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Momzelle Giveaway

June 4, 2013 By 127 Comments

When is a business more than a business?  When it cares about something other than “the bottom line.”  That’s what we love about our TLB sponsors.  Though these companies care about many different social and environmental causes, there is one thing that they all have in common: encouraging families on their breastfeeding journey.  One such company is Momzelle.  Read on as Christine, the woman behind this Canadian TLB sponsor, shares about how Momzelle cares about breastfeeding moms and enter for your chance to win a fun and comfortable nursing top!

Christine Poirier co-founder of Momzelle

TLB:  You make a variety of simple and very elegant tops for expecting and nursing women.  What are some of the values that you incorporate into the design of your clothing?

Christine Poirier:  I design the tops for mothers who love and care for their babies, nursing them night or day, and the tops reflect these values of love and care. The materials are soft and stretchy, meant to be comforting to the mother and to the baby who will be nursing and holding on to it. Freedom is also one of the values that go in the design of the clothing. The tops are meant to provide freedom to the mothers, who can nurse anywhere, and to the babies, who can feed anywhere. The tops have practical and simple nursing openings meant to ease new moms into their new motherly task of nursing.

TLB:  What kind of feedback have you received from the moms wearing your clothes?

Christine Poirier:  The comments we receive are overwhelmingly positive. One of the good things about the Momzelle website is that each product has its reviews posted next to it, with little stars that help choose what’s best. Some moms wonder why they did not get one before, others say that the Momzelle nursing tops are the best nursing tops they own. One of my favorite comment came from a mom who wanted to show her newborn to her relatives in a different state. She had to fly there and she was distressed at the idea of nursing her baby next to a stranger in the plane. She received her nursing top in time for her flight and she said it saved the trip. She was very thankful. This is what we are all about: helping women feel good about breastfeeding, no matter where they are.

TLB:  I know that you like to find ways to support women directly.  What are some of the ways that you are involved in supporting expecting and breastfeeding women?

Christine Poirier:  You should have a a look at our Facebook page! We have over 9700 fans and we post fun breastfeeding pics, jokes and inspiring quotes on a daily basis. That’s the fun bit. On the other serious side, we also have an informative section on our website and blog, where we post articles from my favorite doctor and breastfeeding specialist, Dr. Jack Newman. Outside of the web, I really like to encourage breastfeeding support groups like La Leche League and the activities that they organize. We do so by providing prizes for their events and by sponsoring them. We do the same for events that go across the board, like the yearly breastfeeding challenge (when groups across North America compete in a friendly way to get the most babies at the breast at the same time on the same day).  A couple of years ago, our efforts in supporting breastfeeding women were recognized when we won the “Best Socially-Minded Business Award” from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. We are quite proud!

300 - Nursing band nursing baby

Christine Poirier of Momzelle nursing clothing is giving away a fun and comfy T-shirt to 3 lucky Leakies.

This comfortable Momzelle nursing T-shirt is made of 95% cotton, 5% spandex, comes in your choice of black or fuchsia, and says: “I make milk.  What’s your superpower?.”  Retail Value: $46.00

020- T-shirt with I make milk print black

Currently Leakies can find this fabulous nursing top and other breastfeeding items in the Momzelle website.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from June 4, 2013 through June 11, 2013.  A big thanks to Christine and Momzelle for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@momzelle on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway open to US and Canada entries.

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Snugabell giveaway

May 24, 2013 By 122 Comments

Being a mom herself, Snugabell’s Wendy Bell is all about supporting moms.  Designing products that help moms reach their breastfeeding goals with a flair for style, Wendy is a sincere supporter not just of breastfeeding but also of the moms and babies it matters to.  I’m privileged to call Wendy my friend and excited to have her share more about her company, her breastfeeding journey, and extend her support to all TLB readers.

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TLB:  Hi Wendy, I always love when we get to feature Snugabell and your brilliant PumpEase line here on TLB.  You’ve supported TLB for a while now and have seen first hand through your support of Best For Babes, TLB and virtual breastfeeding support, how moms can come together and the difference mom-to-mom support can make.  What are some of your favorite examples of mom-to-mom support?

Wendy:  I have to confess that I am a little bit envious of the support that moms have online today.  I had a few issues breastfeeding my daughters (nothing major, but it was worrisome nonetheless) and thus reached out to my GP and a dietician at my local health unit, and also scoured the internet for hours on end, however all I found was conflicting (mis)information.  Those were the days before Facebook and Twitter.  Heck, I hadn’t even heard of KellyMom.com back then.  I felt alone and frustrated.  So this is an example of what potentially can happen without mom-to-mom support, how far we’ve come and what a huge impact it has today for a mom to ‘hear’, “Oh that happened to me too when my DD was that age.  It’s just a nursing strike”.  That feeling that you’re not alone in your breastfeeding journey, especially for first-time moms, is extremely powerful.

TLB:  What kind of support did you have in your breastfeeding journey?  Did you have someone or someones that were instrumental in providing support for you?

Wendy:  My GP is very pro-breastfeeding.  I remember telling him that I was going to add cereal to my first daughter’s bottle (of pumped breastmilk) to help her sleep longer at night (yup, I didn’t know any better – I was listening to the aunts and grandmas!) and he pretty much told me NOT to do that.  The nurse at his office was so encouraging too.  When I brought my eldest daughter in for her first post-delivery check-up, she weighed her and proceeded to give me major kudos on her weight gain.  It made me feel so proud as I had no idea what I was doing (or so I thought).  My family were all very supportive as well; no one was freaked out by a nursing mama; it was all good!  I didn’t feel super confident nursing in public (like in a mall) however, as I didn’t know about baby wearing either back then and therefore was trying to use a receiving blanket.  I know I would have worn my baby had I been better informed.  (In fact, for a few years after DD#2 was born and I had already started Snugabell and learned so much, I often told my husband that I wished I could have another baby if only to put into practice all this amazing new information!)

TLB:  You have a couple of new products as part of this giveaway; could you tell us about them and how these products help support moms in their breastfeeding journey?

Wendy:  Our ‘Through a Child’s Eyes’’colouring book was designed to help further normalize breastfeeding and pumping and to discover the beauty of breastfeeding!  The warm, inviting drawings and likable characters make it easy to answer curious qustions and keep little hands busy while teaching helpful lessons.  I love colouring with my girls and hope other moms do too!  You can even design your own PumpEase and share it on our Facebook wall!

Our fabulous new, all-purpose, reusable PumpEase Wet Bag is designed to transport all brands of breast pump personal kits (bottles, flanges and tubes) ‘incognito’.  It features a snap-loop handle and looks so cute decked out in matching PumpEase prints that no one will ever guess what’s inside.  Lined with waterproof PUL (you cloth-diapering mamas know what that is!  For those that don’t, it stands for Polyurethane Laminate and is a compound fabric made by laminating fabric to a thin film of polyurethane, thus creating a water barrier), you will find plenty of uses for it even after you’ve hung up your pump flanges – diaper changes on-the-go, keeping electronics safe at the pool, potty training, snacks, travel, cosmetics and much, much more!

TLB:  How does Snugabell actively cultivate mom-to-mom support?  How can Leakies connect with Snugabell and what will they find for support with you?

Wendy:  When we first hired the amazing Amy West to manage our Facebook and Twitter, she asked me what my goal was for those spaces.  I told her I wanted to build a community; it had NOTHING to do with sales.  Amy (CLC) and Hillary (studying to be a doula and still nursing her 21-month old son) co-manage our social media now and I (CLE) jump in when I can.  We provide evidence-based information, support, encourage support from our community and refer to an IBCLC as appropriate.  Gosh, sometimes a mom just needs an ear!

I am super-duper proud of the fantastic communities that we have cultivated in both arenas and am continually inspired by the conversations that happen there.  Leakies can find us on Twitter @PumpEase and @snugabell (that’s me) as well as on our Snugabell Facebook page.  Be sure to say “Hi!” and that you are visiting from The Leaky Boob!  :-)

TLB:  Thank you so much for supporting TLB and your generous giveaway providing support to these moms.  What would you encourage moms to consider in offering mom-to-mom support?  Any tips for finding and giving such support?

Wendy: I believe the key is to refrain from judging other moms’ choices or circumstances that led them to (believe they) had no choice.  I was there.  Again, if I were to have my first baby tomorrow, I would change a LOT.  This is what keeps my judgy pants off and my compassion glasses on.  We’re all in this together (creating the next generation that is), so let’s lift mamas up rather than beat them down.  We’re all doing the best that we can with the knowledge that we have.  And if I were looking for support today, I would turn to the internet, no question.

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Wendy’s children

Wendy is giving away one PumpEase Prize Pack featuring:

  1. PumpEase hands-free pumping bra  Retail Value: $38.00
  2. Matching PumpEase Wet Bag  Retail Value: $14.00
  3. Through a Child’s Eyes – Colouring Book  Retail Value: $12.00

Total Value: $64.00 USD

PumpEase_WetBag_ColouringBook

Currently Leakies can find these and other maternity, nursing and hands-free pumping products on the snugabell.com website.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from May 24, 2013 through May 30, 2013.  A big thanks to Wendy and Snugabell for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page, follow Wendy on Twitter and follow PumpEase on Twitter and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

Snugabell will ship worldwide.

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Fairhaven Health Fertility Giveaway

May 22, 2013 By 127 Comments

Fairhaven Health has been a TLB sponsor for quite some time now.  We have come to know them as a company that supports breastfeeding women by providing helpful information regarding the health and diet of expecting and nursing moms, and we’ve enjoyed a few giveaways on TLB of helpful products for breastfeeding moms.  But that’s not all there is to Fairhaven Health.  In the following interview, Suzanne answers questions related to the other side of the company: fertility.  And following the interview is your chance to enter a fertility related giveaway.

Munson Family

Suzanne of Fairhaven Health, and her family

TLB:  Tell us a bit about the fertility side of Fairhaven Health.

Suzanne:  Fairhaven Health has been in the “fertility” business for more than a decade, and has helped thousands of couples achieve pregnancy naturally by providing scientifically-validated dietary supplements for enhancing female and male fertility, along with ovulation prediction tools to help couples identify the fertile days in a woman’s menstrual cycle. If you are trying to become pregnant naturally (or avoid pregnancy, for that matter), accurate ovulation prediction is vital. It is important for couples to understand that there are actually only a few days during each menstrual cycle that intercourse will result in conception – the so-called fertile window. If couples are not having intercourse during the fertile window, in the few days before and on the day of ovulation, they will not get pregnant.

Many women chart their basal body temperatures as a way to track ovulation. This giveaway features Fairhaven Health’s  ibasal – a computerized digital basal thermometer.

TLB:  How do you predict ovulation by tracking your basal body temperature (BBT)?

Suzanne:  Basal body temperature (known as BBT in the acronym-laden TTC world) is the temperature at which your body rests. Charting BBT is one of the tried and true methods for determining when during your cycle ovulation occurs. By taking your BBT accurately and consistently first thing every morning throughout your menstrual cycle, you will be able to detect the natural, yet very subtle, rise in your basal body temperature that occurs just after ovulation. This thermal shift is caused by the hormone progesterone, sometimes referred to as the “warming hormone”.  Immediately following ovulation, the corpus luteum (the remnants of the ovarian follicle that released the egg) begins to produce progesterone. The increased amount of progesterone is necessary to help ensure a fertilized egg can implant successfully into the wall of the uterus, and it also causes the body to warm up, which is reflected in an increase in the BBT.

But, like with other fertility charting methods, there is some variability in the way that women experience the thermal shift. In general, many women will notice a “biphasic” pattern to their chart, with relatively low temperatures before ovulation and slightly higher temperatures after ovulation. It is important to note that this BBT shift is actually quite subtle, with temperatures typically rising by only .4 degrees F (.2 degrees C) after ovulation, and sometimes even less. Some women will see a rapid rise in their BBT, and others will see an incremental rise. Due to this variability, it is important for you to chart for several cycles to understand the specific way in which you experience this BBT shift. But, once you have a good understanding of your own BBT chart, you will be able to accurately predict your fertile days and time intercourse accordingly.

TLB:  How is the ibasal different than other BBT thermometers out there?

Suzanne:  Unlike other digital (or glass) BBT thermometers, the ibasal is an “intelligent” thermometer. In addition to accurately recording and storing your BBT data, the ibasal contains a proprietary algorithm that allows it to analyze and interpret BBT data in order to make a fertility prediction. The ibasal also allows you to record additional information about her menstrual cycle, including bleeding, cramping, and cervical mucus consistency. After a couple cycles of consistent use, the ibasal will use all of the data it receives (BBT and any other fertility data) to determine your daily fertility status.

TLB:  What are some of the features of the ibasal that make charting BBT convenient?

Suzanne:  For BBT charting to be a reliable and accurate ovulation prediction tool, it is essential that you take your BBT at the same time every morning. For this reason, the ibasal requires that you set the internal alarm clock, and once set, it will only allow you to take a temperature reading at that set time. Like any other annoying alarm clock, the ibasal alarm will sound continuously (for 10 minutes!) until you take her temperature – a guarantee that you will be collecting accurate BBT data.

TLB:  Tell us about OvaGraph.com.

Suzanne:  A couple of years ago, Fairhaven Health launched OvaGraph.com, a FREE online fertility charting community. At OvaGraph.com, you can store and view (in graphs and calendars) your BBT data, as well as data from electronic fertility monitors (such as the OvaCue) and other menstrual cycle data (including results from urine test sticks and cervical mucus changes). And, your FREE membership at OvaGraph.com provides you with the opportunity to interact with a supportive and knowledgeable community of women on all topics related to fertility and pregnancy.

Fertility

Fairhaven Health is giving away 1 ibasal computerized digital basal thermometer to 2 lucky Leakies.

The ibasal is a computerized digital basal thermometer and fertility monitor that helps you maximize your chances of conceiving by accurately measuring your BBT and interpreting this data to produce a fertility prediction in advance of ovulation.

Retail Value: $59.95

ibasalbox-lowrez Currently Leakies can find the ibasal and other helpful “trying-to-conceive” products at FairhavenHealth.com.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from May 22, 2013 through May 28, 2013.  A big thanks to Fairhaven Health for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

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Boba Giveaway

May 2, 2013 By 545 Comments

I had the opportunity to meet Boba founders Robert and Elizabeth Antunovic and their 4 children at their office and warehouse a couple of weeks ago in Denver, Colorado.  This delightful family and rest of the Boba family are so warm and open, truly a caring group of people so it’s no wonder that their products would be an extension of their personalities and who they are.  With innovative design, quality production, and a touch of whimsy, Boba’s carriers have something for everyone that wants to babywear.  Having tried the Boba 3G, the Boba Air, and the Boba wrap, I have experienced that intentional care myself and it helps me care for my family.  We love the versatility, ease of use, and how comfortable all their carriers are and a great bonus is that all of them have been breastfeeding friendly!  Hope you enjoy learning more about this company and good luck on the giveaway!

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Elizabeth Antunovic, Co-founder and mother of four

TLB:  Boba is a funny-sounding name.  Where did it come from?

Elizabeth:  Yes, some think of the chewy round tapioca goodness sucked through a wide straw. Others think Star Wars. Spanish speakers may think of something silly.

We started out as sleepy wrap as you may know and put it out there that we were looking for a new name when we introduced our hot soft structured carriers to the world.  ”Sleepy” was descriptive as the wrap was indeed a tranquilizer. But we needed a name.

It was actually suggested by my dear wise mama friend.

BOulder BAby she said (I guess it could also be BOlder BAby)  Boba.

Not that profound. But something to chew on. something with character.  perfect nonetheless.

TLB:  We have discovered that there are a whole lot of infant carrier companies out there.  What do you think makes Boba stand out?

Elizabeth:  I could list all the features, sing praises of the leg support, the high back and not having to buy a darn waist extender if you are plus size.  Alas if you mamas are anything like I am you’ll research and compare baby carriers so much that you could probably write a dissertation.  We care. That’s the difference.  I have been having babies since we started. I have carried my sons and daughters, nursed them, consoled them, sung to them, moved with them pretty much every day for the last seven years. There is always something that can be done better.  So we assess and tweak and adjust the carrier so that you can move the baby to a lower position to nurse in it using just your two thumbs, so that you can bring your phone with you, so that your purse doesn’t fall off your shoulder while you’re holding your toddler’s hand, so that your older baby doesn’t get welts on the back of his thighs.  My husband and I are “in” it. Living it. Researching it. Spreading the light on all that is possible when you wear your baby.

TLB:  Have you used carriers with your own children?  Would you share a couple of particularly memorable moments from your own experience?

Elizabeth:  The only time that I haven’t worn my kids in the last decade is the latter parts of pregnancies when my blooming belly would not stand for it.  I have baby worn while riding a camel in Egypt but I won’t get into that :)  I have worn my babies while at the pumpkin patch, in rickshaws in Asia, watching the water buffalo on the banks of the holy Ganges river, hiking the Julien Alps, milking a goat in Serbia, mushroom picking in Slovenia, while exploring the ancient mud city of Bam, Iran, and of course every time I go to Target!

In the beginning of the business it was far from a life of play.  There was some serious dedication.  Long long hours.  Thank God these wraps were comfortable. They had to be. I wore my babies while sweating under mosquito nets and answering customer service emails. I wore my babies’ coordinating photo shoots.  I wore them during the days of website revamps and tradeshows and hours of learning the strings of social media.  I wore them while reading any books that I could get my hands on about preemies and skin to skin, ergonomics, hip dysplasia, and proprioception.

They say that the cobbler’s son is always barefoot.

Not me.  I couldn’t live without my carriers.  So practical.  So magically unifying.

Thanks for your time!

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Boba is giving away four different prizes to three lucky Leakies.  The prizes are:

1. Boba Wrap (one winner)
The Boba Wrap is the perfect wrap style carrier – with its unique fabric blend and the no-guesswork tying, it is a great choice for beginners and advanced babywearers alike, and is especially great for use with newborns. Retail Value: $38.00 

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2. Boba Carrier 3G and matching Boba Mini (one winner)
Ideal for babies and toddlers alike, the Boba Carrier 3G may be converted to a newborn carrier without an infant insert or any additional items and used well into toddlerhood. Our ergonomic design includes features to make breastfeeding easy on the go, maximizes comfort with multiple adjustments, and with lots of designs to choose from, Boba Carrier 3G is the perfect fit for your entire family.  Retail Value: $125.00

The Boba Mini is designed for carrying dolls and toys to help spread the joy of babywearing to children all over the world. It is made with 100% cotton like our Boba Carrier 3G and can be worn by children 3 years and up. Retail Value: $29.95

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3. Boba Air (one winner)
The Boba Air is simple to use, ultra lightweight and ergonomic! Similar in design to our popular soft structured carrier, but made of high tech nylon and weighing just 11 ounces, it is the perfect carrier for travelers or any parent on the go – when you’re done, just fold, zip & stash in.  Retail Value: $65.00

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Currently Leakies can find these and other babywearing items in the Boba website at www.bobafamily.com or at a Boba baby carrier retailer near you.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from May 2, 2013 through May 8, 2013.  A big thanks to Elizabeth and Boba for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@Boba on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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Earth Day Giveaway

April 21, 2013 By 215 Comments

Happy Earth Day, TLB followers!  It seems fitting that Earth Mama Angel Baby would have a giveaway with us today, considering “Earth” is an integral part of their name.  As you can gage from the following interview, Earth Mama Angel Baby is looking out for the Earth as they create products that are good for mamas and babies.  Find our more about this TLB sponsor, and enter the giveaway below. 

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TLB:  What makes breastfeeding eco-friendly?

Melinda:  It’s to-go meals without any waste! No bottles, no formula, no transport costs. Of course you can buy things that make breastfeeding easier, or more comfortable, or more efficient for you, but at its simplest, breastfeeding is completely self-sustaining.

TLB:  How does Earth Mama’s mission support eco-friendly breastfeeding?

Melinda:  Everything Earth Mama does is about providing safe, comforting products for the benefit of mamas and babies. That includes Mother Earth. We use organic and sustainably grown herbs and continually refine products as organic ingredients or more efficient herbs are available. We make the extra effort to certify our products, and use certified organic herbs because “certified organic” is the only way you can know for sure an herb was planted, grown, harvested and handled in a safe and sustainable way. Of course there are no petrochemicals, artificial ingredients or toxins in any Earth Mama product, ever. We choose green and toxin-free business practices because we have a company-wide commitment to honor the earth and her valuable resources. It isn’t just breastfeeding, we approach every aspect of pregnancy and childbirth in a eco-minded way.

TLB:  Which products specifically support breastfeeding?

Melinda:  USDA Certified 100% Organic Milkmaid Tea helps support healthy breast milk production naturally, with time- and science-tested herbs known to help increase milk supply. Natural Nipple Butter is certified organic by Oregon Tilth and helps soothe sore, cracked nipples without petrochemicals or lanolin (which many mamas avoid due to concerns about allergies and pesticide residue). Booby Tubes® are 100% natural, gel-free breast packs that can be used warm or cold, depending on what breasts need!

TLB:  Would you call yourselves eco-minded, tree-hugging, peace mamas? 

Melinda:  We love to sign our correspondence, “Peace, love and Natural Nipple Butter for All!” so yeah, I guess you could say that!

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 Earth Mama Angel Baby is giving away 3 Breastfeeding Essentials Bundles to 3 lucky Leakies
(one per winner).  

Retail Value: $44.09 each

The Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle offers soothing comfort to nourish a new mama’s breasts, so she can nourish her angel baby, naturally.

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Currently Leakies can find the Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle and other organic pregnancy, breastfeeding and baby care items on the Earth Mama Angel Baby website.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 22, 2013 through April 30, 2013.  A big thanks to Earth Mama Angel Baby for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@EarthMamaHQ on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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One Creative Mama Giveaway

April 17, 2013 By 103 Comments

You all may know Judy Masucci from A Mother’s Boutique – she has been a long-time sponsor of The Leaky Boob, a mom and a breastfeeding advocate.  Well, she’s back with a new venture – One Creative Mama – cute breastfeeding advocacy gear for babies.  What a great way to show the world how much you and your little one love breastfeeding!  Judy is excited to introduce you to her new company and give 5 lucky Leakies some great gear too!

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TLB:  What should TLB readers know about One Creative Mama?

Judy:  One Creative Mama was founded by a mom, lactation educator and breastfeeding advocate.  Her name was Sarah – and I used to purchase her items for my store.  About 2-3 years ago, Sarah stopped making the One Creative mama items because she has changed her focus to in-person mentoring of moms instead of making products.  So I decided to buy the business and give it a new look.  I took all of Sarah’s great breastfeeding advocacy sayings and made them into cute colorful shirts and rompers – so that babies can tell the world just how much they love breastfeeding!

TLB:  What’s the inspiration behind One Creative Mama?

Judy:  I am a huge breastfeeding advocate.  When the original owner of One Creative Mama decided that she wasn’t going to continue with her business anymore, I decided to carry on where she left off.  I love her creative sayings and I knew that I could build this business into a way for moms and babies to express themselves and their love for nursing in a cute, whimsical way.  It gives moms a chance to show off their babies and it tells the world that bresatfeeding is so normal – it’s on a baby’s shirt!

TLB:  How is breastfeeding advocacy important and how does One Creative Mama support breastfeeding?

Judy:  Normalizing breastfeeding is so important because when something is “normal” then everything gets easier.  Women won’t have to worry about being scorned for breastfeeding or asked to leave their location.  We have laws in place, but the best way to help normalize breastfeeding is to do it – openly and publically.  And wearing shirts that tell the world you are breastfeeding also serve to normalize it.  So for mom and baby – we make cute, whimsical shirts and rompers that are fun to wear and fun to give as gifts.  And for the world – it’s one small step toward the normalization of breastfeeding as the normal way of feeding your baby.

TLB:  What’s your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Judy:  My favorite tip is to stick with it.  In the early days, everything is difficult and lack of sleep can make it seem like it won’t get any easier.  But if you stick with it through the early days, it will get easier and you will get to enjoy a wonderful bonding session with your baby time and time again.

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Judy is giving away 3 different prizes to 5 lucky Leakies.

The prizes are:

  1. A One Creative Mama Baby Romper – your choice of saying, size and color – Five great sayings to choose from.  Retail Value: $17.99 – ONE winner
  2. A One Creative Mama Baby Shirt – your choice of saying, size and color – Five great sayings to choose from.  Retail Value: $12.99 – TWO winners
  3. A One Creative Mama Baby Bib – your choice of saying and color – Five great sayings to choose from.  Retail Value: $10.99 – TWO winners

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Currently Leakies can find these and other great breastfeeding and baby items on the One Creative Mama website.  

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 17, 2013 through April 23, 2013.  A big thanks to Judy and One Creative Mama for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@OneCreativeMama on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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Naked Nursing Tank Giveaway

April 5, 2013 By 458 Comments

“Don’t go into business with friends.”  This is a generally accepted adage, but every once and a while you run into an example of friends working together that exemplify just the opposite.  Close friends – best friends – can sometimes be the exact chemistry required for a business to thrive.  This is certainly the case for Jessica and I (The Piano Man writing here); best friends AND married, we  love nothing better than to work together and we are continually bemoaning how little time we have to do so.  Jen and Carrie, the women behind new TLB sponsor NakedNursingTank, appear to be in the same boat.  In the following interview, we catch a glimpse into their busy mom/work/best friend lives.  They love The Leaky Boob community and are thrilled to offer our Leakies a giveaway of their unique tanks.  What is a Naked Nursing Tank, you may ask?  Here is their take on it:

“Vital to every nursing mother’s wardrobe, the Canadian made, NakedNursing Tank Fits EVERY body type providing coverage for your midsection during nursing. Our Luxury Bamboo Naked Tank line covers below the pregnant belly and can be worn during pregnancy as a layering piece, and it retains its original shape after washing so you can wear it with your shrinking figure for the perfect midsection cover-up while you nurse your baby. The Classic Cotton and Luxury Bamboo Naked Tanks are extra long in length and were invented by two nursing Moms who designed its unique low scoop beneath-the-bust shape, allowing women to select their supportive bra of choice without infringing on necklines or having to be limited to the one-size-fits-all shelf bras. Slipping on your Naked Tank underneath your outfit transforms every regular shirt in your wardrobe into a nursing shirt, saving you money while providing a stylish choice. No other nursing blankets or cover-ups necessary…Easy. Efficient. Effortless.”

14. Jen & Carrie profession photo for NT

TLB:  What inspired you to start your company, “Naked Nursing Tank”?

Jen:  I was nursing at the gym one day and was extremely frustrated with the nursing tank that I had on because it did not allow me any access to my sports bra.  At that moment I immediately ran to find Carrie, who happened to be in the bathroom, and I told her that I had come up with a great invention :)  We had NO idea what we were getting into that day in the bathroom ;)

TLB:  Could you tell us a bit about your nursing tanks, and how the “naked” piece fits in?

Jen: Our tanks are designed to keep the breast area open for easy access, and your midsection covered.  We knew that the easiest way to nurse was when your top half was essentially ‘naked’.  We needed to be half naked and yet half covered all at the same time, which is how we coined the phrase, “When you need to be Naked, we’ve got you covered!” …and voilà, the Naked Nursing Tank name was born.

7. BEFORE shot -with sour face -no caption8. AFTER -with caption
TLB:  How long have you and Carrie known each other?  In what way has this business venture changed your relationship?

Jen:  We have known eachother since we played Varsity Rugby at The University of Guelph, which was in *gulp* 1996…wow, a seriously long time!! The business venture hasn’t really changed our relationship at all.  We are together all of the time because we have 2 small children each who are the same ages, and we are best friends.  I think we have an enormous amount of trust in one another from our days playing on such an intense team together and we compliment each other because we really are polar opposites, which fits amazingly well into our business plan.  I am the ‘let’s get running & leap off this cliff and see how we land’ person, and Carrie is the one who has the parachute making sure all the details are taken care of. It’s a great fit for the both of us!

TLB:  Running your own business and having a family is tricky; how do you balance work and family?

Jen:  Haha, I am not sure if ‘balance’ is the proper word to use right now.  We have an enormous amount of passion for the Naked Tank and helping women to feel more comfortable while nursing, so we dedicate as much time as possible to running the business.  With that being said, we are also very passionate about the time that we spend with our families.  A lot of the time that is dedicated to the business are stolen hours at the gym while the kids are in the playroom and then also the time right after they go to bed…and the occasional 20 minute intervals strung together during the day ;)

TLB:  What is your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Jen:  Breastfeed on demand, your baby is the only judge of when he or she is hungry. And enjoy the precious time you get to bond with your baby…this was our favorite part!

9. Jen Coffee Shop

The Girls at the Naked Nursing Tank are giving away 2 different prizes to 2 lucky Leakies.  

The prizes are:

1.  A Luxury Bamboo Naked Nursing Tank.  Our luxurious blended Bamboo fabric in your choice of Midnight Black or Lily White.  Retail Value: $39.99

4. Both Bamboo Tanks Together2. Black Tank Rear View No Straps- rear view 06-19-2012_noBra

2.  A Classic Cotton Naked Nursing Tank.  Our super soft blend of Cotton/Lycra fabric in your choice of Charcoal Grey or Light Platinum Grey  Retail Value: $29.99

6. Charcoal Grey Mauve Bra5. Platinum Grey

Currently Leakies can find these and other breastfeeding items on the Naked Tank website, www.thenakedtank.com.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 5, 2013 through April 11, 2013.  A big thanks to Jen and Carrie and The Naked Nursing Tank for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter at @nakedtank and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway open to international entries.

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Clek Triple Giveaway

April 4, 2013 By 2,429 Comments

Clek may well be the the rock-star of carseat companies, but they are also down-to-earth and dedicated to creating the safest and most comfortable seats on the market.  A TLB sponsor since this past Fall, they are offering us a chance to get to know them a bit better through a brief interview with the founders of Clek, and they are offering The Leaky Boob community a chance to win three of their industry-redefining carseats in a 3 week giveaway.  Thank you, Clek, for your support of TLB and our effort to normalize breastfeeding!  First, an introduction as to who they are and what they do:

Husband and wife team, Chris and Jenny Lumley of Toronto, Canada are in the midst of changing the child passenger seating industry with the introduction of Clek’s new convertible car seat, Foonf. Aptly named as a play on the word “five” in German, Foonf contains an active safety technology that is in the same cars we drive and therefore reduces the forces on your forward-facing child in the event of a collision, and they have and share the test results to prove it. Parents to two young kids who use their seats, they wanted to create a series of products that are easy to use, best-in-class in safety, AND stylish. 

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TLB:  What should The Leaky Boob readers know about clek?

Chris:  A few unique facts about Clek are that:

- We are a Canadian company, owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who use the products for their own children.
- We have a North American manufacturing base (Foonf is manufactured in Canada).
- All of our employees are owners in the company.
- We have a recycling program for all of our products.
- We  make kick-ass child seats.

TLB:  How did clek get started, what was the inspiration behind the venture and what’s the significance of the name?

Jenny:  Chris, Clek’s founder, started Clek as part of one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers. In 2010, we took our life savings (borrowed the difference) and bought Clek outright.

The inspiration for our products come from the company’s automotive history and through our experience as parents.

Chris: Clek seats are designed to look and feel just like the seats in your car that you sit in. They’re engineered with the most advanced safety features in the industry to provide optimal safety performance – our kids ride in our seats too. And, they are designed with convenience to make parents’ lives easier, like easy installation, 3 across seating, Crypton® Super Fabrics,  etc.

We were inspired by a kindergarten student, who, when asked what sound the seat made when the signature rigid LATCH locked into place, replied “Clek”!  It stuck with us.

TLB:  What makes Clek seats distinctive?

Chris:  They look and feel like a miniature version of the seat in your car. The uber-convenient rigid LATCH installation is unique to the North American market, as is their advanced safety systems, which boasts a unique mix of European child seat safety systems and automotive safety systems.

TLB:  Every parent wants to keep their child as safe as possible, what is the most common mistake parents make with child safety seats and how can they correct it?

Jenny:  Installation is hands-down the most common mistake. Well in excess of 80% of car seats are improperly used. Like anything, it won’t work properly if you don’t use it properly.

Chris: Read and follow the instruction manual or visit with your local child passenger safety technician to have your seat installed (but remember to learn from them how to install it, so that you can repeat the process when your seat needs to be re-installed in the future).

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Chris and Jenny are giving away 3 different color Foonfs to 3 lucky Leakies in three consecutive giveaways.
(One Foonf given away per week for the next three weeks.  Make sure you enter every week!)

The Foonf is a convertible car seat with top of the line technology and very appealing design, making sure that your child is both safe and comfortable.

Week 1: The black on black version in Drift which is not in Crypton fabric and does not have the integrated magnets.
Week 2: The Blue Moon which is in Crypton and does have magnets
Week 3: The Snowberry, which is like Bluemoon.

Foonf_DriftFoonf_BluemoonFoonf_Snowberry

 

Currently Leakies can find these and additional colors at the ShopClek website at http://shop.clekinc.com.

For a personal review of the Foonf by Jessica (the woman behind TLB), click on this link.

ADDITIONALLY, during the 3 week giveaway period (April 4 – April 30) enter coupon code LuckyLeaky2013 for 20% off all Clek merchandise. This code is only good in the US at http://shop.clekinc.com , and in Canada at http://shop.clekinc.ca

 

Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 11, 2013 through April 18, 2013.  A big thanks to Chris and Jenny at Clek for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@Clek on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway open to US and Canadian residents.

Our first giveaway ended at midnight on April 10th, and the winner is: Jenny Walker!  Enter for our second Clek giveaway below!

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Fairhaven Health’s Supplemental Giveaway

April 1, 2013 By 44 Comments

What makes a business more than just a company trying to sell you something?  The people behind the brand.  Suzanne, Director of Product Development for Fairhaven Health, is a mother of two and she is passionate about raising healthy families.  She has taken the time to answer a few interview questions about her life in the Pacific Northwest, her role at Fairhaven Health, and her views on nutrition and breastfeeding.  Take a moment to get to know her and this great TLB sponsor.  Then, enter the giveaway below for your chance to win some supplements designed to help breastfeeding moms maintain a balanced nutritional diet.  

Munson Family Lake Padden

TLB:  Hello Suzanne!  To start off this interview, what kinds of activities do you particularly enjoy doing this time of year?

Suzanne:  Spring is a great time of year in the Pacific Northwest.  After many months of short days, the extended daylight is always so welcome and I love getting outside in the evenings.  One of our favorite things to do this time of year is to meet up with friends for a walk or bike ride around the lake near our house, and have a picnic afterwards.  (The above photo was taken at that lake.)

TLB:  Could you tell us a bit about what you do with Fairhaven Health?

Suzanne:  I came to Fairhaven Health a number of years ago, after earning a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University and working in the natural products industry for more than a decade. As a nutritionist and a mom of two kids, I can’t help but be passionate about raising healthy families. As Director of Product Development at Fairhaven Health, I get to spend my work day talking to women about how they can improve their reproductive health naturally, and I get to work with a team of medical professionals to dream up new products that help couples optimize their fertility and that keep women healthy during pregnancy and nursing.  What an awesome job!

TLB:  As a nutritionist, what would you like to share with our Leakies about how their food intake impacts their health?

Suzanne:   As a whole foods nutritionist, I definitely believe in the health benefits of eating “real” food! By real food, I mean anything that is minimally processed . . .fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and fresh meats, fish and poultry. And, the more you can avoid highly processed junk foods, the more room you will have in your diet for the good stuff.

Of course, eating well is important during all stages of life, but is especially vital during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding.  It goes without saying that taking care of a newborn is demanding and tiresome (and wonderful!). And, producing breast milk requires extra calories and nutrients. So, eating real food, and plenty of it, is important to ensure that you have the energy and stamina you need to meet the demands of new motherhood.

TLB: Do you have any tips to help nursing moms get the nourishment they need?

Suzanne: The reality is that most us don’t really eat all that well, even under the best of circumstances. So, with the time constraints that accompany new motherhood, cooking, meal planning, even eating, might be some of the first activities to go.  Here are some tips that might be helpful:

  • Have fresh fruit handy
  • Buy vegetables in a ready-to-eat package to cut down on chopping time
  • Snack often on nutrient dense foods, like nuts (and nut butters) and seeds
  • Cook in big batches and freeze extra portions
  • Ask family and friends to bring meals

TLB: Fairhaven Health is giving away Nursing Postnatal. Why do you think it is important for nursing mothers to take a multivitamin?

Suzanne: While women don’t bat an eye about being told to take a prenatal vitamin before and during pregnancy, some women are surprised to hear that taking a multivitamin while breastfeeding could be helpful. As we touched on above, eating enough of the right kinds of foods is a challenge for most of us under normal circumstances, and is certainly no easier when you are breastfeeding. So, taking a daily multivitamin simply allows a mom to bump up her nutrient intake. This is important for her health, and it helps ensure that her breast milk is nutrient dense.

Breast milk is an amazing food, and perfect for your baby. It contains approximately 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein and 7 grams of carbohydrates per milliliter, and these proportions do not change even when the mother’s diet changes.  But, it is also true that a mother’s diet (and her overall nutritional status) can influence the vitamin, mineral, and the essential fatty acid (EPA and DHA) composition of her breast milk, all of which impacts the overall nutritional quality of the breast milk, and ultimately the overall health of the baby. Because of this, it is my humble opinion, that we need to encourage nursing moms to both eat as many real foods as possible and take a multivitamin.

TLB:  Did you personally take multivitamins after the birth of your children?

Suzanne:  Yes, I continued to take a multivitamin while breastfeeding with both my kids, and try to remember to still take one every day.  I actually have a bottle of Nursing Postnatal on my desk at work.  Even though I am definitely a “food first” person, my life is busy and hectic and I don’t always eat the way I know I should.  So, taking a multivitamin just helps to ensure I am getting enough nutrients.

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Fairhaven Health is giving 5 lucky Leakies one bottle each of Nursing Postnatal and Fenugreek.

Nursing Postnatal is a vitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically for breastfeeding moms, with extra amounts of Vitamin D and the B vitamins.

Nursing Postnatal

Fenugreek is often used to help support breast milk production. Fairhaven Health’s Fenugreek contains a unique blend of organic Fenugreek Seed Powder, along with a concentrated Fenugreek Seed Powder extract (8:1), delivering a dose equivalent to 2000 mg of standard fenugreek seed powder in just 2 vegetarian capsules each day.

Fenugreek

Currently Leakies can find these and other pregnancy and nursing products at www.FairhavenHealth.com.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 1, 2013 through April 8, 2013.  A big thanks to Fairhaven Health for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit BellytoBreast on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and/or Pinterest and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. (including Puerto Rico and APO) and Canadian residents only.

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Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway

March 21, 2013 By

Started by Melinda, a mother who believes in the natural healing power of herbs, Earth Mama Angel Baby offers organic products for expectant and new mothers, and their babies.  Their dedication to supporting mothers and babies makes them such an easy fit with The Leaky Boob.  Read below as Melinda shares more about Earth Mama Angel Baby and some of her own experience as a new mother. And then enter for your chance to win a Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle!

MelindaOlson

TLB:  What should readers know about Earth Mama Angel Baby and the values you hold to for your company?

Melinda:  The one most important thing I’d love people to really understand is this: these products were formulated for pregnant women to use. If it’s going ON and IN a pregnant woman, it is literally being given to her unborn baby. The herbs used in Earth Mama products have stood the test of generations, and have been historically, safely used on the most fragile population on the planet. If it’s truly safe enough for a pregnant woman, it’s safe. But how do you know what’s safe?

We love mamas with lots of questions, because we have them too. What makes a product truly organic? Why do some companies use questionable ingredients but still use the word organic? What’s all that information on the label, and is it important? We think it is, and we think mamas have a right to know what they are putting on their babies. We don’t think that’s too much to ask, so we are happy to tell them!

TLB: Do you think parents really care about reading labels and knowing what organic really means?

Melinda: The reason we do this is because it’s safer. And safer is better. I couldn’t do it any other way, because I need to sleep at night knowing I’ve done my best to keep mamas and babies safe. One of our missions is education. People know to do better once they know that there is better to do. And we think that once mamas know about what’s really safe, they start to see how difficult it can be as a consumer to know what you are really putting on your baby. Mamas shouldn’t have to be chemists to know if something is safe. If something is safe it should say on the label. Sadly, there are a lot of words – like safe, natural, honest, organic – that are used on product labels that are anything but.

TLB:  What was the inspiration behind the name Earth Mama Angel Baby?

Melinda: It’s about using traditional plant medicine for our most precious populations: pregnant mamas and brand new babies. Our tag line is “Gifts from the earth, for your gift from heaven” and that’s not just cute, it’s true.

TLB: What is your role in Earth Mama Angel Baby and what do you enjoy most about it?

Melinda: Earth Mama Angel Baby was born in my garage, after I spent an intensive period studying herbs and plant medicine. I knew instinctively that the herbs that are abundant on this earth are here to heal and nurture, safely, and I wanted to pass that on to people. Women especially, because women go through pregnancy with a lot of thought for their growing baby, but with not as much thought for their stretching, itchy skin, bottom problems and tummy troubles. I enjoy helping mamas who are feeling so exhausted or discouraged from the normal discomforts of pregnancy. Or hearing that Angel Baby Bottom Balm soothed a particularly terrible diaper rash. I love getting feedback from mamas, whether they are needing help or saying thanks, it’s a joy to connect with them. And the baby pictures are great too!

TLB:  We all know that all that’s really essential to breastfeeding are a pair of lactating breasts and a hungry baby, but aside from those basics, what did you find invaluable in your breastfeeding journey?

Melinda: On day two after my first child was born I was home alone. I didn’t have support or models of breastfeeding, but I also didn’t have any expectations of problems. I didn’t know there could be problems, so any difficulty that came up I just figured out! Although I think the resources mamas have now are invaluable, with breastfeeding support and lactation consultants and sites like The Leaky Boob, there was something important for me in just sticking it out because I had to. I think I’d say to breastfeeding mamas, when you’re going to dig a trench you’re gonna get blisters, but by the time you’ve dug 5 trenches you’ll have some calluses and you’ll know that holding the spade a certain way works better for you than another way. By the time you’ve dug 10 you won’t even think about any of that. There’s a break-in period for breastfeeding, and it comes from sticking it out. In the end there is an amazing reward, not just the best nutrition for your baby, and the bond you’ll have for life, but the knowledge that you did this amazing, miraculous thing. It’s like boot camp, you asked your body to do something difficult, and it responded with exhaustion and confusion and then showing you that it was capable of doing it.

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Earth Mama Angel Baby is giving away 3 Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle to 3 lucky Leakies! 

The Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle has a retail value of $44.09 and its purpose is to offer soothing comfort to nourish a new mama’s breasts, so she can nourish her angel baby, naturally.

It includes all-natural necessities for every breastfeeding mama. Organic Milkmaid Tea is a USDA Certified 100% Organic nursing tea that helps support healthy breast milk production. Lanolin-free Natural Nipple Butter (2 fl. Oz.) is a naturally safe nipple cream that helps soothe and prevent sore, cracked nipples. Booby Tubes® are gel-free breast packs to use warm or cold to ease breasts sore from engorgement or mastitis. Safe and natural, with no toxins ever.

breastfeed_bundle2

Currently Leakies can find these and other wonderful organic products at www.earthmamaangelbaby.com

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from March 21, 2013 through March 27, 2013.  A big thanks to Melinda and Earth Mama Angel Baby for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page and Twitter (@earthmamahq) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway open to U.S. entries only. 

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