for review was free of charge.

The internet has made it back into my (new) home. I wasn’t expecting to be without for so long, so I have lots of catching up to do. Unfortunately all of my videos are made on the desktop, and it isn’t hooked up yet since the room it will be hooked into just got electricity today. I know a lot of you are waiting for the Econobum and Flip review. In due time, I promise.

In the meantime I will be posting some reviews and giveaways not related to cloth diapering.

Snap-EZ Review performed by Kristen.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ Overall they were easy to use.  Obviously since it is a pocket it needed to be stuffed beforehand and then snaps are a little trickier than aplix but once you find the right spot to snap to fit your baby, it’s pretty easy.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ at 13.49 at Dapa Diapers for a seconds version of the Snap-EZ you don’t get an insert.  Inserts will run a couple dollars, depending on which type you choose.  This is still cheaper than a new pocket diaper so you are getting a great working product for a reasonable price.

Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ I had my daughter wear it a few times.  The most recent time she wore it I left it on longer than I would normally leave a cloth diaper on because I really wanted to test how well the fleece cover worked and whether it would leak through.  She wore the diaper through two bottles and two naps.  She is also a very heavy wetter.  I was nervous about it leaking through, and noticed a few times that when I picked her up, her bottom felt cool to the touch, which I thought was an indication that it would soon leak, however it never did.  I worried a little about compression leaking as well but it held up while she was in for her naps and also sat in her high chair for a bit for lunch and I had no problems.  When I removed the diaper, the insert was throroughly soaked, from front to back, but there was never any leaking through any part of the diaper.

Fit ✰✰✰✰✰ This is probably my least favorite part of the diaper.  It has a low rise and when my daughter was standing, even on the tightest snaps, there was a gap at the top.  Maybe she should have been wearing a small instead of a medium but I would worry then that the rise would be even lower. She is pretty skinny, and as I mentioned above, there were no leaks, but I was worried about the gap and how low the rise was.  I also dont think I would be able to put another insert in for nighttime use since the rise is already so low but I’m sure that it would certainly be able to hold the wetness at night based on what I saw during the day.  I am also not a huge fan of pocket diapers that dont have a flap or something to hold the pocket in.  There isn’t really any reason why, I just think it looks neater when it doesnt seperate at the top and show the insert.  Once again, this didn’t prove to be a problem in any way and is more of just a personal aesthetic issue.

Overall- I was really happy with it.  I had never tried fleece before and was skeptical and nervous but it proved that it will hold us as well as any of my other diapers and I like that it allows her a little more air than her other diapers. It was super cute and i bet it would be warm for winter as well.  It seems to me that it has a lot of the advantages of wool, without the hassle of lanolizing….so it gets a thumbs up from me!

Monkey Doodlez Fitted performed by Kim.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰✰ It doesn’t get much easier than a fitted with a velcro closure.  To put the diaper on it goes on just like a disposable.  When you remove the diaper you do have to secure the laundry tabs, but this is not a bother at all.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰✰ The Monkey Doodlez Basic fitted from Dapa Diapers runs 9.99!  That is what I call a good deal!  You do get what you pay for, the diaper cannot be used overnight alone (at least for me), but it is perfect for daytime, especially since it is pretty trim!

Performance ✰✰✰ Like I said, the diaper is more of a daytime diaper than overnight.  We had a leak with it at night.  During the day it works just fine.  The worst part about it is that when you dry it it takes a long time.  The soaker is sewn down so it will take at least 2 dry cycles.  I like to let mine air dry after the first cycle.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ The Medium which I tried fit pretty well, but the rise was pretty high on my son.  Depending on what kind of cover you use this could be problematic.  The legs were plenty tight on him, and since the waist uses velcro it fit very well.

Overall- the Monkey Doodlez basic fitted it just that, basic.  it is a no frills economical way to use cloth diapers on your baby.  Because it is flannel it will start pilling when you wash it, since that is how flannel wears.  This diaper was a second, but I never saw a flaw on it.  I would suggest these for knocking around the house with a wool or PUL cover.

Dapa Diapers is an online retailer that sells “seconds.”  Seconds are cloth diapers which have either a cosmetic flaw (they got scuffed during manufacturing, stitching is wonky, etc) or they are factory overstock.  Think of Dapa Diapers your your TJ Maxx for cloth diapers!  I know when I was pregnant and was looking for the cheapest way to buy cloth diapers, I often turned to stores that sold seconds.  I have bought many, and out of all of them there was only one diaper that I have ever been able to find the flaw.  Even that diaper worked perfectly.  Seconds are such a great way to get awesome diapers for a deep discount.

How Dapa Diapers got started:

I realized that my passion for parenting as naturally as possible could be costly so I started looking for discounts and deals. After a few weeks of brainstorming my husband suggested we start my our own discount cloth diaper store. Manufacturers always have seconds and discontinued products so we figured that if we bring them all together into one store, people would quickly turn to us for a deal.

We carry name brand cloth diapers and trainers with minor cosmetic flaws or some that are just old stock, for a discount price. We also have a consignment program for cloth diapers and accessories in excellent used condiiton- another way to reduce what goes into our landfills. We also carry products made by some local work at home mom’s (WAHM) to help them get their products out there so they can remain WAHM’s!

-Dapa Diapers has monthly sales- a new item each month-to find out about them people can sign up for a news letter and or join us on Facebook

- Dapa Diapers  has the last of the Fuzzi Bunz in Canada and am among the last of the stores that carry them in N. America. Since all Fuzzi Bunz diapers and accessories are now made in China, there will no longer be seconds, just first quality ones available to purchase.

-Dapa Diapers carry a variety of brands, and their stock will be changing all the time.  Some of the brands they have now: Snap EZ, Monkey Doodles, FuzziBunz, Sweet Pea, and WAHM items.

Easy Expressions™ is a mom founded product by Gretchen Penny who created this hands free pumping bra to help her efficiently pump at work and allow her to multi task. Pumping can be a complicated process, especially for working mothers who absolutely need to pump both sides at once. You are either stuck holding to flanges for 20 minutes, or you can use the hair tie method. Neither of these are stable or allow your hands true freedom. I am always amazed by the mothers who work full time and pump to nourish their babies. I am lucky to able to stay home with my son so I cannot relate to having to pump at work. I will say that I admire pumping and working mommies the most because they work so hard to balance work and babies and keeping up their supply. This product is for them. I asked Katrina, a friend of mine who happens to work full time and pump, to review this bra. Here is her review:

I am a full time working and breastfeeding mom, to my nine month old son; I breastfeed when I am at home and he gets 2-3 bottles of expressed breast milk while I am away each day.

When I was offered the opportunity to try out the EasyExpressions™ Hands Free Pumping Bra I was very excited, I need to pump three times each day when I am at work and I try to add a fourth session in the evenings to add extra milk to my freezer. As you can imagine sometimes I get a little sick of looking at my pump, and holding the bottles and the whole ordeal.

I selected the Bustier version because it seemed it would be easier to put on and take off, and I chose a size Medium as I currently fluctuate between a 34 B and C bra size.

When I received the Bra I couldn’t help but to giggle, because it does look quite comical and a little scary.

My hopes for the bra would be that it was comfortable and convenient to use, ultimately it needed to work well enough for a new mom to make the purchase.

I was very impressed with the quality of the material and construction on the bra, and the cotton and Lycra blend was comfortable on my skin. The elastic around the bottom of the bra is very similar to that of a sports bra without leaving indentations in my skin.

When I zipped up the bra I was a little worried that my nipples did not line up perfectly with the holes in the bra, but it was not an issue at all. I was able to easily slide the breast flanges from my Lansinoh double electric pump into the holes and pump, HANDS FREE!

Hands Free and able to enjoy time with her son.

The first few times I used the bra I felt like I should still support the bottles because I would never want to risk spilling any “liquid gold” aka breast milk, but I soon realized that the bra supported the flanges perfectly and I did not need to worry.

The holes in the bra makes it a little difficult to wear as your full time bra, especially in a work environment, but you could always slide a nursing pad inside to cover the hole and wear loose fitting clothing if you did not want to carry it as an extra bra. I found that I did not need to take my regular nursing bra entirely off to use the Easy Expression Bustier, I could simply take the straps off my shoulders and attach the bustier over the top.

My favorite experience with the EasyExpressions™ was being able to nurse my son on one side and pump the other without struggling to hold onto him and a pump flange and that I could now pump while playing with him too. In my opinion the Hands Free Pumping Bra is an absolute must for any exclusively pumping mom.

After using the bra for a few weeks I am pleased that it has held up well being washed and look forward to continue using the product.

The only improvement I could see eventually being needed is a heavier duty zipper, the current one is still working for me but it is a thinner zipper that may be problematic with frequent use.

Overall my experience with the EasyExpressions™ Bustier was a very positive one, and I will recommend their products to other pumping mothers.

EasyExpressions™ offers a Bustier ($34USD) and a Halter ($19USD) version that

• Work with all breast pump brands
• Accommodate bra sizes 30AA – 48H
• Made in the USA

Easy Expressions™ has some handy tips for pumping mothers as well.

1.

Practice Pumping. Begin pumping a few weeks prior to returning to work so you can build up your milk supply and get the hang of pumping.

2. Talk to the Boss. Moms returning to work should consult with their bosses prior to their first day back and discuss what quiet and private space (with a door lock) will be a dedicated “lactating” room.

3. Get the Right Tools. A working mom will need to have the right tools in place if she is going to find success in pumping while at work.

Suggested tools include:

• A Good Pump: Working moms need a good, electronic double breast pump so they can quickly pump and return to work.
  

• Hands-Free Pumping Bra. The hands-free pumping bra was invented by a working mom in Houston. It holds the breast pump shields in place, freeing a mom’s hands so she can continue to work and be productive while she simultaneously pumps. It is a lifesaver to many working and busy moms!
  

• Storage Container: Moms should get a roomy cooler to discreetly store breast milk. The cooler should be stored in a fridge at work and it should include plenty of ice packs for on-the-go transporting.
  

• Extra Shirt: Working moms should keep an extra change of clothes at work in case breast milk gets on their work clothes.
  

• Pictures from Home: Moms should also bring along pictures of their babies. Experts say looking at pictures of their baby can aid in milk production and let-down

Giveaway is closed.
Read the full story

Ease of Use ✰✰✰
I always take a star away from snap diapers, for the simple fact that snaps make putting diapers on harder than velcro. But, I prefer snaps. That said, I had to give the Sweet Pea 3 stars because of the front pocket opening. It took some getting used to. When putting the diaper on, you need to roll it in to make sure you don’t get any leaks, or that the microfiber is poking up at the top, which could transfer wetness to your baby’s clothing. Once you get that figured out, you will be ok!

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰
This diaper has an attractive price point at 15.95. This is 2 dollars less than the leading pocket diaper. You get two inserts, which is pretty standard with one size pockets. You do get two nice features, the double open pocket, and the tab in the back for hanging your diaper shell to dry. The pocket openings allow for the inserts to agitate out, and it works! It is a cute diaper, and it has some great color options.

Performance ✰✰✰
I had some leaking while using this diaper overnight. I had to add another insert, basically triple stuffing the diaper. There is enough room to triple stuff it, but I can’t say this is the best overnight diaper. It works great for daytime use, and naps. I will say upfront that I do not like pocket diapers for overnight, I prefer fitteds and covers. I have just had too many mornings with wet sheets due to leaks with all pocket diapers, not just this one.

Fit ✰✰✰
The lack of cross over tabs makes for 3 stars, otherwise it would have gotten a 4 or 5. The 3 step rise is great, but without cross over tabs you cannot fit the waist of a very small baby. But, once your baby can fit this diaper in the waist, you will have no problems. I think the legs would fit just about any size thighs since you have the option to tighten the thigh snaps tighter than the waist.

***Overall- I do like this diaper, but some diapers take a little to get used to.  Once you get the hang of the snaps, and rolling in the front pocket, you have yourself a nice one size pocket diaper for an extremely affordable price (13.95 US and 15.95 Canadian).  I have yet to find a perfect diaper.  Trust me, you will all be the first to know when I do!  But if you are looking for a nice, well made, inexpensive, one size pocket diaper, find a store online and pick one up.  Or, request that they be sold in your favorite online retailer.  I know Sweet Pea Diapers would love to be in more US shops, so let’s help her out!

Giveaway is closed.

I had very special fluffy mail yesterday!  It was originally sent to my address in NY, but my lovely husband sent it to me in NC so that I could begin my prepping and testing.  In my special package was 1 Kissaluv Marvel Fitted and 1 Booroi Trial package.

Kissaluvs Marvel on the left, Booroi cover and accessories on the right

The Kissaluvs Marvel is a fitted, with serged edges and an OBV squishy soft inner.  It is brand new and is going to be a competitor to Goodmama and the “designer” fitteds on the market.  It is not as thick as a Goodmama, and does not have a snap in liner.  I don’t know if it will be as absorbent, but the lack of bulk is already a plus!!!  The Booroi Cover is similar to G Diaper covers, except it is waterproof.  It is designed to be used with a trifolded prefold!  The trial package comes with 1 Cover, 1 Bamboo Prefold, 3 Bamboo wipes, and 1 wetbag.  It is all neatly packed inside of the wetbag.  What a cute package!  So far I am really impressed with the service and friendliness of the company.  I can’t wait to try these out.  Keep an eye out for the video reviews, and Booroi is giving away a trial package, so check back!