Posts by Allison Tolman
Medela vs. Spectra breast pump review & order one FREE through your insurance! (Even TRICARE)
As a mom of 2 (soon to be 3) and a lactation counselor, I am quite familiar with the breast pump! I went back to work after my first and carried my Medela pump religiously everywhere I went. With my second baby, I tried out the Spectra pump. They have several similarities, but many many…
Read MoreBreastfeeding Photoshoot – Why you should do one too!
I’ve always seen those beautiful pictures on social media of women gathered together in beautiful dresses breastfeeding their babies together. There is such a sense of unity to women past and present in the long-standing tradition of mothers feeding their children. I never thought I’d be able to participate in an event like this due…
Read MoreWhat you’re really paying for when you hire a Birth Doula.
Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Now what? This can be both an exciting and nerve-racking time. There are so many things to do, things to learn, to prepare for, it can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are birth professionals out there who are willing to help. A Birth doula is someone trained to support you physically and emotionally…
Read MoreHow to Sew Cloth Menstrual Pads – Video Tutorial Timelapse
This fun time-lapse video is meant to show you just how easy it is to sew Cloth Menstrual Pads! So fun! Check out The Happy Hippos on Etsy for my favorite patterns! Don’t forget to visit my shop to see if I have any in stock! You can also visit my YouTube channel to see…
Read MoreWhy Use Cloth Menstrual Pads?
I’ll admit, the first time someone mentioned they used cloth menstrual pads my thought was, “Eww, that’s super gross. That’s definitely something I’m OK with just throwing away. Washing? Storing? Yuck.” Which was also my first thought about cloth diapering, which I’ve come to love. If you’re wondering what would possess someone to use cloth menstrual…
Read MoreBengKung Belly Binding – Make and Wrap Yourself VIDEO Tutorial
BengKung Belly Binding is a tradition thousands of years old where a woman’s abdomen was wrapped, typically for 40 days postpartum to promote healing and provide warmth. It is a very significant tradition in many cultures and it has so many healing benefits. This video shows the process of making a BengKung style Belly Bind…
Read MoreSerging Cloth Wipes – Time Lapse Video Tutorial
This is a fun time-lapse video showing you how to serge cloth wipes! Since we’re using cloth diapers anyway, using cloth wipes too almost makes it easier! Now I don’t have a pile of disposable wipes sitting on the changing table to go throw away. They just go right in the wet bag along with…
Read MoreNewborn Cloth Diaper Cover Tutorial
Tutorial with pictures for a newborn sized waterproof cover for cloth diapering. Mixture of patterns from a easy going seamstress! Save money and make cloth diapers yourself!
Read MorePUL Cloth Diaper Cover Tutorial – Velcro (Aplix) Closure
I’m excited to cloth diaper my second boy after my wallet continually wept every time I bought diapers for my first son. After doing countless hours of research and pricing out options, I’ve decided to make my own! I have sewn quite a bit but these really aren’t as hard as they seem! I’ll walk…
Read MoreTips, Links, and Help Writing a Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan can seem daunting! Is it necessary? Where do I start? Help????
Here are some tips and suggestions from a nurse, doula, and birth enthusiast. You’ll find lots of information, links, and reading material to help you get started finding the best path for you. You CAN do this!!
