|
Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions here. You may also send us your questions through our contact us page and we will answer them here. Why should I buy from you when I can get it cheaper online? TOP
There are many reasons that you should choose to spend your money at Mother Nurture and other local businesses. Click here for an article on the importance of supporting local businesses.
Firstly, my prices may be higher than online stores. This is because I run an actual storefront. This was very important to me when starting my business. I began Mother Nurture because I was frustrated that there was no where to see, feel and try nursing bras, slings and cloth diapers locally. I needed help getting started with those things and didn't have much help here. I spoke to other women and found this to be a common problem. So, I decided to fix it! I learned (and am still learning) as much as I could about cloth diapers and babywearing. I became a certified bra fitter and am learning the basics of lactation problem-solving. In planning my business, it was very important for me to have a storefront businesses that would allow people to see, feel and try things and get support for using these items. I prefer that my customers try on bras and try out the slings before they buy them so that they will be satisfied with their purchase. As a local businesses owner, I am also able to respond to the individual needs of our community. For example, I had several requests for the Ergo Baby Carrier, organic clothes, blankets and toys and baby shoes. These were not an original part of my business plan, but I have been quickly able to respond to the apparent need for these items in our community.
I live here in Lexington and am dedicated to our community. I make thoughtful decisions to spend my business and personal dollars within our community as much as possible. I support local Work-At-Home Moms through my WAHM program. I also try to buy as many domestically produced items and WAHM-made items as possible.
I also want my store to be warm and nurturing for you and your family. We have comfortable chairs for you to sit, take your time and nurse your baby. Toys are available for older children to entertain themselves. I encourage you to take your time and be confident in your purchases. I am here to support families, not just to sell things to them.
I hope that you can feel confident that by spending your dollars at Mother Nurture that you will receive excellent customer service and support and truly know how to use all of your products when you get home. You can also be confident that you are contributing to our local enconomy. Thanks! How many nursing bras do I need? TOP
You should have at least 3 regular nursing bras - one on, one in the wash and a clean one waiting. You also need a sleep or leisure bra to hold your nursing pads in place overnight. How do I know what size nursing bra to buy? TOP
You should come into the store to be fitted. We are certified bra fitters and will be happy to measure you for a correctly fitting bra. We are also knowledgeable in the variations of sizes between brands and styles. You've probably heard that most women are wearing the wrong size bra. We have found this to be true. Typically, most women are wearing a larger band size and smaller cup size than they should. Many women are shocked at their true bra size! If you can't make it to the store, see our bra fitting guide for help. When should I buy my nursing bras? TOP
During the last month of your pregnancy, your breasts will likely be the same size they will be while you are nursing. You should buy a comfortable leisure bra to wear during the first few weeks when your breasts are very full and 3-5 regular nursing bras in the appropriate size. If you cannot come in before your baby is born, you may come in afterwards to buy a leisure bra and return when your milk supply settles to get your regular bras. How much can I expect to spend on a nursing bra? TOP
Our bra prices range between $20 - $55. All of our bras are chosen based on the quality of the product. Unfortunately, good-quality larger bra sizes (E cup and larger) tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. However, many of our larger-breasted customers have found that their properly sized, good-quality nursing bras have been the best, most-supportive bras they've ever owned! Can I wear an underwire bra while nursing? TOP
An incorrectly fitting nursing bra with underwire may cause serious problems. However, if the bra fits correctly, you may wear an underwire. This is one reason that we highly recommend that you come in and be fitted. Is cloth diapering hard? TOP
Cloth Diapering is much easier than most people expect. Cloth diapering has come a long way. So, even your grandma might be surprised to learn how easy and convenient it can be. While your baby is solely breastfed, your washing machine can do all of the work for you. Once on solids, you simply dump the solid poop in the toilet. There is no need to swish diapers in the toilet or soak your diapers in bleach water (please do not bleach your diapers - amonia from urine and bleach can produce toxic fumes!). Some people prefer to rinse their diapers and use a wet pail, but it is not necessary. Many new products have made cloth diapering very convenient
- washable pail liners allow you to put all of your diapers in the wash without touching them!
- wet bags have a waterproof liner on the inside so you can store your soiled diapers in the diaper bag.
- Snappis are used to hold prefold diapers on instead of pins.
- Cloth Diapers come in so many varieties including fitted diapers, pocket diapers and all-in-ones which may cloth diapering less intimidating.
We'd be happy to show you the variety available and help you make a decision about cloth diapering. How many cloth diapers do I need? TOP
It is generally recommended that you have 24-36 diapers. It really depends on how often you want to wash them. A newborn will need to be changed at least every 2 hours. So, 24 diapers gives you 2 days between washings and 36 diapers gives you about 3 days. As your baby gets older, they may not need as many diaper changes or may not need a change at night. So, you may be able to get away with fewer diapers. You really do not want to go longer than 3 days between washing your diapers. You should also plan on having at least 1 cloth wipe per diaper, plus a few extra. You will need 1 wipe to clean their bottom after a pee diaper. You will need 2-3 wipes to clean up after a poop diaper. What about cloth wipes? TOP
Cloth wipes should definitely be considered when cloth diapering. You should plan on having at least 1 cloth wipe per diaper, plus a few extra. You will need 1 wipe to clean their bottom after a pee diaper. You will need 2-3 wipes to clean up after a poop diaper. You can store your wipes in a commercial wipe warmer with plain water. Some people also like to make up wipes solutions with some soap, baby oil and essential oils. If your baby poops every day, plain water will be fine as you will use most of the wipes in the warmer within a day or two. If your baby poops less frequently, you can put a drop or two of tea tree oil in the water you put in the warmer to prevent molding. Some people do not use a wamer at all. You can keep your dry wipes on your changing table with a squirt bottle filled with water or your wipes solution. Just wet each wipe as needed. If you have used disposable wipes, you will be surprised to see how much more effiecient cloth wipes are. It generally takes 2-3 wipes to clean up a poop diaper, while it takes countless disposable wipes to do the same job! Is it too late to start using cloth diapers? TOP
Absolutely not! Many people decide to start using cloth diapers after their childs first year or as their child starts potty training. Cloth diapers will always save you money and the environment. Older children may go through fewer diapers so the investment may not be as overwhelming. If you're unsure, I recommend that you start with 2 fitted diapers, 2 pocket diapers and if your willing to consider it, a pack of prefolds. Try those out for a few days and see what works for you. Cloth diapers can also help with potty training. Cloth diapers will allow your child to feel wet which is important for understanding cause and effect. So, while your child will feel wet, the diaper will also hold all of that wetness in the diaper, not on their clothes or in your carpet! How do you wash cloth diapers? TOP
Washing cloth diapers is very easy. The easiest method is the dry pail method:
- Exclusively breast-fed baby's diapers go straight into the pail. Once on solids, cump the poop in the toilet first.
- Empty pail into the washer.
- Run a cold rinse to rinse out all of the poop and urine.
- Add 1/4 the recommended amount of detergent and run a cold cycle, or add 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent and run a hot cycle.
- Some people like to do a second rinse to ensure all of the detergent is rinsed clean.
- Dry on hot or hang to dry.
That's it! Wet pail methods may prevent staining, but in my opinion it can be messy and potentially dangerous if your chid is able to unlock the pail. Besides, they're just going to get stained again. Staining can be removed by laying your diapers out in the sun. What is the big deal about wool? TOP
We love wool diaper covers! Wool is a natural fiber that is:
- anitbacterial
- self-cleaning
- breathable
- odor-resistant
- fire retardant
Many people assume that wool will be hot. However, wool is breathable where as synthetic diaper covers are not. Therefore, wool will actually be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Most other diaper covers are made with polyurethane laminate (PUL). So, even though these covers seem thinner, they will not air to flow through the cover. Some, like the Mother-ease Air Flow covers, have strategically placed opening that allow some air to flow in without leaking. Don't get me wrong, PUL covers are great - they work and are less expensive.
While wool does require some special care, it is not too terribly difficult to take care of. The Bumpy Wool covers that we have at Mother Nurture are felted woold, so they are pre-shrunk. This means that they can be washed in the washing machine on warm. They do have to air dry, but so do PUL covers. Woold covers need to be relanolized every so often - usually after 4-6 washes. This can be done with several types of lanolin products. Sold and liquid lanolin are mixed with warm water, then you soak the cover for 15-20 mintues and allow it to air dry. There is also a new creamy lanolin spray that you simply spray onto the cover and rub into the fibers. Then allow the cover to air dry and your done! I want to use a sling, but how to I choose the right one? TOP
That's a big part of why I opened Mother Nurture. I hated my first sling and didn't have anybody to help me use it. There are 5 main types of slings:
- Ring Slings
- Pouches
- Wraps
- Mei Tais (or Asian Baby Carriers)
- Structured Packs
Ring Slings are what people typically think of and want when they are looking for a sling. However, these can be very confusing and difficult to learn how to use. There are many "technical" things about a ring sling that can make it challenging without help.
Pouches are an easy pop-on, pop-off sling. However, it is limited fewer carries and cannot be shared between users of different sizes. It can be a good option for occassional use.
Structured Packs are usually more commercially available. They are by far, the most limited and there is some controversy as to whether they can cause spinal compression. This happens because the baby is basically dangling from their crotch. The Ergo Baby Carrier is the only structured pack style carrier that I would recommend. The baby sits on their bottom as intended. You can also purchase an infant insert to carry a baby that cannot sit up on their bottom. It is also more versatile, allowing you to carry baby on your front, back and hip.
My favorite carriers are wraps and Mei Tais. Wraps I recommend for newborns and younger babies. They may look intimidating, but they are one of the easiest carriers to use. A wrap is ergonomic for the user because it spreads the fabric out over both shoulders and across the back. It also feels like your baby is a part of your body again. The wrap is also the most versatile, allowing you to do a variety of holds on the front, back and hip. The Mei Tai is also a very user-friendly and ergonomic carrier. You can also use it on your front, back and hip. The only reason that I think it is better for older babies, is because your baby is always vertical and that position can be more difficult to nurse in for some babies. However, it is still great for carrying newborns.
I really encourage you to come to the store if at all possible and try out each type of sling so that you can make your own decision about what is best for you and your family. I will happily show you how to use each type of sling. Wearing your baby can be a life saver. See my article on babywearing for more information on the benefits of babywearing. I own a sling/somebody gave me a sling, but I can't figure out how to use it - can you help? TOP
Absolutely, bring in your sling and we'll show you how to use it. Sometimes, it just takes a few pointers to figure out how to use your sling correctly and make it more comfortable for you. Which detergent should I use to wash my diapers? TOP
There seem to be two different schools of thought on this one. Some people are highly concerned about detergent residue and give you a long list of ingredients to avoid. The main problem with this is that detergent formulas may change, so that makes it difficult to recommend particular detergents. Others say that it's find to use a smaller amount of your regular detergent. Everyone seems to agree that detergents should be free of fragrance, dyes and whitening enzymes. You should also avoid using Borax or bleach as these will break down the fibers of your diaper over time. Plus, the mixture of the amonia in baby's urine and the bleach can cause serious health problems. You also want to avoid using soaps as they will cause build-up.
Diaperpin.com recommends using All Free and Clear. This is what we have used, personally, had have had absolutely no problems. I think that detergent residue becomes more of a problem with diapers made from synthetic materials, such as pocket diapers that have a fleece layer on the inside. So, my recommendation is to start out using 1/4 the recommended amount of your regular detergent. If you find that your diapers are wicking, repelling, stinking or rashes, follow these instructions. |
