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About

Hello, I’m Nemah, a traveling traditional full-spectrum midwife and herbalist with over 20 years of experience. Raised by my grandmother, Maria Pilar Fernandez Vialobos from Chihuahua, Mexico, I was immersed in the wisdom of traditional healing and herbal medicine from an early age. My journey into midwifery has taken me all over the world, assisting in births and supporting families through the sacred journey of conception, birth, and postpartum recovery.

I specialize in fertility, conception, and postpartum care through an indigenous lens, offering a unique range of services. My practice includes prenatal and postpartum massages, fertility coaching, telepathy sessions between babies and parents, and supporting fathers in their vital role during pregnancy and postpartum. I guide families through every phase of their journey, offering not only physical support but emotional and spiritual guidance as well.

Providing my clients with homemade teas and body care products crafted from my garden and the local forest to traditional postpartum ceremonies such as cuarentena a bone closing that occurs on the 40th day of postpartum, I create everything with intentionality, love, and respect for the earth. My work extends beyond childbirth—I'm here to help families heal, grow, and thrive in every aspect of their lives. Whether it’s energy clearings, sustainable living practices, or teaching new parents how to adjust to the changes of parenthood, my mission is to restore Indigenous birthing practices, prevent posrpartum phycosis, create balance for families and offer wisdom that will support families for a lifetime.

As a mother,  and passionate advocate for restoring traditional birthwork, I’ve had the privilege of serving diverse families from all walks of life—from those recovering from substance abuse to high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry. Each family reminds me why I do this work: to help people find balance, connect with their roots, and live in harmony with the world around them.

When I’m not serving my clients, you’ll find me gathering medicines, spending time with my family, or enjoying the simple pleasures of life—like bonfires on the beach. My work is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and it brings me immense joy to help families thrive.

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20 billion pieces of used diapers end up in landfills each year, which generates more than 3.5 million tons of diaper waste.

Writer's picture: Nemah FaalouaNemah Faaloua

Updated: Dec 28, 2024

Why I Chose Cloth Diapers: A Sustainable and Healthier Option for My Family

Seventeen years ago, I began using cloth diapers for my children when they were newborns. My main motivation wasn’t necessarily to save money, but to avoid the harmful chemicals found in disposable diapers and reduce the massive environmental impact they have. Every month, over 20 billion disposable diapers are used in the U.S. alone, and more than 300 million diapers are thrown away each day. These diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills, creating a long-lasting environmental impact on our planet.

Studies have also shown that children tend to be potty trained faster when using cloth diapers because they can actually feel the wetness, unlike disposable diapers, which absorb moisture away from the skin.

That said, I’m not here to judge how others choose to parent. My goal is to share some facts and alternatives that could help make a positive difference for both our planet and future generations. There are plenty of benefits for parents who make the switch to cloth diapers, and the process is really not as difficult or unpleasant as it might sound.

My Experience with Cloth Diapers

I want to be honest and share the reality of how I approached cloth diapering. While I used cloth diapers about 90% of the time, I didn’t cloth diaper 24/7. There were times, especially at night, when I used disposable diapers just to get some sleep. As a new parent, sometimes the balance of practicality and environmentalism requires flexibility. After all, it’s important to remember that perfection doesn’t exist in parenting, and the key is to find what works best for your family.

That’s why I’m writing this blog—not to promote an all-or-nothing approach, but to let you know that there are options available, and you can make a positive impact in small ways. Whether you cloth diaper most of the time or just part of the time, it’s about doing what feels right for your family and finding that balance. Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making informed choices that align with your values while taking care of yourself and your baby.

Environmental Impact and Financial Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Each year, more than 3.5 million tons of disposable diapers are added to landfills in the U.S. alone. The materials used in disposable diapers, such as plastics and super-absorbent gels, take centuries to break down. Meanwhile, the average baby will go through around 6,000 to 8,000 disposable diapers in their first two years, contributing significantly to the growing waste problem.

In contrast, cloth diapers can be reused for many years, and are much more environmentally friendly. Cloth diapers are often made from natural fibers like cotton, Linen bamboo, or hemp, and can last through multiple children, making them a long-term investment.

How Much Can Parents Save?

Cloth diapering can be a significant financial saving. The average cost of disposable diapers for one child over the course of two to three years can range from $1,500 to $3,000. On the other hand, the upfront cost for cloth diapers is typically around $300 to $500 (depending on the brand and quantity purchased), and these can last through multiple children.

Considering the environmental and financial benefits, making the switch to cloth diapers is a win on many fronts.

Chemicals in Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers often contain several harmful chemicals that can come into contact with a baby’s sensitive skin. Some of the chemicals commonly found in disposable diapers include:

  • Dioxins – Toxic byproducts of the bleaching process that have been linked to cancer and reproductive issues.

  • Phthalates – Chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, which can interfere with hormone production and are linked to developmental issues.

  • Fragrances – These can contain allergens or irritants and may contribute to skin sensitivities or respiratory problems.

  • Sodium polyacrylate – The super-absorbent gel that is used in disposable diapers, which has been linked to toxic shock syndrome in some cases.

By choosing cloth diapers, you avoid exposing your baby to these harmful chemicals, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re taking a safer, more natural approach.

A Simple Guide for First-Time Parents to Cloth Diapering

If you’re considering cloth diapering, here’s a simple guide to get started:

  1. Choose Your Cloth Diapers: There are several types of cloth diapers:

    • Pre-folds: Rectangular pieces of fabric that need to be folded and fastened with pins or a diaper cover.

    • All-in-ones (AIOs): Diapers with built-in absorbency and waterproof covers, just like disposables.

    • Pocket Diapers: Diapers with a pocket where you insert absorbent inserts.

    • Fitted Diapers: These are similar to AIOs but need a separate cover.

  2. How Many Diapers Do You Need?: A typical stash for one baby is around 20-30 diapers. This will give you enough to last between washings.

  3. Washing Cloth Diapers:

    • Pre-rinse: After each use, rinse the diaper to remove waste.

    • Wash: Use a gentle detergent and wash your diapers in warm water. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they can reduce absorbency.

    • Drying: You can air dry or machine dry your diapers, but air drying is gentler on the fabric.

  4. Diaper Covers: If using pre-folds or pocket diapers, you’ll need a waterproof cover to prevent leaks. These can be reused multiple times before washing.

  5. Cloth Wipes: Consider using cloth wipes, which are a natural complement to cloth diapers. You can make your own wipe solution or buy pre-made options.

Cloth diapering is about making choices that work for your family, not about being perfect. While it offers environmental and financial benefits, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Finding balance is key—whether you cloth diaper full-time, part-time, or just occasionally. Every small step counts towards a healthier planet and a safer future for your child. Explore your options, do what feels right, and know that every effort matters.

Here are some cloth diaper brands owned by small businesses:

  • Esembly Baby: Offers try-it kits

  • Forever My Babies: A Black-owned brand that donates diapers to families in need and supports social justice initiatives

  • Pooters: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

  • Shine Cloth: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

  • Little MuffinCakes: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

  • Nappy Bunz: A Black-owned cloth diaper business

Other cloth diaper brands include:

  • bumGenius: Offers one-size, one-piece diapers made of 100% organic cotton

  • GroVia: Offers a hybrid diaper with snap-in liners that can be reused

  • Gerber: Offers affordable, traditional cotton prefold diapers

  • Thirsties: Offers a Duo Wrap cover that can be used with prefolds

  • LKC and Me: A brand that focuses on sustainability, quality, and innovative design

  • Ruvanti: Offers 100% cotton, flat-fold cloth diapers

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“Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been on the fence about cloth diapering, but your advice really helped clear things up. This is very helpful & insightful. I feel so much more confident about giving it a try now. Appreciate all the time and effort you put into this—it's exactly what I needed to get started!”

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