The news has been dismal lately.  Every single day I see a new attack on breastfeeding. I haven’t addressed any so far because there have been plenty of other bloggers out there doing it for me.  Today was my breaking point.

Attacking breastfeeding suddenly became the thing to do.  Perhaps the attention that Kim Kardashian received for her tweet regarding nursing in public as “gross” made another “celebrity” think this was her chance to grab the spotlight for a moment.

Img: Hollywood Grind

But because this “celebrity” is Adrianne Curry (I use celebrity in quotes for a reason) she has to go further than the word gross.  In fact, if you go through her tweets she compares breastfeeding to “pooping, peeing’ masturbating, and cunnilingus”  She goes on to say “But to each their own”  This qualifier doesn’t make what was said acceptable.  That is like saying “I don’t like *insert ethnicity here*, but to each their own.”

She admitted she would get blasted for it on Twitter.  And she got some comments, though due to her caliber of followers, most cheered her on and added their own graphic metaphors for what breastfeeding in public is like.

Adrianne also admits that she was not breastfed and was told by some doctor she can’t breastfeed because she has implants. Second opinion?  Because most mothers with implants have gone on to successfully nurse their babies, including Kendra Wilkinson.

Obviously society failed Adrianne, who has had zero exposure to breastfeeding in her life.  And her persona is based upon her appearance.  Her life is wrapped up in looking good and having nice tits.  If her audience saw her nursing her baby they might not associate those breasts with sexy so much as they see them for their intended purpose.

A part of me understands how some women like Adrianne, and the author of the hotly debated article “I Formula Fed.  So What?’” have come to the conclusion that breastfeeding is “creepy.”  I myself, as a teen’ swore I would never breastfeed because these knockers were for entertainment purposes only.  Becoming an adult changed my mind.  I realized that is what they are there for.  I grew up.  I didn’t need an ad campaign to show me breastfeeding is normal. But some people do and I am grateful for groups like Best for Babes because they will change things for the better.

I am still at a loss how a mother like Kathryn Blundell can still deny the maternal instinct to breastfeed.  Even those who choose to formula for work/ supply/ etc issues usually try, and will admit breastfeeding is the thing they should do if they could.  Adrianne, on the other hand, has not yet experienced motherhood or the way it can change you.  While there is no excuse for blasting breastfeeding, especially in such a vile and public way, we can only hope she will change her mind one day and that her opinion doesn’t rub off on the impressionable youth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!  Have you always wanted to breastfeed?  Did you ever think it was “gross?”  What changed your mind?

Having a second baby, at least for me, has been a completely different experience.  With my first son I obsessed over what I would buy, what I would do, and what life would be like when he came.  This time, I haven’t done a lot of looking around.  Life with a toddler makes it hard to sit back and daydream about your next baby.

Life with two children close in age also presents challenges.  I have many of the basics left over from my first son, but I have to add things like double strollers into the mix.  I also know that toddlers aren’t delicate with babies.  I need baby containers that protect the littlest one while I do chores or am not in sight of both of them.

And then there are the things I just want!  I am making a list for my own entertainment.  You can critique it or praise it and let me know what you think.

4Moms Mamaroo Infant Seat

I had the immense pleasure of seeing this infant seat in action while attending the ABC Kids Expo.  The idea behind it is simple: recreating the natural movement of mom or dad.  Instead of a swing which goes in a line back and forth, it mimics the bouncing and swaying of a parent.  I am almost afraid it will work so well the baby will never want to leave it!

Go GaGa Slide Tote

I first saw this bag on Twitter.  The idea instantly made sense to me.  A strap that spreads across your shoulder like a sling to evenly distribute the weight is genius.  I did get my hands on one while I visited Diaper Lab (an awesome cloth diaper/baby store near Boston) and fell in love with the design and strap.  A good diaper bag is worth the money.  Currently I own a Petunia Pickle Bottom (and a Baby Kaed I never use) but I’d love to own this before the next one gets here.

Sakura Bloom Silk Baby Slings – Artisan Collection

I admit that I have expensive taste.  I don’t always get what I want, but a girl can dream.  I have a Maya Ring Sling I found as a consignment store for, wait for it, 12.00!  However, nothing compares to the Sakura Bloom sling.  I got to try it on with my son and was personally assisted by Lynne of Sakura Bloom herself.  This sling and this lady made me realize I had a ring sling that was hard to adjust and I wasn’t doing it right (not the maya, another one).  I changed my ring sling tune after that.  The rails glide through the rings like butter.  Mmmmmm…..  I would love to wear the new little guy in one of these.  I am not planning on buying one unless I,  a. win the lottery or b. find a great deal on a used forum.

Footed Onepiece in Chocolate by Baby Soy

My son lived in one piece sleepers and I assume the next baby will as well.  I love Baby Soy.  I get tired of some of the baby boy clothes out there, and finding “plain” clothes is hard.  I especially love the kimono style tops they make.  I want to add some of their pieces in Newborn and 3-6 months to my shopping list.

Hot Mama Gown

After delivering my first son in a *gasp* ordinary hospital gown, I wish I would have known about these sooner.  I remember vividly how pilly the material was.  I hated it so much I dunked part of it in my own pee.  Well, subconsciously that was why.  Really, I was hooked up to so much crap I had a hard time peeing and holding my gown.  The mama behind these gowns is one of the nicest women on Twitter (you should follow her @hotmamagowns) and she is an awesome advocate for breastfeeding!  The gown is hospital friendly and designed for easy nursing.  I want to look and feel special on delivery day so this is on my wish list for sure!

Also on my list are a few necessities.  I need a large dresser/ changing table combo that is long (not tall) with no hutch.  It needs 6-8 drawers.  I am having a hard time finding something with enough space.

I also need a double stroller.  I am going to be honest and say I will probably never find exactly what I want.  I don’t want a side by side.  I want a stroller with rubber wheels, that glides well, and that folds easily.  I am currently looking at the UppaBaby with the Rumble Seat and the City Mini with the Jump Seat and adapter.  I have high hopes for the new Mutsy Double but it hasn’t hit the market yet!

If anyone has ANY suggestions on what else I should be considering for the next little guy please (or the rest of the pregnancy) tell me!

With close to 300 lovely mamas tweeting to Ellen last night it was easy to get lost! We had at least 4,000 tweets yesterday!  Our goal was to bombard Ellen with facts about cloth diapers and show her how adorable they are.  I think we did that, and then some. Unfortunately we didn’t trend, but that wasn’t for lack of trying!  We just happened to be the same night as a big game.  Now I am going to show you some of my favorite tweets!  For a detailed look check out What the Hashtag!

The Funny Tweets!

The Good Idea Tweets.

The, Yeah, Good Point, Tweets.

The Oh So True Tweet.

The Mantra!

And finally, the all about me tweets!

A HUGE thank you to The Eco Chic for hosting the party and to the people who helped promote it.  Kelly’s Closet and Rumparooz both sponsored some giveaways to gain more attention.

There is still work to be done!  Keep an eye out for more updates!

Don’t forget to be at the #operationfluffy party on Twitter tonight at 9 PM EST.

Are you ready?

• Have you uploaded your fluffy photos to Twitpic.com to tweet @TheEllenShow?
• Have you figured out how to use Tweetgrid.com to be able to follow the chat? (party tutorial)
• Have you signed up to follow @KimRosas and @TheEcoChic?
• Have you told your kids to be in bed on time?  (This is a biggie for me, my son has been a night owl lately!)
• Have you told all of your friends to be there?
• Have you prepared yourself for a ton of fun?

If you have done all of the above then you are ready for a party!

I wish wish wish I could tell you what I am working on in regards to #operationfluffy.  It is top secret but all kinds of awesome! It involves custom embroidered diapers, dancing, video, and fun!

See you tonight!

@TheEcoChic has posted all of the details on her website.  She was kind enough to host this party even though it was supposed to be her week off!

Synopsis:

Thursday night we will all be tweeting to @TheEllenShow using the #operationfluffy hashtag.  We will send pictures of our adorable babies in cloth diapers and tell her how much better cloth is than “jean” huggies.  PUKE!

I did want to add, to make it easier to tweet pictures, use the twitpic.com service.  Upload your photos ahead of time to make the party more about tweeting and less about searching for and uploading pictures.  The pictures will show up without having to click them if you use Tweetgrid.com for the party.  If you need help learning how to do Twitter parties, I have a little tutorial for you.

If you belong to a cloth diaper board (Cloth Diaper Nation, Diaperswappers, The Bump, Cafemom, BabyCenter, etc…) I would love your help in spreading the word.  If you make a post about #operationfluffy’s Twitter party you get (5) extra entries into a giveaway of your choice!  I have 2 ending today (Real Nappies and Bravado) so if you want entries in those you should hurry up!)  Or, if you have another idea to spread the word give me a shout and I will let you know if it counts towards extra entries!

To get those entries leave a comment with the link on this post and leave (5) comments on the giveaway of your choice also linking to your post.  Say something like “Extra Entries #operationfluffy post” and leave your link!

If you haven’t already, go join our “Get Cloth Diapers on The Ellen Show” page on Facebook.

This page has lots of members but we always need more.  Be sure when you join to invite your cloth diaper loving friends.

There is a rumor that an #operationfluffy Twitter bomb is going to be planned for next week with the help of @Ecomommedia (Eco-Friendly Twitter Party Planner).  She was able to get #diapershops trending 2 weeks ago.  What about #operationfluffy?

For this to really work we need more people involved than are on Twitter.  Once the plans are finalized I would love members of cloth diaper boards like Baby Center, DiaperSwappers, Cloth Diaper Nation, The Bump, CafeMom, Justmommies, DiaperPin, etc to try and get people involved in the party.  If they knew how awesome the #clothdiapers community was, they would want to be on Twitter anyway!

Update:  The CPSC is investigating new Pampers with Dry Max.  Details here.

This is yet another Pampers post.  If you use disposables full time or part time, I urge you to read this.  Pampers are causing serious problems for babies.  Don’t let your baby be next.  If you can, use cloth. If you can’t please choose a brand better for your baby such as Tushies.

Today I saw something very disturbing.  A friend of mine posted a photo (edited to not show her baby’s privates) of a very serious diaper rash.  In fact, it is the worst I have ever seen.  The skin looks like it has been burnt off.  She was hoping to find some advice for treatment and causes until she could get to a doctor.  Obviously her daughter is in pain and very uncomfortable.

A few people suggested it could be a chemical burn.  My friend did a little digging and some dot connecting.  The rash started after she began using the “new and improved” Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max. She found a facebook group dedicated to bringing back the old Dry Max diapers. In that group, consisting of 728 members, she discovered many, many moms complaining of the same burn like rash.  All of the rashes began after using the new  Cruisers with Dry Max.

She has since started using another brand of diapers and is in the process of beginning cloth again after a hiatus.

While I nor she can confirm 100% that the rash is from Pampers Dry Max, the overwhelming number of mothers claiming severe rashes from this diaper is convincing.

Not that causing chemical burns isn’t serious enough, in typical big corporation fashion, it seems they are giving customers with rash complaints the run around.

Here is an excerpt from a customer service rep’s response to a mother complaining of a rash caused by Dry Max:

You know your baby best, but some factors that can contribute to the onset of diaper rash are diet/change in diet, diarrhea, teething, the use of antibiotics, upset stomach, etc. Taking all of these things into consideration, it’s hard to pinpoint the cause of your child’s skin irritation. If your baby’s condition doesn’t improve, you may want to speak with your pediatrician

My friend in particular was told her baby just needs to be moved up to the next size. How could a diaper rash possibly be caused by a smaller size?  Leaking, yes.  Rash, no.

And, in case you would like to see, this is what her baby’s rash looks like. Please be advised this is a graphic image and is hard to look at.  After a doctor appointment she was told it was definitely from the Dry Max diapers which caused “contact dermatitis.”

Listen to a few of the rash concerns:

After 1 day on the new Cruisers, red, hot rash ALL over the bottom. I switched diapers immediately, and am already seeing an improvement with Triple Paste. He’s 15mo and on table food. No allergies, no antibiotics, no diarrhea, not teething.

Our 12 month old son has horrible burn-type rashes and we know it has to be the new Cruisers – the diapers really smell of a strong chemical. The odor becomes stronger when wet. He is on a diet of Enfamil formula and solid foods. We were about to switch him to milk, but are waiting until the rash clears. We have officially switched diapers (testing out Huggies).

These quotes come from a discussion with 25 replies, most of which are instances of severe burn like rashes.  This thread attempted to compare diets and age to rule out other possibilities, and no matter if the baby was breastfed, formula fed, whole milk, or other, the rashes began with Dry Max diapers.

The loyal customers are enraged.  Moms took their complaints to the Pampers Facebook Fanpage, only to have their complaints erased.  Many were also banned from the page.  Others left official reviews of the new Cruisers on Pampers’ website but it denied them saying their reviews had “vulgar language.”  That is because the words “horrible” and “bad” speak the truth: how vulgar.

Another reason parents are enraged is the deception.  Pampers began putting the new Cruisers with Dry Max into the old Cruisers boxes.  Now, parents experiencing rashes are either diving into boxes in the store to compare, or switching brands completely.

But have these parents considered cloth diapers?!?! I think some cloth diaper manufacturers should utilize this Pampers fiasco to convert more moms to cloth diapers.  Hey!  Offer a special discount to members of the Facebook group.

If you came across this blog post because of your troubles with Pampers Dry Max, please consider joining a Twitter chat this Earth Day that is all about how to start cloth diapering.  This would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about modern cloth diapers.  In addition, if you do not currently use cloth diapers, you are eligible to win large prizes of cloth diapers that could very well help you on your way to begin!  To learn more about this party and register visit my recent blog post: Get Real- The Inside Poop on Cloth Diapers.

I think Pampers users would be pleasantly surprised at how absorbent, easy, and comfortable cloth diapers are.  Not to mention, NO HARSH CHEMICALS to cause rashes or burns.

If any disposable diaper user has questions for me personally about how to get started and what diapers might best fit your needs I would be more than willing to answer them.  You can email me at dirtydiaperlaundry at gmail dot com.

I would just like to add that as much as I love cloth diapers, not everyone does.  But if you use disposables please consider another brand.  To further support Pampers when they clearly care nothing for their loyal customers and, more importantly, the health of the babies in their diapers, is foolish.  To read more about the dirty things Pampers has done check out my older Pampers posts.

***Update

In case you are wondering, the baby’s rash in the photo has gotten better for the most part.

Reuters has also just written about the new Pampers and rash issues.

This is an announcement for the #clothdiapers party.  The announcement comes from Eco Mom Media’s website.

Get Real – The Inside Poop on Cloth Diapers
Twitter Party

Date: Earth Day – Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Time: 9:00-10:00 pm ET
Hashtag: #GetRealDiapers
Hosted by: The Real Diaper Association, Bamboo Bums Diapers, Diaper Daisy Modern Cloth Diapers, and The Eco Chic
Follow our hosts on Twitter: @RealDiapers@RDAHeatherMc @BambooBums @DiaperDaisy @TheEcoChic@EcoMomMedia

Sponsors: Diaper Shops, SoftBums Diapers, Sweet Camo Babytique, Global Enfant/Baby BeeHinds, Cutey Baby, Goo Goo Gaia, Bum Essentials, Eden’s Baby, Snooty Booty Diapers, Rockin’ Green Soap, Sugar Dipes, Diaper Lab, and a few more surprise guests!
Follow our sponsors on Twitter: @DiaperShops,  @SoftBumsMama, @SweetCamoBaby, @GlobalEnfant,@CuteyBaby, @GooGooGaia, @BumEssentials, @EdensBaby, @SnootybDiapers, @RockinGreenSoap,@SugarDipes, and a few more surprise guests!

Event Topic: You are invited to attend a special Twitter Party all about diapers.  In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day the Real Diaper Association, Bamboo Bums Diapers, Diaper Daisy Modern Cloth Diapers and The Eco Chic would like to explain how cloth diapers are making a comeback.

Actually cloth diapers have been used since the beginning of time and are still very popular.  Today’s cloth diapers can be as simple as the pre-fold diapers your grandmother used or modern with Velcroclosures and stylish patterns.  Cloth diapers can fit any budget from frugal to the extreme; all of which can save you thousands of dollars throughout your child’s diapering years.  Cloth diapers are  healthieron your baby and do not contain toxins like disposable diapers.  Cloth diapers are reusable and the perfect commitment for parents who wish to reduce their child’s environmental butt-footprint.

Registration: We are so excited to be able to open registration EARLY! Go enter by filling out our Survey Monkey form.  Click here to register.

Prizes: While the exact prizes are still being finalized we anticipate the following categories of prizes.  *Subject to change.

Pre-Registration Prize Pack: Each person who registers prior to April 22nd, 2010 (before 8:45pm ET) will be entered into a drawing for a Flip Ultra HD video camera compliments of Diaper Shops.  All you have to do is pre-register for the #GetRealDiapers party and join us on April 22nd on Twitter by tweeting #GetRealDiapers at least once on 4/22/10 before the start of the party.

Frugal Cloth Diapering Prize Pack*: 12 prefolds, 1 HH Sherpa fitted (medium), 1 contour diaper, 1 diaper cover, 2 diaper doublers, 1 wet bag, and 1 bag of Rockin’ Green Soap (Fresh Linen).  This prize pack is compliments of Snooty Booty Diapers, Sugar Dipes, Eden’s Baby, and Rockin’ Green Soap.
Modern Cloth Diaper/Cloth 101 Prize Pack*: 1 Bum Genius 3.0 one-size pocket diaper, 1 Bum Genius one-size organic AIO, 1 FuzziBunz one-size pocket diaper, 1 KatyDid one-size pocket diaper, 1 Bumwear one-size pocket diaper, 1 GroBaby one-size shell and insert, 2 GoodMama one-size fitteds, 1 WonderWrap one-size cover, 1 Thirsties Dou Diaper, 6 pack of Thirsties Fab Wipes, 1 dozen Sweet Camo wipes, 4oz. Thirsties Booty Luster, 1 PlanetWise pail liner, 1 PlanetWise wet bag, 1 bag Rockin’ Green Soap (Fresh Linen).  This prize pack is compliments of Sweet Camo Babytique and Rockin’ Green Soap.
Extreme Cloth Diaper Prize Pack*: 18 Smartipants one-size diapers with inserts, 18 cloth wipes, 1 wet bag, 2 pail liners, Kissuluvs wipes solution/spray, 1 bag Rockin’ Green Soap (Fresh Linen).  This prize pack is compliments of Diaper Shop and Rockin’ Green Soap.
*These prize packs are designed for the parent who is new to cloth diapering.  We will ask for ‘proof’ that you are not currently in cloth diapers full time for the winners of these prize packs.

Referral Prize Pack: Win one of 4 cloth diaper packages compliments of SoftBums.  Each package will contain 2 SoftBums one-size covers along with 6 snap in inserts.  To be eligible, invite a non-cloth diapering friend (or 10!) to the Get Real Twitter Party and you can win extra prizes!  Receive one entry for the referral prize pack for each person who lists you as the person who referred them.  They may enter you by name, email, blog, or Twitter account.  There is no maximum for the number of referral entries and there will be multiple prize winners!  This prize pack is open to current cloth diaper users and non-cloth diapering parents as well.

Cloth Diaper Advocate Prize Pack: Multiple winners possible.  Prizes to include a $25 gift certificate to Snooty Booty Diapers and a $100 gift certificate to Cutey Baby.  To be considered for the cloth diaper advocate prize pack you must currently be in cloth diapers and help with the promotion of this event.  This can include blogging, tweeting, facebook, and other forms of social media (forums, etc).  Don’t forget to include a link back.  Entrants must leave a comment on this blog post with a link to all mentions (each individual comment will count as an entry).  You are limited to two extra entries per day.  Current value of this prize pack is over $100 in retail value!!!

Additional prizes to be randomly awarded: Newborn prize pack compliments of Goo Goo Gaia, a 3 pack of Baby Beehinds hemp one-size fitteds, and a 3 pack of Baby Beehinds bamboo one-size fitteds.  Details on eligibility of these additional prizes is still being determined.

**All prizes are open to residents of the US and Canada.  Conditions subject to change.

Link to us: Please feel free to add our party badge to your blog or website with a link back here. *This will count as advocate credit so be sure to leave a comment below with a link!

Share your enthusiasm for the cause by joining the “I Want Cloth Diapers on The Ellen Show” Facebook Group!  It was just created today and already we have close to 150 members!  Once you sign up be sure to tell the friends you think might want to see them on the show too! 

And, on Twitter I am asking those working on #operationfluffy to change your avatar to one of the pictures I have photoshopped of Ellen in cloth diapers.  If you want a picture of your baby with her face, tweet it to me and I might be able to do that.  Wouldn’t that grab your attention?!?!  Thanks to The Eco Chic for the idea!

And, if you have a blog, take a moment to grab this button to share the love!  Right click to save the image then you can link to: http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/index.php?s=%23operationfluffy  I am not going to try doing to code this time, it was a disaster last time!  Gos Speed!

Are you competitive and live on Twitter?  Then it might just be your lucky day!

Rumparooz, makers of the adorable One Size G2 diapers, has offered something pretty extraordinary.

This was taken from the newsletter:

Did you see that? If clothdiapers make it on the show and Rumparooz are mentioned, everyone who tweets gets a diaper. That is so far, 108 people!

And…… If you visit Kelly’s Closet’s Facebook Fan Page you can enter their drawing for a 250.00 Gift Certificate to any of their stores once The Ellen Show responds.  You will need to follow their instructions, but this involves tweeting as well.