Enjoyed it and successful with two children
Great to see another thread on this topic. I have practiced EC (I also call it Natural Infant Hygiene) successfully with my 2 youngest children, now 5.5 years and 16 months old (while working out of my home). I just love it, especially the close bond and communication, and the respect and empowerment it gives my child. It comes as natural now as nursing my baby when they need it, and feels very much a part of the same natural process.
Both were virtually diaperless from birth with some exceptions on outings. My motive was never less work, but frankly I'm grateful that I have had to change only very few (less than 20) poopy diapers/pants in the last 6 years as it means I can focus my energy towards more meaningful things.
With my first EC'd ds, I found it took a bit of learning and observing and some setbacks to get the hang of things. With my youngest child, I found I barely think about it and just do it, the way I just nurse when she asks--it's a very intuitive process.
Now at 16 months, she often climbs onto her own potty independently, or brings it to me, or tells me "bee-bee". She would never pee on me and will climb off furniture if she has to go. When we're out, she'll signal her need by beginning to remove her pants.
She's never worn a diaper at night and has been dry at night for many months--before that I peed her at night in a potty by the bed.
For those who are just beginning--it definitely does get much easier and the time you put in now pays off as things will keep changing and your baby will go longer between pees (dd now can be dry for hours). My recommendation is to just focus on the communication aspect and forget the counting unless it's motivating rather than discouraging you. Many mothers have said they would do it again even if it took as many months/years as conventional potty training (which it doesn't). Be gentle with yourselves and watch your own progress rather than going for "perfect" or measuring yourselves against others.
I sure wish I'd known about with my first child 17 years ago and feel disappointed Mothering never let me know as I was a faithful subscriber and counted on them to be on the cutting edge of natural parenting. The book I wrote about EC/NIH actually grew out of an article I wrote for Mothering which they eventually turned down. So I can be grateful for that
. By the way, EC has gotten good coverage in large mainstream magazines and newspapers in Germany, Canada, Croatia, Sweden and the U. K.
Hurry up, America!
In my small community, there are now at least 15 mothers practising EC, and that's only the ones I've met! This grass-roots movement is growing, folks, as more and more mothers decide to give themselves and their babies the gift of EC. It might seem crazy at first but for millions of mothers in non-Western countries, it's a normal part of infantcare.
warmly,
ingrid
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