Cloth Diapers 101 Monday May 14th at 6:00 pm

Hang on to Your Mental Health  Monday May 21 at 6:00 pm

Frugal Moms Meet Monday May 29 at 11:30 pm

Birth Doula Training Workshop Friday September 30 – 27

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share on Facebook

HERE ARE THE WINNERS:

Dawn Griffin won a selection of cloth wipes, samples of Rockin’ Green detergent and a pack of flushable liners.

Amy Hayden won a wooden Kinderkram mobile of her choice from the in-stock selection at Mother Nurture.

Amanda Orloff won a Bummis swim diaper, tankini and fabulous wet bag.

Sarah Masters won 3 Bummis diaper covers.

Samantha Clinton won an A Little Something for Baby Kit from Earth Mama Angel Baby.

Mary Potter won a set of handmade, organic washcloths

Rebecca Hill won 2 Groovy Cheeks cloth Diapers

Lisa Kuhl won 50% off diaper stripping service from Fresh Fannies Diaper Service.

Tabitha Buis won $25 to Mother Nurture for the most comments during the party.

It turns out the most shares won’t work.  Apparently Facebook has changed something and it wouldn’t allow me to see who shared our posts unless I was personal friends with the on Facebook. Sorry about that.  I really appreciate you sharing our presenters & fun facts.  I hope everyone had a great time at the party.  What would you like the next party to be about?

In order to claim your prize, you must email me at cerise at mothernurtureky.com.

Share on Facebook

Earlier this year, we began offering Groovy Cheeks pocket diapers and wet bags.  Mika Pryor, the owner of Groovy Cheeks lives in Lexington, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with a local company!  Here’s a little bit about them, in case you’ve been wondering:

The groovycheeks cloth diaper company was founded in 2011 by Mika Pryor following the birth of her child in January of the same year.  Not keen on the idea of disposable diapers going into landfills and the whole environmental issue that involves was the primary reason for starting the business.

Following lengthy research Mika decided that she wanted a piece of this industry for the benefit of Camden, her daughter and to educate other mothers on the benefits of using cloth versus disposable diapers.  Having previous experience working in the fashion industry and an excellent understanding of textile manufacturing she took this experience and started the line.

With the help of friends and family she found a reliable factory that could produce high quality products and began developing and testing.   With her husband, Richard by her side to assist with the marketing and design they were soon ready to get the company trademarked.

The company is growing quicker than anticipated, from a seemingly unknown onlin

e store to being sold through Mother Nurture in Lexington.

Mika plans to add products to the line such as larger wet bags and pail liners.

See reviews of Groovy Cheeks here:

Share on Facebook

The Fresh Fannies Family: Leland, Melody and Brylee.

Hello to friends of Mother Nurture!  My name is Melody, and my husband, Leland, and I have started Fresh Fannies Diaper Service for the Lexington, KY area. We offer affordable cloth diaper service right to your door step, or work place, or day care, or—you get the picture.  If you have considered cloth diapering, but are unsure about handling the work involved, let us make it as convenient as possible for you.  We understand the sometimes overwhelming changes new parents experience, as we welcomed our daughter, Brylee, eight short months ago. We want to make cloth diapering easier and one less thing that parents have to worry about.  Like Cerise at Mother Nurture, we want to add value to our community.  We feel that we are helping our planet, busy parents, and precious fannies by offering the ability to use cloth diapers for those who may not be able to otherwise.  Don’t forget to keep us in mind the next time you attend a baby shower, as diaper service makes a great gift.  Check out our website at www.freshfanniesdiaperservice.com and “Like” our Facebook page!  

Share on Facebook

CERISE BOUHARD

MOTHER NURTURE

CERISE@MOTHERNURTUREKY.COM

859.335.5949

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Mother Nurture joins with Groovy Cheeks and Fresh Fannies to Host Lexington Site of the Second Annual World-Record Setting “Great Cloth Diaper Change” International Event

Lexington, KY April 15, 2012 – Mother Nurture along with Groovy Cheeks and Fresh Fannies Diaper Service will be host to the Lexington, KY site of an international cloth diaper changing event taking place on Saturday, April 21, 2012, the day before Earth Day and during International Cloth Diaper Awareness Week. In its second year with over 305 sites in 16 countries, The Great Cloth Diaper Change event will attempt to break last year’s Guinness World Record™ of 5,026 cloth diapers changed simultaneously.[1]

“Each year billions of disposable diapers enter landfills where it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose, if ever,” says Heather McNamara, Executive Director of the Real Diaper Association. “Building off the success of last year’s event with 127 locations in five countries, we hope to show the entire world that cloth diapers are a real option for today’s modern families, particularly catching the eye of expecting and new parents who may be seeking more planet-friendly and affordable alternatives to disposable diapers.”

To date, there are more than 63 parent and baby pairs registered to participate in the Lexington event, which equates to approximately 126 people anticipated to be in attendance. The event will take place at Mother Nurture at 2891 Richmond Road, Suite 102, Lexington, KY 40509. In addition to the Great Cloth Diaper Change world-recording setting activity, there will also be discounts, goody bags and door-prize drawings.

For more information or to participate in The Great Cloth Diaper Change in Lexington, please contact Mother Nurture at 859.335.5949 or visit https://www.facebook.com/GreatCDChangeLexington.  To find other Great Cloth Diaper Change locations, visit  www.GreatClothDiaperChange.com and click on the map to find information about your local event. The Great Cloth Diaper Change can also be followed on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/GreatClothDiaperChange, and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ClothRecord.

About Mother Nurture: Mother Nurture is a boutique and resource center dedicated to supporting new families in their parenting journey.  Products and services are offered for breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering and natural alternatives.

About Groovy Cheeks:  Groovy Cheeks is a Lexington based, mom-owned cloth diaper manufacturer of one-size pocket diapers, inserts and wet bags.

About Fresh Fannies Diaper Service: Fresh Fanniesis a diaper service which serves Lexington and provides diaper rental, cleaning and stripping service making cloth diapers more convenient for modern families.

About The Great Cloth Diaper Change: In its second year, The Great Cloth Diaper Change is an international initiative organized with the help of the nonprofit Real Diaper Association designed to show the world that cloth diapers are a real option for today’s families. The brainchild of Judy Aagard of Tiny Tots in California, Aagard says she came up with the idea in an effort to host a family event celebrating Earth Day. The Great Cloth Diaper Change has morphed into an exciting Guinness World Record™ breaking event, and in 2011, more than 5,000 babies were changed simultaneously. For more information visit www.GreatClothDiaperChange.com.

This event is part of a larger (and growing) movement to change the way parents think about diapering their babies. Participants may contribute $1 (or more) at any of the North American local event. The money will assist the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Real Diaper Association in their efforts to help families across the U.S. and Canada find and use reusable cloth diapers.

##

Share on Facebook

Here’s the plan:

Cloth Diapers 101 Workshop - Monday April 16, 6pm at Mother Nurture 

Join Rhea, our cloth diaper maven to learn ALL about cloth diapering.  This has been one of our most popular workshops ever.  If you are new or simply interested in all the cloth diapering world has to offer or if you are a pro and want to refresh your knowledge and connect with other cloth diaper-ers, come join us for an informative workshop where we’ll discuss pros and cons of diapering styles, see how far cloth diapering has come since our parent’s days of safty pins, learn how to educate those around you on all the benefits, and have fun while doing it!

Cloth is Cool Facebook Party - Tuesday, April 17, 7pm on the main Mother Nurture Facebook page

Join us from the comfort of your home to discuss cloth diapers with the experts and win prizes!  We have the ladies of Bummis coming to talk about the brand and the details of dirty diaper laundry.  Groovy Cheeks will be there to talk about their new brand of cloth and bamboo diapers and what makes them special.  Learn all about Lexington’s new diaper service from Fresh Fannies Diaper Service.  And, Cerise, Karen and Rhea will be on to talk about their choice to use cloth diapers and their experiences.  It will be fun and you could win some cool cool additions to your cloth diaper stash!

The Great Cloth Diaper Change – Saturday April 21, 12 noon at Mother Nurture

Just in time for Earth Day!  This is our second year hosting the GCDC and we’re excited to contribute to breaking last year’s record.  The GCDC is an world record setting event for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously around the world.  Luckily, our time falls during daylight hours!  Join us and other cloth diapering families for this fun, awareness-building event.  The first 25 attendees will receive a Groovy Cheeks wet bag stuffed with cloth diaper goodies.  Several door prizes will be given away.  We will also be taking donations for the Real Diaper Association.  Additional door prize tickets can be “purchased” for each dollar donation to the RDA.

Share on Facebook

A while back, I posted this picture to the Mother Nurture Facebook page with the comment: “Maybe some people need a visual to go along with what they’re suggesting when they say you should go to the restroom to breastfeed.”

I believe this photo originated from "The Deranged Housewife" Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151226044810014&set=o.115576435141400&type=1&theater

There were a few comments in the first little bit, then I got off Facebook and went about my day.  Later that evening, I checked back on our page and my jaw dropped, my body began shaking.  Within a few hours, there were 50+ comments – many of them very negative.  What happened?  Why?  Why were these people saying these things?  Don’t they know what we do here at Mother Nurture?  Clearly not.  I decided then, I would write a blog post about it but wanted to give myself some time to think about it.  Facebook’s new Timeline feature, brought it up again.  I’m not sure why.  But, clearly this was a calling to finally get this off my chest.

So, like I said, the first few comments were what I expected:  ”This upsets me. No woman with child should ever feel like they have to breastfeed in a porta potty!” “It’s more than sad that women are still nursing in bathrooms. Not much has changed since I nursed my first child in 1973.”  ”I fed my babies in public, and never had a problem.”

What sent me over the edge?  Here are just a few examples:

• “I nursed two kids. Never did I have to sit in a port-o-potty. I did, however, have enough sense to pump and to save excess in order to have milk when my kids needed it. I never had to hoss out a boob in public. I keep my boobies covered. Nursing in public is not a necessity. It is a matter of modesty. Before you hurl stones at me, remember – I chose to nurse two children. I am in favor of it. If you don’t care who sees your boobs, nurse anywhere you want. If you do care, pump or – as this case – camp out in a port-o-john. It’s your choice.  PS – I think the photo is gross. No one forced her in there (I think no one forced her in there). I don’t feel sorry for her. I do feel sorry for EVERY woman who has to go through drying up! ow! ow! ow!”
•  ”That is soooo gross!!! Plus that kid looks way too old to be eating that way.”
• “Um, if the child is old enough to say “Nice tits” they should be done breastfeeding. Now, for the rest, I don’t care if you whip off your top at the table to do it. If there’s a baby attaching those are no longer for ogling. It’s a wonderful natural thing.”

I could go into all the the scientific and anthropologic arguments for each of the infuriating comments on that post.  However, those points have been made time and time again by more articulate advocates than myself.  This post is emotional.  My heart broke when I saw the hate-filled, judgmental comments on the Mother Nurture Facebook page.  Mother Nurture, both the store and our social media outlets, is a safe, judgement free place for all moms.  It is not a place where you will receive judgement for not breastfeeding or parenting differently than we did.  In fact, I am particularly proud of having a group of women working for me with very diverse experiences when it comes to their births, breastfeeding and mothering experiences.  Mother Nurture should always be a place where any mother can come for support.  We may not always know everything or have had your same experience, but we’re really good at sharing sympathy, listening and helping.  I just cannot tolerate that type of unkindness on an environment I have worked so hard to make nurturing and supportive for all moms.  It is fine to have your opinions and express them.  But if you cannot do so in a respectful, non-judgemental manner, please do that elsewhere.  Moms have enough internal and external judgement, guilt and conflict.  This is one, safe place for all moms to be safe, nurtured and supported.  I simply cannot tolerate comments in my page that would make any mother feel judged or unsupported in this way.  It really makes me sad that this happened and more than a bit furious that anyone thought it appropriate to post comments like that on the Mother Nurture page!  I’ll get over it in time.  But, there are likely some mothers who just had their insecurities affirmed or were made to feel like villains.  And that’s JUST.NOT.COOL!

Share on Facebook

Stephanie Hall Doane:  Sarah McKay of Nine Months and Beyond – “Conquering Stress and Burnout as a Mother-Baby Professional” by Micky Jones!

Suzanne Wrightsman:  Courtney Shinaberry – “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin

Tanya Ellison:  Donna Miles – 2 hour postpartum doula visit or concierge service (travel fee may apply if outside Lexington)

Bonnie Groce:  Kiersten Moore – “Birthing from within: an extra-ordinary guide to childbirth preparation” by Pam England, Rob Horowitz

Mindy Abshire McGirt:  Julie Six – Aura Cacia Lavender Gift Set and Hypnobabies Peaceful Sleep for Expectant Moms CD.

Mary Katherine DeLodder: Christina Scribner – A local, handmade scarf

Tanya Ellison:  Mandy King – “Your Best Birth” by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein

Megan Leigh:  Kristin Abboud – A Belly Bowl (belly cast of the belly only)

  To claim your prize, shoot me an email: Cerise@MotherNurtureKY.com.

Share on Facebook

Anne Rust of Baby Moon supports Cerise during the second stage of labor during Remy's birth.

Remember too that doulas are there to provide non-medical, non-clinical support. You will need a doula AND a midwife or physician, you will need a doula AND a nurse. Your medical care team is there to assure the health and safety of you and your baby, but they are not there to help you and your partner work through contractions. The doula is there to help you both manage labor, and to provide informational support (“would you like to ask about risks and benefits of this procedure?”, “do you understand what your choices are?”, “here are some non-medical options for increasing your comfort”, etc.). If you are looking for someone to speak to your medical care team on your behalf or to make decisions for you in labor, that is not a doula. A good doula will help you to find your voice, but will never speak for you, and will serve as your diplomatic liaison–using her experience to build bridges between you and your medical team to enhance the care you receive.

Share on Facebook

FYI: We use Random.org to randomly select a number to chose the winner of each item – we have nothing to do with it.

Giveaway: “Hot Mamas” by Lou Paget, courtesy of Patti Hard, MS, LFMT, CADC, AASECT (Licensed Marriage and Sex Therapist)  WINNER: Jen Evely

$30 off the session of your choice with Tatsiana McGee, LMT   WINNER: Katie Duerson

Initial Consult with Candice Lewis, Herbalist  WINNER: Sabrina Miller

30 minute Mama Latte or Immune Booster treatment with Caitlin Broderson, LMT  WINNER: Jennifer Bishop

“Understanding Your Moods When You’re Expecting” By Lucy Puryear, M.D. courtesy of Colby Cohen-Archer   WINNER: Jennifer Bishop

YOUR CHOICE! FREE Infant or Pediatric Massage OR Dancing for Birth Series with Lauren Higdon, LMT  WINNER: Marie Skinner

FREE initial consultation with Melissa Courtney, CNM  WINNER: Amy Hayden

Initial Consult with Erin Holston-Singh, ND  WINNER: Amy Hayden

$25 Mother Nurture Gift Card for the most “Shares”   WINNER:  Andi Haubenreich

Winners need to send me an email (Cerise@MotherNurtureKY.com) to claim their prize.

Share on Facebook