In an effort to help reduce our rather large carbon footprint and just be healthier people, in general, I have started to implement the use of natural and more homemade products for our family. My first efforts have included re-introducing cloth diapers into our household. I will admit, I got really lazy when it came to cloth diapering..mainly because there was a point when TJ had such chunky thighs that the diapers were leaving angry red marks and I couldn't bare to see my baby bear in any pain. Anyway, I have brought them back now that the little dude has thinned out a bit and it is helping. While we still aren't exclusively cloth diapering, which is my goal here, we are still cutting our 'sposie diaper use in half. I must say these cloth diapers have taken a beating and they are still just as good (if not better than) when I first purchased and prepped them. Other introductions have included the use of homemade laundry soap. 5 gallons of this stuff and it should last us at least 9 months or more. We have an HE top loader so we don't use as much as recommended and it has been great so far, even with T's car-greased stained clothes and work pants. It is gentle enough to use on the c/d's and tough on even the oiliest of grease stains. I love the stuff, so much in fact that I gave some to my mom to use. We also implemented a new strategy to help lower our water usage; I got this idea from a natural living site. We now use the motto, "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down." I know it sounds gross, but in the name of saving money and reducing our water usage; I am all for it. As far as personal care goes, I have forgone the use of shampoo and conditioner and instead keep my hair clean and conditioned with baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Shampoo contains chemicals that strip the hair of natural oils, causing the scalp to over-produce these necessary oils that protect the hair. Conditioners leave so much residue that the hair is coated in "gunk" and it may not all come out with shampoo. Not to mention shampoo and conditioners are expensive. I have been using this for a little over a week now and I must say, I don't have to clean my hair as much because it isn't as greasy as it normally is (oh the joy of thin and fine hair) and my ends are more manageable and less dry, thanks to the apple cider vinegar. I usually follow with an olive oil spritz; it helps neutralize what little odor the acv leaves behind and acts as an additional detangler/leave in conditioner. I don't think I will be using shampoo or conditioner ever again, but who knows when I will want the smell of strawberries or something in my luscious locks? I credit a lot of my findings to the website, "Pinterest." People pin images of people, places, things, ideas, etc. I have found many recipes, craft ideas, natural living ideas, and fun stuff on that site. I recommend a visit to that site.
I am also planning on homebirths for our future children. I have spoken with fellow moms/friends who have experienced this and even got some pretty honest advice from a doula who attended TJ's birth, I am also in touch with some local midwives here in MI. Most people that I have spoken with about this think I am nuts and try to use TJ's birth as an excuse for me to be in a hospital. I can honestly say that because of my horrible experience with the birth of our son, I am positive a homebirth will help to heal still-open wounds the bond with my husband and son will become stronger. I am aware of statistics, I am very well aware something could do wrong (after all, it happened the first time), I am also aware that women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. I am aware that my body will do what it needs to do in order to safely birth my son; in the event that all measures taken are not working I can always go to the hospital. I am thankful that I have that option, but it will not be my first choice. I prefer to not be hooked up to every beeping and blinking piece of technology and not have to be strapped down to a bed. I prefer to be able to move around and trust my body. Homebirth is not for everyone; one of my doulas told me this. She also told me she was certain this is something I could do. Some women need the comfort of a hospital and that is fine; I am glad we were in a hospital for TJ's birth (even if it was a result of too much intervention) and I am glad I have that option. I am excited for this. I am not even pregnant yet, and I am already psyching myself up for this!
Later this spring/summer we are going to put up some gutters and have a "rain barrel" to collect the rain water so we can water our plants. I also plan on hanging a lot of our clothes to dry outside; sunning is the best deodorizer and stain remover! I am excited for our family to be more natural and save money!
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