Ok I'll start us off! I hate Pampers diapers. I think they are over priced and my son just blows right out of them half the time anyway. I don't waste my money on them. Instead, I buy a UK store brand where I get a months worth of diapers for $12. I will definitely be building a stockpile before we leave.
I hate when grown adults call their Mom and Dad "Mommy" and "Daddy" it really grosses me out. My half sister calls my Dad "Daddy" and says shes "Daddys little girl". 1. Gross 2. No youre not, Im the favorite lol (thats not being mean, its a long story)
nooo! @Cricket99 its Pampers 4 Lyfe at our house! They were the only ones that didn't make DD have terrible diaper rash or terrible blow outs. Now, Honest Company on the other hand, those were the most completely worthless diapers I ever had the misfortune to purchase-I get ragey just thinking about the money wasted.
However, I don't blame you one bit...$12 for a month's supply of diapers sounds like a dream situation!!
Jan '18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
@shanski70 Pampers are also one of the few that don't give DS a rash. So I'll use them in a pinch if I have to. I plan to stock up majorly so I don't have to buy any more diapers for him before we move back to the states.
We're a Pampers family as well. The sensitive ones (now they're called Gentle Care I think?) are the only ones that didn't aggravate DD's awful eczema. Yes, they are expensive, but I always look for deals.
I love pampers because of the wet stripe thing. However, once were at size 3+, I love Luvs. So much cheaper. But if I could get a month's worth of diapers for $12, you'd better believe I'd be all over that!!
6th cycle of meds/iui combos = BFP!! - EDD 1/21/13 Born via emergency c-section - 8lb, 19.75 in, 100% stubborn
BFP Chart 8 cycles of unmedicated trying = BFP!! - EDD 1/10/18 *Waiting for Baby Eags 2.0*;
I'm the opposite. I don't like the term Unmedicated. That to me is like saying having to say unsweet for tea. Tea doesn't come sweet, I should just be able to say Tea. Childbirth doesn't automatically come with meds... it's an option (unless medically necessary). It really should be childbirth and medicated childbirth. But I don't think anyone would go for that because it puts in mind that childbirth (natural) is the common practice and it isn't, medicated childbirth is the norm nowadays. So given the options, I like natural since that's the best description available to me that people understand. But I also have the opinion that medicated births are not natural. And to me, that's a fine description. Neither is riding in a car, or using disinfectant. Many non natural things make our lives better and are perfectly acceptable and preferred.
so I think natural and medicated are the terms people are ok with in describing their OWN birth experience.
Sorry, I'm not planning on having an unmedicated birth since birth doesn't come medicated to begin with. Given the descriptive options out there, I plan (plan being the ideal here) on having a natural childbirth. *shrug*
@madcouplewithabox I wouldn't say that medicated is the norm- in fact, I think I know more moms who have given birth unmedicated. For myself, I was strongly encouraged to get the epi because after 30some hours of laboring without meds, I had only gotten to 2cm. Once I got the epi, I was at 10cm 8 hrs later. I still gave birth vaginally.
Now I've never had a c-section so I can't speak intelligently, but in my mind saying that a c-section mom gave birth unnaturally seems like a slight to that mom. Childbirth is a beautiful thing no matter how it happens, and although all of our experiences are different, they are still all considered childbirth. IMO using the term "natural" somehow diminishes the experience a c-section mom has, or any of us moms who choose or are forced to use medication (as an induction mom, I had to use pitocin- if I had the option, I wouldn't have chosen it but it was medically necessary to kickstart my body).
Sorry this is getting so long! I'm not offended by the terminology, it just makes me cringe.
I (personally) have no problem with either term "natural" or "unmedicated." However, I do understand why some people do. Having a baby is the most natural thing there is, and for some women using the term "natural" only for unmedicated births is offensive. Yes, using medication during childbirth isn't "natural" per se, but neither is birthing in a hospital with an OB, if you want to go that route.
Also, some women use the term "natural birth" as almost a badge of honor, which can suggest that using pain relief makes a women "less than" those that don't. So it is a sensitive issue for many women.
@Cricket99 I will only use Pampers in the newborn size, just because you're changing them so often I don't have a problem. But after that and especially when the baby starts to sleep longer stretches we switch to the Kirkland (costco) diapers. We've avoided quit a few blow outs thanks to Kirkland. They have a band at the back of the top that stops all the things from escaping.
My UO: I dislike cutsie names for sex. I.E. doing the deed, mattress mumbo. Just say sex. You had sex.
I guess I just don't see why "unnatural" is a deemed by so many as a bad thing to the point where people feel shamed to use correct terminology. That's societie's push in the recent decade of "natural is better" with things like non GMO food and natural fuels. If the only way to get my child out is through a c-section, those people who say "natural is better" can go eff themselves. My baby is going to be safe and I will proudly say I used beautiful unnatural medical intervention to get her here and thank goodness for empowering science. I don't see natural childbirth as a badge of honor. I see it as what is right for me. If you feel it diminishes what you did then use the term you want, but I'm going to use verbiage that makes sense logically to me.
I guess another unpopular opinion I have is when people change definitions of things when a word is and deemed bad or good, instead of using said words for intended purposes and changing social perspective in doing so.
Natural "existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind."
Unnatural "not existing in nature; artificial"
an OB and a hospital are not entering my body or affecting my birth. They are there if something goes wrong. Not the same.
I prefer more descriptive medicalized terms, e.g. I've had two intervention free, unmedicated vaginal births. I think that most accurately describes my experience without diminishing others or creating grey areas. Natural is such a nebulous term for me. Some women use it to describe any vaginal birth, others any birth without pain meds (but including induction drugs, aka rockstar moms in my opinion!), to fully intervention free/unmedicated births. ETA: and I think it's valid for those and more. I also totally agree with @missblaze all of us are having some elements of our birth that aren't "natural" whether it's fetal monitoring, antibiotics for group b strep, being in a hospital, pitocin after the baby is born to help deliver the placenta, heck even use of a fetoscope. I'm not personally offended by the term, but I can see why others may be and it is easy enough for me to choose other words to describe my experience.
DS1: Nov. 2013 DS2: Jan. 2016 DS3: Dec. 2017 Baby #4 on the way!
@madcouplewithabox Like I said, I don't have a preference for terms at all. But I disagree with you regarding your last statement. If you're going to use the verbatim definition of "natural" using an OB, hospital, monitor, etc is not natural either. The setting itself is not "natural" and does not "exist in nature" and is "made by humankind!"
I agree that you should use the terms that you like, but I think it's important to recognize why others feel differently.
Honestly, I had and will again have a medicated birth (give me all the drugs), and in my mind it IS less in ways than an unmediated one... because it hurts less! That's exactly why I wanted the medicine! I have an insane amount of admiration for women who can go without meds... but meds, no meds, c-section, vaginal, 30 minutes, 30 hours... it is all AMAZING and the single most profound experience. Hope that doesn't offend anyone
@burnsmommy27 DH used to say "do the nasty" when we were dating. Major eye roll. He was 30 when we met. We weren't 2 kids in high school doing the nasty in our parents basement. I'd rather him say we were f*#king...at least I'd feel like an adult. He doesn't say if anymore. I think he realized how ridiculous it was.
Ok I need to chime in on the whole natural childbirth thing because I've been knowingly misusing the term. I gave birth in a hospital with a c-section rate of almost 50%, no exaggeration. So getting out of there with any type of vaginal birth is already a challenge. So when I describe my experience, especially in mixed company at work, I describe how the OB pressured me to have a c-section and how I was fortunate to have a "natural" birth. I know very well that my birthing experience was anything but natural, being induced and hooked up to an iv for 2 days, basically. I hated it. But I'm not going to say "vaginal birth" to men at work, and in this context no one cares whether it was medicated or not. I wish we had one quick word to describe every variation of birthing, but it is what it is.
So I'm sorry for misusing the word but I don't mean to take anything away from you ladies who went all natural! I am just trying to get through the story quickly : )
Second point I want to make is that I've been in a lot of conversations describing different birth types, and I do have some strong opinions, but they're all directed at the doctors and the hospital system. I think every mom is a hero no matter how she gave birth!
I have to agree with @missblaze. I don't really prefer one descriptor over the other. But I DO think it is important to be sensitive to those who do. Some women had interventions and medication because they were medically necessary (and some just because they freaking wanted to, like me...who BEGGED for that epidural). To say that their birth process was "unnatural" can be offensive and a trigger for those who had no choice. So, that's why I think it's important to shy away from using terms like "natural" and "unnatural" when describing the birthing process.
@madcouplewithabox Language evolves as we use it, though. Like, I don't care particularly how anyone uses their words, but it's a) often used with a sense of smugness in parenting communities and b) not at all an issue for me, personally, to adjust my vernacular to make people feel feel comfortable and invited.
The strict definition may be true, but it doesn't address the way it's used in parenting and childbirth. It's basically trying to ignore slang and vernacular. Language doesn't really behave so strictly.
Which, whatever, use whatever verbage you want. But I stand behind medicated/unmedicated as valid and accurate definitions.
Also, related UO but I swear not pointed at you (probably, I guess depending on your ideology): GMOs are the only way we're gonna keep food supply up for an increasing population. The amount of scare-mongering people do because it's "not natural" is nonsense. Nothing about the world we live is natural. Air conditioning isn't natural and drains resources, but I don't see people clamoring to give that up.
I prefer vaginal or cesarean as a way to describe it, but I come from the medical field so those terms are comfortable for me in any situation. If someone wants to know if I went for the meds, ask and I'll be sure to tell you.
One thing is for sure, I think those of us who have given birth felt like super heroes once that baby was out, no matter how they came out. That sense of accomplishment is pretty awesome.
I made an educated decision to have an epidural with my first child. I had zero intention on trying to go completely unmedicated, just to go as long as possible before getting the epidural. (Side note: turns out I had made it to 8cm without it; had they checked me prior to administering the epi, I might have tried to go the whole way without it.)
Turns out, the epi didn't work out well for me or for DD1. I put a lot of time and energy into preparing my mind and body to be prepared to have DD2 without any meds. When I say I went all natural with DD2 I say it with pride. I worked hard to accomplish that goal and am proud of myself for having a natural childbirth. It isn't any sort of sordid reflection on anyone else and what they did or didn't do with their own person or their personal experience, it speaks only of me and my experience.
That said, I'm like the least sensitive person on the planet. It's incredibly rare that something someone else says or does bothers me. I assume people mean the best, instead of assuming they meant it negatively, and even if they clearly meant it negatively then eff them.
scatteringashes said: Also, related UO but I swear not pointed at you (probably, I guess depending on your ideology): GMOs are the only way we're gonna keep food supply up for an increasing population. The amount of scare-mongering people do because it's "not natural" is nonsense. Nothing about the world we live is natural. Air conditioning isn't natural and drains resources, but I don't see people clamoring to give that up.
YES!!!!!!!!!! Now don't get me wrong, organic agriculture and non-GMO crops have their place in our food chain but we can't keep up with the growing demand for food driven by a growing population without GMO crops. I mean purposeful genetic modification as we know it today was started to specifically fortify rice with vitamin A to improve the nutrition of and reduce premature blindness in children in third world countries. THEN we found ways to protect and/or improve yield for a more stable food supply. We need these kind of advancements.
But also on that note, infrastructure is the other key piece of the equation of feeding the world but don't get me started on that...
No UO's from me yet...too sleep deprived to have many original thoughts today.
Editied because I'm sleep deprived so my first round lacked some words/grammar.
January 2018 Board September Siggy Challenge: Fall
Re: UO - 6/29
My half sister calls my Dad "Daddy" and says shes "Daddys little girl". 1. Gross 2. No youre not, Im the favorite lol (thats not being mean, its a long story)
nooo! @Cricket99 its Pampers 4 Lyfe at our house! They were the only ones that didn't make DD have terrible diaper rash or terrible blow outs. Now, Honest Company on the other hand, those were the most completely worthless diapers I ever had the misfortune to purchase-I get ragey just thinking about the money wasted.
However, I don't blame you one bit...$12 for a month's supply of diapers sounds like a dream situation!!
Jan '18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
Born via emergency c-section - 8lb, 19.75 in, 100% stubborn BFP Chart
8 cycles of unmedicated trying = BFP!! - EDD 1/10/18
*Waiting for Baby Eags 2.0*;
Not sure if this belongs here of FFFC, but I hate when people use the term "natural childbirth." I so much prefer "medicated/unmedicated."
But I also have the opinion that medicated births are not natural. And to me, that's a fine description. Neither is riding in a car, or using disinfectant. Many non natural things make our lives better and are perfectly acceptable and preferred.
so I think natural and medicated are the terms people are ok with in describing their OWN birth experience.
Sorry, I'm not planning on having an unmedicated birth since birth doesn't come medicated to begin with. Given the descriptive options out there, I plan (plan being the ideal here) on having a natural childbirth. *shrug*
also Pampers 4 Lyfe!!!
Now I've never had a c-section so I can't speak intelligently, but in my mind saying that a c-section mom gave birth unnaturally seems like a slight to that mom. Childbirth is a beautiful thing no matter how it happens, and although all of our experiences are different, they are still all considered childbirth. IMO using the term "natural" somehow diminishes the experience a c-section mom has, or any of us moms who choose or are forced to use medication (as an induction mom, I had to use pitocin- if I had the option, I wouldn't have chosen it but it was medically necessary to kickstart my body).
Sorry this is getting so long! I'm not offended by the terminology, it just makes me cringe.
I (personally) have no problem with either term "natural" or "unmedicated." However, I do understand why some people do. Having a baby is the most natural thing there is, and for some women using the term "natural" only for unmedicated births is offensive. Yes, using medication during childbirth isn't "natural" per se, but neither is birthing in a hospital with an OB, if you want to go that route.
Also, some women use the term "natural birth" as almost a badge of honor, which can suggest that using pain relief makes a women "less than" those that don't. So it is a sensitive issue for many women.
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
My UO: I dislike cutsie names for sex. I.E. doing the deed, mattress mumbo. Just say sex. You had sex.
I don't see natural childbirth as a badge of honor. I see it as what is right for me. If you feel it diminishes what you did then use the term you want, but I'm going to use verbiage that makes sense logically to me.
I guess another unpopular opinion I have is when people change definitions of things when a word is and deemed bad or good, instead of using said words for intended purposes and changing social perspective in doing so.
Natural "existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind."
Unnatural "not existing in nature; artificial"
an OB and a hospital are not entering my body or affecting my birth. They are there if something goes wrong. Not the same.
DS2: Jan. 2016
DS3: Dec. 2017
Baby #4 on the way!
@madcouplewithabox Like I said, I don't have a preference for terms at all. But I disagree with you regarding your last statement. If you're going to use the verbatim definition of "natural" using an OB, hospital, monitor, etc is not natural either. The setting itself is not "natural" and does not "exist in nature" and is "made by humankind!"
I agree that you should use the terms that you like, but I think it's important to recognize why others feel differently.
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
DD1 EDD 9/29/2015, Born 9/24/2015
DS1 EDD 1/3/2018, Born 12/26/2017
BFP #3 3/21/2019, EDD 11/29/2019, MMC/D&C 5/7/2019
BFP #4 6/28/2019, EDD 3/12/2020
So I'm sorry for misusing the word but I don't mean to take anything away from you ladies who went all natural! I am just trying to get through the story quickly : )
Second point I want to make is that I've been in a lot of conversations describing different birth types, and I do have some strong opinions, but they're all directed at the doctors and the hospital system. I think every mom is a hero no matter how she gave birth!
Some women had interventions and medication because they were medically necessary (and some just because they freaking wanted to, like me...who BEGGED for that epidural). To say that their birth process was "unnatural" can be offensive and a trigger for those who had no choice. So, that's why I think it's important to shy away from using terms like "natural" and "unnatural" when describing the birthing process.
The strict definition may be true, but it doesn't address the way it's used in parenting and childbirth. It's basically trying to ignore slang and vernacular. Language doesn't really behave so strictly.
Which, whatever, use whatever verbage you want. But I stand behind medicated/unmedicated as valid and accurate definitions.
Also, related UO but I swear not pointed at you (probably, I guess depending on your ideology): GMOs are the only way we're gonna keep food supply up for an increasing population. The amount of scare-mongering people do because it's "not natural" is nonsense. Nothing about the world we live is natural. Air conditioning isn't natural and drains resources, but I don't see people clamoring to give that up.
One thing is for sure, I think those of us who have given birth felt like super heroes once that baby was out, no matter how they came out. That sense of accomplishment is pretty awesome.
Turns out, the epi didn't work out well for me or for DD1. I put a lot of time and energy into preparing my mind and body to be prepared to have DD2 without any meds. When I say I went all natural with DD2 I say it with pride. I worked hard to accomplish that goal and am proud of myself for having a natural childbirth. It isn't any sort of sordid reflection on anyone else and what they did or didn't do with their own person or their personal experience, it speaks only of me and my experience.
That said, I'm like the least sensitive person on the planet. It's incredibly rare that something someone else says or does bothers me. I assume people mean the best, instead of assuming they meant it negatively, and even if they clearly meant it negatively then eff them.
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
But also on that note, infrastructure is the other key piece of the equation of feeding the world but don't get me started on that...
No UO's from me yet...too sleep deprived to have many original thoughts today.
Editied because I'm sleep deprived so my first round lacked some words/grammar.