No support

CheyenneShaw

From when I found out I was pregnant I wanted to cloth diaper to save money. Then as time progressed and I researched it more I got more and more interested in it and I just think I would love it. I have even made my own! I brought it up to my family and it's always "You don't want to do that" and being looked at like I'm crazy and stupid, they act like the subject is taboo. I know it's because I'm a young mom (under 20). I really want to do this for my little man, but I have no support. I'm being told that because I go to school ( from home), clean house, and take care of DS that it would be simply "too much". Do any of you have no support other than your spouse? I swear I'm looked at like I just shot someone when I say this is what I want to do, even now that he is here my mind hasn't changed. All I want is a little encouragement.

yodasmistress

It is really not a lot of extra work. My DH does nothing related to CD laundry and it's not a deal for me to take care of it on my own. And, for the record, most of the people in the US think CD'ing is "crazy" - most of us only know a few people who "approve" / support our decision.

J+MS

yodasmistress:

It is really not a lot of extra work. My DH does nothing related to CD laundry and it's not a deal for me to take care of it on my own. And, for the record, most of the people in the US think CD'ing is "crazy" - most of us only know a few people who "approve" / support our decision.

All of this. On the bump, CD'ing almost seems to be the "norm" but IRL, it's definitely not. People look at me like I'm nuts, especially my family. My step-mom even went so far as to call her mom (my step-grandmother, who I adore!), NOT me, to get her to stop me from CD'ing because she didn't want her granddaughter to have diaper rash. Isabelle had way worse diaper rash with sposies because of her sensitive skin. If it's easiest for you, then do it. You don't really need a lot of support to CD, IMO.  and if you have questions, you can always come here as these ladies are fab.

J+MS

oh and YGPM.

Dr.Loretta

This is why I didn't discuss it with many people. Better to go it alone and rely on people such as those on this board, than to mention it to friends/family and get negative feedback.

Just start doing it! Once people see you succeeding at it, they'll stop being so negative. Or at least they'll be quieter about it.

istalkgeeks

To be honest, I just never mentioned it to anyone. The first time I whipped out a cloth diaper infront of my stepmom and dad, they were just surprised. I hadn't mentioned I was CDing the entire time I was pregnant, bought my own stash, and just did it.  My stepmom really likes my CD and always wants me to show people when I am over. She used prefolds and plastic pants on my stepbrother and stepsister, so she is really amused by stay-dry pockets. 

My sister, on the other hand, was "disgusted" by my idea to use cloth diapers. The only reason I even mentioned it, was because she said "better start stocking up on disposables". She keeps mentioning it and asking if I still use cloth, but I don't really care. It is my baby, my baby's butt, and I am pretty sure I am raising him, not her.

Whenever someone says it's disgusting, I sort of just roll my eyes. I think it is sort of rude to say how I am parenting my child is disgusting. People are always going to have opinions on what you do with your LO. Either you let it bother you or you just forget about it.  

veruca5839

It's really not a lot of extra work.  I try to explain that to others, but DH and I agree it's not really something you understand until you see it in action.  I think it's because CDing isn't the norm these days in many areas, so it's a pretty foreign concept to a lot of people - people I've talked to still think of it as only using flats, pins, and plastic covers and devoting days to cleaning them or using a service.  I don't really share that I CD with many people, only if it somehow comes up in conversation.  I've gotten used to getting looked at like I have 3 heads because I put poopy diapers into my clean washing machine.   If it's something you want to do, then do it; it's your decision!

CheyenneShaw

J+MS:

oh and YGPM.

 

back at you=)

J+MS

CheyenneShaw:

J+MS:

oh and YGPM.

 

back at you=)

yea, just come on over to 3-6 early, no one will say anything. LOL

sweetpea18

I've just stopped telling people. My mom is about the only one that didn't give me an earful. If people really start to question me, I will explain the benefits. And as far as it being more work, it's really not. Dh and I both work full time and have had no issues with doing a couple extra loads of laundry a week. We throw the dipes in the wash after dd goes to bed.

MaybeBabyTime

Dr.Loretta:

This is why I didn't discuss it with many people. Better to go it alone and rely on people such as those on this board, than to mention it to friends/family and get negative feedback.

Just start doing it! Once people see you succeeding at it, they'll stop being so negative. Or at least they'll be quieter about it.

This. Everyone (including my DH) kind of turned their nose up at the idea. DH quickly got on board once he saw how great they really are. My mom is still anti-CD and thats fine. I do all the CD related work myself. It doesn't not affect anyone else. I have the aplix closure pockets for when my DH, MIL, and mother are with DS. They go on the bum just like a disposable. Everyone looks at me like I am crazy..so you arent alone!

moussy

You are not alone.  I remember second guessing myself alot during my pregnancy.  Thankfully my DH was fully on board.  The rest of my family, friends or even co-workers thought I had fallen off the deep end.  It made me question if I could really handle it all.  Once I started, I was hooked.  I don't talk about it much anymore.  I realize most people don't get it.  They would think I'm even battier for the amount of time I spend shopping, looking, and bumping about it though:)