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Mother’s Day Wishes- Mother’s Milk Tea Giveaway

May 11, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 63 Comments

Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk has long been a trusted option for moms looking to boost their breastmilk supply. I had the chance to ask Dannelle Jenkins, marketing coordinator for Traditional Medicinals, some questions about the company, how they are celebrating moms this year, and what their Mother’s Day wish is for all moms.

TLB: What should TLB readers know about Traditional Medicinals?

Dannelle: We love breastfeeding moms and support you all the way! We know that breastfeeding can be a wonderful, challenging, rewarding and sometimes awkward journey and we hope to provide you a little moment of peace and comfort with our Mother’s Milk(r) tea, used for centuries by women to help them breastfeed.*

TLB: How did Traditional Medicinals come to be?

Dannelle: In early 1974, three young friends started Traditional Medicinals(r) in the back store room of a small herb shop along the Russian River in Northern California. For nearly forty years, we’ve been passionate about connecting people with plants and passing along the centuries-old wisdom of how to use them. After all these years, our aspirations remain the same: help you use plants to be healthy. We are devoted stewards of traditional herbal medicine, practitioners of sustainable sourcing, meticulous judges of highest quality herbs, caring members of our communities, proud employee-owners of our independent company, herb nerds, and plant people who, without meaning to sound too hippie about it, feel like the plants are talking to us. We hope you will enjoy the fruits (or flowers, roots and leaves) of our labor. With over 50 herbal teas created by herbalists for your health and wellness, we invite you to explore the wonderful world of plants. In good health!

TLB: How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?

Dannelle: This Mother’s Day, we created a slideshow of our employees and all the reasons they love their moms. Check out our Facebook page to see what we have to say to our own moms this year.

TLB: What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

Dannelle: We hope all you mothers are able to enjoy and embrace the wonderful (sometimes messy!) experience of being a mom. It’s one of the greatest things to do and to be and we love you for it. We hope you love yourselves too.

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Three lucky winners will be randomly selected to win a case (each case has 6 cartons!) of Organic Mother’s Milk Tea, a retail value of $32.94 each.

From the Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk Tea website:

Promotes Healthy Lactation*
Herbal Dietary Supplement

Organic Mother’s Milk® promotes healthy lactation* and is traditionally used to increase breast milk production.* This traditional combination of anise, fennel and coriander has been used for centuries by European women, often recommended by lactation counselors and medical herbalists. Organic Mother’s Milk® is a pleasantly aromatic balance of sweet, spicy and slightly bitter tastes.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit Organic Mother’s Milk tea Facebook page to get to know this company that makes it a priority to support breastfeeding moms through their sponsorship of TLB and thank them for this opportunity. This giveaway is open from May 11, 2012 through May 18, 2012.

This giveaway is only open to residents in the USA, thank you.

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Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: bfing, Breastfeeding, breastmilk supply, Giveaway, moms, Mother's Day, Mother's Milk, tea

Mother’s Day Wishes- Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy Nursing Necklace giveaway

May 10, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 99 Comments

Want something pretty for mommy? Need something to help your distracted little one at the breast? Take care of both with a beautiful, handmade nursing necklace. Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy, a TLB sponsor (and fellow Leaky) has a whole shop full of such creations. Jeemaa, the Leaky behind the shop, is offering up two of her hand crafted necklaces and a Mother’s Day wish for all moms. I had the chance to interview Jeemaa and am excited to share more about this woman that I’ve come to know as beautiful both inside and out and her craftsmanship (I have 5 of her necklaces and they are all among my favorite pieces to wear) to be stunning quality.

Jeemaa with her son Zachary

TLB: What should TLB readers know about Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy?

Jeemaa: My name is Jeemaa and I am a stay at home mom to a busy two year old boy. All my nursing and teething ring necklaces are hand-made by me. My goal is to create unique, natural and beautiful pieces that can be enjoyed by both mommy and baby.

TLB: How did Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy come to be?

Jeemaa: I have always enjoyed beading and mostly made bridal jewelry and nature inspired whimsical jewelry in the past. My mama necklace idea started with one of my best friend’s custom necklace request and my own experience with my baby boy. When my son was about four months old, my friend asked me to make a nursing necklace for her. I got some pretty beads with different shapes and textures and made one for her and one for myself. I wanted the necklace to be durable and functional – interesting enough to grab babies’ attention but pretty enough that it can be worn as everyday jewelry. My friend loved it and so did my son! He used to get very easily distracted during nursing, especially in public. And with the necklace he was more focused. He loved the natural donut stone and really enjoyed exploring the beads. He fiddled with it while I waited in a checkout line or changed his diaper. He tugged on it instead of pulling my hair. I was so excited that I posted the necklace pictures on Facebook and it didn’t take long before another mommy wanted one.

TLB: What was your favorite mother’s day present to receive?

Jeemaa: I love opening a card from my husband! He is a man of a few words but always says the sweetest things. And of course, the cards with my son’s cute scribbled notes that I adore! They are without a doubt the best presents! I also love herb plants even if they seem to get eaten by rabbits every year!

TLB: What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

Jeemaa: Mamas, I wish you all to have the most wonderful Mother’s Day! Life can get so hectic at times and it is hard to find time to just relax. Busy or not so busy, I wish you all a day pampered with the love of your families and kiddos!

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Jeemaa has made 2 beautiful necklaces she’s giving away.

Necklace 1: http://www.etsy.com/listing/87486307/hip-mama-nursing-necklace-with-orange

Value: $14.50 US; Free shipping USA and Canada; International shipping fee will be paid by the winner.

The lovely 35 mm Orange Magnesite pendant is complimented by vibrant Fire Agate, dark green Russian Serpentine and green Dragon Vein Agate beads. The beads are secured by knots, and will not spill if they break. The small wooden bead is finished with Certified Organic Flaxseed oil and is movable. Your necklace will come packaged beautifully.

Necklace 2: http://www.etsy.com/listing/78309667/happy-baby-all-wood-nursing-teething

Value: $ 11.50 US; Free shipping USA and Canada; International shipping fee will be paid by the winner.

This all natural maple ring measures 2 1/2 inches. The textured wooden bead is about 3/4 inch. The teething ring and the wooden beads are all finished with Certified Organic Flaxseed oil. It is safe for your little one to chomp on while you are wearing it. The necklace is adjustable up to 28 inches with a Sliding Knot.

I create my jewelry in my loving home with baby’s laughter, fun music and family conversations, so when you receive your necklace, it will be infused with love and happiness. Wear it when nursing, wear it short or long. Your necklace will come packaged beautifully.

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Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy in My lil’ Market to see more of Jeemaa’s work and get to know this company that makes it a priority to support breastfeeding moms through their sponsorship of TLB. This giveaway is open from May 10, 2012 through May 17, 2012. Jeemaa has offered incredible support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit the Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries though international entrants may be required to pay shipping.

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Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: Breastfeeding, Giveaway, jewelry, nursing necklace

Mother’s Day Wishes- Momzelle gift card giveaway

May 9, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 77 Comments

New TLB sponsor Momzelle based in Montreal, Canada, offers their Mother’s Day wishes for Leakies in honor of the creator of the company’s dear friend. Christine, the mom behind Momzelle, shares how she came to start her company as well as her favorite Mother’s Day gift she has received to date.

TLB: What should TLB readers know about Momzelle?

Christine: Momzelle’s mission is to help mothers feel good about breastfeeeding in public. It is a brand of nursing clothing, including nursing tops and nursing dresses, available at select independant maternity and baby stores, as well as online on www.momzelle.com. All of our tops are both stylish and functional, designed with a nursing mother’s needs in mind. They are easy to use, feel great, and most importantly, they allow mothers to nurse anywhere without worrying about what part of their body is showing. This freedom is very empowering.

TLB: How did Momzelle come to be?

Christine: Momzelle came to be about five years ago, after the birth of my daughter Cécile. I had created a nursing top for myself and my midwife raved about how good it was. She said I must bring the product to market, as all moms needed it. A few months later, with the help of my brother Vincent, I started Momzelle. The tops we designed were a hit right away, receiving amazing reviews from mothers and the media. Starting Momzelle was one of the best things I ever did and it is very gratifiying to know that our work makes a difference in mothers’ lives, allowing them to feel good while breastfeeding in public.

TLB: What was your favorite mother’s day present to receive?

Christine: My favorite mother’s day present to receive was a little heart shaped candle holder, made by my daughter. It is ugly, but made with so much love that I can’t help being moved when I look at it. I take it out on every special occasions, which pleases both of us.

TLB: What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

Christine: A friend of mine died of a cancer a year ago and had two little children of a very young age. This mother’s day, I wish to all mothers to be healthy and able to see their children grow.

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Christine is giving away a $25 gift card to the Momzelle online store. Featuring beautiful and functional breastfeeding tops and dresses, Momzelle has a variety of styles fashionably designed for the breastfeeding mom. With this giveaway the winner can pick their favorite product using the gift card to shop at momzelle.com.

Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit Momzelle online to learn more about the breastfeeding wear clothing lines and get to know this company that makes it a priority to support breastfeeding moms through their sponsorship of TLB. This giveaway is open from May 9, 2012 through May 16, 2012. So grateful for their support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit the Momzelle Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries.

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Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: Breastfeeding, breastfeeding wear, momzelle, nursing top

Mother’s Day Wishes- Motherlove Herbal Company Nurturing Life Giftbox Giveaway

May 9, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 64 Comments

For this Mother’s Day Motherlove is giving away one Nurturing Life Giftbox. I was given a Nurturing Life Giftbox and absolutely love it, used the birth and baby oil while in labor, my nipples love the nipple cream, and everything else in the giftbox has been put to good use over the last couple of weeks. My favorite gift for expecting moms and new breastfeeding moms. It has been a privilege to work with Motherlove Herbal Company (makers of More Milk and More Milk Plus) and I have completely enjoyed getting to know Kathryn Higgens and her eldest daughter Silencia over the past year. Making quality herbal products that are of the highest quality, safe, and organic, Motherlove invests in Mother Earth and mothers of the earth through their company and their non-profit, The Nurturing Life Foundation. Please read on to learn more about this trustworthy company from Silencia, the daughter of the mom that started Motherlove and now the Director of Marketing of her mother’s company. This mother and daughter team go above and beyond in supporting mothers and promoting breastfeeding.

Kathryn and Silencia

TLB: What should TLB readers know about Motherlove Herbal Company?

Silencia: Motherlove was started by my mom, Kathryn Higgins, over 20 years ago — when she was a new mother looking for natural options for her own pregnancy. The company has remained true to its roots and never compromised on quality. We were the first natural product line specifically created for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Today we make products for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care. Our focus is on herbal products designed to nurture, soothe and heal women and babies.

TLB: How does Motherlove support mothers?

Silencia: Providing clean and simple products that work. Our More Milk Plus has helped thousands of women increase their breast milk supply and continue to breastfeed their babies. We donate a percentage of every sale to our Nurturing Life Foundation, which funds projects for low income moms, at risk kids and families who need extra support.

TLB: What was your favorite mother’s day present?

Silencia: I like to cook for my mom. She has trouble finding the time to cook (plus she doesn’t love cooking) so it is something that I can do to give her a little more time in the day to garden.

TLB: What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

Silencia: I hope that every mom has at least one day a year they feel appreciated. Being a mother is such hard work and having a day to acknowledge that hard work is important.

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Motherlove is giving away one complete Nurturing Life Giftbox, a retail value of $59.99.

The Nurturing Life Giftbox is Motherlove’s complete selection celebrating new motherhood! From pregnancy and labor, to breastfeeding and babies, these products nurture mother and baby with certified organic herbs and pure ingredients. These products do not contain any synthetic ingredients, fragrances or parabens commonly found in body care products. The perfect gift for the mother who is looking for only the highest quality, pure, natural products for herself and child.

The Nurturing Life Giftbox contains:

Nipple cream
Diaper rash and thrush cream
Rhoid balm
Sitz bath concentrate
Sitz bath spray
Birth and baby oil

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Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit Motherlove online to learn more about the Motherlove products and get to know this company that makes it a priority to support mothers and babies. This giveaway is open from May 9, 2012 through May 16, 2012. Heartfelt appreciation to Motherlove for their support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit the Motherlove Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open only to shipping addresses in the USA.

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Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: birth, Breastfeeding, diaper rash cream, giftbox, Giveaway, herbs, motherlove, nipple cream, pregnancy

Breastfeeding and Support: The Snowball Effect

May 8, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 4 Comments

by Nancy Massotto, Ph.D.

photo credit: flickr user redjar

When I had my first child, I was determined to breastfeed for at least six months. Even with that modest goal in mind, I had friends and family members question my decision, ask why we weren’t using formula, and nag us about when we would start solids and stop nursing. Along the way, breastfeeding led to co-sleeping, babywearing, and a whole host of “alternative” choices on my parenting journey. In a blink, my son was 3 and we were still nursing. And the questions were coming with even more intensity.

As our parenting journey evolved so, too, did our commitment to more holistic choices. I now refer to it as a sort of “snowball” effect. Breastfeeding brought an even deeper awareness and concern about what I was putting in my body, for health and nutritional reasons, but also as we discovered that our child had a number of food allergies. The more I investigated, the more concerned I became about what toxins our food might contain and how genetic modification or artificial ingredients would impact our health. That awareness quickly spread to the presence of toxins in our home – in personal care products, toys, and cleaning products. And the snowball grew.

The bigger the snowball, the larger the pressure seemed to grow from those who didn’t agree with my now “crunchy” parenting style. I became the wacky extremist and felt more and more alienated. If it were not for the amazing support I found with other women, my journey would have been very different. I could not imagine nursing a three year old when my son was first born, but seeing other moms nursing toddlers, having the voices of encouragement and support, and knowing that I was not alone made all the difference. Surrounding myself with a community of moms was essential not only for my journey, but for my sanity. My fellow mamas could laugh with me at the critics, brainstorm on ways to stick to my principles, and sympathize with the struggles – even when they did not agree with my choices. That empathy, that understanding was empowering. Being connected opened up a space to embrace my instincts and to build the parenting relationship that I wanted. And it brought me to a place of tolerance and understanding for others’ choices, even when I did not agree with them.

Another child later and my snowball is now a mountain of holistic choices. From homebirth and breastfeeding to sustainable and simple living, my lifestyle and my parenting continue to evolve. My community of moms continues to inspire me to follow my own path and laughs with me at the many critics who find fault with my choices. I have found my personal comfort zone because of that support and know that my tribe has many different members, but a common purpose and shared support.

What parenting doors has breastfeeding opened for you? Has it forged a new journey? And how do you deal with the naysayers?

Holistic Parenting Expert and Executive Director of the Holistic Moms Network, Dr. Nancy Massotto, Ph.D is a dedicated advocate for holistic medicine and green living. She is the mother of two boys, both born at home. Before embarking on her journey into motherhood, Dr. Massotto earned her Ph.D. in political science from the University of Maryland, specializing in gender studies, women’s issues, and international affairs. She also holds Master’s degrees from George Washington University, Elliot School of International Affairs, and the University of Maryland. Dr. Massotto has lectured at several universities on gender studies, international relations, and women’s issues, including at American University and George Washington University. She conducted research on women’s issues while working for non-profit research institutes and organizations in the Washington, D.C. area, including the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) and the Women’s Research and Education Institute (WREI), authoring and co-authoring publications during her tenure. Motherhood renewed her interest in community building and strengthened her commitment to natural living, from which the Holistic Moms Network was born.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding and society, breastfeeding support, family, Featured, guest posts, motherhood, Parenting Tagged With: attachment parenting, Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, holistic, Holistic Moms Network, moms, motherhood, natural parenting, organic, support

Mother’s Day Wishes- Undercover Mama Giveaway

May 8, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 132 Comments

I recently received my first Undercover Mama (2, actually) just last week and love them so I’m thrilled to be sharing this fantastic giveaway with you this Mother’s Day week. This mom-designed product is unique and practical while being cute and specific. I had the chance to meet the UCM team last fall and now to have a quick interview with them to share with all of my readers. You’re going to love getting to know not only their product but the fabulous moms behind the company.

TLB: What should TLB readers know about Undercover Mama?

UCM: The Undercover is the stylish & affordable alternative to a nursing wardrobe. It connects to your favorite bra & keeps your belly, sides & back covered when nursing. It can be worn during pregnancy, while breastfeeding and after!

TLB: How did Undercover Mama come to be?

UCM: UCM was invented by Elisa, a mother of 5 (now 6!). It was designed by a real mom, for moms of all shapes & sizes. Undercover Mama is Mom Invented. Mom Owned, & Mom Operated! Our mission is to support moms!

TLB: What was your favorite mother’s day present to receive?

UCM: A day off from responsibilities to enjoy quality time with my family-highlights: long shower & afternoon nap!

TLB: What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

UCM: An opportunity to enjoy a peaceful & happy day with loved ones!

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Undercover Mama is giving away one Undercover Mama breastfeeding shirt, retail value of $24.99, to be issued as certificate to redeem online for winners choice of size & color. From their website:

The Undercover Mama is a strapless camisole that attaches right to any nursing bra. Layer it under any shirt, keeping your style without having to invest in a whole new wardrobe of nursing shirts. Essentially, Undercover Mama easily transforms any shirt into a nursing shirt!

With two attachment options included with every shirt, Undercover Mama will work with any nursing bra and you can continue to use it as an undershirt with your regular, non-nursing bras when you are finished breastfeeding.

Let us help you make nursing comfortable and affordable while keeping you covered and maintaining your style.

Undercover Mama can be found at various online retailers and online at undercovermama.com.

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Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit Undercover Mama online to learn more about the Undercover Mama products and get to know this company that makes it a priority to support breastfeeding moms through their sponsorship of TLB. This giveaway is open from May 8, 2012 through May 15, 2012. Deep appreciation to UCM for their support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit the Undercover Mama Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open only to shipping addresses in the USA and Canada.

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Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: breastfeeding top, Giveaway, Mother's Day, nursing top, Undercover Mama

Mother’s Day Wishes- KoalaKin Hands Free Nursing Support Giveaway

May 7, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 377 Comments

Vivian Muehlen’s personal experience as a breastfeeding mom led her to create the KoalaKin Hands Free Nursing Pouch. Now supporting breastfeeding moms everywhere through their sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, KoalaKin is giving away one of their mom-designed supports for one lucky Leaky. Read on to hear from Vivian about the inspiration behind KoalaKin and her Mother’s Day wish for all moms this year.

TLB: What should TLB readers know about your company?

Vivian: My goal is to help mothers breastfeed longer and not give up before they’re ready, by eliminating some of the strain some may experience associated with breastfeeding. I developed the KoalaKin so that moms could better enjoy this wonderful time in their lives.

TLB: What was the inspiration behind the Koala-Kin?

Vivian: When my second son was born, I realized that breastfeeding was a little more challenging than the first time around. Not only did my arms, neck and shoulder hurt from the long nursing sessions, I now had a toddler to take care of as well. The demands of a life with a toddler and the increasing pain on my arms and back took it’s toll on my milk supply and I had to start supplementing with formula. I tried nursing in slings and wraps, but I was never able to figure out how to do it properly. Sad and disappointed, I visited with lactation consultants who told me I was not alone. In fact, while 80% of moms nurse their newborns in the hospital, only 13% are still nursing after 6 months due to overall strain and exhaustion. She also told me that almost 30% of pregnant women suffer from carpal tunnel / tendonitis and that this condition is worsened through breastfeeding. Both of those statistics shocked me. That night, at home, I decided I was going to try to do something about it. So I joined forces with lactation consultants and physical therapists and the KoalaKin, Hands Free Nursing Pouch was born (pun intended!!)

Not a sling and not a carrier, the KoalaKin is a breastfeeding positioner that allows for easy, safe and comfortable hands free nursing. It consists of a vest that a mom puts on much like a back-pack and a pouch that attaches to the vest for the baby. Moms can nurse completely hands-free eliminating the strain on arms, shoulders and back. The pouch also distributes the baby’s weight across mom’s torso promoting a more ergonomic posture. Positioning the baby at the breast like the KoalaKin does, may dramatically improve the baby’s ability to latch on and stay latched.

While I openly admire those mamas that can comfortably nurse in a sling, not everyone can. I developed the KoalaKin for all other moms to be able to have the same experience. The KoalaKin also provides a few advantages over a sling:

it is fully adjustable to accommodate for different mom and baby sizes
you can switch nursing sides with just one click of the pouch
if your baby falls asleep after nursing, a mom can unclick the entire pouch from the vest and lay the baby down without waking her up

TLB: What was your favorite mother’s day present?

Vivian: I love Mother’s Day as it falls very close to my birthday (on some years, it’s actually ON my birthday) so it’s always a big celebration! I love plants and flowers, so my husband usually leaves with all 4 kids for a couple of hours in the morning (giving me some very appreciated alone time) and comes back with gorgeous plants and flowers that each of the kids picked for me. I love hearing the stories of how they chose those particular plants! Then we all go for brunch at a place of my choice. It’s a yearly family ritual and it never gets old!

TLB: What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

Vivian: As we all know, family holidays can be wrought with all the drama that sometimes comes from unfulfilled expectations. I hope we as mothers can embrace the imperfection of life and find peace and happiness even when things don’t go our way. I always tell myself: “life right now, is exactly as it should be”. This is my wish for all mothers this Mother’s Day: to find love and enjoyment in what is, live in the moment and let go of expectations of what life “should” be like.

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Vivian is giving away one KoalaKin Hands Free Nursing Pouch to one randomly selected entrant, a retail value of $89. From the KoalaKin website:

The most important thing when considering the best way to nurse hands-free is adjustability. The combination of a mother’s breast size, torso length and the baby’s size and length all contribute to the challenge of finding the perfect hands-free nursing aid.

The KoalaKin® has 3 adjustable straps, to accommodate for different mom and baby sizes. Unlike a sling, the KoalaKin®’s patented shoulder clasps were designed specifically to help you switch the baby’s position without having to flip the pouch, therefore making it easy to move the baby from side to side.

The KoalaKin®’s ergonomic back support straps also help eliminate shoulder, back and arm pain by evenly distributing your baby’s weight and fully supporting your little one while nursing. Our product is made with 100% breathable cotton canvas and 100% soft & cuddly cotton fabrics for your baby’s maximum security and comfort.

Currently Leakies can find the KoalaKin at koalakin.com.

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Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit KoalaKin online to learn more about this great company dedicated to supporting moms in their breastfeeding adventures. The giveaway is open from May 7, 2012 to May 14, 2012. A big thanks to Vivian for her support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit the KoalaKin Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

Sorry, this giveaway is open only to shipping addresses in the USA.

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Filed Under: Breastfeeding, giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: Breastfeeding, Giveaway, KoalaKin

10 signs that your newborn is super smart

May 6, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 18 Comments

Photo by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

It seems that parents start worrying about their kids being super geniuses earlier and earlier. Programs for teaching your baby to read, your preschooler how to work complicated math in their heads, and your kindergardener how to engineer the world’s next tallest building are marketed to parents all the time as though their child’s future happiness depends on having some kind of early academic advantage over all the other kids.

But it turns out they usually are born with just the right amount of smarts to have their needs met, grow well, and find all the happiness they could ask for at that moment. It’s just that us adults sometimes don’t realize how incredibly smart our tiny bundles really are.

10 signs that your newborn is already super smart

1. She wants to ditch the pretty crib with the adorable bedding set and prefers to sleep as close to you as possible. On your chest, snuggled by your side, in a carrier, where ever as long as she’s touching you. Food, warmth, help regulating her breathing and heart rate, and you’re right there to snatch her to safety should a lion show up looking for a tasty baby snack. Hey, you never know!

2. Pooping just as soon as you changed him and put him to the breast- gotta make room!

3. Her answer to every possible distress (including her own sneeze) is to breastfeed… again. Just making sure you’re going to have all the milk she needs!

4. Screams bloody murder if you try to put clothes on him but is most content in nothing but a diaper cuddled up to your bare chest. Skin to skin contact promotes maternal-infant interactions, encourages the breastfeeding relationship, improved bonding, maintaining body temperature, keeps him calm, breathing more naturally, allows mom (or other care taker) to respond faster to early cues of distress or hunger, boosts immune system development, and is just plain nice, way better than even the softest pajamas. You can read more about how this all works here.

5. Aims to get poop on her outfit at least once a day, more often 5. She knows you have too many newborn outfits, she’ll never get to wear them all if she doesn’t have multiple outfit changes a day!

6. You feel stressed about something and he suddenly needs to eat, timing couldn’t be worse! But that glorious release of oxytocin means you relax while he’s feeding and though you get a bit drowsy, you’re able to think more clearly and focus on what’s really important.

7. She’ll let you set her down or permit someone else to hold her just long enough for you to pee and if you’re lucky, maybe get a shower. Anything longer is unacceptable though, everything in her says to stay close to your smell, your breasts, you. Good thing too, she spent most of her life inside you so far and she knows you as safe which helps her identify her food source and keeps her bonded to you. Her life depends on it.

8. Cluster feeding: feed, doze, feed, doze, poop, feed, poop, feed, doze, feed doze… repeat. You may think you have more to do such as house cleaning, keeping up with an older child, work, shower, or change out of your pajamas but when cluster feeding hits it means some serious growing time ahead and your baby doesn’t have anything more important to do. Make a safe area for your older child and let your baby get his work done.

9. Car seat = torture device. Or best friend. Either she hates not being with you or she loves the motion. Whatever it is, she’d rather be snuggled against your chest, best to just stay home and take your time recovering from giving birth anyway.

10. He can’t fall asleep without you and likes it best when he gets to breastfeed his way to the land of dreams. Once again, because of that lovely release of oxytocin, you get sleepy. Baby’s sleeping, you’re sleepy… just give in and surrender. That super smart baby of yours just wants you to catch a few Z’s!

Filed Under: baby, Breastfeeding, Featured, humor, Jessica, motherhood, Parenting Tagged With: Baby, Breastfeeding, Newborn, postpartum, Sleep

There is No “ME” in UterUS: A Tale of Uterine Envy

May 2, 2012 By theleakyb@@b 25 Comments

by Jamie Grayson

There are many reasons I’m jealous of women.

You can wear more clothing that shows skin in the summer and it’s still appropriate.

As long as you don’t look like a damn clown, you’re able to wear makeup to cover blemishes.

You can blame mood swings on an “Aunt Flo.”. Who the hell is she? Why don’t I have one and why doesnt she send me birthday cards???

You can carry a child.

The other day I was on a train and a pregnant lady sat across from me. She was wearing a skirt and tank top, so she looked like many other pregnant women I see on the train. As a matter of fact, she looked like many men I see on the subway. It’s New York. Expect the unexpected. But then, she changed.

She moved her hands over her stomach and immediately started glowing. I shit you not. It was as if a connection had been made that no science or religion could argue about.

She is a mother.

I sat on that train trying not to cry. Sometimes I get emotional while working with clients. The first time I see a new baby I’m usually a wreck. But that’s ok in that situation. Crying on the subway, not so much. It has been a nutty few months and I’m just a little bit more susceptible to my feelings right now.

I realized a long time ago that I physically couldn’t carry a child. I know, it’s a shocker. I feel completely blessed to be able to work with and around expectant and new parents daily. The greatest honor of my life was being able to spend six months in Minneapolis with my family and those two nuggets I’m obsessed with, as well as being my sister’s labor doula. It was life-changing.

When female friends complain about something, I often respond with: ”Yeah. But I can’t get pregnant.”

I know it sounds ridiculous, but I mean every single word.

I know women have to deal with many things I’ll never understand: training bras, heels, haircuts that cost too much, highlights, menopause…the list could go on and on. However, you’ve also the ultimate blessing: you can carry life.

I know all women cannot do this, and my heart goes out to them. That’s a topic that deserves an entire post on another site.

This goes out to the guys.

I’ve not met many guys who feel this way, so I definitely feel as if I’m in the minority. Most guys I work with or meet are actually ecstatic that they’ll never be pregnant. I honestly cannot say I blame them for feeling that way, but I’m wired differently. I dont know when these feelings started. Was it the birth education center? Maybe. Was it working with my clients? Mayhaps. I do know that one item I hold near and dear is a video of my sister, Jennifer, and I walking into the delivery room after my sister Olivia was born. I remember sitting outside and hearing her cries for the first time. Walking in that room blew my mind. What my 16 year-old brain could only understand as something growing inside my mom was now here. I could touch her and hold her and hug her. For sixteen years she has constantly amazed/bewildered/aggravated/enraged/enlightened me. She’s my rat girl (long story) and always will be Sixteen years later I’m amazed at what she’s become, and thrilled by what my youngest sister, Elizabeth, continues to be.

I’m starting to ramble.

I’ll never know what it’s like to be that connected to a life. I’ll never know what it’s like to feel someone kick me from inside. My loins will never produce my offspring. Women always complain about “the curse of Eve.”

What about the Curse of Adam??

Jamie Grayson, known as TheBabyGuyNYC, is a nationally-recognized baby gear expert and baby planner, and has been featured on Martha Stewart, Today Show, and several regional news programs. Traveling the country speaking at expectant parent events and product launches, writing forStrollerTraffic.com as well as other media outlets, and working with expectant families takes up most of his time–although he still makes time for a movie and a cocktail on occasion. Questions? He’s always available on Facebook or Twitter.

Filed Under: baby, birth, Featured, guest posts, Parenting, Pregnancy Tagged With: Baby, birth, childbirth, families, men, Parenting, pregnancy, uterus

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