DiaperFreeBaby and Elimination Communication in the News

by Elizabeth Parise (Communications Manager, and Mentor, Massachusetts)

Over the past few months we have seen everything from slick national and international pieces to good old-fashioned grassroots outreach. Neither type is any more important than the other; each has its unique place spreading the word about EC.

We've seen more magazine pieces, including American Baby and Parents. These magazines are available in pediatric offices across the country and will continue to inform parents for months to come. Twins Magazine opened up the possibility of practicing EC with multiples. An article in WNC Parents from North Carolina was quite positive.

The Salt Lake Tribune ran an article in their Close-up section which appeared in several communities throughout the Salt Lake area. The Asheville Citizen-Times and Poughkeepsie Journal ran the same or similar articles as the WNC Parents article.The Daily Republic in Fairfield, CA presented a well done piece.

We've continued to see international and multi-cultural interest including both Telemundo and Univision television. In Canada there was a long article by the Montreal Gazette and a positive piece by CityTV in Edmonton.

We've seen, or rather heard, more radio interviews including an interview with me on Y98 in Missouri and a long interview with DiaperFreeBaby Co-founder and Executive Director Melinda Rothstein on NaturalMomsTalkRadio.

Two of my favorite outreach efforts, though, are each on opposite ends of the spectrum, MSNBC News Live and Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival Festival.

On July 2nd MSNBC News Live with Contessa Brewer aired a well researched segment on EC and DiaperFreeBaby. It consisted of a taped piece of DiaperFreeBaby Contact Beth Schwartz from New York City sharing her experiences EC'ing her 8 month old daughter after full time diapering and conventionally toilet training her three older children.

Melinda Rothstein then appeared live in a split screen satellite interview with anti-AP Slate magazine editor Emily Bazelon. Melinda was able to correct the misconceptions put forth by Emily by talking about ways EC can be done by other caregivers and part time. Contessa Brewer was quite positive, having been convinced by her time spent with Contact Beth Schwartz on the benefits of EC.

Another of my favorite outreach efforts didn't take place in a news studio or travel across country at the speed of light. It took place amongst the grass, earth and sun along the Hudson River in NY. DiaperFreeBaby set up a booth in the Activist Area of Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival. This area, which "gives groups the opportunity to explain to the public how their efforts heal and transform the world into a better place," typifies grassroots outreach. There is something magical about the festival setting.