World Breastfeeding Month Wrap Up!

World Breastfeeding Month is coming to a close and we want to help close out the party with a celebratory giveaway! Naturally, this doesn’t mark the end of the support that The Leaky Boob offers year-round. But, for the month of the year where the limelight shines brightest on breastfeeding related things, let’s party like a Leaky!

This giveaway includes 3 bundles of awesome goodies from many of our favorite brands, including Diono, Ergobaby, Ameda, Bamboobies, The Dairy Fairy, A Mother’s Boutique, The Naked Nursing Tank, Nursing Bra Express, Cezara, Rumina Nursingwear, Melinda G, The Vintage Honey Shop, Motherlove and Molly’s Suds. Three lucky leakies will have a chance to win one of these amazing bundles. Good luck, and happy breastfeeding!

The grand total value of the products included in this giveaway is over $3000!

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World Breastfeeding Bundle #1

Bundle #1 

Arm’s Reach: Mini Arc Cosleeper bassinet – Retail Value: $174.99
The Curved Mini Co-Sleeper® bassinet is a unique creation that allows you and your baby boy or girl to sleep comfortably next to each other from the moment your baby arrives. This bassinet enables you to reach over and draw your baby close for comforting and bonding. The innovative design also makes breastfeeding easy. The Curved Mini Co-Sleeper® bassinet is the ideal sleep solution for any concerned parent.

Diono: RadianRXT – Retail Value: $359.99
The RadianRXT Car Seats are designed with your child’s security and safety as top priorities. Premium materials and thoughtful safety features like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam, and a five-point harness put your mind at ease as your little one stays safe and sound. The reinforced adjustable head support provides additional side impact protection.Comfortably seats rear-facing children from 5-45 lbs, forward-facing children from 20 – 80 lbs in a 5-point harness, then converts to a booster for children up to 120 lbs.

ErgobabyNatural Curve™ Nursing Pillow – Retail Value: $70
The Ergobaby Natural Curve™ Nursing Pillow gives you the enduring support you need to relax, nurse comfortably and bond with baby.

Beco: Gemini baby carrier – Retail Value: $130
Beco combines proper ergonomics, convertible and adjustable features, quality materials and fresh patterns for an award-winning intuitive design celebrated by parents around the world. The Gemini and Soleil Baby Carriers offer the most comfortable and safe babywearing experience for parent and baby.

Rumina Nursingwear: Pump&Nurse Set– Retail Value: $82
Pump&Nurse Tank: Finally a pumping bra that does it all. The Hands-Free Pumping Bra & Nursing Tank has a built-in seamless bra that allows for effortless pumping and breastfeeding without sacrificing shape and support. Style, color and size (S-XL) winner’s choice.

Pump&Nurse Bra: The Relaxed Hands-Free Pump&Nurse Bra is made of soft jersey knit cotton that gently stretches to accommodate sensitive, engorged breasts and offers moms moderate support for all day or night comfort. –  Style, color and size (XS-XL) winner’s choice.

Bamboobies Set: Retail Value: $37.98
A multi-pack of Bamboobies nursing pads (3 pair of regular and 1 pair of overnight) – Bamboobies® are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof™ liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly.

Boob Ease Organic Nipple BalmBreastfeeding is Beautiful and Natural…but it’s not always easy! New mothers can suffer from sore and cracked nipples in the first few weeks.  Protect yourself and your newborn with a non-toxic, certified organic nipple balm that keeps nipples feeling soft, supple and healthy. All ingredients are safe for ingestion by your breastfeeding baby.

A Mother’s BoutiqueZara Shimmer Top– Retail Value: $89
Light, airy, beautiful – the Zara shimmer top has a touch of shine which gives it that extra “flair” – it is light weight and beautiful and will flatter your pregnant or post-partum body. Easy nursing access is through the neckline. Pair with your favorite pair of jeans or a cute skirt for a fun flirtatious look that every mom wants. Nursing access: Pull-Aside Neckline

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% spandex

Naked Nursing Tank: Luxury Bamboo Edition Naked Nursing Tank– Retail Value: $40
100% Canadian made Luxury Bamboo Naked Nursing Tank – A midsection cover-up worn beneath regular wardrobe to instantly transform every shirt into a nursing shirt for breastfeeding women. The Naked Tank allows nursing moms the flexibility, comfort & confidence while nursing on demand, anytime, anywhere.The Naked Tank is the only nursing tank on the market that can be worn with any bra, and fits every body type (sizes XS – 5X), turning every shirt into a nursing shirt -saving Mom’s money!!

The Dairy FairyThe Rose Handsfree Pumping Bra – Retail Value: $34
The Rose handsfree pumping bra reflects the goddess that you are. No more bands, velcro, zippers, hooks or pullies. Just a beautiful and feminine bra so you can quickly and efficiently pump, and maybe even have a second to check email.

Nursing Bra Express: Molded Seamless Washable Nursing Pads by Baby Nip – Retail Value: $14
High quality, soft cotton pads are reusable and the environmentally friendly choice among nursing moms. Molded shape provides good fit and positioning in your bra. Seamless shell doesn’t show through clothing. Multi-layered for absorbency.

The Vintage Honey Shop: Nursing/Teething Necklace – Retail Value: $27
Our designer, handmade, teething, nursing, & babywearing necklaces are made with the stylish mama in mind! Our necklaces help keep mama from being scratched & pinched during feeding time! You can also wear our necklaces while wearing your baby. Our necklaces will provide a focal point, and give them something to play with and grab onto while being close to your heart. Beautiful, functional, lightweight, & washable… this is every mama’s dream necklace!

MotherloveNurturing Life Giftbox – Retail Value: $59.95
Motherlove’s complete selection celebrating new motherhood! From pregnancy and labor, to breastfeeding and babies, these products nurture mother and baby with certified organic herbs and pure ingredients. These products do not contain any synthetic ingredients, fragrances or parabens commonly found in body care products. The perfect gift for the mother who is looking for only the highest quality, pure, natural products for herself and her child.

Total Retail Value: $1118.91

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World Breastfeeding Bundle #2

Bundle #2

Ameda: Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump – Retail Value: $199
Whether you are returning to work or want a fast and easy pumping experience, the Ameda Purely Yours double electric breast pump, designed for daily use, is the ideal breast pump. The Purely Yours breast pumps combine hospital recommended technology with mom friendly features.  Offering the same great pump through retail locations (on-line and brick-and-mortar), insurance benefits, and WIC you can depend on Ameda to provide moms with the tools they need to feed their baby.

ErgobabyNatural Curve™ Nursing Pillow – Retail Value: $70
The Ergobaby Natural Curve™ Nursing Pillow gives you the enduring support you need to relax, nurse comfortably and bond with baby.

Arm’s ReachMini Arc Cosleeper bassinet – Retail Value: $174.99
The Curved Mini Co-Sleeper® bassinet is a unique creation that allows you and your baby boy or girl to sleep comfortably next to each other from the moment your baby arrives. This bassinet enables you to reach over and draw your baby close for comforting and bonding. The innovative design also makes breastfeeding easy. The Curved Mini Co-Sleeper® bassinet is the ideal sleep solution for any concerned parent.

BecoGemini baby carrier – Retail Value: $130
Beco combines proper ergonomics, convertible and adjustable features, quality materials and fresh patterns for an award-winning intuitive design celebrated by parents around the world. The Gemini and Soleil Baby Carriers offer the most comfortable and safe babywearing experience for parent and baby.

Rumina Nursingwear: Pump&Nurse Set – Retail Value: $82
Pump&Nurse Tank: Finally a pumping bra that does it all. The Hands-Free Pumping Bra & Nursing Tank has a built-in seamless bra that allows for effortless pumping and breastfeeding without sacrificing shape and support. Style, color and size (S-XL) winner’s choice.

Pump&Nurse Bra: The Relaxed Hands-Free Pump&Nurse Bra is made of soft jersey knit cotton that gently stretches to accommodate sensitive, engorged breasts and offers moms moderate support for all day or night comfort. –  Style, color and size (XS-XL) winner’s choice.

Bamboobies Set: Retail Value: $61.98
A multi-pack of Bamboobies nursing pads (3 pair of regular and 1 pair of overnight) – Bamboobies® are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof™ liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly.

Nursing Tank– Bamboobies® Nursing Tank combines the comfort and support of a seamless design with super-soft bamboo fabric. Bamboo is more breathable, softer and eco-friendly than cotton. Great for pregnancy and nursing alike – one of the few things that will fit your 9-month body and afterward because it’s so stretchy and supportive. Sizes S-XL

Melinda G: Dreamy™ sleep bra – Retail Value $26
Dreamy comfort as you dream of your little one!

The Dreamy™ sleep bra has a sweetheart neckline and a no-hardware back for beautiful, lightweight support – the fabric is a soft cotton-rich jacquard with lots of LYCRA® in a shimmery swirly pattern. Win it in luscious white in your choice of 6 sizes – Enjoy your baby! 

A Mother’s Boutique: Zara Shimmer Top – Retail Value: $89
Light, airy, beautiful – the Zara shimmer top has a touch of shine which gives it that extra “flair” – it is light weight and beautiful and will flatter your pregnant or post-partum body. Easy nursing access is through the neckline. Pair with your favorite pair of jeans or a cute skirt for a fun flirtatious look that every mom wants. Nursing access: Pull-Aside Neckline

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% spandex

Naked Nursing Tank: Luxury Bamboo Edition Naked Nursing Tank – Retail Value: $40
100% Canadian made Luxury Bamboo Naked Nursing Tank – A midsection cover-up worn beneath regular wardrobe to instantly transform every shirt into a nursing shirt for breastfeeding women. The Naked Tank allows nursing moms the flexibility, comfort & confidence while nursing on demand, anytime, anywhere.The Naked Tank is the only nursing tank on the market that can be worn with any bra, and fits every body type (sizes XS – 5X), turning every shirt into a nursing shirt -saving Mom’s money!!

The Dairy FairyThe Rose Handsfree Pumping Bra – Retail Value: $34
The Rose handsfree pumping bra reflects the goddess that you are. No more bands, velcro, zippers, hooks or pullies. Just a beautiful and feminine bra so you can quickly and efficiently pump, and maybe even have a second to check email.

Nursing Bra Express: Molded Seamless Washable Nursing Pads by Baby Nip – Retail Value: $14
High quality, soft cotton pads are reusable and the environmentally friendly choice among nursing moms. Molded shape provides good fit and positioning in your bra. Seamless shell doesn’t show through clothing. Multi-layered for absorbency.

The Vintage Honey Shop: Nursing/Teething Necklace – Retail Value: $27
Our designer, handmade, teething, nursing, & babywearing necklaces are made with the stylish mama in mind! Our necklaces help keep mama from being scratched & pinched during feeding time! You can also wear our necklaces while wearing your baby. Our necklaces will provide a focal point, and give them something to play with and grab onto while being close to your heart. Beautiful, functional, lightweight, & washable… this is every mama’s dream necklace! 

MotherloveNurturing Life Giftbox – Retail Value: $59.95
Motherlove’s complete selection celebrating new motherhood! From pregnancy and labor, to breastfeeding and babies, these products nurture mother and baby with certified organic herbs and pure ingredients. These products do not contain any synthetic ingredients, fragrances or parabens commonly found in body care products. The perfect gift for the mother who is looking for only the highest quality, pure, natural products for herself and her child.

Molly’s Suds: Cloth Diaper Laundry Powder – Retail Value: $14.99
Safe and effective for ALL baby laundry and formulated for sensitive skin, Molly’s Suds Cloth Diaper Laundry Powder is comprised of only four earth-derived ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, toxins, fragrance, fillers, carcinogens, preservatives and GMO ingredients.

Based on the Real Diaper Association’s recommended ingredients and washing routine, the super-concentrated powder naturally removes tough stains and brightens fabrics, and is as effective as conventional brands. Works great in all water temperatures and hard water, and is septic- and High Efficiency (HE) washer-safe. Gluten- and nut-free.

Total Retail Value: $1022.91

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World Breastfeeding Bundle #3

Bundle 3 revised

Ameda: Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump – Retail Value: $199
Whether you are returning to work or want a fast and easy pumping experience, the Ameda Purely Yours double electric breast pump, designed for daily use, is the ideal breast pump. The Purely Yours breast pumps combine hospital recommended technology with mom friendly features.  Offering the same great pump through retail locations (on-line and brick-and-mortar), insurance benefits, and WIC you can depend on Ameda to provide moms with the tools they need to feed their baby.

ErgobabyNatural Curve™ Nursing Pillow – Retail Value: $70
The Ergobaby Natural Curve™ Nursing Pillow gives you the enduring support you need to relax, nurse comfortably and bond with baby.

BecoGemini baby carrier – Retail Value: $130
Beco combines proper ergonomics, convertible and adjustable features, quality materials and fresh patterns for an award-winning intuitive design celebrated by parents around the world. The Gemini and Soleil Baby Carriers offer the most comfortable and safe babywearing experience for parent and baby.

Rumina Nursingwear: Pump&Nurse Set – Retail Value: $82
Pump&Nurse Tank: Finally a pumping bra that does it all. The Hands-Free Pumping Bra & Nursing Tank has a built-in seamless bra that allows for effortless pumping and breastfeeding without sacrificing shape and support. Style, color and size (S-XL) winner’s choice.

Pump&Nurse Bra: The Relaxed Hands-Free Pump&Nurse Bra is made of soft jersey knit cotton that gently stretches to accommodate sensitive, engorged breasts and offers moms moderate support for all day or night comfort. –  Style, color and size (XS-XL) winner’s choice.

Bamboobies Set: Retail Value: $54.98
A multi-pack of Bamboobies nursing pads (3 pair of regular and 1 pair of overnight) – Bamboobies® are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof™ liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly.

Chic Nursing ShawlSo stylish and discreet, no one will know it’s a nursing cover.Unlike brightly-colored apron-style nursing covers- Bamboobies® Chic Nursing Shawl is a versatile wardrobe essential for maternity, nursing, and beyond!

Melinda G: Dreamy™ sleep bra – Retail Value $26
Dreamy comfort as you dream of your little one!

The Dreamy™ sleep bra has a sweetheart neckline and a no-hardware back for beautiful, lightweight support – the fabric is a soft cotton-rich jacquard with lots of LYCRA® in a shimmery swirly pattern. Win it in luscious white in your choice of 6 sizes – Enjoy your baby!

Cezara: Belly Support Panty – Retail value: $48.99
Cezara provides comfort and support during pregnancy, after delivery and especially after Cesarean delivery. The integrated support band lifts the belly and supports the back while the internal padding compresses the lower abdomen and, after a Cesarean, compresses and protects the scar. Mom is supported and nurses, babywears and cares for her baby more comfortably. Cezara is worn over a panty or as the panty and is panty sized from small (fits panty size 5) through 5-X (fits panty size 13) – the winner chooses the size.

A Mother’s Boutique: Zara Shimmer Top – Retail Value: $89
Light, airy, beautiful – the Zara shimmer top has a touch of shine which gives it that extra “flair” – it is light weight and beautiful and will flatter your pregnant or post-partum body. Easy nursing access is through the neckline. Pair with your favorite pair of jeans or a cute skirt for a fun flirtatious look that every mom wants. Nursing access: Pull-Aside Neckline

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% spandex

Naked Nursing Tank: Luxury Bamboo Edition Naked Nursing Tank – Retail Value: $40
100% Canadian made Luxury Bamboo Naked Nursing Tank – A midsection cover-up worn beneath regular wardrobe to instantly transform every shirt into a nursing shirt for breastfeeding women. The Naked Tank allows nursing moms the flexibility, comfort & confidence while nursing on demand, anytime, anywhere.The Naked Tank is the only nursing tank on the market that can be worn with any bra, and fits every body type (sizes XS – 5X), turning every shirt into a nursing shirt -saving Mom’s money!!

The Dairy FairyThe Rose Handsfree Pumping Bra – Retail Value: $34
The Rose handsfree pumping bra reflects the goddess that you are. No more bands, velcro, zippers, hooks or pullies. Just a beautiful and feminine bra so you can quickly and efficiently pump, and maybe even have a second to check email.

Nursing Bra Express: Molded Seamless Washable Nursing Pads by Baby Nip – Retail Value: $14
High quality, soft cotton pads are reusable and the environmentally friendly choice among nursing moms. Molded shape provides good fit and positioning in your bra. Seamless shell doesn’t show through clothing. Multi-layered for absorbency.

The Vintage Honey Shop: Nursing/Teething Necklace – Retail Value: $27
Our designer handmade teething, nursing, & babywearing necklaces are made with the stylish mama in mind! Our necklaces help keep mama from being scratched & pinched during feeding time! You can also wear our necklaces while wearing your baby. Our necklaces will provide a focal point, and give them something to play with and grab onto while being close to your heart. Beautiful, functional, lightweight, & washable… this is every mama’s dream necklace!

Motherlove: Nurturing Life Giftbox – Retail Value: $59.95
Motherlove’s complete selection celebrating new motherhood! From pregnancy and labor, to breastfeeding and babies, these products nurture mother and baby with certified organic herbs and pure ingredients. These products do not contain any synthetic ingredients, fragrances or parabens commonly found in body care products. The perfect gift for the mother who is looking for only the highest quality, pure, natural products for herself and her child.

Total Retail Value: $874.92 

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered. A BIG thanks to Diono, Ergobaby, Ameda, Bamboobies, The Dairy Fairy, A Mother’s Boutique, The Naked Nursing Tank, Nursing Bra Express, Cezara, Rumina Nursingwear, Melinda G, The Vintage Honey Shop, Motherlove, and Molly’s Suds for supporting TLB and all breastfeeding women. 

This giveaway is open to participants in the USA.

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Relief for Those Summer Itches

This time of year our kids can’t spend enough time outdoors. From hopping into their kiddie pool to playing house in Sugarbaby’s Cottage (it’s a playhouse perfect for her size), and checking on how ripe our strawberries are to helping with yard work and gardening, they are outside as often as they can. Not to mention going to our local park. And a couple of them are begging almost daily for a walk up our butte, while it still seems impossible to me that they genuinely enjoy the 20 minute climb only to wander around a grassy area (with an awesome view, mind you) – yet, they ask, all the time.

They are positively itching to go outside. And so am I.

And then they’re often itching once they are back inside.

What do you about the frustrating itches that make us want to lose our mind? Well, there’s breastmilk, of course. And there’s the recommendation to rub, or slap, the itchy spot instead of scratching. NO SCRATCHING!!! When you’re ready to pull out your hair and you’re desperately looking for a safe product to slather onto your wailing kid, you may wish you had some of Motherlove’s Green Salve on hand.

Motherlove Green Salve

The Motherlove Green Salve is all natural and versatile, and quickly and effectively takes the itch out of insect bites, bee stings, and poison ivy. It soothers and eases the discomforts of rashes, chapped and irritated skin – including insect bites and poison ivy! It has zero toxins and is made with 100% certified organic ingredients.

The Green Salve is one of Motherlove’s original products and uses the same recipe that Kathryn made in her kitchen when she started Motherlove. It’s really special to Motherlove because it’s still handmade (albeit in much much larger batches) in their facility in Colorado.

Kathryn, creator of Motherlove, making Green Salve in her kitchen.

Kathryn, creator of Motherlove, making Green Salve in her kitchen.

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Motherlove is giving away 10 Green Salves, one each for 10 Leakies!
The odds are in your favor for this giveaway!
Retail Value: $9 each

Check out user reviews of Motherlove’s Green Salve here.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from July 2, 2015 through July 9, 2015.  A big thanks to Motherlove for their long-standing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to take a moment to thank Motherlove on their Facebook page for their show of support! You can also follow Motherlove on Twitter and Instagram: username @motherloveherb

This giveaway is open to participants in the USA.

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To Supplement or not to Supplement Low Supply Giveaway

Low supply.  Of all the fears that new moms face with their babies, this one has to be in the top 5: what if I can’t produce enough breastmilk to feed my baby?  Which is just a cover for another fear: am I starving my baby??

How do you figure out if your little one is getting adequate nutrition from nursing when you can’t see how much milk they’re actually able to acquire in a feeding?  Should you just start taking supplements to boost your milk production, you know, just in case?

Before you jump into supplements, there are actually a few steps that you can take to help determine if your baby is getting what she/he needs from nursing.  Motherlove, long-time sponsor of TLB, has a couple of resources to share with you:

1. “Help, my milk supply is low! Or is it?” is a relational resource on TLB sponsored by Motherlove that explores the reasons why mothers think their supply might be low, provides an easy way to gauge if your supply is actually low, and lists a few resources to check out if you have determined that you do indeed have low supply.

  1. “I’ve got milk supply problems, now what?” provides a list of steps to take before starting to take supplements to boost your supply.  It also describes the many different options that Motherlove has developed once you’ve determined that supplements are what you need.  All of them are made with certified organic herbs, making them safe for you and your little one.

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Motherlove is offering a bottle of Motherlove milk supply supplements of your choice to 3 lucky Leakies!

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from February 2, 2015 through February 9, 2015.  A big thanks to Motherlove for their 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 U.S. entries only.

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Motherlove Giveaway: Organic or non-GMO?

Motherlove is dedicated to providing the healthiest products to the world, their standard of quality being such that only the purest ingredients are acceptable in their formulations.  What does this mean?  How is this achieved?

By using only USDA Certified Organic ingredients, and wild crafted herbs when those aren’t available.  Sounds pretty earthy, doesn’t it?  And this means that Motherlove products possess the richness of dirt itself (dirt from the wild in a place like Colorado, not the dirt in your urban backyard).

You may be wondering if this means that their ingredients are also non GMO (Generically Modified Organisms).  The answer is simple: according to the USDA definition of “organic,” if the product is USDA Certified Organic, it is non GMO, by definition (more details from USDA here).  A product cannot bear the label “USDA Certified Organic” if it is GMO or has been in contact with GMOs or has anyone in their family tree with a history of GMOs; and all this, from seed to full-grown plant, to the grocery store, and to your kitchen (or at least check-out at the store).  And since Motherlove only uses USDA Certified Organic ingredients or wild crafted herbs (which means that they are organic, but so wild that they don’t bear the rubber-stamp of certification), then all of Motherlove’s products are non-GMO (to read more about this, click here).

Here is a simple way to visualize it:

USDA Certified Organic = non-GMO (absolutely)
non-organic = could contain GMO

Just how wholesome are Motherlove products?  Here is a list of NOs:

NO GMOs
NO synthetic ingredients
NO artificial ingredients
NO toxins

And when you think of applying something to your skin, isn’t that the way it should be?

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Motherlove is giving away a Pregnant Belly Salve to 3 lucky Leakies.  

Pregnant or not, this salve is good for your skin, especially in this season of dry skin.  

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from October 23, 2014 through October 30, 2014.  A big thanks to Motherlove 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 U.S. residents only.

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Nurturing Life Giveaway – Breastfeeding

Nurturing Life

These two words define and drive everything that Motherlove does, from their organic farm in Colorado, to their herbal care products, the educational classes taught by founder Kathryn Higgins, to the Nurturing Life Foundation, Motherlove’s non-profit which supports mothers and children all over the country.  So it’s no surprise that Motherlove has had such a beautiful, long-standing relationship with The Leaky Boob, extending their support of mothers and children to our Leakies and their breastfeeding journey with their babies.  The Motherlove website sums it up well:

Screen Shot 2014-07-22 at 11.06.13 AMWhat is Nurturing Life?
It is fostering an environment where development, growth, and health are encouraged, and doing so in each facet of our life, including each stage.  True beauty can emerge in your life and others’ as you nurture life in yourself, your friendships, romantic relationship, through pregnancy, birth, in your relationship with your children, and more, and yes, even your garden.

“At Motherlove, we use Nurturing Life as our mission statement because nurturing moms and babies together is essential for both to thrive.  During pregnancy, moms are reminded minute-by-minute of this relationship and we typically focus on our health and wellbeing because it’s tied to our child’s life.” (Nurturing Life – Self Care for Mothersby Motherlove Herbal Company)

To wrap up this series of Motherlove giveaways that has touched on the ways mothers can intentionally nurture life through pregnancy and postpartum, through the ups and downs and aches and pains, we now focus on breastfeeding.  It is only fitting as we are celebrating World Breastfeeding Month right now.

Every new mother’s story is her own, whether it is very similar to other mothers’ experiences or appears to be completely opposite.  Every relationship between a mother and her baby should be free to develop in their own particular way, at their own particular speed.  There is no template that will fit every mother-baby relationship.  The Leaky Boob recognizes this and welcomes every mother, whether they bottle-feed, use SNS, breastfeed for a day or for years, whether their baby-days are in the distant past, or even if they never had a baby.  All are welcome.  And Motherlove also recognizes this reality, ready to meet mothers and babies where they are, encouraging them to pursue the Nurturing Life, and providing quality and safe products for whenever a need arises for them.

To help celebrate World Breastfeeding Month, Motherlove is collaborating with two other TLB sponsors, specializing in nursing necklaces, so that Mom and baby both get a prize this week!  Freja Toys and KangarooCare are each offering 3 beautiful necklaces, which means you could be one of the 6 prize winners for this giveaway.  Varja from KangarooCare wanted to share this heart-warming message about her breastfeeding journey with all of us:

“I knew I would breastfeed since the moment I found out that I was going to have a baby.  And I did it.  I nursed my first child for 4 and a half years, and the second for 2 and a half.  I breastfed during pregnancy and then 2 kids at the same time.  My breasts produced milk for 5 years non-stop.  Some might say this is too much, and others that this is nothing special.  But to me, breastfeeding is a real miracle.  I am a vegetarian and I was told that I would never be able to give birth to a healthy baby and then breastfeed.  But it was not so.  I am convinced that breast milk is not just clear liquid with a specific chemical composition; it is love.  Liquid love.”

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Motherlove, KangarooCare and Freja Toys are coming together to offer 6 prizes for 6 lucky Leakies!

 All six prizes start with a Motherlove Nipple Cream salve.  

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Then the breakdown is as follows:

Prize 1: a KangarooCare Fox Nursing Necklace, from Apple Wood

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Prize 2: a KangarooCare Organic Nursing Necklace in Cream & Oatmeal, from Juniper Wood

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Prize 3: a KangarooCare Simple Rainbow Nursing Necklace, from Oak Wood

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Prizes 4-6: a Freja Toys Organic Cotton Nursing Necklace, winner’s choice of color.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from August 13, 2014 through August 20, 2014.  A big thanks to Motherlove for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; and thanks also to KangarooCare and Freja Toys for making this giveaway a whole lot more fun!  Please be sure to visit their Facebook pages (Motherlove, KangarooCare, Freja Toys), follow Motherlove 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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Nurturing Life Giveaway – When Cute Hurts

Nurturing Life

These two words define and drive everything that Motherlove does, from their organic farm in Colorado, to their herbal care products, the educational classes taught by founder Kathryn Higgins, to the Nurturing Life Foundation, Motherlove’s non-profit which supports mothers and children all over the country.  So it’s no surprise that Motherlove has had such a beautiful, long-standing relationship with The Leaky Boob, extending their support of mothers and children to our Leakies and their breastfeeding journey with their babies.  The Motherlove website sums it up well:

Screen Shot 2014-07-22 at 11.06.13 AMWhat is Nurturing Life?
It is fostering an environment where development, growth, and health are encouraged, and doing so in each facet of our life, including each stage.  True beauty can emerge in your life and others’ as you nurture life in yourself, your friendships, romantic relationship, through pregnancy, birth, in your relationship with your children, and more, and yes, even your garden.

“At Motherlove, we use Nurturing Life as our mission statement because nurturing moms and babies together is essential for both to thrive.  During pregnancy, moms are reminded minute-by-minute of this relationship and we typically focus on our health and wellbeing because it’s tied to our child’s life.” (Nurturing Life – Self Care for Mothersby Motherlove Herbal Company)

This Motherlove series of giveaways started out by focusing on maintaining your wellbeing during pregnancy in week 1.  We then moved on to the challenges of postpartum and the importance of acknowledging  and talking about “unmentionable” things like hemorrhoids and postpartum depression as the best path to recovery and healing.

The focus for this week is the painful subject of, well, pain.  Because, let’s face it, a mom’s relationship with Little Miss Cute or Little Mister Bundle of Joy often includes times of discomfort and pain, such as mastitis, thrush, and diaper rash, not to mention teeth (pain for mom and baby) among many others.  Most people tend to share the happy moments they have with their children on social media, and it can seem like they never have any difficulties in life.  In general I think it’s a very helpful thing to focus on the positive things in your life, but if that’s all anyone ever does it can be very alienating to those of us who are going through a tough time.

There are too many pain-laden challenges that come with a new baby to name them all in one post, so here are a few of the big ones with a link so that you hopefully feel less alone, conversations get rolling, and you can see that there are many resources at your fingertips, though some ailments do require professional help.  Now that baby is born, you are nurturing life for two people, but you don’t have to go it alone.

Mastitis – read about Jessica’s journey with the red-eyed breastfeeding monster.

ThrushThis Motherlove-sponsored post is your guide to determining if you have it.

Diaper Rashthis post isn’t about diaper rash, but it is about The Piano Man’s explosive and humorous first encounter with baby poop.  And this Motherlove article is about diaper care.

Of course you can always search Motherlove’s blog or The Leaky Boob’s blog for helpful information on whatever is ailing you.

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Motherlove is giving away a Diaper Rash and Thrush salve to help ease the pain of 3 lucky Leakies.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from August 7, 2014 through August 14, 2014.  A big thanks to Motherlove 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 U.S. residents only.

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Nurturing Life Giveaway – After Birth

Nurturing Life

These two words define and drive everything that Motherlove does, from their organic farm in Colorado, to their herbal care products, the educational classes taught by founder Kathryn Higgins, to the Nurturing Life Foundation, Motherlove’s non-profit which supports mothers and children all over the country.  So it’s no surprise that Motherlove has had such a beautiful, long-standing relationship with The Leaky Boob, extending their support of mothers and children to our Leakies and their breastfeeding journey with their babies.  The Motherlove website sums it up well:

Screen Shot 2014-07-22 at 11.06.13 AMWhat is Nurturing Life?
It is fostering an environment where development, growth, and health are encouraged, and doing so in each facet of our life, including each stage.  True beauty can emerge in your life and others’ as you nurture life in yourself, your friendships, romantic relationship, through pregnancy, birth, in your relationship with your children, and more, and yes, even your garden.

“At Motherlove, we use Nurturing Life as our mission statement because nurturing moms and babies together is essential for both to thrive.  During pregnancy, moms are reminded minute-by-minute of this relationship and we typically focus on our health and wellbeing because it’s tied to our child’s life.” (Nurturing Life – Self Care for Mothersby Motherlove Herbal Company)

Last week we focused on the stage of life that creates new mothers: pregnancy.  Ushering new life into the world is such a beautiful thing, but is often accompanied by challenges and changes.  With the many changes and new sensations that new mothers experience, it can be such a natural time for her to focus on her health and well-being.  But what happens once the baby is born?

It is so easy to think that, other than adjusting to caring for a new person in the family, everything else immediately returns to normal.  But that is often not the reality of new mothers.  The parts of their body involved in growing a baby do shift back toward the way they were, but some of them will remain forever altered.  Others require a little patience and eventually some hard work, such as toning ab muscles to tighten the postpartum abdominal gap.  But a new mother’s body isn’t done changing either: now that one set of hormones is subsiding, another floods her body as she produces milk to feed her new baby.  We often treat birth as the end of the journey, where changes end and all is back to normal.  But this far from the experience of most women.

Moreover, beyond stretch marks, curvier hips, extra baby weight, and lactating, there are other completely natural and normal challenges that new moms face.  But very few like to talk about them, and so many moms don’t have the support that they need to welcome and experience the postpartum changes as they come.  Instead, they are rushed back to work and/or housework, and they feel the unrealistic expectation that they just be “ok” because their beautiful new baby is there.

Postpartum depression doesn’t just go away because there is a new baby.  Traumatic birth experiences aren’t healed by adorable baby sounds.  Hemorrhoids don’t just disappear because a bundle of cuteness has been born.  These and many more issues are considered too embarrassing or shameful to discuss, and many new mothers feel that they don’t have permission to take the time to find help.  They must bounce back immediately, and so they hide their real struggles and end up struggling with self-loathing and depression much longer than necessary, if they ever recover at all.  Silence is no healer.  Stuffing feelings down and clamping a lid on them only serves to incubate them and grow them into much more serious issues.

Let’s talk about the empty womb, the sense of emptiness inside, the fears we have, the struggle to fall in love with our babies, the dislike of our bodies, the anger, the horrors of the birth experience, the dark thoughts, the painful hemorrhoids, along with the rest.  These are the realities of postpartum, just as much as baby cuteness, breastfeeding, dirty diapers, and sleepless nights.  You are not alone in dealing with these things.  Look for understanding and information from those around you, from trusted online resources, and if you just can’t find the support and information you need in those places, get in touch with a professional who can.

And partners, friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers who think new mothers should just get over whatever is bothering them, they are the ones who need to get over themselves and provide helpful support for the new mother.  Nurture her so that she can feel free to nurture herself.  Self-care is deeply impacted by those around us, either for better, or for worse.  As a new mother adjusts to caring for another little person and her body heals from giving birth and keeps changing in the postpartum, how can we show her the kind of support that allows her to nurture life within herself so she can share that nurturing life with her baby and beyond from a place of health and well-being?

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Motherlove is giving away a Sitz Bath and Rhoids Balm to 3 lucky Leakies.


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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from August 1, 2014 through August 8, 2014.  A big thanks to Motherlove 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 U.S. residents only.

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Nurturing Life Giveaway – New Life

Nurturing Life

These two words define and drive everything that Motherlove does, from their organic farm in Colorado, to their herbal care products, the educational classes taught by founder Kathryn Higgins, to the Nurturing Life Foundation, Motherlove’s non-profit which supports mothers and children all over the country.  So it’s no surprise that Motherlove has had such a beautiful, long-standing relationship with The Leaky Boob, extending their support of mothers and children to our Leakies and their breastfeeding journey with their babies.  The Motherlove website sums it up well:

Screen Shot 2014-07-22 at 11.06.13 AMWhat is Nurturing Life?
It is fostering an environment where development, growth, and health are encouraged, and doing so in each facet of our life, including each stage.  True beauty can emerge in your life and others’ as you nurture life in yourself, your friendships, romantic relationship, through pregnancy, birth, in your relationship with your children, and more, and yes, even your garden.

“At Motherlove, we use Nurturing Life as our mission statement because nurturing moms and babies together is essential for both to thrive.  During pregnancy, moms are reminded minute-by-minute of this relationship and we typically focus on our health and wellbeing because it’s tied to our child’s life.” (Nurturing Life – Self Care for Mothers, by Motherlove Herbal Company)

Today’s giveaway is focused on that stage of motherhood where women’s bodies nurture new life within themselves.  As the miracle of new life so naturally models that environment where development, growth and health are encouraged, let’s all remember to take a moment to focus on the areas of our life where we can encourage that nurturing to grow.

Start with yourself.  If you’re in a place where your needs, or your health, have taken a backseat to others’ needs or other priorities, it can be a challenge to find a little space for “you.”  “Motherhood is the same way.  None of us are perfect and learning to nurture yourself is a journey.  Start with just five minutes a day and do something small.

  • Take a walk
  • Enjoy some silence (hard to find, but necessary!)
  • Eat a nutritious meal
  • Take a shower
  • Spend a few extra minutes applying Pregnant Belly Salve just for you
  • Phone a friend
  • Learn something new
  • Watch or listen to something funny and laugh!”

(Nurturing Life – Self Care for Mothersby Motherlove Herbal Company)

It isn’t selfish to do a little something for yourself, to nurture your soul, your body, and spirit.  Actually, nurturing yourself does everyone around you a whole lot of good; it models the importance of self-care to your children, and puts you in a much healthier place to nurture those around you.

Enter the giveaway below and leave a comment describing one or two ways that you intentionally nurture yourself.  They don’t have to be related to pregnancy, and by the way, the Pregnant Belly Salve would make a great “just because” gift for any of your expectant friends; so you don’t have to be pregnant to enter the giveaway.

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Motherlove is giving away a Pregnant Belly Salve to 3 lucky Leakies.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from July 22, 2014 through July 29, 2014.  A big thanks to Motherlove 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 U.S. residents only.

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Nurturing Life Motherlove Giveaway

Happy Earth Day!

 

For the last 20 years, Motherlove has created herbal care products to help women discover the bond between motherhood and mother earth.  With a specific focus on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and babies, Motherlove strives to use ingredients that come straight from the earth.  Their support of organic farming, sustainable practices, and their use of all-recycled materials for their office and product packaging, are a testament to their dedication to caring for our earth, for the benefit of mothers everywhere.  And if that weren’t enough, they also manage a 120 acre farm, called the Legacy Organic Farm, in Colorado, where they are growing many of the herbs they use in their products.

Welcome to Our Legacy Farm

To help celebrate Earth Day 2014, Motherlove is sponsoring a giveaway here on TLB, but first, here are some pics of some of the cuteness that’s happening at their farm, where Motherlove staff is hanging out today:

baby pigs nursing

nursing piglet

To read more about their day on the farm, check out today’s entry on the Motherlove blog!

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Motherlove is giving away a Nurturing Life Giftbox, celebrating new motherhood, to 1 lucky winner.

Each Nurturing Life Giftbox has a Retail value $59.95 and includes:

– pregnant belly salve

– nipple cream

– birth & baby oil

– sitz bath spray

– diaper rash & thrush

– environmentally responsible Motherlove tote bag

Currently Leakies can find these and other great pregnancy and nursing products on the Motherlove website and in some local retail stores and boutiques.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered, and check out motherlove.com for more products related to fertility, pregnancy, and nursing .  The giveaway is open from April 22, 2014 through April 29, 2014.  A big thanks to Motherlove for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter (@motherloveherb on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to US entries only.

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Friends in low, I mean GREAT places!

The Leaky Boob has brought me friends I would not otherwise have had the chance to know.  So many incredible people have become a part of my ever growing community, people I can count on, share with, commiserate with, and learn from.  From fellow parents on this journey to experts in lactation and maternal health, from fellow bloggers sharing their lives, experiences, and knowledge to inspiring parenting supporters.  People like you.

MommyCon brings many of these people together and I’ve had the chance to meet many of my online friends in real life.  And I’m all like:

“They’re real!”

“They aren’t imaginary!”

“I’m a real boy!”

Fine, not the last part.  But it’s still pretty exciting to meet so many, I consider dancing and singing.

Instead, I hold the camera.

Which turned out quite nicely for me this last weekend in Philly for MommyCon with Jamie from The Baby Guy NYC and January from Birth Without Fear following our different VIP meet and greet playdate events.  I got to capture this…

I love it!  Aren’t they great?  I’ve got friends in GREAT places!  As much fun and as talented as they are at karaoke after a long day of meeting people, they are even better at what they really do: supporting moms and families.  Ask Jamie about any baby gear and he can give you facts and information plus the pros and cons compared to other products.  January offers support with information and encouragement surrounding pregnancy and birth.  Genuine and real, they are all about fostering engagement.  And MommyCon takes that to a whole different level where fun, community, and genuine support combine to create a space that nurtures the nurturer and develops friendships.  Thanks to Motherlove Herbal Company, I’m so looking forward to speaking at the rest of the upcoming MommyCons this year in Portland, Oregon and Kansas City, Kansas as well as participating as a speaker for the first ever BabyWearing World Record event in Los Angeles, California thanks to Moby Wrap.

Continuing and sharing the fun, we’re doing a giveaway to celebrate!  Though I can’t promise karaoke at future MommyCons I know for certain we’re going to have a great time.  I’d love to meet you there and now you have a shot at going for FREE!  MommyCon, Motherlove, and Moby are teaming up with me for this announcement to giveaway 3 prizes:

Friends in great places Portland prize pack: two tickets including the VIP Leak and Great to MommyCon Portland, a trio of Motherlove salves (diaper rash and thrush, nipple salve, and green salve), one Moby wrap, and one Beco Soleil.

Friends in great places Kansas City prize pack: two tickets including the VIP Leak and Great to MommyCon Kansas City, a trio of Motherlove salves (diaper rash and thrush, nipple salve, and green salve), one Moby wrap, and one Beco Soleil.

Friends in great places Los Angeles prize pack: two tickets to the Babywearing World Record event, a trio of Motherlove salves (diaper rash and thrush, nipple salve, and green salve), one Moby wrap, and one Beco Soleil.

Use the widget below to enter.  Please note, this giveaway is available only to those in the USA and Canada.

MommyCon Motherlove Moby Beco giveaway

My only requests of the winners?  That I get to meet you in person and take a picture together, ok?
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