I am so excited. After a fabulous visit with Reesh on Thursday morning, I was inspired to finally give the diaper free “thing” a go. We had been putting it off, because everything with a new baby just seemed so overwhelming, and although I had told myself we would start trying once things settled down, we hadn’t yet even tried to catch a pee.
During our chat Reesh mentioned that she is often able to catch Nadia’s pees right after a nap, so I figured that was s good a place as any to start and over the last three days I have caught 4 pees! That means 4 fewer wet diaper to wash! Not sure how well this is going to continue, but I figure anything is better than nothing and I’m so happy that we’re finally attempting what we intended to. If you haven’t heard of Diaper Free (aka Elimination Communication) check out this site for some basic info. You may think we’re nuts, but I figure it can’t hurt to try!
If anyone out there is doing Diaper Free with a boy though - I would truly appreciate some tips on aiming!! Currently I have been using the bathtub since it’s a pretty big target! I also think that Nate often pees while he’s nursing. I know that some people use a bucket under a naked baby during a nursing session – I don’t think I’m quite ready to go that far, but again, if anyone has had success with this I would love to hear about it.
For the moment, I am content with our small success. I figure if I can continue to catch a few after nap pees and change him immediately when he’s wet (as often as humanly possible at least!) I am on the right track. Best case scenario – we’ll have a young toddler who can tell me when he needs to go – worst case scenario we’ll save a few diapers! Either way it’s all good.
Make sure if you haven’t entered my giveaway, you do so before noon tomorrow pacfic time. Good Luck!
5 comments
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November 4, 2007 at 5:21 am
Megan
I don’t think ya’ll are crazy at all! I am really proud of you for just jumping in and trying it!! Please keep us updated on your progress. I am also amazed Reesh is able to EC with an active toddler to keep up with. Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it!
November 4, 2007 at 4:01 pm
jackie
Congrats Jen that’s awesome. I was just visiting with Jen and Andrew Morrison (they were in six squadron and graduated with me) and their little guy Aiden is six months and does potty time on his baby bjorn often. Jen said they started when he was one month with the ECing (trying to catch the after nap pees as it were) and it went well, but that aiming was problematic. They used the bathtub too because it was a bigger target and easier to clean then the side of the toilet when they missed. She also pee’d him outside in the summer when it was warmer (and I mean anywhere when necessary, Aiden has pee’d out an open car door into parking lots and all over their property). Good luck and congrats again, if the worst that happens is less laundry for you to worry about life is grand!
November 4, 2007 at 6:21 pm
theunforgivingminute
I think you’re crazy…but in the best way possible! A BIG kudos to you though for being brave enough trying something different. Trying out new ways to do things is the only way great change has been made. And you’re definitely right, only good can come of it. Nate will be proud when he grows up and sees how fortunate he is to have a mom (and dad) that has such a great interest and put in tireless effort in his upbringing. You are a wonderful example of what a new mom should be.
November 7, 2007 at 2:37 pm
reesh
Hey that’s super great! And the most important thing is to not stress yourself out about catching every single pee/poo. I personally think the woman who wrote the book on EC must be exaggerating a little just to prove her point. I think you are on track to having a toddler who will be able to either tell you when they are wet or when they have to go. That is HUGE in this world of 3 year olds still in diapers!
It was fabulous to see you and finally meet Nate! Dev’s back at work and I’m at home with the monkeys. Come on over for a play date/tea/give me a grownup to talk to visit ANYTIME!!!
November 18, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Babywearing Wrap Up (pun totally intended!) « The Things You Didn’t Do
[...] her and her partner were planning to try EC (if you don’t know what it is, I posted about it here and Jackie recently posted about it here). She told me in the same hesitant tone that Dale and I [...]