Inspired by this post on designing a nursing necklace, two Breastfeeding 1-2-3 readers crafted their own nursing necklaces! Check out the lovely creations of Hobo Mama (photo and discussion) and Digiscrappin’ Life (photo and discussion). Thanks for posting pictures, ladies!

Have you been inspired by any of the following do-it-yourself projects?

~ Nursing Cover
~ Knitted Nursing Tank Top
~ Pullover Crew Neck Baby Bib
~ Baby Bib with Neck Ties
~ Ring Sling
~ Nursing Necklace
~ Nursing Pads
~ Baby Booties
~ Cloth Diapers
~ Nursing Pillow, Nursing Shirt, Nursing Bra and Pumping Bra, Cloth Diapers, and More

Email me a picture and I will post it here sometime! Or write up your own post and send me the link! Or just leave a comment — I love hearing feedback on the projects.

1. Electric breast pump: Wired for Noise has a giveaway for a brand new The First Years Natural Transitions Deluxe Double Breast Pump. Open to U.S. residents, this contest runs through the evening of Friday, July 11th, 2008.

2. Baby-Wearing: Along for the Ride is running a summer contest to win the essential babywearing stash, which includes one Gypsy Mama Wrap, one Hotslings pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Beco Butterfly, and one ZoloWear Ring Sling - in your choice of any in-stock colors or patterns. The contest runs through July 31st, 2008.

3. Cloth Diapering: Nature’s Child is offering a chance to win a bumGenius 3.0 Starter Kit: 18 diapers, diaper sprayer, a dozen cloth wipes, and a bottle of odor remover. Contest open through July 31st, 2008.

I was curious to see whether a majority breastfeeding mothers prefer cloth diapers to disposables for their babies and the answer is a resounding yes! Poll respondents chose cloth diapers more than 2-to-1 over disposables. Let me reiterate that I don’t think there has to be any correlation between breastfeeding and cloth diaper use, nor do I necessarily think everyone should use cloth diapers (although 27% of respondents think so!) If you missed my discussion, check out what I had to say about Using Cloth Diapers, How to Buy Used or Sew Your Own Cloth Diapers, and eBay’s Policy on Selling Used Cloth Diapers.

Here are the final poll results:

Please take a moment to vote in the new poll in the sidebar!

To see all prior poll results, click here.

Just after I mentioned that I recently starting using cloth diapers for my baby and that I bought those cloth diapers used on eBay, I learned that eBay has been removing listings of cloth diapers for sale. Apparently eBay claims that the sale of used cloth diapers violates the used clothing policy against selling used underwear. Some sellers have been informed that the sale of cloth diapers also violates the mature/adult content policy which also states the rule against selling used underwear.

While I believe that eBay is not the appropriate place to sell human breast milk and agree with eBay’s policy in that case, I do not agree with its policy on cloth diapers. Any concern about whether or not used cloth diapers are sanitary and safe for use can be eliminated (no pun intended!) by proper washing and even boiling of the used diapers. If you feel the same way, you can sign the e-petition asking eBay to allow the sale of used cloth diapers.

The other day I wrote about Using Cloth Diapers. While using cloth diapers can help a family save money in the long run (see this savings calculator), the initial investment can be quite expensive depending on the cloth diapering system and brand you choose. I bought my Fuzzi Bunz diapers used on eBay. I’ve had friends who have had success with the sales forums at diaperpin.com (one friend advised that it’s best to create your username and password and login before searching for diapers because the items listed often sell quickly and you’ll want to get the contact information and email the seller as soon as possible after making your choice). If you do buy used, always make sure to check the original manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and washing. Consider boiling the diapers (if the fabrics/system can tolerate it) to ensure they are sanitary for your baby.

If you’re handy with a sewing machine another option is to sew your own cloth diapers. Here are some resources for free patterns and templates:

www.thediaperhyena.com
www.diaperjungle.com
www.diapersewing.com
www.sleepingbaby.net/jan (scroll down to diaper projects)

If you want to buy a pattern, check out this compilation of reviews of cloth diaper patterns.