Another Example of the Trusting Finn (and cloth diaper stuff)

This occurred in late June, however, will be posted after the baby has been born....

Anyways, I've been on the hunt for Imse Vimse cloth diapers second-hand, in preparation for #2 - and have been getting pretty lucky at finding them in excellent condition (no stains) and sometimes brand new - for a fraction of the cost.  As well, I'm also on the hunt for the diaper covers as well (to help prevent leakage)....it's been excellent so far.
I figure I should get as many as I possibly can because if baby #2 arrives according to schedule - it'll be quite cold out - so I won't be taking both children outside often at all!  And therefor not needing to use disposables except at night time or while travelling....what a money saver!!

Well, I recently contacted this lady from the University used-items site (like Kijiji)- who had those same diapers on for a wonderful low price and she had informed me that she had other useful items I may need.
What else does a pregnant woman need?  Yep, you guessed it!  Maternity clothing.
Because I was quite small in Canada during my first pregnancy (and was only there for � of it) - I didn't really shop around much for maternity-wear.  I mostly wore bigger sizes or stretchy t-shirts, but I did invest in a couple pairs of maternity shorts, and a friend graciously gave me some maternity jeans.
This time, I am getting bigger faster and have lucked out at the second hand stores with some maternity clothes, or at least larger sized clothes easily.
I find it sometimes difficult to buy maternity clothes in the shops because they're rarely on sale, and those that are - are not quite my size or style I'd like....I know one shouldn't be choosy - but I would still like to look half decent while out in public!
And online - the maternity clothes are often sized XS or XL....

So!  With that said, this lady met me this morning (June 29) and delivered some cloth diapers and covers to me, and also had a huge bag of maternity clothes and other useful items for sale.  I didn't have enough money to cover the pieces she had with her (aside from the diapers) - but she said simply to try them on, go through the other items and let her know what I would like to keep and what I'd like to give back to her.  Then she can come back and I can pay her in cash or forward her the money online.

I bet you're wondering what else was in that bag, huh?
2 maternity shirts, a pair of maternity jeans, a stretchy tube top, a pair of maternity underwear with the velcro strap (to aid with back pains), a set of baby monitors (brand new), a manual breast pump, a pair of black maternity tights, a pair of woolen panty hose and 2 cloth baby carriers.
WOW.  Well, I thanked her kindly and raced upstairs to see what fit and what wouldn't.
Seeing as this lady was about the same size as me - I had a lot of faith that I would find something that I could make use of!
I ended up taking most of it - except the breast pump (already have one), maternity underwear (I'd feel so weird wearing a velcro belt!), the tube top and woolen panty hose.....oh and the baby carriers - no need for those either.
Once again - these things were at a fraction of the original cost online or in the shops!  I was very pleased with myself and I was surprised the husband was interested in the baby monitors!
Not that our flat is huge or has multiple floors (it doesn't) - but he suggested it being easier to leave V�in� and/or #2 outside or at least down stairs if they're asleep...and if we have a double stroller (vertical or horizontal) - it won't fit in the elevator anyway!

So I bet you're probably thinking, "Eww second-hand cloth diapers! How un-hygenic!"
That's not true at all!  If they were completely stained beyond repair - then no, I wouldn't buy them.
On the Imse Vimse site, you can simply rinse them off (flush the poop of course) and toss them in a bucket for up to 3 days...then wash them!  I had no idea until I was doing a price comparison for a friend...Before, we were rinsing them, flushing away the poop and soaking them in a bucket filled with water and white vinegar (white vinegar is anti-bacterial - did you know that?!)...then tossing them in a wash on higher temperature (60*C usually does the trick).

However, cloth diapers are an investment at brand new cost.
For example - let's do some math and look at the cloth diapers on Imse Vimse (that are size based - not including the all-in-ones - which are also horrendously expensive):

• Soft diaper covers - they're leak proof, don't stain on the inside (because they are polyester coated - kind of like plastic) - and are 11.95� ($16.72 CAN) for one...I've been paying no more than 4� ($5.60) a piece....
• Flannel Diapers - These are the "actual diapers" as they do the absorbing...and in that link are listed as a 4-pack for 32,95� ($46.16 CAN)...so on average for 1 of these would cost about 8.24� ($11.54 CAN)....I haven't paid more than 2-3� per piece ($2.80-$4.20)

Now these aren't the only cloth diapers on the market!  

By all means, there are several people we know who have used the gauze-like material, folded it in some fashion and used those.  They're much cheaper, come in a variety of colors and patterns and dry faster because they're so thin.

However, I am not very good at regular origami - so diaper folding isn't my cup of tea personally.

We also have several of those pocket-style diapers - where you have to fill the inside of the diaper (like a pocket) with a liner or thick pad - then you remove the liner, rinse the diaper and toss both pieces in the wash.

We've saved tonnes of money by cloth diapering our first born up until he was 11 months old....then he started out-growing them and finding used bigger sizes was becoming difficult....but I'll keep hunting around!  They even sell pull-up style cloth diapers - so it can help with potty training!

Cloth diapering is what you make it - and it's not for everybody!!  

For us - it's environmentally friendly, it's softer on baby's skin and we haven't had a rash yet!, it's inexpensive (in the long run!) compared to disposables, and once we're done with them all - we'll be selling them off too.

Update: August 15, 2011Since I cannot post this on Facebook without giving the pregnancy away, I will post it all here...
I went to Silinteri with a "feeling" in my gut and wow am I glad I did!
I found those Imse Vimse cloth diapers...someone was selling them in packages of 5 diapers + 2 covers for 3�.  I cleaned her table.
I also found on another table, 2 brand new IV diaper covers (with tags attached) for 2�....and at ANOTHER table?  I found 5 brand spanking new IV ORGANIC COTTON cloth diapers for 3�!  I noticed it was re-tagged several times...the seller originally wanted 10� for the 5 - which still would've been a steal but a little steep on my "don't get the husband mad for spending too much" budget.
So in total? 25 cloth diapers and 10 IV covers for 17�.  And out of all those diapers...only 2 were lightly stained...and it wasn't even that bad!!!!
Oh and a bottle warmer in a box still...original price? 39�...paid 3� for it.
Found some flushable rice paper liners - to help prevent staining....

And I had posted an advertisement seeking IV diapers and/or covers on the university's website - and someone contacted me the next day with 4 spotless diapers and 2 covers for 10� (a bit pricier than what I paid today - but nonetheless...an excellent deal) and another cover that is organic cotton for 4�....

Prenatal Care in Finland (and more about the pregnancy!)

By the time this posts - it'll be some time in October 2011.  (Sounds so futuristic huh?)

For the most part, I have kept my 2nd (and final!) pregnancy a secret from many people - even good friends, Facebook, Blogger and people I know IN Finland!
Shocker I know.
Why did I "attempt to hide it"?  Because I was travelling a lot - I ended up having some slight complications (and an early miscarriage June of 2010) - but just to be safe - I figured I'd keep my mouth shut until after the baby's born....and I think personally, it would be hilarious for my Facebook profile photo to be a little baby and a status update of (something along the lines of): "Went to the hospital and they gave me one of these!!"
That's my sense of humour though...

Now, let's talk about prenatal care in Finland!  Remember, last time I was pregnant with V�in�, I moved to Finland at 26 weeks pregnant.  I wasn't overly big, it was a tiring move (with 2 big dogs too) - but we survived.

So, what's different between Canada (specifically Nova Scotia - which may not have the exact same procedures as the rest of Canada) and Finland for pre-natal care?

Let's start at the beginning!

I found out I was pregnant on February 6, 2011 (3 days before my birthday - go figure....), called the Neuvola nurse that my son goes to- and was advised I have to go to a "maternity Neuvola" (which is not the same location as the one we were going to for V�in�).
This happened to be the Neuvola across from the Central Hospital of Jyv�skyl� (where I used to live when we first moved here!)....which also happens to not have a direct bus route and is about a 45 minutes walk! (~3km?)
So after some quick calls, I made my first appointment for some time in March.  When I went there with my son and husband, the nurse attempted to do an ultrasound instead of using a doppler to look for the heart beat.  I wasn't prepared for an ultrasound (as fuzzy as it was) - and didn't drink any water.
(In NS, there is NO ultrasound until 20-22 weeks unless a heart beat is not detected or there are multiple heart beats - and you have to go to the hospital.)
Needless to say, she couldn't find anything (she never warned me about drinking water or not using the bathroom either) - but she should've been able to.  She re-scheduled the prenatal survey and the ultrasound for 2 weeks later and requested that my family not come with me.  Because V�in� was quite upset waking up in a new environment he didn't recognize, and woke up too early - he was obviously crying - and this nurse couldn't handle it.  (Doctors don't do these appointments - just once or twice throughout the pregnancy).
(Worst first impression ever - thanks a lot "Beth" - obviously not her real name).  The other thing about Beth, is that she's also a mid-wife - so she's USED to be around babies and mothers and I just thought it was very un-professional of her to ask such a thing...

2 weeks later, I go by myself and drink lots of water in preparation for the ultrasound.  Beth was all smiles and advised me that she was glad I didn't bring my son, because "he stressed her out" and made it "very difficult to find the baby via ultrasound."
I guess she didn't see the smoke coming out of my ears.... I sharply advised her that she did not notify me of having to drink water - and that she should've been able to find something at the previous appointment, because I was showing multiple symptoms of pregnancy.  (She must've thought it was hormones, smiled and nodded and brushed me off).
So within 10 seconds of using the ultrasound scanner - guess what?!  She found the baby!  Wow - who would've guessed?!
Anyhow, she determined that I was going to have a big baby, or perhaps, I was further ahead than she thought (because she doesn't understand English well enough - the date of my last menstrual cycle was completely lost on her)....
Oh and then there's the "Prenatal Survey".  In NS, they ask about your family history, as far back as your siblings and grandparents/aunts or uncles on either side of the family (mother to be or father to be).
In Finland, they ask you as far back as your cousins and spouse/partner's cousins!
Here's what they want to know (similar to that of Canada):

• History of cancer, asthma, blindness, diabetes, autism, ADHD (pretty much anything that could be genetic)
• History of alcohol, smoking or drug usage
• General health, diet and exercise regime
• Vaccine history
• If you or spouse/partner were a complicated or difficult birth - what was involved
• Plans on travelling during the pregnancy (they do not recommend you fly after 25 weeks-I think in Canada it's 30-35 weeks - depending on your doctor and where you're flying to)

The first ultrasound was held at the Gravida, a separate section of the hospital and quite a pain to get to as it's hidden away.  I had one at 16 weeks - to see if the baby had anything similar to what I was born with (some stomach issue in which I was born with my stomach open) and to check it's heart (as I also had a heart murmur when I was a wee one).
No children are allowed at all, at the ultrasound - even if they are well behaved and/or asleep!  Tim and V�in� had came with me (V�in� was sound asleep and not going to wake up at all) and the doctor told them coldly to go down the hall and wait in a chair.
This ultrasound cost me 27,40� and was not covered by Kela, because a doctor did the ultrasound.
If it was done by a nurse - there wouldn't have been a fee.  However - you don't seem to get a choice in who does your ultrasound.

The second ultrasound was with the same doctor in the Gravida and I have also received a bill for it for the same amount.
I asked for the gender and we are pretty sure it's a ____________.
She tried to get a 3-D photo, however the baby was covering it's face....funny, Tim's like that now and so was V�in� during our Canadian ultrasound.

During my last appointment (approximately 5.5 months - some time in June) - I was asked if there was any history of diabetes in my family.  I really have no idea - because I'm adopted - but I said simply "Not that I know of why?"
According to Finland's regulations, if you are under the age of 25, have no history of diabetes yourself or with direct family members (siblings or parents) and any previous child was under 4.5kg - you don't have to do the diabetes test!
(The diabetes test is when you drink a beverage, not use the bathroom and they test your blood sugar levels over a span of a few hours to see if you are diagnosed with "pregnancy-related diabetes".  If you are- then you meet with a dietitian and set up a very strict meal-plan.  If not - then you're fine).
Score!  Now, because I am technically "over 25"....as my birthday was in February - she let it slide.
However, if I start feeling extremely tired or not well, then I'll have to go and get that test done.
I was also asked what I'm doing for exercise ...I walk a lot, I carry heavy groceries, I carried my son in a back-pack carrier during our trip to Estonia and Paris (with my husband sharing the duties of course) - you know, usual stuff.  I walk the dogs some times...
She asked me the funniest thing then.  "If your dogs are dirty, do you wipe their legs?"
I had a look on my face that clearly said "What the _______(insert bad word of choice)?!!"
I guess her point was that I shouldn't be bending down to wipe their legs and feet - as I am already experiencing back pains (which are probably early contractions she said)...

Oh and we can't forget - the all important kegel exercises...
If you're wondering what "Kegel exercises" are - it's the flexing of your internal muscles and down south muscles....so to do this, you hold it in/suck it in like you need to pee really badly but you just - hold it in for 10 seconds...and then relax...and repeat this regularly.  (This is also supposed to help with recovery after giving birth).
Well, apparently Beth didn't know what the English term was - because during one of my appointments, she asked if I have been exercising my pelvis.  I wasn't sure "how" I was supposed to exercise my pelvis, so she gave me a demonstration.
Beth stood up and began punching herself down below.  My jaw dropped (I'm so glad my husband wasn't there or else I'd look at him and laugh even louder) and I thought quickly if my Canadian doctor has ever told me to punch myself in the "hoo-hah".
My eyes were leaking and my nose started running because I wanted to laugh so badly and I was holding it in.  I just smiled and said "Okay, I'll do these exercises when I'm in the shower....oh no don't mind me - it's just allergies."

Another great thing about Finland, is that I have received ultrasound photos throughout this pregnancy.  Where as, in NS, you don't get any.  You only find out the gender in advance through the hospital if you're having multiples or are a high-risk pregnancy.  (Then you would be going up to the 7th floor).
There's a couple companies (or perhaps it's the same one) in NS that provide the gender, a DVD and 3-D photos (or some sort of combination) at a ridiculous price.  You have to book well in advance too.

So my due date is October 16th, 2011 - but the doctor said during the 2nd ultrasound that yes - it does look like a big baby - so I'll probably go early.
I am predicting between 7-9th - as my husband's birthday is on the 8th.  (I was early with V�in� by 6 days).

July 26, 2011
Well, I'm between 28 and 29 weeks along and having hints of "nesting" (where women get ridiculously obsessive about the cleaning) and wildly cranky in doing so.  Which is also due to the need of more sleep.  But because I nap late in the evening when the hubby gets home - it causes me to be wide awake at odd hours - like 1:12am.
I've since had a doctor's appointment and the doctor looked quite young and told me congratulations and asked when we were planning on having another.  She had my history in front of her and knew that V�in� was born in Finland and a few days early and I smiled and said, "Oh this is the last one for sure."
"Never say never!" she chirps happily.
The urge to smack her upside her dark curly head was intoxicating and very tempting...
"Oh I assure you - I won't be having another one.  Too costly to fly to Canada to visit that way!" was my snarky response.  (Yet it's so true!)
She just smiled and said, "Well, you can discuss protection after you've had the baby with your nurse."
(It's called never having sex again - duh.....)
Anyways, she had noted at my last appointment that the baby was about 1.44kg (3.17 lbs) and that was considered "quite big".
Well, no kidding - considering V�in� was born at 3.57kg (7.87lbs) and according to the internet - the baby should've only been a little under 2 lbs at the time (I think I was 24 or 25 weeks? - I can't find my booklet right now).
My jaw dropped and I instantly visualized myself with a brain aneurysm trying to push out the next member of the Riggs family...have you seen the movie Gigi? The one with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez...yep - that one.
There's still a small chance I need a c-section - the doctor noticed the placenta is near the front and "kind of low" - but that they'll keep an eye on things.

Oh and I found a double stroller at the second hand store! WAHOO!  It was originally selling for 180� and over a span of a month, dropped down to 90�....the person was supposed to pick it up last week but hadn't yet...so I reserved it and will spend V�in�'s monthly "allowance" (that is tax-free and for living in the city of JKL) to buy it tomorrow morning.  It has 3 wheels, side-by-side (I also picture a few pinches and punches being tossed between the 2 kids), a large hood, a rain cover and a "lunch bag" to put the new born in.  It's an older model by a company called "ABC DESIGN" - but it seems functional.  And it's gender neutral - navy blue and beige with black.

August 11, 2011

I had my 30 weeks +2 days appointment recently and all is well.
I asked the nurse if the hospital provides a baby-sitting service for older children while the mother is in labour.    She curtly told me: "No.  Your husband is the father - so you can take a taxi to the hospital when you're ready and he can stay at home with your son."
I lifted an eyebrow and simply told her, "I am merely curious because we do not have any family here and may not have any friends that are able to watch our son when it's time."
I thought she was incredibly rude and I only asked because some hospitals might have such services (where I don't know) and I'd rather ask and look sort of "dumb" than to not ask at all!
However, she provided me with a site that allows people to hire sitters at a rate (currently) of 8,20�/hour.  You have to pay the minimum of 2 hours worth of work and on holidays or Sundays - it is double time.  Fair enough.  And if they do not have a car - you have to drive them home or pay for their taxi (which is fine - but who knows where they are coming from!).
Then the nurse advised me that if I go during the day time - it's possible my husband and son go into the cafeteria and wait until I'm done - then they can meet me in the room.  However they do not have a "family room" anymore to accommodate both parents, newborn and older child.
Trust me lady - if I could plan when my kid was coming - I would.  I cannot wait to be done with this nurse - she pisses me off nearly every time...
I am up to 67.9kg (almost 150 lbs) but according to everybody (nurse and friends) that's great that I am gaining...about 34lbs since prior to this pregnancy!  I guess as long as I eat reasonably healthy (I do...but I also cheat a lot) and exercise (I walk Loki 30-45 minutes every night, get heavy groceries regularly, walk a lot and with a stroller) - then I'm fine.  Oh and I guess you're "supposed" to gain more weight with the second child and any other pregnancy after the first.
I was a little upset about it at first...it's extra weight I have to shed later (yes I'll breast feed) - and no, I have 0 idea how much I gained in total with V�in� because they forgot to weigh me!
But on the flip side - my maternity pants keep falling down - so that's a good sign I suppose...

Oh and she gave me a sheet of paper that acts as my birthing plan.  She translated it for me and near the bottom - it asks for potential names for a boy or a girl and what religion.
Whoa.  Why?
Because in case "something happens" to the baby - they want to know if the baby has a religion and if we don't have names picked out - they get a "temporary name".  The temporary name can be changed later apparently.
So what she was trying to tell me was, "If the baby is a still birth - what were you going to name him or her and what religion should we list on their birth/death certificate?"
(At least that's how I took it).
I was advised to bring this sheet with me to the labour....

FYI - In Canada (and probably US) - you see a doctor every time.  You rarely see a nurse, except for the small things like blood pressure, urine samples, weight and height measurements.  Once you hit a certain point in your pregnancy, I believe closer to 20-22 weeks - then you see a different doctor.  Or at least I did, because my family doctor no longer delivered babies and stopped servicing you by the time you neared/entered 2nd trimester.

Aug. 20, 2011
WOW! 32 weeks and still going strong.
Honestly, until it comes to cleaning or bending down - or picking up V�in� (who is about 25 lbs) - I often forget I am pregnant.  Sure I'm wearing bigger clothing, maternity clothes and have back pains galore...but I try and keep busy because it keeps me fit and keeps my mind off the "you're going to have a big baby" thought.
A friend confronted me via FB email asking if I was pregnant because she heard it through the grapevine back in Halifax.   I confirmed this and advised to not tell anybody because it's something we want to share after the baby's born.
She thought it was odd and a "lonely" way of telling people.  I disagree.
For me - I'm happy we're expecting another (and final) child - but I just hated all the repeated questions from our friends and family.  It's not that I don't appreciate your concerns folks - I just hated repeating myself.
So if I only have to do this one more time - I may as well do it at the end.
When I was pregnant with V�in� I felt like I was a broken record with repeating the due date, my doctor's comments, what it was like travelling while pregnant etc.  So please do not be offended - this is not directed to any one person or group!!!
This is just 50% hormones and 50% me not wanting to share the pregnancy...and I think it's also a major test for me to see if I can keep this from as many people as possible!  (So far so good!)
I spoke to other friends having their 2nd or 3rd - and they advised me they totally agreed and felt the same way - so thankfully, I don't feel too bad!
And yes, I have been taking "belly photos" occasionally when I remember.
I'm working with a friend to take some non-naked/non-bare belly exposing photos in September...so those will go online too - after the baby's born.

I honestly and deeply hope I did not offend anybody by not telling them that we are expecting - even very close friends, some of whom we saw in Canada in May (and some family as well).  Only direct family was to know - however, some beans were spilled but still this has been kept under wraps thus far.

September 17, 2011
Today I went to a cottage to dye some yarn with the ladies of our knitting group from downtown and had a blast.  I also did a lot of knitting that I wasn't used to and have developed Carpel Tunnel Syndrome...great.

September 18, 2011
Today our friend came over and took some casual, "au natural" photos for us...no nudity involved - I just mean us being ourselves at home and outside.  Nothing formal or posed.

October 1, 2011
I am currently 37 weeks and 6 days along.
On Thursday, October 29th - I was 37 + 4 and had a Neuvola appointment, which also included a visit with the doctor.
The nurse, Beth, and I are getting along better - or so I think, as I am just sick and tired of being pregnant.  Typical at this stage - if not earlier! HA!
After weighing myself and getting my blood pressure done and some basic questions out of the way - I went to the doctor - who didn't speak a lot of English.  Which is fine.  I'm used to playing the "Guess what I'm saying" game... I understood the doctor perfectly fine.
I had an ultrasound done to see about the weight and measurement of the baby - and what do you know? The head is "so low" she could not measure the baby's head size or weight.  So I am going into this pretty blind-sided...
I know - lots of women have 0 idea how big their child is going to be.  But I wanted to know - I have a pretty low tolerance for pain and I'm fairly short (5'2") and small pre-pregnancy.
But here's the worst part.  After the ultrasound - in which it was quite dark and crowded in there...and the kid looks HUGE to me!! - she signed my booklet, gave me a prescription for my inhaler (which I lost recently - the prescription refills not the inhaler itself) and sent me on the way.  She didn't take any photos - she just made sure all seemed fine in there and it was so dark and cramped - I don't think there would've been any good "shots" anyway.
What's wrong with this?!  She should have checked to see how far along I am, if at all - but I'm positive I am dilated.  I suppose she could have done an internal ultrasound to see the baby's head size - but nope.  She was so anxious to get me out the door and to avoid speaking a little English to me - that she skipped this fairly important and crucial step to the appointment.
This was done at my last doctor appointment when I was pregnant with V�in� (a different doctor of course) - and I'm curious as to why the medical care is not consistent across the board.
The nurses here do NOT check to see if you're dilated - unless it's a mid-wife and you're in the hospital delivering.
My next appointment is 2 days after my expected due date (in about 2.5 weeks)...but I'm hoping I'll be giving birth within a week.

We thankfully have found a couple of wonderful sitters that live down the road from us and that V�in� really likes!  It's hard finding someone to watch him that doesn't mind large dogs, a super-active child and our constant mess of a home!  Oh and finding someone that V�in� likes is even harder.
But V�in� adores his sitters (a married couple from Brazil studying here) and we try to have them over at least once a week to hang out with us - so he gets used to their presence.  My husband and I even managed to go see a movie without any guilt - because when we got home - V�in� was asleep in the guy's arms and didn't even notice we had left!
We had them over for coffee last week, and V�in� actually crawled into their laps and just watched a movie with them...and pretty much ignored us!

The Carpel Tunnel Syndrome has been jumping back and forth between my hands (I am right-handed) but thanks to a gel the nurse suggested - there's no pain.  Just tingling in my finger tips...much better than before.  Hopefully this goes away after the baby arrives.


October 22, 2011

Baby is home and so am I!
Baby boy was born on October 20, 2011 at 1233pm.