TLB Sponsor Black Friday Deals and Beyond

Jessica and Kitty A.

Happy Holidays, dear Leakies!

Many of the wonderful sponsors of The Leaky Boob who believe that you deserve to receive quality support, encouragement, and information, would like to extend special discounts and offers to you this Holiday season!  From Black Friday, to Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, and beyond, please take a look at the list below to see if there is just the deal you were looking for!

If not for you, then why not for a friend?  Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a season of giving.  Who do you know that would just love to receive one of the special items below?

From The Leaky Boob and all TLB community sponsors, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and wonderful Holidays!

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Black Friday, November 28

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16 Minute Club  Home-delivered lactation support goodie boxes for new moms
Receive a 30% discount code for Black Friday weekend when you sign up to receive emails from 16 Minute Club here

 

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

JunoBlu           Fashionable breast pump bags for On-The-Go moms
Up to 30% many favorite Mom and Baby brands like Undercover Mama, Bamboobies, MilkMakers, and Juno Blu of course,  at ohbabyblackfriday.com with code OHBABY2014

 

KoalaKin          Hands-free nursing pouch, adjustable, comfortable
30% off any KoalaKin at koalakin.com with code KoalaBlack

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014
– Check out clearance items too, and a special 30% discount on all Engel organic wool/silk Sports apparel

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
35% off all products (excluding packages) at mrsmilk.com with code thankswknd14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear  Your baby’s heartbeat recorded in a cuddly teddy bear
30% off everything at mybabysheartbeatbear.com with code GOBBLE

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

Nine Naturals  All-natural, quality beauty products for pregnant and nursing moms
– Spend $75+, get 15% off with code BF15 at ninenaturals.com
– Spend $125+, get 20% off with code BF20
– Spend $200+, get 25% off with code BF25

 

NursePurse      Stylish breast pump bag for all your essentials – laptop too!
Free shipping and 20% everything at nursepurse.com with code FRIDAY20

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Rumina          Comfortable, supportive, hands-free pumping bra in a nursing tank
Free shipping and 20% off the entire Pump&Nurse Collection at ruminaformoms.com with code TankU14

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
20% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code BLACKFRIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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Small Business Saturday, November 29

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16 Minute Club  Home-delivered lactation support goodie boxes for new moms
Receive a 30% discount code for Black Friday weekend when you sign up to receive emails from 16 Minute Club here

 

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
– FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
– 20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014
– Check out clearance items too, and a special 30% discount on all Engel organic wool/silk Sports apparel

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
35% off all products (excluding packages) at mrsmilk.com with code thankswknd14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

NursePurse      Stylish breast pump bag for all your essentials – laptop too!
Free shipping and 20% everything at nursepurse.com with code SHOPSMALL

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
15% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code VHHOLIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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Sunday, November 30

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16 Minute Club  Home-delivered lactation support goodie boxes for new moms
Receive a 30% discount code for Black Friday weekend when you sign up to receive emails from 16 Minute Club here

 

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
– FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
– 20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014
– Check out clearance items too, and a special 30% discount on all Engel organic wool/silk Sports apparel

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
35% off all products (excluding packages) at mrsmilk.com with code thankswknd14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
15% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code VHHOLIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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Cyber Monday, December 1

___________________________

A Mothers Boutique  Nursing bras, maternity/breastfeeding clothing & accessories
Up to 75% off various items at mothersboutique.com with more and more deals each day; featuring maternity and clothing, and bras!

 

Amamante! Nursingwear    Designs with Mothers in Mind and Babies at Heart
20-50% off at lactationconnection.com with great brands like Bravado and Snugabell’s PumpEase.  Nursing mothers can always use a deal for their budget!

 

Arm’s Reach     Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet. Sleep Better. Sleep Closer. Sleep Safer
– FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150 placed on armsreach.com
– 20% off select styles (Mini Arc CoSleeper in Toffee Dot & Toffee Strip, Mini Arc Convertible in Santa Fe, Aurora Contempo Crib) at armsreach.com

 

Bamboobies     Cloud-soft nursing pads, organic, fair trade, leak-proof, bamboo
Free for shipping Black Heart Bamboobies nursing pads in the Black Heart freebies event (while supplies last)
30-50% everything at buybamboobies.com

 

Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Special promotions here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
25% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com

 

LílléBaby         The most COMPLETE baby carrier for stylish parents on-the-go
20-25% off carriers at lillebaby.com

 

Little Spruce Organics  Everything organic! diapers, baby & nursing apparel, toys
20% off all regular priced items at littlespruceorganics.com with code blessings2014

 

Momzelle         Breastfeeding clothing, maternity wear, nursing tops for hip moms
Up to 40% off all nursing tops and dresses at momzelle.com/us

 

Mrs Patel’s         All-natural treats and teas to help increase milk supply
Free bag of one of our milk-making tea blends with purchase of 2 or more boxes of Fenugreek Bars at mrsmilk.com with code mrsmonday14 (can’t be combined with other discount codes)

 

Naked Nursing Tank    Breastfeed in any top without showing your tummy!
15% off all tanks at nakedtank.com with code BLKFCBRM

 

Nine Naturals  All-natural, quality beauty products for pregnant and nursing moms
Free Body Balm with every purchase at ninenaturals.com!  Our gift to you!

 

NursePurse      Stylish breast pump bag for all your essentials – laptop too!
Free shipping and 20% everything at nursepurse.com with code MONDAY20

 

Nursing Bra Express   Nursing bras, nursingwear, baby slings, breastfeeding covers
10-15% off every nursing bra at nursingbraexpress.com

 

Pebble            Fair-trade baby hats, rattles, decor by 1000’s of Bangladeshi women
Free Shipping for orders over $25 at kahiniwalla.com in the Continental US
– Orders over $50 receive a free Holiday Ornament Set ($19.95 value) while supplies last

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15

 

Sloomb            Merino knits and natural diapering for your little hipsters ♥
15% off most products at www.sloomb.com

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)

 

The Dairy Fairy   The only nursing bra that multitasks as much as you do
20% off each item in your order at shop.thedairyfairy.com with code Txgiving20

 

The Vintage Honey Shop  Mamas rock, babies chomp! Teething/nursing necklaces.
15% off everything at thevintagehoneyshop.etsy.com with code VHHOLIDAY

 

Undercover Mama   Breastfeeding wardrobe solution! Stylish strapless camisole
30% off everything at undercovermama.com with code GIVE30

 

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December 2nd, and Beyond!

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Bébé Au Lait      Stylish nursing covers with an open neckline so mom can see baby
30% off everything at bebeaulait.com
Through December 2.

 

Cezara             Belly support panty: pregnancy, postpartum, & after Cesarean
$10 off the Cezara belly panty at cezara.com, use code Thanksgiving2014
Through December 3.

 

Clek                  Carseat excellence: smart, timeless, tested, safe travel vessels
Select carseats on sale in the clearance section; here for US sales, and here for sales in Canada

 

Freja Toys        Eco-friendly knitted baby-wearing dolls, baby toys, bf necklaces
20% off everything at frejatoys.etsy.com
Through December 9

 

Rhoost             Eco-friendly childproofing and grooming products
15% off at rhoost.com with code holidaypromo15
Through December 31!

 

Snugabell        Hands-free pumping supports, secure, comfortable, fabulous
10% off PumpEase with additional 10% going to support local breastfeeding advocacy.  Use coupon code THXMAMAS at checkout to give AND save!  snugabell.com or Amazon.com (more information here)
Through December 2.

Unless specified, discounts apply to US residents only.

Nurse Purse Giveaway

Who says you can’t have beauty and function in the same bag?  That’s the idea behind Adrienne’s design of her Nurse Purse diaper bags.  But way more than diapers bags, Nurse Purse bags are a purse, diaper bag, pumping bag, and computer bag all rolled into one. So you can go to work with your laptop, breast pump, and anything else you need in the same purse, and look really cute doing it too!  Beauty and function.  Welcome new TLB sponsor Nurse Purse by reading the following Q & A we had with Adrienne, make sure to enter the giveaway (for you or a friend!) and take advantage of the 20% discount available to Leakies!

Adrienne

Adrienne and her children. Photography by Hillary Harvey – http://hillaryharveyphotography.com

TLB:  What would you like TLB readers to know about Nurse Purse?

Adrienne:  I think every new mom has that moment when they think “I wish this existed!” or “Someone should invent this.” For me that moment was about trying to continue successfully breastfeeding my son after my maternity leave ended – it was just so challenging for so many reasons, and the logistics of lugging my pump around did not help!

I certainly didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur, but it was something I felt so passionately about, and still do. I saw a need for something that would make life easier for myself, and other pumping moms out there, and I couldn’t rest until I saw it through.

TLB:  What inspired you to start Nurse Purse?

Adrienne:  The Nurse Purse truly was born out of necessity – as a working, commuting mom, I could not manage lugging at least 3 separate bags around the city. It was hard enough going back to work after a terribly short maternity leave, but carrying that black bag was the icing on the cake. It made me feel terrible!  I knew there had to be a better way – and when all my searching came up short – I knew I had to create the solution myself. After I had solved the problem for myself, I heard from so many other women who had the same issues – I spoke with so many moms to come up with something that would make people’s lives easier. I wanted to make something functional but also something that would people would actually look forward to carrying around. The moms I have met and continue to meet have been an amazing inspiration.

TLB:  What is your favorite feature of the bags you make?

Adrienne: From a functional perspective I love that there is room to keep everything including the plug and tubes, all set up so you are ready to go each time – it used to drive me CRAZY that I would have to fish around for the plug (that was always tangled !) every single time.

From a design perspective, I love the photo sleeve so you can always have a photo of your baby close at hand for some ‘pumping inspiration’, and I love that the bright, cheerful prints are actually fun to carry.

TLB:  It’s tough running your own business.  How do you balance your work and family lives?  

Adrienne:  It’s a constant challenge. The hardest thing is resisting the temptation to sneak in a little work here and there, because technology makes it so easy! So you just need to relax and know that those phone calls are not going to get made, and those emails will have to wait – enjoy the moment you’re in.

TLB:  What is your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Adrienne:  Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your friendly local LC is an amazing resource! I thought I was doing ‘ok’ – but had no idea how much I didn’t know until I met with a wonderful lactation consultant who I credit with my success both with early breastfeeding and then when I had challenges after returning to work. I also had some challenges with my younger son that I didn’t have the first time around, and my LC helped me get back on track – and still going strong 🙂

on a walk

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Adrienne is giving away a Nurse Purse Breast Pump Bag to one lucky Leaky.
(Winner’s choice of our 4 stylish prints)
Retail Value: $129.00

 _________________________
Print 1Print 2

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Currently Leakies can find the Nurse Purse in the www.nursepurse.com website, and on Amazon.

Use promotional code LEAKIES20 for 20% off your purchase through July 20!  Happy Shopping!

nurse purse logo photo

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from July 3, 2014 through July 10, 2014.  A big thanks to Adrienne and Nurse Purse 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.  Find them on Pinterest and follow them on Instagram too!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peek Away Giveaway

Peek Away was developed out of necessity during a time of hardship for co -inventor, Natalie Sanders. She was inspired to create Peek Away’s 4-In-1 Nursing Kit, when she was nursing her second son and had to endure frequent long road trips.

She and her husband, Glen, recently lost their business and were on the verge of losing their house. Determined to find stability they chose to move closer to family. Natalie took a job as an occupational therapist specializing in the NICU and pediatric department at a county hospital. Nearby lived her grandmother, where she and her family stayed during the week. Every weekend they’d commute three hours north to upkeep their house until it could sell. Their son was just 3 months old, and their other son 3 years old. Commuting in a hatchback car & living with family did not provide much space. Carrying a large diaper bag, nursing pillow, in addition to luggage was virtually impossible. Stopping on the road to nurse in parking lots, restaurants or pumping in the car became a way of life. It was tiresome and very hard to get comfortable. Natalie and Glen searched for a travel nursing pillow, but there wasn’t one on the market yet, so they created their own together!  

Now TLB sponsors, they are offering our community 3 of their creations for this stylish and practical giveaway. 

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Peek Away?

Natalie:  Peek Away isn’t just another nursing pillow on the market. It is very unique and original. Careful consideration was given when creating this pillow. I was able to utilize my professional knowledge of ergonomics and my experience working with infants and lactation consultants to carefully design a pillow to help moms feel comfortable breastfeeding anywhere. It provides proper positioning, giving ample support and comfort when nursing in cramped spaces or at home. It does not take up much room and it has all the essentials, including storage compartments and a diaper change pad with a built-in wipe case, forgoing the need to lug a diaper bag and pillow.  By nature, I’m modest and I wasn’t comfortable nursing or pumping in the car without a cover; therefore I included a separate matching nursing cover to come with the product for moms to use if they choose.

TLB:  Tell us about the inspiration behind the Peek Away and how you started your business.

Natalie:  The inspiration behind Peek Away came from the product itself. It is something very unique and serves a great purpose in promoting breastfeeding. Fortunately the patent office felt this product was unique too and issued us a utility patent in 2010 for our nursing pillow. This was a boost of optimism. That’s when we decided to test market Peek Away locally and had an overwhelming response.

TLB:  How do you balance family life and running your own company?

Natalie: Balancing family life and work has been challenging. We have had to work extremely hard to rebuild what was lost. I work outside the home at my private occupational therapy pediatric practice. Glen stays home to take care of the kids and devotes much of his time to Peek Away. I continue to contribute as much time as I can to Peek Away too, but finding a balance of running two businesses and raising a family is hard. We count our blessings that we have two wonderful happy, healthy, loving children. And like any parent, we wish we had more quality time spent with them!

TLB:  What would you suggest a mom nervous about breastfeeding in public do to get comfortable when the time comes?

Natalie: Breastfeeding should be done however one feels most comfortable, but it does take some practice before getting use to it. Some moms like using a cover, pillow, blanket, or just being bare. Babies feed off of mom’s energy and it’s important she’s relaxed. When mom’s stressed the baby knows and can panic too. This makes latching and overall feeding more difficult.  Anxiety can also affect a mom’s milk supply and the ability to have a let-down. If you plan to nurse in public and are at all anxious about it, the best thing to do is practice at home or even sitting in your yard. I practiced nursing my baby in front of a mirror, because I was worried about gracefully being able to cover up!

TLB:  What is your favorite tip for moms on the go with babies and small kids in tow?

Natalie:  My favorite tip for moms on the go with kids is just to travel light! Bring only the essentials. Eliminate the need for heavy bags that weigh down your shoulders and fatigue your arms which makes it more difficult to do what we love best : holding on to our kids!

 

Glen & Natalie are giving away a gift to 3 lucky Leakies.  The gift is their Newly Released Peek Away Travel 4-In-1 Essentials Nursing Kit – A nursing pillow discreetly carried as a handbag with storage compartments, a diaper change pad, and built-in wipe case. Included is a matching nursing cover.   Retail Value: $46.98

 

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Currently, Leakies can find their latest updated nursing pillows, in all their stylish patterns, on their website at www.peekaway.com

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from December 11, 2012 through December 18, 2012 .  A big thanks to Natalie and Peek Away 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.

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

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Ness Bags Giveaway- 2 winners!

One of the best parts of getting to go to the ABC expo this past September was getting to meet so many wonderful people.  Talking with established business owners and those just starting out was a real pleasure and most of the time I was blown away by the honest desire to help parents and offer quality products for families.  Talking with Crystal and Jeremy Goss from Ness bags was truly a great pleasure.  Their breastfeeding journey story (including pumping for preemies and baby latching for the first time at 5 months!) led to me high-fiving and then hugging Crystal.  They are a great couple with an incredible vision, passion, and desire to support moms and care for babies.  I love their bags (want one for Sugarbaby and I!), I love what they are doing as a company and I knew right away I wanted to share them with the Leakies.  So it is with great enthusiasm that I bring you this amazing giveaway and introduce to this dynamic new company.


TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Ness?

Crystal:  Functional, fashionable, fabulous. If need is the mother of invention, leave it to a mother to invent Ness Bags. Room for breast pump, cooler for safe milk storage, and the requisite diapers, bottles, binkies, and items Mom and Dad carry, like water bottle, wallet, books. Designed for fashionable moms on the go, in collaboration with a camera bag engineer, to hit every detail.

 

TLB:  What inspired you to start your company?

Crystal:  In 2009, I got frustrated. I loathed carrying the awful, black canvas breast pump tote that every nursing mother recognizes. But I couldn’t find a bag that had plenty of storage for a pump and didn’t look like a traditional diaper or pump bag.  I also wanted it to have a cooler, to preserve the precious breast milk, and a discreet, stylish presentation. It was too much to ask of the market. So, with the encouragement of my husband Jeremy, she set out to design her own.

Collaborations with a camera bag designer and an engineer helped me create the perfect baby bag and along came my first prototype, containing every feature I was looking for. It was a functional and fashionable diaper bag I could share with other stylish mothers always on the go.

But the mission wasn’t complete. An involved and passionate volunteer to preemie babies and families of compromised births, I still hadn’t found a name for the company and its line of bags. Then I photographed the film premiere of “Project: ELI,” a documentary for families expecting a child with spina bifida. Moved, by grace, by God, by tiny newborn soldiers fighting for their lives, it was there in that screening that I understood that my line of diaper bags would be for the babies as much as it was for the moms.

Thus Ness Bags was born.  Named after the Hebrew word for “miracle.” Each bag design is named for a special baby and its journey to survive birth, or an organization devoted to helping newborns and families in their struggle.  Percentages of the sales go to support featured organizations that educate and support these babies and families.

Ness Bags exists to inspire and encourage mothers while raising awareness and educating about issues like prematurity, stillbirth, and birth defects. We want to build a community where any mother can learn from and share with other mothers, and grow into an even better mama than she already is.

Diaper bags aren’t just for diapers. They hold lovies, breast pumps, bottles, binkies, cameras, billfolds and more.

Ness Bags hold hope.

 

TLB:  With two little ones at home, how do you balance family and growing your business?

Crystal:  The work/life balance is something I am always striving to improve on.  In addition to Ness, I have also had a photography business for 6 years.  We have tried several childcare options while I have worked from home.  I kept my oldest son home with me every day when he was a baby, and I scheduled my shoots around my husband’s work schedule.  After he was one year old, we started taking him to a friend’s house two days a week so that I could focus on my work those days and keep him home with me the rest of the week.  Once my second son came along, we decided to keep them home with me again, and we hired a nanny to help on my work days.  This allowed me to be there for my kids when they needed me and continue to nurse my youngest son every day, but I could also shut myself in my office while the nanny was here and focus on working.  When the idea to start Ness came along, and after my youngest stopped nursing, we realized that I needed more reliable childcare in an environment we trusted.  Both of our kids (4.5 and 2.5 years old) now attend preschool 3 days a week and spend the rest of the week at home.

I like to give my kids my undivided attention when they are home with me, and for us, this has been the best way to help accomplish that goal.  I still have some weeks that are crazier than others where I have to find time to work while the kids are here.  We all just try to go with the flow and live one day at a time!  We feel blessed to have two easygoing kids who have made our lifestyle much easier than it could be.

TLB:  What was the most encouraging thing anyone said to you or did for you during your breastfeeding journey?

Crystal:  My oldest son was born 9 weeks premature, and he had a number of preemie obstacles to overcome before he could come home from the NICU.  We spent 6 weeks in the hospital with him, and I was determined to nurse him.  It was the only thing I felt like I could do for him at that time.  So I pumped religiously, but I had so much trouble with my milk supply.  I had a lactation consultant who was a constant light and encouragement for me during that time.  She helped me get the information I needed to increase my milk supply.  She worked to help me put him to the breast as soon as possible.  But Brayson had a lot of trouble with his suck, swallow, breathe reflex.  He would choke and desat very easily.  So I had to learn to bottle feed him in a way that he could handle.  We had to use specific nipples that he wouldn’t choke on, and he had to eat very slowly.  We did what we could to get him home with us as soon as possible, but I never gave up on breastfeeding him.  I continued to pump exclusively for 5 months, and I would continue to bring him to the breast to attempt nursing.  Many people told me I should give up.  After all, my milk supply a struggle to keep up, I was wearing myself out, and he would never get it at this point.  However, one day when he was 5 months old, I brought him to the breast and he LATCHED!  And he was a champ!  And I was able to nurse him until he was about 10.5 months old and my milk supply was almost nonexistent.  If it hadn’t been for that lactation consultant, I don’t think I would have stuck with it.  But I kept her positive words in my head whenever I felt discouraged, and it really paid off!

(Keep up with Crystal on her charming blog, I love her posts and I love her tag line: “Because every life inspires.”  Crystal’s life certainly does!  You’re also going to want to check out their FUN family holiday video, I promise you’re going to love this family!)

This giveaway is for two beautiful Ness Bags!   Two lucky entries will be randomly selected to win their choice of one of Ness’s beautiful bags.  Ness currently has two styles available in four colors each.  Both styles are made of a wonderful man-made leather and two different needs right now.  The winners can choose between:

Mamie bag – retails for $269.00, (with a preorder special of $228.65)

The Mamie bag is the bag that carries it all!  It has a detachable insulated cooler on the bottom for storing milk, which can also be used as a changing station when not storing milk or snacks.  It offers adjustable inserts inside for custom organization of inner contents, five exterior pockets, and adjustable straps for shoulder or cross-body wear.  The Mamie bag is named after one of the organizations we are supporting – Mamie’s Poppy Plates.

Eli bag – retails for $179.00, (with a current preorder special of $152.15)

The Eli bag is the versatile bag that allows you to have your arms free to hug the most important little people in your life!  It is a smaller bag that is perfect for quick trips, carrying toddler items, or a fun day at the park!  It offers three interior and exterior pockets.  Adjustable straps allow you to carry this bag three ways.  Crystal shares that he favorite way of wearing this bag is as a backpack when she’s at the park with my kids. The Eli bag is named for another organization we support – Project ELI.

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This giveaway is now closed!

 

To be entered, visit the Ness site to see more photos and more details on each bag then return to leave a comment on this post stating which bag in what color you’d like to win and include the link to you bag pick.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Ness Bags Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

 

For a second entry share this giveaway in some public forum (Facebook, Twitter, parenting forum, etc.) and return with the url of where you shared it and leave that in a comment.  Please note, you can share it where you like and as many times as you like, but only one will count for a second entry.

Important: only a possible two entries per person, any additional entries will be deleted and abuse will possibly result in all of an individual’s entries being deleted.  Please be patient in waiting for comments to show up as some have to be moderated from the spam filter.  Thank you.

 

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Ness Bags for their generous giveaway.  Crystal and Jeremy are accepting preorders and offering a preorder discount in their online store and will begin shipping in January 2012.  This giveaway will remain open through January 3, 2012 and is open to international entries.  Good luck and have fun!

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The winners have been randomly selected, congrats to…

Robyn:

I LOVE the Mamie in gray!!! Gorgeous.
http://www.nessbags.com/#/mamie/

and

Shane:

http://nessstore.com/mamie-10.html – I would like the Mamie in purple for my wife.

Congratulations to both of our winners and a huge thank you to Crystal and Jeremy from Ness for this amazing giveaway.  If you weren’t one of our lucky winners, don’t forget to order your bag!  Use the code: “TLB10″ for a sweet discount just for Leakies.