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Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway 2020

August 13, 2020 by 7 Comments
by Jessica Martin-Weber
This post made possible by GooseWaddle

When I was expecting my first baby I lived over a thousand miles from my parents and most of my friends and knew very few people where I lived. With a difficult pregnancy, I felt very isolated and alone during my pregnancy and in many ways cut off from those I knew and loved with the exception of my husband. Near the end of my pregnancy but early enough I could still travel, I was able to go to my parents for a baby shower but due to work schedules and financial constraints I had to go alone. I wanted desperately to share and celebrate our new baby with friends and family but obstacle after obstacle made that difficult to do all together. After I gave birth, my mother came and visited but there was never an opportunity for even some of the people in our lives to be together with us to enjoy our sweet girl.

Years later when I was expecting again, we were even farther from many of our friends and family. We had moved, many of them had moved, and there was a global crisis with the coronavirus pandemic that made traveling a dangerous option. The distance that separated us all was magnified by the pandemic. Thankfully, technology had created other ways to connect. Zoom, Facebook meet, and other platforms were used daily for school, work, and yes, even baby showers.

 

See our virtual baby shower planning guide here and get our free downloadable checklist to help you out!

 

Having a baby during a global crisis like a pandemic can be stressful, isolating, and an overwhelming experience. I struggled to hold onto my joy about my coming baby and grieved the loss of many aspects of having a new baby even as I was grateful I wasn’t grieving the loss of loved ones to COVID-19. Holding that tension of gratitude during what should be a happy time overshadowed by stress and uncertainty was difficult. My best friend who had been at my previous 3 births couldn’t make it here for this one, our family couldn’t travel, there would be no gathering and cake to introduce her to everyone, and no late pregnancy day out with friends. 

But we could FaceTime, Zoom call, and Facebook meet. 

 

Here’s a guide to help you be mindful on how you can introduce your new baby safely while social distancing. 

 

For many, in person get togethers are more challenging, pandemic or not. We move more often for education and work, our schedules are more busy, we have more community online than ever, and too often we are socially distanced from those we would share and celebrate major life events with. Including announcing, introducing, and celebrating our new family members.

 

(Are you social distancing and pregnant? Here’s what you need to know.)

 

From a virtual pregnancy announcement to a virtual baby shower, connecting with our people across time zones and distance isn’t only possible, it can be ideal. Whether you’re sharing with just a few close family members or a large circle of online friends there are so many possibilities. Your big kids can be virtually present for a prenatal appointment to hear the heartbeat or see belly mapping, your parents may join via FaceTime for an ultrasound, your best friend could help you craft your baby registry over Zoom, and your sister-in-law could throw you a baby shower… all from the other side of town or the other side of the world.

You can even invite people to your birth (up to you!) thanks to online streaming options- we did! 

 

(You can watch here.)

 

We’re throwing a virtual baby shower of our own… for everyone! We’ll show off our own new baby, share tips and planning resources, and have lots of gifts to give others thanks to some incredible sponsors that want to help us all have a virtually wonderful time celebrating our little ones. 

 

Looking for a fun way to virtually announce your pregnancy? See these ideas from My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear.

 

Thanks to GooseWaddle and our other sponsors for wanting to help make this time special for our family and yours and for helping us offer other virtual opportunities. Be looking for more info on the Virtual Newborn and Postpartum summit, a virtual breastfeeding class, supportive partner workshop, and more.

Join us for The Leaky Boob Virtual Baby Shower, Thursday, August 14, 2020, 11am Pacific.

 

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Our first listings to give away are products from our featured sponsor, GooseWaddle!

Five lucky winners will get the chance to win one of these products:

 

 

The Knit Blanket ($30) is a perfect welcome gift for a new baby. Designed in the softest fabrics it gets softer and softer with each use. Winner’s choice of lavender, pink, blue, white, or grey. Made with 100% Polyester and is 30″ x 40″

 

 

 

The Basil Bear Appliqué Baby Blanket ($45) is oh-so-soft and the perfect welcome gift for a new baby. Double sided featuring a little bear playing with a butterfly and a leafy green pattern on the other side. Designed in the softest pile fabric with just the right amount of fill – and sure to be the ooh-ahh item at the next shower! Made with 100% Polyester and is 2 ply 30″ x 40″

 

Elegantly designed 2 Pack Receiving Blanket ($40) in a lightweight jersey as soft as your favorite tee. Perfect for swaddling, nursing, warming, burping, wiping, tummy time or a carrier cover, as needed. The 2pk set features a character with sentimental saying and a coordinating allover pattern. Made with 100% Polyester jersey and dimensions are 30″ x 40″

 

 

Made with the softest silicone and natural oak wood this Teether ($25) is perfect for soothing those sore gums. An easy to fasten clasp this teether can be snapped to any bib or piece of clothing ensuring it is available when needed. Winner’s choice of lavender, pink, blue, or green. It’s total length comes to 7.5″ 

 

 

 

Our new bear plush just sits quietly… ready to snuggle! Our newest GooseWaddle Super Soft Plush Bear – Basil ($40) is super squishy soft and perfect for any nursery!  Designed with slim legs, easy to grab ears and embroidered features for safe playtime fun, our new bear plush sits quietly… ready to snuggle! Made with 100% polyester and it 15″ while sitting.

 

 

 

 

GooseWaddle is also offering a coupon to their whole site! Get 30% off by using their code: BABY

 

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Up next we have items from our friends at My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear, Pura Stainless, and Bets & Emy to give away but before we jump right in we want to take a moment and thank Andaluz Waterbirth Center for sponsoring this upcoming livestream. They’ve been here for me for the past two pregnancies and I can’t thank them enough for all that they’ve done for me!

 

To join us in celebrating all babies tune in for The Leaky Boob Virtual Baby Shower on Thursday, August 14, 2020, 11am Pacific.

 

 

 

 

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear: 8 kits, 8 winners

 

 

 

The Rainbow Keepsake Kit ($44.99) includes a 13-15″ Heartbeat Animal of winners’ choice, an easy-to-use heart-shaped recorder, and a beautiful rainbow themed box. Customize your kit with a rainbow bow tie, rainbow tutu, or both for an extra special reveal. 

 

 

 

Pura Stainless: Gift Set, choice of 5 oz or 11 oz

 

The Kiki 50z Starter Set ($44.99) is recommended for infants 0-18 months old. This set contains two 5oz infant bottles with silicone sleeves and Slow-Flow Natural Vent Nipples™, plus additional components. Comes with an aqua color sleeve and winner’s choice of green, pink, or grey for the second bottle. 

 

 

The Kiki 11oz Starter Set ($49.99), recommended for infants between 3-18 months, includes two 11oz infant bottles with silicone sleeves and Medium-Flow Natural Vent Nipples™, plus additional components. Comes with an aqua color sleeve and winner’s choice of green, pink, or grey for the second bottle. 

 

 

 

 

Bets & Emy: 3 boxes of 720 Baby Wipes

 

 

Bets & Emy wipes contain just 99.9% water & 0.1% citrus extract, with no fragrances, oils or parabens. Winner will receive 3 boxes of 720 wipes (12 packs of 60 in each which is about $47 worth of Bets & Emy wipes). 

 

 

 

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Next up we have:

 

Crane: a Droplet Humidifier that includes a Vapor Pad Tray, and a Top Fill Humidifier

The Droplet Humidifier ($44.99) creates an ultrasonic cool mist which increases moisture in the air for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep. It’s capable of effectively humidifying small and medium rooms up to 500 square feet. And now it comes with a new feature, a Vapor Pad Tray!

The mist output of the Top Fill Humidifier ($69.99) runs for over 24-hours in a large size room and it works as a diffuser for essential oils and vapor liquids. Crane’s top fill ultrasonic cool mist humidifier and aromatherapy diffuser provides up to 500 sq. ft. of coverage and 24 hours of soothing moisture to help relieve the effects of dryness and congestion, helping you and your family to breathe easy and sleep through the night peacefully.

 

 

Überlube: 50 ml Bottle to each winner, 10 winners

High-end luxury lubricant. Instead of just being slippery, Überlube (50 ml bottle: $18) is designed to transfer sensation while reducing friction. It feels amazingly silky and performs as long as you’re using it. When Überlube stops being manipulated, it starts to dissipate, leaving skin soft and moisturized, never wet or sticky. 

 

 

Loloma: Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Nature’s Purest Moisturizer does more than just moisturize, this soothing Loloma ($32) is a lullaby in a lotion. Our naturally processed pure virgin coconut oil has a light scent and is refined with a highly absorbant texture that leaves your skin highly nourished and velvety smooth. Coconut oil is a total multi-tasker – add to a bath soak, apply it to your hair as a mask, or use it on your cuticles to replenish lost moisture from hand-washing. 100% organic, free of harmful chemicals, it’s coconut oil in its purest form. 

 

 

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And last but not least:

 

Contours Baby:

one Cocoon Buckle-Tie Carrier ($79.99), winner’s choice of 3 styles

 

 

Milkies, by Fairhaven Health:

Milkies Milk-Saver, Milkies Milk-Saver On-The-Go, and Milkies Milk Trays (total retail value: $66), 3 winners get all 3 products

 

 

 

Bamboobies:

Washable Nursing Pads and Drink Mixes: Energy Boost and Lactation Support (total retail value: $33), 3 winners get all 3 products

 

 

 

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TLBgives 2019 – A Campaign Focused on Giving

December 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

It’s time for The Leaky Boob’s final giveaway of the year! We love working with brands that care so much about quality, families, support, and seeing babies well fed. These companies not only see our community as a valuable resource, but each brand we work with is carefully vetted- selected for their commitment to supporting families. With them, TLB gets to regularly experience the joy of giving to families through our giveaways and community support.

Extending that spirit of giving into the Holiday season just makes sense. #TLBgives brings together 9 brands that truly know the meaning of the joy of giving. With three different bundles (totaling over $1400), one lucky winner will have the chance to give as well by selecting two of their friends that could use a little holiday cheer, and they will each receive a bundle!

But that’s not all. Every item being given away in for TLBgives is also being donated to a nonprofit organization that supports families. And we need your help!  There are so many amazing nonprofits out there that we struggled to select just 3 of them for this opportunity, and it’s up to you to make the final selection. We are including a short description of each of the 3 organizations with a link to their website in case you would like to learn more about them. Once you’re ready, cast your vote for your favorite in the poll just under the descriptions! Our hope is that they will inspire us all to find new ways to give this season. Even a warm smile can lift a person’s spirits.

 

Happy Holidays, and good luck!

 

The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health is the largest freestanding birth center in the USA, caring for women of all ages by providing primary gynecological care, prenatal care, childbirth care, behavioral health and wellness, breastfeeding support and more. It focuses its efforts on communities who experience poor health outcomes in order to have a more significant impact on improving the health of people in their region. Find them on Facebook.

Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC), aims to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the cultural norm and optimal feeding method for mothers and babies of African Descent in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Their mission also includes providing culturally relevant breastfeeding, parenting, and nutrition education and information in a supportive group environment. The PBBC facilitates community learning with maternal child health and lactation specialists and experts; in addition to the development of peer leadership. Find them on Facebook.

ShareBaby believes that every child deserves the proper supplies and equipment for the best start in life. They collect diapers, clothing, and other basic goods and distributes these items to families in need through community based organizations. Find them on Facebook. 

 

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Products included in the bundles (exact bundles TBD):

Babo Botanicals: Nutri-Shine™ Luminizer Vegan Lip Gloss Gift Set (Pack of 4), $76 value
The perfect Holiday gift for all the mamas out there! As seen in Origins Magazine! Vegan, Hydrating, and dye-free lip Luminizers nourish and soften lips while leaving a super high gloss finish. EWG Verified™ lip glosses enriched with natural coconut oil and cocoa butter and soothing organic calendula glide on easily for soft, smooth, and healthy lips. 
Baby K’tan: Baby Carrier, $60 value
Instinctual products are safe, simple, and timeless. With a patented double-loop design, this baby sling wrap easily slips on like a t-shirt without any wrapping or buckling. Cloth baby slings allow you to carry baby from birth to toddlerhood in multiple positions. These cloth baby carriers are available in soft, natural, and breathable fabrics. 
Charlie Banana: 3 One Size Hybrid AIO Diapers and 6 Inserts in the Classic Sophie La Giraffe print, $81 value
One day, Sophie la girafe® met Charlie Banana® , and they struck a friendship right away. Out of this friendship, a wonderful thing was born — a beautiful collection of reusable cloth diapers and accessories with the most adorable designs the world has ever seen. Charlie Banana® Patented Reusable One Size Hybrid AIO Diapers are a great alternative to disposable diapers. Each diaper comes with two Deluxe inserts that are highly absorbent and soft, making them great for both daily and overnight use. Deluxe inserts have a super soft fleece top lining.
Crane: Elephant Humidifier, $55 value
Filter-free cool mist Elephant Humidifier. The best humidifier we’ve ever used. Quiet, adjustable, and dependable.
jujube: Sketch BFF, $195 value
Need a little style inspiration? Check out Sketch: the print guaranteed to ignite your imagination! With its monochrome floral etching and enchanting tessellations, Sketch is a neutral-yet-striking accessory to your everyday ensemble. The Mint lining is the perfect finishing pop to Sketch’s signature aesthetic. A work of art that accompanies you wherever you go!
Lunapads: Performa Maxi Pad, $18 value
Lunapads’ Performa Maxi Pads are highly absorbent, washable menstrual pads that are as comfortable as cotton underwear.
Naturepedic: A Crib Mattress (or other product of equal value), and a pair of adult pillows, $507 value
Organic, breathable, and waterproof, the only certified organic crib mattress that’s also breathable!
Skinny & Co: Cleansing Balm, $25 value
The ultimate multitasker! Use daily as a cleanser/moisturizer/rejuvenator to maintain clear pores, a smooth complexion, and a healthy glow.
Tidy Tots Diapers: Essentials Set, $100 value
Guaranteed to trap it all from breast feeding to potty trains! Tidy Tots, with SmartRise self-adjusts for the perfect mess free fit. Deep gussets and a one-piece flap stops leaks and blowouts. Secured flushable liners stays put and keeps the diaper free of solids. Just flush away the mess! Super absorbent hemp diapers and boosters will keep baby sleeping through the night.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be enter. The giveaway is open through December 31, 2019. A big thanks to all of the sponsors who generously demonstrate their support and care for people by participating in this giveaway. Their support of TLB, all breastfeeding people, and beyond, is invaluable; don’t hesitate to visit them on social media and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

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Making Time and Space To Get Moving- #TLBMoves 2019

July 22, 2019 by 1 Comment
by Jessica Martin-Weber

I get moving because I don’t want to die young.

Sounds dramatic but this is a reality for me. Which sucks because I’m a mom and it is SO DARN HARD to find the time to get moving. Then I think I’m just lazy or unmotivated or don’t really care and before I know it I’m in a cycle of self-loathing talk and still not getting moving.

When personal trainer and The Biggest Loser star, Jillian Michaels became a mom she admitted that one of the aspects of parenting that caught her by surprise was just how difficult it could be to take care of herself. She couldn’t always fit a workout in her day… sometimes not even in her week. With an in-your-face personality and no-excuses approach to supporting people in their own health goals, she suddenly found out just how challenging it could be to be the one taking care of everyone and not having time to take care of herself. 

I didn’t exactly cheer when I heard that but my response was pretty much “tell me about it.” If Jillian Michaels struggled to find the time and it is her job, then I could have some compassion for myself struggling to find the time.

Physical activity isn’t my favorite thing. I’m much more in my element sitting and reading a book than going for a run, making pasta than joining a gym, taking a literature class than taking a spin class, or going online than going for a walk. It takes effort and intentionality for me to get moving. I groan about it frequently but I make it a priority anyway because I have a heart condition and I know that if I want to be around for a long time with my family, I have to put the work in now.

Which is why once a year I encourage The Leaky Boob community to think about it and find small ways to inch ourselves toward being more healthy. For the 4th year in a row, we are taking a few weeks of summer to take a good, non-shaming, look at ourselves, and determine what steps we can each take to be just a little healthier than we are.

I’m not dogmatic about how babies are fed, and I’m sure as hell not going to be dogmatic about getting fit. You won’t find us pushing anyone to join a gym or a 6 AM boot camp. What I’ve found works best for most is to try things until you find what you can enjoy the most… even if “enjoy” really just means tolerate the best or dislike the least. In my own experience it can be different for different times of my life. Sometimes it is just getting out for a walk, other times I prefer to work out in my living room with a DVD, and other times running is my thing. Just like for infant feeding, I look forward to sharing thought-provoking information, personal stories and anecdotes from our community, and encouraging the support of one another in TLB’s various platforms.

#TLBmoves is a campaign where everyone is welcome, couch potatoes to triathletes, fitness experts to exercise loathers, women and men and children, because no matter who you are, taking care of you is one of the ways that you take care of the ones you love.

I bring no agenda, no program, no exercise routines, no weight loss plans, or anything like that. Just a desire for Leakies to support each other as we each figure out what’s right for us. It could be adding a 10 minute walk to your day, cutting back on sugar, trying the squat challenge, really anything that seems achievable to you right now. Try it out, assess, and change your goal when you need to.

#TLBmoves is about getting started together. You can make it into becoming an Olympic athlete if you want. Or you can focus on being better able to keep up with your toddler. It’s up to you. Will you join me? 

It’s time for #TLBmoves!

Find support and inspiration in our closed group #TLBmoves here. And join me on The Leaky Boob Facebook page, here; The Leaky Boob Community Facebook group, here; BeyondMoi.com and the Beyond Moi Facebook Page, here; and the Beyond Moi Community Facebook group (where we talk about just about anything and everything- particularly relationships), here.

#TLBmoves 2019 runs from July 22nd through August 11th, though a meaningful focus on how we get moving with our families is never really limited to a set of dates. We will be focusing on what inspires us in health and fitness, sharing meaningful experiences, opening up, posting ideas, and a lot of humor. All of this through the sharing of information, support, and most importantly, The Leaky Boob and Beyond Moi communities in action teaming up with you, our communities, and a few select brands we trust: Humble-Bee, Evenflo, JuJuBe, MiaMily, Olen Skin Care, and Bamboobies.

Be on the lookout for the hashtags #TLBmoves and #TLBmoves2019 (and start using them too!), Leaky guest posts, a vocal presence across social media (Instagram, and Facebook), posts from our campaign ambassadors, relevant information and interactions on our sister site, BeyondMoi.com, inspiring support within our community, involvement from our campaign sponsors, giveaways, and informative articles.

Let’s explore health and moving together with #TLBmoves. Oh, and enter our giveaway! (more information below)

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The Giveaway

Making any kind of change in life is so much easier with support. #TLBmoves 2019 is made possible thanks to the support of some truly amazing brands. They exist to make your life easier and healthier. They are here for you.

One of the ways that these Campaign Sponsors support new parents is by creating products that are designed to bring a positive impact to your life. To simplify it. To beautify it. To augment it. To protect your baby. To protect you. To go with you wherever you need or choose to be. To support you.

The following products will be featured during #TLBmoves 2019 and you have a chance to win them in our campaign giveaway!

Humble-Bee: the Nurse-sling
This is the only nursing pillow that HOLDS your baby, relaxes your wrists, lets you sit back and enjoy the precious moment comfortably. Retail Value: $40

Evenflo: the Evenflo Gold Picot Xpand Travel System
This travel system can be configured in 22 ways for infant and child seating at optimal heights and angles. So whether child wants to take a nap or enjoy the scenery, this super convenient modular stroller can expand or compress- with a click. And wherever you go, you can help make sure that your baby stays safe and comfy, with the SensorSafe app that sends real-time alerts right to your phone. Retail Value: $499

JuJuBe: Core Convertible Bundle
This bag is easily one of JuJuBe’s most functional bags to date! With four exterior pockets and seven interior pockets, organization is a cinch, and it can be worn in four different ways: backpack, cross body, over-the-shoulder, and tote – without having to switch out any straps. Plus, three matching set pieces and matching changing pad, and stroller hooks are all included. Perfect for parents on-the-go! Retail Value: $75

Olen Skin Care: Baby Butz diaper cream, and Sunblock Baby + Kids
Baby Butz cream is a diaper rash treatment that is both a barrier and healing cream, preventing and healing rashes FAST. Made from all-natural ingredients and licensed as a Natural Health Product, it’s the safest and most effective diaper cream available without a prescription. Sunblocz Baby & Kids is a 100% all-natural, mineral sunscreen. Its formula boasts the highest percent Zinc Oxide (non-nano) in a base of natural and anti-oxidant ingredients, not only making it safe for babies’ sensitive skin, but also offering superior sunburn protection, AND it’s Coral Reef Safe. Retail Value: $32 for both

MiaMily: the HIPSTER Smart 3D hip seat baby carrier
This carrier is a 3D baby carrier because it has a built-in 3D hip seat incorporated into the structure. This means that no matter what position you carry your baby (facing in, forward facing, hip carry, or back carry), your baby’s hips are always in the correct M position (knees supported at hip level, legs open and not dangling). The hip seat, combined with the widest waist belt in the market, means a lighter carry for your shoulders, back, and great lumbar support. This carrier also features a large storage pocket, external milk bottle pocket, changing pad, crossable shoulder straps, and so much more! Retail Value: $189

Bamboobies: Easy Access Tank, and Yoga Nursing Bra
The award-winning bamboobies Yoga Nursing Bra is designed to keep new moms comfortable, fashionable, and feeling great throughout the day. The Easy Access Tank was created specifically for breastfeeding moms with loose fabric for easy access breastfeeding. Retail Value: $52 for the pair

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Meet Our Ambassadors

We’ve assembled a small team to provide a little daily inspiration and some real-life experiences as they focus on getting moving. Here are the six mamas (apart from myself) that will be sharing their #TLBmoves experiences with us for the next 3 weeks:

Hi! I’m Amanda. I am a wife to a hilarious and hardworking man and mama to 4 earth-side kiddos ages 7, 5, 3, and 3 months, and one precious angel baby. I’ve got a Masters in Clinical Psychology and had grand plans to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, but the pull of motherhood was strong within me and I’ve been a Domestic Engineer for 6 amazing years! I thrive in the crazy that is motherhood! I get my kicks hoarding books, singing, drinking coffee and wine, backing, and playing Sims.

Follow Amanda on Instagram and Facebook!

 

 

I’m Chinenye, mostly called “Chi” or “Nenye” by my friends and family. I’m a finance analyst but left my job to take care of my little munchkin Jidenna who is almost 13 months old and still grabs on to my boobs like his life depends on it. Lol. When I’m not chasing my little one and preventing him from putting the tiniest things only his eyes can see into his mouth, I’m making scented soy candles and other natural products or testing out new fragrances to include in my candle line. I’ve also recently picked up photography as a hobby.

Follow Chinenye on Instagram!

 

Hi, I’m Katie! I am a stay at home mom and Coast Guard wife. I have one beautiful daughter who is almost one and a nine year old chocolate lab who still demands as much attention as a real kid. I am one week away from my breastfeeding goal of one year with no intention or desire to wean any time soon. This is my third campaign with The Leaky boob and I am so happy to be back. When I’m not chasing around a baby you can find me in the woods hiking, camping, or exploring.

Follow Katie on Instagram and Facebook!

 

 

I’m Kimberly – mom of four, married 15 years, coming out of the fog of PPD and learning to fall in love with our big surprise baby and how different this stage looks than I expected. I love baking, binge watching, anything outside, and being right – just ask my husband 😂

Follow Kimberly on Instagram!

 

 

 

 

I’m Lissette. A stay at home momma from NYC. Have two little ladies, ages 4, and 3 months. Been breastfeeding nearly continuously for 5 yrs with the support of my husband as well as online spaces like The Leaky Boob. When I’m not on Instagram, I’m rewatching The Office, crocheting, or helping out at our local Community garden.

Follow Lissette on Instagram!

 

 

 

 

My name is Rachel! I am mother to 4 living children, 1 angel baby, former foster mother to 4 different children, and current foster mom to a teenager and her baby (yes, I’m a grandma at 33!) and wife to Milkman. I can be found stealing kisses from my husband in the kitchen, munching on baby cheeks, nursing a kid or two, chasing chickens around the farm we live on, juggling social workers, and sending memes to my besties. I blog over at SheRocksTheCradle.com, where I talk about parenting, babies, fostering, breastfeeding, and marriage. I am so excited to be back on a TLB Campaign, because it gives me the opportunity to build community with other mothers.

Follow Rachel on Instagram!

 

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Your Marvelous Changing Bust And What You Need To Know- Breast Changes In Pregnancy

February 11, 2019 by 2 Comments
by Jessica Martin-Weber with Tracey Montford
This post made possible by the generous support of Cake Lingerie.

Breasts change throughout our lives are influenced by hormones, genetics, age, and other factors. For many, after puberty, the most noticeable change comes with pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can be helpful to know what to expect and what may help with comfort through these times of transition for our breasts and what to look for bras that provide gentle transitional support. You may not recognize your breasts with all the changes you may experience in pregnancy and breastfeeding but you still can have support, comfort, and know what you need to know to enjoy your marvelous changing bust.

Breast changes in pregnancy

For some, breasts are like their own personal magic 8 ball. Give them a little shake, ask them a question, and see what the answer is. Should I wear that underwire or go with the yoga bra? Is it a good day for potato chips or should it be salad? Should I carry pads with me or is it going to be 9 months before I need those? Or boobs are like horses. Gently pat them and ask “is it looking like rain, snow, or ice today girls?” “What do you think, facing the red flood or are we pushing a new human being out in less than a year?” “Are we craving chocolate or need a puke bucket?”

Second to puberty, during pregnancy breasts tend to experience significant growth and change. Thanks to pregnancy, it’s like you get to relive the wonders and magic of puberty all over again only this time, strangers may want to rub your belly and ask you what you’re having. (A human, we can safely guess you’re having a human!)

Pregnancy triggers the breasts to prepare for lactation to feed the developing baby after birth. The grape-like clusters of milk making tissue in the breast begin to increase in volume and number causing the tissue to expand. Yes, your boobs typically are going to grow in pregnancy- likely the biggest and most noticeable change to you’re breasts you’re going to experience since you were 11 years old. So many breast changes in pregnancy, milk making tissue expands, you grow more milk making tissue, blood flow increases, the tissue becomes more dense, the nipples and areola darken and often grow, and more. This involuntary biological response is often the first noticeable symptom of pregnancy for many women and can be quite sudden. Others may not notice any change until later in their pregnancy. Those that experience discomfort during their regular cycle are more likely to experience additional discomfort during pregnancy. Be kind to your breasts, understand that every individual and every pregnancy is unique, and find what helps you feel comfortable in this time of transition.

*Note: No change at all may be an indicator, along with other markers, of a lack of glandular tissue and should be discussed with a health care provider. This alone is not a determinant factor or sign of future breastmilk supply.

Breast changes common in pregnancy- first trimester

  • Rapid growth sometimes even before positive pregnancy test.
  • Tissue may feel more dense.
  • Achy pain is common and may last for weeks.
  • Skin my itch and be sensitive.
  • Nipples may become more tender and sensitive.
  • Areola may begin to get larger.
  • Rapid growth may lead to stretch marks on the breast.
  • Veins may become more visible as the skin gets thinner.

Support for breast changes in first trimester

As your breast size and shape may begin to change rapidly with growth being common, a transitional bra that offers flexible support with a size range in cup sizes my minimize discomfort and sensitivity. Look for a bra that is very soft with minimal structuring while providing support with a wide band and fabric that gives, providing gentle support. Some breasts change 5-6 cup sizes, it may be necessary to shop for new bras that accommodate the new breast growth. Limiting refined sugars and caffeine may also reduce discomfort.

Breast changes common in pregnancy- second trimester

  • Growth may slow down or even stop.
  • Sensitivity usually lessens.
  • The nipples and areolas may begin to darken.
  • The areola may continue to get larger.
  • To accommodate the growing baby, the rib cage may begin to expand.
  • More blueish veins may be visible under the surface as blood volume increases.

Support for breast changes in the second trimester

The second trimester tends to be more stable with changes slowing down and discomfort decreasing. If breast growth has slowed or ceased altogether, wearing a more structured bra may be more comfortable. As the rib cage begins to expand adding an expander may provide more comfort or getting sized for a better fitting bra may be necessary. During pregnancy, blood volume typically doubles and due to the thinner nature of the skin of chest area, veins may become more visible under the surface.

Breast changes common in pregnancy- third trimester

  • Some discharge or dried flakes of colostrum may be noticed on the nipple.
  • Breasts may become more sensitive again.
  • Growth may increase again.
  • Rib cage expands further as the hormone relaxin loosens tissue and baby gets bigger.
  • Breasts may begin to feel more heavy.
  • Nipples may become more sensitive to touch.
  • Areola may darken.
  • Areola may grow larger.
  • Bumps on areola may be more noticeable (Montgomery Glands).

Support for breast changes in the third trimester

As the body prepares to feed the growing baby, the breasts again enter a time of transition, particularly closer to the due date. Structured bras may be uncomfortable and compress the tissue and as more milk producing tissue develops, breast size may be in flux. A soft, supportive transitional bra may be more comfortable during this time and into the immediate postpartum. Some may notice their breasts beginning to leak or to find dried bits of colostrum on their nipple or on their bra. Though it is unusual for leaking to be noticeable through clothing in the third trimester, soft nursing pads can be used to absorb any leaks and prevent soaking through and may be more comfortable. Montgomery Glands around the nipple and on the areola my increase in size. These glands secrete an oil (lipoid fluid) that helps keep the areola and the nipple lubricated and protected and the smell of this oil may serve as a signal to the newborn of where to latch and suckle.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding breast myths

  • Myth: Use a toothbrush or rough cloth to toughen up nipples for breastfeeding.There is no need to prepare nipples for breastfeeding by using anything on your nipples. Nipples naturally prepare themselves. The one exception could be with inverted nipples needing to be drawn out. To prepare for breastfeeding, take a class, read materials, and if you are concerned, meet with an IBCLC or other breastfeeding support person to have your breasts evaluated.
  • Myth: Breast size indicates how much milk you will make. While your breast size may indicate how much milk your breasts may store, breast size is not an indicator of breastmilk supply. Shape of breasts and the space between the breasts may indicate how much glandular tissue is present which may impact milk supply but this can impact breasts of all sizes. If you are concerned, see an IBCLC or other breastfeeding support person to have your breasts evaluated.
  • Myth: Breastfeeding causes breasts to sag. It isn’t breastfeeding that causes sag, it is thought to be a combination of factors such as genetics and pregnancy. While breast tissue changes in density sometimes through pregnancy and breastfeeding, breastfeeding doesn’t mean sag. Read more in this study here.
  • Myth: No leaking means you don’t have milk. Some breasts never leak through pregnancy or breastfeeding but this is not a sign breastmilk supply or ability to breastfeed.
  • Myth: Inverted or flat nipples mean you can’t breastfeed. Inverted or flat nipples do not automatically mean baby won’t latch. Often inverted or flat nipples are drawn out with breastfeeding and there are options to help otherwise, even before baby is born. If you are concerned, see an IBCLC or other breastfeeding support person to have your breasts evaluated.

The hormonal response of breast changes through pregnancy all lead up to breastfeeding. There are more changes through breastfeeding and then again through weaning but the majority of the breast changes take place in pregnancy. 

How the right bra can make a difference

A good bra that fits well and accommodates these important changes in pregnancy and through breastfeeding can make a difference in comfort levels in this time of flux. Some bra fitting tips for the stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding:

  • Band should be snug but not tight. The majority of the support comes from the band, not the shoulder straps. Be sure it sits straight around the body for best fit. If it feels tight but is the right size, try loosening the shoulder straps some and pull the band down in the back. A band riding up in the back compromises fit and support.
  • Center front sits plat on chest, breasts fit comfortably within the cups.
  • Straps fit comfortably, not digging into shoulders or slipping off. 
  • Flexible sizing with minimal structure. Look for a transitional bra such as Cake Lingerie’s maternity and nursing bras, Rock Candy, Cotton Candy, and Sugar Candy, that accommodate 4-5 cup sizes with supportive fabric that has give. This doesn’t mean you have to accept uniboob, a good transitional bra will provide gentle lift, separation, and support.

Get your best fit with this step-by-step fit guide and calculator.

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Use the discount code TLB15 for 15% off at cakematernity.com.

Tracey Montford created Cake Lingerie in 2008 when she wanted bras that worked for the modern mother. With a background in creative arts and teaching, she never imagined having her own business, let alone creating one out of her own personal need. She now owns and runs Cake Lingerie from Sydney, Australia with her husband, Keith and their children.
Drawing from a diverse background in the performing arts and midwifery, Jessica Martin-Weber supports women and families, creating spaces for open dialogue. Writer and speaker, Jessica is the creator of TheLeakyBoob.com, co-creator of BeyondMoi.com, freelance writer, and co-founder of Milk: An Infant Feeding Conference. Jessica lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest and co-parents her 7 daughters with her husband of 22 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Article, body image, Breastfeeding, breasts, Featured, motherhood, New article, Nipples, Pregnancy, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

2018 Giving That Goes On Empowering

December 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment
by Jeremy Martin-Weber

Information. Support. Community.

These are what The Leaky Boob is all about. The infant feeding journey can be an easy and beautiful experience, but it can also be overwhelming, confusing, and lonely. The Leaky Boob community is there to share all of it with you: your joys, your questions, and your frustrations.

And it’s all made possible thanks to sponsoring brands that desire to support you along with The Leaky Boob. These brands are carefully vetted and approved both for the quality of their products and their desire to help support families with the arrival of their new babies: from maternity to birth, and through postpartum.

These brands want to share their products with you because they created them for you — to make life easier and healthier for you and your baby.

Find chances to win free product from these trusted brands below. Please take a moment to like/follow them on social media. Leave them a comment for extra credit. And consider sharing information that you find interesting or helpful from The Leaky Boob too!

Good luck everyone! Please note that in participating in each of the following giveaways, you grant permission to The Leaky Boob to share your name and email address with the brand(s) sponsoring the corresponding giveaway(s). Keep it fun for everyone by being honest in your participation!

 

The Giveaways 

littlebeam, Snugabell, and Pebble – Kahiniwalla join together to sponsor the livestream series on TLB FB where we answer your breastfeeding questions, live! in “The Breast Questions. Check out the latest livestream here. 3 winners will each receive a littlebeam nursing pillow, a hands-free pumping bra from Snugabell, and some adorable hand-crocheted and fair trade plush from Pebble – Kahiniwalla: an ice cream cone rattle! Enter below.

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TLBgives 2018 brings together 25 of our most trusted brands for one major giveaway. 1 winner shares the prizes with 2 friends of their choosing, and a lucky non-profit that supports mothers and families wins alongside them. Details here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Rachel’s Remedy is offering a Full Set of their products. Catch them on Facebook here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Get one of the coolest carriers available, the Trek Evo hiking baby carrier, from Chimparoo. Check them out on Facebook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Another giveaway from Rachel’s Remedy is for 10 lucky winners! Your chance to get your hands on their Relief Packs. Follow them on Facebook!

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Our friends at Ameda sponsored this Facebook Livestream on “Overcoming Breastfeeding Difficulties,” and are offering a chance to for 10 winners to receive a Breast Care Pack that includes Comfort Gels, Lanolin, and Breast Pads. Give them some love on Facebook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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In September, TLB hosted our first local social gathering of Leakies in the PNW. 17 brands came together in support of this fun event! 28 products are featured in this giveaway, each of them going to a separate winner, which means you have 1 in 28 chances to win! A huge thank you to Goddess Garden (3 full-size Baby Mineral Sunscreens), Pure Spoon ($100 gift card), Hotmilk Lingerie (1 Temptation Graphite nursing bra and matching brief), Milkies by Fairhaven Health (5 NEW Milk-Saver On-The-Go), Crane (1 Gray Drop Humidifier), Lillebaby (winner’s choice of baby carrier), Rachel’s Remedy (Breast Relief Packs and Antimicrobial Breast Pads), Kahiniwalla (1 Fair-Trade crocheted Large Swan), Ju-Ju-Be (1Be Pumped diaper bag), Ameda (Finesse breast pump, Lanolin, and breast pads), Charlie Banana (breast pads, feminine pads combo, new print pack of 3 Tuscany and Surf Rider), Poncho Baby (1 nursing cover), Snugabell (3 PumpEase hands-free pumping bras), My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear (1 Rainbow Keepsake Kit), Medela (1 Sonata Smart Breast Pump), Rhoost (3 baby grooming kits), and Pip and Grow (1 Smitten bassinet).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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4 Brands came together to sponsor one of TLB’s livestream series called “The Breast Questions.” A big thanks to Rachel’s Remedy, i play – Grow Healthy Baby, One Z Breastfeeding Pillow, and Snugabell (those are Facebook links, you should follow them!). One lucky winner will win a Nurse and Nourish Whole Grains for Nursing Mamas by Grow Healthy (i play), a Snugabell Support Tee and PumpEase hands-free pumping bra, Rachel’s Remedy Breast Relief Packs, and a Sleep Zzz Pillow and One Z Pillow for a total value of $200.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Legendairy Milk is offering you a chance to win a $100 gift card to legendairymilk.com and 10 bottles of Organic Sunflower Lecithin — 11 winners! Curious about plugged ducts, blebs, or mastitis? Legendairy Milk sponsored a livestream on all of that on TLB. Follow Legendairy Milk on Facebook!

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Filed Under: Featured, giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Giving With Joy- TLBgives 2018

December 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment


Everyone loves a good giveaway. They’re fun, enticing, and full of hopeful anticipation. Here at TLB we take delight in working with brands that care so much about quality, families, support, and seeing babies well fed. These companies not only see our community as a valuable resource, but each brand we work with is carefully vetted- selected for their commitment to supporting families. With them, TLB gets to regularly experience the joy of giving to families through our giveaways and community support.

Which is why this holiday season we are extending the reach of that giving. TLBgives brings together 25 brands that truly know the meaning of the joy of giving. With three different bundles (totaling over $3500), one lucky winner will have the chance to give as well by selecting two of their friends that could use a little holiday cheer, and they will each receive a bundle!

But that’s not all. Every item being given away in for TLBgives is also being donated to a nonprofit organization that supports families. And we need your help!  There are so many amazing nonprofits out there that we struggled to select just 4 of them for this opportunity, and it’s up to you to make the final selection. We are including a short description of each of the 4 organizations with a link to their website in case you would like to learn more about them. Once you’re ready, cast your vote for your favorite in the poll just under the descriptions! Our hope is that they will inspire us all to find new ways to give this season. Even a warm smile can lift a person’s spirits.

 

Happy Holidays, and good luck!

 

Everyday Miracles is built on the belief that every woman has a right to evidence-based prenatal care; that every woman should be empowered, supported and celebrated during pregnancy, birth and postpartum—regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status. The work they do is inspired by the commitment, resilience and strength we see in the moms we serve every single day. Their mission is to improve birth outcomes and reduce health disparities by providing evidence-based education, compassionate and culturally competent support and a non-judgemental, caring community. Find them on Facebook.

The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health is the largest freestanding birth center in the USA, caring for women of all ages by providing primary gynecological care, prenatal care, childbirth care, behavioral health and wellness, breastfeeding support and more. It focuses its efforts on communities who experience poor health outcomes in order to have a more significant impact on improving the health of people in their region. Find them on Facebook.

Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC), aims to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the cultural norm and optimal feeding method for mothers and babies of African Descent in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Their mission also includes providing culturally relevant breastfeeding, parenting, and nutrition education and information in a supportive group environment. The PBBC facilitates community learning with maternal child health and lactation specialists and experts; in addition to the development of peer leadership. Find them on Facebook.

ShareBaby believes that every child deserves the proper supplies and equipment for the best start in life. They collect diapers, clothing, and other basic goods and distributes these items to families in need through community based organizations. Find them on Facebook. 

 

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Every bundle includes (Total Value: $655):

i play. Family of Brands: Green sprouts® Snap & Go Silicone Food-Catcher Bib (3-In-1 Set), $20 value
New!! The Snap & Go™ Silicone Food-catcher Bib offers three convenient, interchangeable easy-wear tops that snap onto a silicone scoop to keep baby clean and dry at every meal. The contoured design moves with baby, and the food-safe, non-petroleum silicone scoop stays extended to easily catch spills and keep food from dropping to the floor. Perfect for on-the-go feeding—neatly rolls up and snaps to store utensils or small snacks in the pocket, and after use keeps messy utensils and bib contained. Your new favorite bib for everyday use!

Knocked-Up Fitness: Knocked-Up Fitness Prenatal Membership, $234 value
The Knocked-Up Fitness Prenatal Membership includes access to a variety of workout videos you can do in the comfort of your own home, plus educational tutorials teaching you how to safely and effectively strengthen your deep core during pregnancy to better prepare your body for pregnancy, birth and recovery postpartum, a daily pregnancy workout schedule + guide, recipes, email access to your prenatal coaches and much more!

Poppies Toys: Poppies (SMILEY the Star & RED the Rocket), $19 value
Poppies is a versatile toy that combines a playful shape, sensory textures & suction cups on multiple sides to stimulate development and soothe aching gums in teething babies. They are small enough for on-the-go travel & flexible enough for little hands to grip and hold.

Legendairy Milk: Tea-Tas and Lactivist, $50 value
Tea-Tas is a wild crafted lactation tea made with a unique ingredient indigenous to Central America called Ixbut. Ixbut has a long history of use for lactation in ancient Mayan culture and has a light, delicious flavor. Lactivist is a wild crafted lactation tincture made with a plant called torbangun which has been used by the Bataknese women of Indonesia to encourage breastmilk production for centuries.

Kiinde: Kiinde Twist Gift Set, $100 value
Complete breast milk storage systems; from direct pumping into our Twist Pouch, warming in our Kozii, to direct feeding with our bottle holder and nipple. It is the safest and most convenient way to store breastmilk.

jujube: a different combination of bags in each bundle
Details below in the different bundles.

Silverette USA: Silverette silver cups, $60 value
Silverette cups heal and prevent soreness, cracks, infections and thrush on your nursing nipples using the healing properties of silver.

Lunapads: Performa Lunapads, $16 value
Lunapads’ Performa are reusable pads that outperform disposables. Leakproof and zero waste, they are machine washable and replace 120 disposable pads.

Ameda: pumping product(s), value TBD
Experts in pumping products that support your infant feeding goals. 

Milkies, by Fairhaven Health: Milkies Milk-Saver, $28 value
Easy to use, Milk-Saver collects your leaking breast milk as you nurse – allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly with each feeding.

Babo Botanicals: EWG Verified Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Newborn Gift Set, $50 value
This Gift Set includes the first 3 essential items made with pure plants and botanical ingredients that are gentle and safe for babies with extra sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It comes in a natural and lightweight reusable cotton zipper bag — best baby shower gift idea and for moms on the go to store extra diapers, wipes, and more! 3 Piece Set Includes:
EWG Verified™ Newborn Foam Wash: Gluten, Soy and Dairy Free – rich, fragrance free moisturizing foam to gently cleanse and protect the delicate skin of infants.
EWG Verified™ Sensitive Baby Daily Fragrance Free Hydra Lotion: Perfect for babies with dry, sensitive, irritated or eczema prone skin.
EWG Verified™ Diaper Cream: A Fragrance Free soothing diaper cream with a high content of 25% non-nano zinc oxide. Preservative Free.
Also includes 100% cotton Plush Babo Bunny

Sleep Zzz Pillow: Sleep Zzz Pillow, $50 value
The Sleep Zzz Pillow is the first of its kind sleep pillow that is designed specifically for children ages 3 and up! The Sleep Zzz Pillow was initially created for one of our own children with sensory issues. She had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep and we found that the Sleep Zzz Pillow provided her with the comfort she needed to fall asleep faster and most importantly STAY asleep! The Sleep Zzz Pillow is designed with a super soft cuddle fabric that allows the child to feel snuggly and safe while surrounded by their very own body pillow.

Pura Stainless: Your choice of one of our Stainless Steel Infant or Toddler Bottles, up to $30 value
Pura offers infant and toddler bottles that evolve as your child grows from an infant bottle to a sippy or straw bottle and, finally, into a Sport Mini bottle, perfect for school!

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Prize bundle #1:

 

Prize Bundle #1 Total Value: $631

jujube: Everyday Tote – Noir Rose Gold, and Be Set – Knight Rose, $215 value
This sleek, refined tote bag is an elegant and timeless piece, roomy, with structure sides to keep it standing tall – even when it’s stuffed to the brim. The Be Set includes three mini bags that you can use to organize your tote bag or hang them from your stroller! Stylish and classy.

KangarooCare: 100% ORGANIC COTTON Nursing Necklace, $26 value
This totally natural necklace is a must-have for every breastfeeding & babywearing mommy or just for those who loves nature and everything natural. It is completely safe for your baby to touch and chew on, not to mention it is just beautiful to wear! 🙂 It is made with crochet covered beads and juniper wood beads, both handmade in Estonia, where I live. 

Rachel’s Remedy: Down There Relief Pack, $15 value
The Down There Relief Pack provides soothing relief for hemorrhoids, postpartum pain, episiotomies, and any other pain associated with the perineum. It is a patented, contoured gel pack that fits those hard to reach places. Our Down There Relief Pack is so soothing, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It won the 2018 Best New Product For Moms.

Snugabell: PumpEase hands-free pumping bra, $38 value
The award-winning PumpEase hands-free pumping bra holds your breast pump flanges securely in place so you can read, text, eat, email, care for your child, or just relax while you pump your breastmilk…hands-free! You don’t need to fuss with awkward straps or adjustments; PumpEase is easy to use and looks great for moms who aren’t willing to forgo fashion for function.

Britax Child Safety: Britax CoolFlow Collection car seat of winner’s choice $230-380 value
Making Safety Cool with Britax CoolFlow Collection
Cooling – mesh fabric improves air flow
Comfort – padded seat and head rest for a comfy ride
Safety – Britax safety that parents love and trust
Versatile – car seats for all ages and stages

Good Clean Love: BioNude Personal Lubricant and Rebalance™ Personal Moisturizing and Cleansing Wipes, $19 value
BioNude is formulated to emulate your body’s own natural lubrication, and like all Good Clean Love products, does not contain any parabens and is made with all-natural ingredients. The patented Bio Match™ technology in BioNude may help protect the sensitive vaginal ecosystem while providing maximum natural glide that most closely mimics natural female moisture. Rebalance Personal Moisturizing and Cleansing Wipes help cleanse, refresh, eliminate odor, and they’re biodegradable. Individually wrapped, these pH-balance wipes will keep you feeling refreshed and cleansed wherever life finds you. They’re great for travel, post-workout, after an intimate moment, and everyday on-the-go cleansing.

Birds& Bees Teas: Family Immunity Tea, $18 value
Our handcrafted herbal immunity tea blend is full of antioxidants and natural immunity booster herbs to keep everyone healthy—even during cold and flu season. Don’t get sick! Make your Own DIY Elderberry Syrup with this powerhouse blend and drink it daily to keep the Immune System Strong. Boost the whole family’s immunity easily & naturally with this delicious tea for colds & flus.

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Prize bundle #2:

 

Prize Bundle #2 Total Value: $536

Rachel’s Remedy: Down There Relief Pack, $15 value
The Down There Relief Pack provides soothing relief for hemorrhoids, postpartum pain, episiotomies, and any other pain associated with the perineum.

jujube: Be Supplied – Prism Rose, and Be Equipped – Prism Rose, $175 value
This lightweight breast pump tote will carry you through your pumping days and beyond. Pumping on the go is easier with the Be Equipped set, which includes an organizer bag, a mini bottle cooler, and a wet bag.

littlebeam: littlebeam nursing pillow, $40 value
littlebeam is a portable and versatile nursing pillow with a luxury memory foam interior. This pillow is meant to be supportive for breastfeeding and bottle feeding parents in any position!

Natracare: Organic Baby Wipes, $8 value
EWG Verified and MADE SAFE certified organic baby wipes that are safe and sustainable.

Sarah Wells Bags: Sarah Wells PumpEase hands-free pumping bra, $40 value
Like all my products, the PumpEase bra is both stylish and functional, because as a pumping mama you shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. This must-have pumping bra holds your flanges in place, leaving you two free hands to work, text, or (GASP!) even relax while pumping.

Charlie Banana: A pack of 4 Feminine Pads Combo Hot Pineapple, A pack 6 Nursing Pads White , A pack of 3 Diapers 6 Inserts Tuscany One Size Hybrid AIO, $108 value
Reusable feminine pads Combo pack includes 4 different size pads and one waterproof mini tote bag included. Our pads are easy to wash, unbelievably stain-free, and naturally super absorbent.
Nursing pads have a fleece lining that is soft and gentle against sensitive nipples. The absorbent inner layer and leak-proof outer layer will protect your favorite clothing. 6 breast pads come with a waterproof tote bag included.
Each reusable One Size Hybrid AIO Diaper comes with two DELUXE cloth inserts that are highly absorbent and soft, making them great for both day and overnight use. These Charlie Banana diapers are One-Size diapers, which grow together with a child – i.e. can be adjusted to fit the baby from birth to potty-training.

Latched Mama: A Diaper Bag filled with a Teether, Swaddle Blanket, Lightweight Hoodie, Nursing Tank, and Tee, $150 value
Play clothes for nursing moms! I aim to support new moms and to normalize affordable nursing wear. 

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Prize bundle #3:

Prize Bundle #3 Total Value: $337

littlebeam: littlebeam nursing pillow, $40 value
littlebeam is a portable and versatile nursing pillow with a luxury memory foam interior. This pillow is meant to be supportive for breastfeeding and bottle feeding parents in any position!

KangarooCare: 100% ORGANIC COTTON Nursing Necklace, $26 value
This totally natural necklace is made with crochet covered beads and juniper wood beads, handmade in Estonia.

jujube: Hobobe – surprise print, and Be Spendy – surprise print, $165 value
This classic hobo-style bag is sure to become a staple of your wardrobe, both while your baby is still in diapers and long after. The Be Spendy is outfitted with numerous pockets and card slots so you’re ready for any expenses while you’re out and about – or shopping online. 

Snugabell: PumpEase hands-free pumping bra, $38 value
The award-winning PumpEase hands-free pumping bra holds your breast pump flanges securely in place so you can read, text, eat, email, care for your child, or just relax while you pump your breastmilk…hands-free!

Birds& Bees Teas: Family Immunity Tea, $18 value
Our handcrafted herbal immunity tea blend is full of antioxidants and natural immunity booster herbs to keep everyone healthy—even during cold and flu season. Don’t get sick!

Cake Maternity: Lotus Pumping Bra, $50 value
The Lotus Pumping bra is a contemporary in design for the new age of pregnant & nursing women. Developed for hands-free pumping this bra is ideal as an everyday nursing bra (pull aside) or as a low impact workout bra. The double cup design, with discreet opening allows for use with a breast pump.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be enter. The giveaway is open through December 27, 2018. A big thanks to all of the sponsors who generously demonstrated their support and care for people by participating in this giveaway. Their support of TLB, all breastfeeding people, and beyond, is invaluable; don’t hesitate to visit them on social media and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

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Filed Under: Featured, giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway

November 20, 2017 by 69 Comments
This post made possible by Babylist.

I can’t believe it’s been almost 6 weeks since our little Lucky made her appearance to the world. 6 weeks fly by, even when you’re making sure not to blink so you won’t miss anything – maybe especially so. I have had the privilege of enjoying some quality rest this 4th trimester, prioritizing listening to my body and connecting with Lucky. But the fun didn’t end when Lucky was born live for all who tuned in to watch. Last week we had Welcome to the World Lucky! Virtual Baby Shower, thanks to Babylist, and sponsored by many of my favorite brands. In case you missed it, you can watch the baby shower live stream here, where Jeremy and I shared a bit of our lives and living room with you, enjoyed a few games (with prizes!), and discussed with you what we like so much about the featured products in the baby registry we created on Babylist.

And because we like to use opportunities for celebration to bring a bit of joy to others too, we decided to “shower” our followers with a group giveaway, and the non-profit World on My Shoulders with products from the sponsoring brands that they can pass on to survivors of the recent hurricanes in the U.S.. More on both of those below. Don’t miss the sweet deals at the end of this post that our brands are also offering for Black Friday weekend!

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The non-profit organization: World on My Shoulders

“World on My Shoulders (WoMS) is a national organization committed to providing long-term, evidence-based, holistic care to caregivers who are low-income and/or domestic violence victims by providing peer-to-peer support services, reusable and sustainable reproductive health goods, and infant care essentials.” (quoted from the WoMS website) 

WoMS has been working to provide support to those impacted by hurricane Harvey earlier this year. For more information on how you can support WoMS, including monetary donations, check out this Facebook page. Speaking of monetary donations, would you please consider making one here, however large or small?

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The giveaway

Thank you so much to Babylist for hosting the Virtual Baby Shower giveaway! And much appreciation too to our sponsoring brands: Bamboobies, Chunkabuns, Euphoric Herbals, Glamourmom, Innobaby, Joovy, Ju-ju-be, Milkies from Fairhaven Health, My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear, Naked Tank, and Snugabell.

To enter, please use the widget at the bottom of this post. 

Clockwise from the top left: Euphoric Herbals, Bamboobies, Ju-ju-be, My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear, Snugabell, Innobaby, Milkies from Fairhaven Health, Joovy, Naked Tank, Chunkabuns, Glamourmom

Euphoric Herbals: Ultimate Breastfeeding Bundle, Retail Value: $92
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Bundle contains everything new moms need! A great baby shower gift. Includes Milky Mama tea, Dairy Diva capsules, Milk Machine capsules, Super Salve, Leaf Tea Steeper, and 4 pairs of Bamboo Cotton Nursing Pads. 

 

 

 

 

Bamboobies: Combination Pads, Retail Value: $13
bamboobies® are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of cotton with an outer milk-proof™ liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly.

bamboobies® Washable Nursing Pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round-shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing. 

 

Ju-ju-be: Be Supplied pump bag, Retail Value: $125
Introducing the Be Supplied: the ultimate structured tote for pumping moms. The little sister of the Be Pumped, the Supplied is lightweight but perfectly roomy. The easy-open interior will comfortably fit your breast pump with room to spare, and the exterior boasts a Mommy Pocket. Both beautiful and versatile, the Be Supplied can be carried with the comfy tote handles or its detachable memory foam messenger strap. It comes in two color ways, The Queen of the Nile (chevron) and The Duchess (polka dot). With its cute design, world-class prints and ultra-organization, you’ll love to carry the Be Supplied with or without the pump!

 

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear: Rainbow Keepsake Kit, Retail Value: $35
The Rainbow Keepsake Kit is a beautiful way to celebrate or honor life. Accessorize your Heartbeat Animal with a rainbow tutu, rainbow bowtie, or both. Includes your choice of a 13-15″ stuffed animal and heart shaped recorder. 

 

 

 

 

Snugabell: Pumpin’ Mama Starter Pack, Retail Value: $75
Everything a pumpin’ mama needs to start her pumping journey. The award-winning PumpEase hands-free pumping bra holds your pump flanges in place so you can read, scroll through your phone, eat, or just relax while you pump. Snugabell’s eco-friendly wet bag is sized to transport all brands of pump accessories incognito, and comes in matching PumpEase prints with a practical snap-loop handle and lined with waterproof PUL so you can use it in a variety of ways even after you’ve hung up your pump flanges. Snugabell’s newest product, Nip Balm, relieves breastfeeding and pumping discomfort by replenishing moisture and treating tired tatas to a refreshing cocktail of healing herbs and nourishing oils. Snugabell Nip Balm can be used on nipples, lips, cheeks, cuticles, elbows, rough spots, tattoos, and more! Snugabell’s Breastmilk Storage Guidelines Fridge Magnet is a must-have for moms with more on their mind than keeping track of their milk; it keeps the information you need where you need it – on the fridge!

 

Innobaby: Nursing Mother’s Bundle, Retail Value: $49
The Silicone Fish Bath Scrubs are great for gently cleaning and massaging baby, kids, and grown-ups too! Its double sided design features shorter strands that are great for gently cleaning cradle cap, while the longer strands work great for lathering and massaging. 100% silicone, this scrub is easy to care for and naturally resists mold – dishwasher and sterilization safe. 

The Aquaheat™  Solo Food Warmer is a portable, lightweight on-the-go food warming solution that requires no electricity to create heat. Simply add water to the heat packs to activate heat anytime, anywhere. Great for warming up breastmilk and bottles on the go as well as food. Solution for Lipase and scalding milk on the go. 

The Packin’ Smart Twistables 2-Tier all-in-one storage solution for moms on-the-go is now designed to store both liquid and dry! Can carry water for Aquaheat™ activation as well as snacks like nuts and fruits for nursing mom. A must-have diaper bag essential to store, dispense and organize formula, cereal, snacks, water, extra juice, pacifiers and more in one convenient unit. Put an end to a diaper bag mess or endless search for the items you need. Twist-to-Seal design allows you to stack and interlock multiple containers while quality construction allows each use as simple as it can be. 

 

Milkies, of Fairhaven Health: Milkies Milk-Saver and Milkies Milk Tray, Retail Value: $48
Milkies Milk-Saver: Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into our bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you begin breastfeeding. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. Once you’ve finished the breastfeeding session, simply transfer the collected milk into storage containers and keep in refrigerator or freezer to feed your baby at a later time. 

Milkies Milk Trays freeze your breast milk in 1-ounce “Milk Sticks” that fit through all bottle openings and allow you to thaw just the right amount of milk for each feeding – so that not a drop of your “liquid gold” goes to waste! 

 

 

Joovy: Groove Ultralight 2017 stroller ($200), Nook high chair ($130), Room playard ($200), total Retail Value: $570
The Groove Ultralight is the perfect car stroller, travel stroller, or second stroller with all the right features. Getting around with baby is a breeze. This durable umbrella stroller is newborn ready and weighs only 15.7 lbs, but has a capacity of 55 lbs – it will grow with your child. With cup-holders for larger wheels, you’ll be strolling in style. And this rain cover ($40) allows you to take your baby out in the rain too! 

To simplify mealtime, the Nook high chair features a large swing-open tray that can be operated with just one hand! It is a roomy, full-size high chair with a deluxe, padded leatherette seat and accommodates a child up to 50 lbs. The tray’s four depth adjustments allows the Nook to grow with your child.   

The Room is a full-featured nursery center for any room in the house and grows into a playard as baby gets mobile. From bassinet to changing table and diaper station, to playard, the Room easily transitions with your baby as they grow, and moves from room to room, and house to house, with its two wheels and collapsible frame. 

 

 

 

The Naked Tank: Bamboo Naked Tank, Retail Value: $35
A perfectly designed tank top that fits just under your bra, keeping only your midsection covered when you need to breastfeed. Works seamlessly with any bra, including your sports bra if you need the added support, because there are no clasps or hooks to attach or move out of the way. Designed by two breastfeeding mamas who needed something that helped them feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public. 

 

 

 

Chunkabuns: Merino Wool Pants, Retail Value: $90
These pants double as diaper covers because they are made of support-soft 100% knit wool. They are stretchy, breathable, absorbent, and naturally anti-microbial. For a snug, comfortable fit, there is extra stretch in the legs and waist that moves with you baby. Plus, Grow-with-me features so that one pair of pants lasts four or more pant sizes! 

 

 

 

Glamourmom: Nursing Bra Long Top, Retail Value: $59
Full support adjustable nursing bra built-into a stylish nursing tank top. Featuring Full discretion and support when nursing in public, adjustable chest band, postpartum tummy coverage, extra length to mid-thigh for a more fashionable option, wide adjustable elastic bra straps for extra support, nursing bra hook closures for easy, one-handed access, machine washable. 

 

 

 

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The Black Friday weekend deals

These amazing brands are not only giving these products away to a lucky Leakie and to World On My Shoulders, they are offering some amazing deals for this coming Black Friday weekend! Check out what they’re offering below:

 

Bamboobies
Check in with them for some amazing Black Friday and Cyber Mom-day deals!

Chunkabuns
Black Friday: 3 for 1 Chunkabuns Socks! and 30% off shirts.
Small Business Saturday: 2 for 1 Savvy & Posh Pants
Cyber Monday: 3 for 1 Handy Bands

Euphoric Herbals
Receive 20% off your first purchase by using coupon code: TLB.
Join the Euphoric Herbals newsletter to be notified of the special Small Business Saturday promotion.

Fairhaven Health
They are having their biggest Black Friday sale to date! Be sure to check out www.mymilkies.com on Black Friday!

Glamourmom
Now through Cyber Monday: 20% off at www.glamourmom.com using code LBGM1117

Innobaby
Cyber Monday Promo Code: CYBERTLB for 30% off at www.innobaby.com – only god on Monday 11/27/17
Use code TLBSHOWER for 25% off at www.innobaby.com anytime (expires 12/31/17)

Ju-ju-be
25% off site wide on Black Friday from 6am-10am PST

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear
20% off using code: LUCKY

Snugabell
Pumpease pumping bras will be 25% off on amazon.com and amazon.ca 11/24-11/27. No code required. Listing must state “Sold by Snugabell Mom & Baby Gear and Fulfilled by Amazon” to be valid.

 

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#TLBmoves 2017 – Helping You Get Moving with a Chance to Win

July 20, 2017 by 45 Comments

We all need a little inspiration to make changes in our lives.

In the context of #TLBmoves, where we consider how we can increase our level of physical activity in ways that make sense to each of us, it helps to figure out more specific reasons than “Moving more is good for me” and set some more specific goals than “I’m going to move more than I usually do.” (not sure what #TLBmoves is? Click here for more information).

Reasons to get moving might be to keep up with the kids without huffing and puffing, to increase our energy level, to avoid certain health risks or issues we are already coping with, or to enjoy a longer life with our partner. 

Setting specific daily and/or weekly goals are helpful too, like walking a mile a day, getting through an exercise routine 3 times per week, or taking yoga classes or hitting the gym a certain number of times per week. We need measurable goals that are easy to track or we’re more likely to lose interest. 

And we need to cut ourselves some slack when we fail, because failure is a part of living.

So for those of us that need a little more inspiration, the #TLBmoves 2017 sponsors are offering some wonderful products that could be very useful to us as we get moving. I am pleased to announce the #TLBmoves 2017 giveaway! 

A huge thanks to Joovy, Contours, The Vintage Honey Shop, and Chunkabuns, for their support of this campaign. 

 

The Giveaway

 

Contours – Wear your little one as you get moving! 

The Contours Love 3-in-1 Baby Carrier – Retail Value: $99
The Contours Love 3-in-1 Baby Carrier is soft, supportive, and super easy-to-use. This award-winning infant carrier provides beneficial skin-to-skin contact with no fabric or straps between parent and baby. The Love is perfect for babywearing from infancy (beginning at 8 lbs.) when the little one will rest in an ergonomic fetal or “froggy” position. As baby grows, the Contours Love baby carrier provides a supportive seated position and allows legs to rest comfortably as they naturally straighten out over the next 10+ weeks. At 6 months of age and up to 30 lbs., your baby can face forward in the carrier. The Love carrier requires no separate inserts or accessories to accommodate newborns and provides a hip-healthy position for your little one as recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. 

 

Joovy – Get moving with your little one!

Winner’s choice of either the Caboose Too or the Tricycoo 4.1.  Retail Value: $180 (Caboose Too) or $130 (Tricycoo)

Caboose Too – if your children are close in age, the Caboose is just what you need in a compact double stroller. The “Too” includes the Rear Seat so you’ll have more options for younger riders. The seat is easily removed so when your older child is ready, they can choose to stand, sit or walk. Check out all the amazing specs here. 

Tricycoo 4.1 – for children as young as 10 months, the Tricycoo 4.1 is the perfect way to introduce your child to balance and coordination. Featuring 4 different stages, this tricycle grows with your child (from 10 months to 30+ months!), changing from a parent assisted ride to a kid powered tricycle. Find out more details here.

 

The Vintage Honey Shop – Keep your little one distracted as you get moving!

Winner’s choice of a teething/nursing necklace. Retail Value: $25
Our necklaces help keep mama from being scratched & pinched during feeding time and provide relief when teething! 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. 

 

Chunkabuns – Get moving without apologies, but with comfort!

“Mom Strong” shirt with matching “Strong Like Mom” shirt. Retail Value: $49
Mommy and Me set! “Strong Like Mommy” for the infant tee and for mom, a “Mom Strong” flowy tee. Super flattering fit, Flowy style to disguise any wobbly bits (mom’s only nemesis) that may remain from the creation of her adorable baby. 

Total Value for the giveaway: $350

Please use the following widget to participate in the giveaway. Be honest with your answers – we will be checking! One winner takes all! Good luck! 

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Filed Under: #TLBmoves, #TLBSupportForward, Article, Featured, New article, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Move Toward Health, for Family, for You – #TLBMoves 2017

July 18, 2017 by Leave a Comment
You might think that with expecting a baby for the 7th time there would be very little left to surprise me about the pregnant life – that there wouldn’t be anything new for me to figure out. That’s what I thought.
 
But I find myself fairly well stumped about what to do about a condition that I have never experienced in previous pregnancies: feeling well. Well enough to do more than my typical pattern of laying down, bathroom run to puke, laying down, bathroom run to puke, ad nauseam (pun intended).
 
So here I am, not throwing up all day long, eating better than I have since, well, possibly ever, and feeling like I could go for daily runs with Jeremy, who isn’t running daily but did start running several times a week a couple months ago. Of course, I can’t actually run, what with my belly and boobs bouncing and flopping, but more importantly because, well, I’m actively saving all my running energy for when I’ll need it most: when we’re past some cataclysmic event and living in a glorious post-apocalyptic era – and also, I hate running. Not to mention I stopped running last fall and it’s not a good idea to start a new high impact physical activity over halfway through pregnancy (if you are a runner before you are pregnant and can continue into your pregnancy, that’s great!)
 
But I am wanting to get more active because I know that being active is good for me, looking through Pinterest to find inspiration, browsing YouTube for activities that I would enjoy, while I know that at this point a 20 minute walk completely wears me out – the upside being that I nap really well right now!
 
How on earth are we supposed to focus on our health while growing a baby? Especially when the information out there is so polarized? It’s either do/eat whatever you want or start Zumba and hot yoga and stick to green protein smoothies.
 
And how on earth are we supposed to think about being physically active with a newborn? Or an infant? Or a toddler? Or all of the above? And be a stay at home parent? Or a working parent?
 
I don’t know.
 
But once a year I encourage The Leaky Boob community to think about it and find small ways to inch ourselves toward being more healthy. For the 4th year in a row, we are taking a few weeks of summer to take a good, non-shaming, look at ourselves, and determine what steps we can each take to be just a little healthier than we are.
 
I’m not dogmatic about how babies are fed, and I’m sure as hell not going to be dogmatic about getting fit. You won’t find me pushing my Leakies to join a gym or a 6 AM boot camp. Just like for infant feeding, I look forward to sharing thought-provoking information, personal stories and anecdotes from our community, and encouraging the support of one another in TLB’s various platforms.
 
#TLBmoves is a campaign where everyone is welcome, couch potatoes to triathletes, fitness experts to exercise loathers, women and men and children, because no matter who you are, taking care of you is one of the ways that you take care of the ones you love.
 
I bring no agenda, no program, no exercise routines, no weight loss plans, or anything like that. Just a desire for Leakies to support each other as we each figure out what’s right for us. It could be adding a 10 minute walk to your day, cutting back on sugar, trying the squat challenge, really anything that seems achievable to you right now. Try it out, assess, and change your goal when you need to.
 

My husband, Jeremy, started running again a couple of months ago. He walked to our neighborhood park and set for himself the goal of making it around the park 8 times, running as much as he could handle and walking the rest. The park is ⅓ mile around. I don’t know why he picked 8 times. The first time he tried, he mostly walked. Now, 2 months later, after going to the park 2-3 times a week, he is up to 13 times around, 10 of which are running. He slowly increased how much he ran and also the number of times he went around, based on how he felt each day he went out. He has no goal other than getting healthier and losing a little weight in the process. After the first couple of weeks, he made a startling discovery: he had more energy overall. Yes, exercising still wipes him out right after he goes for his run, and he still hates it, but he feels more awake and “with it” than he did before he started moving more.
 
#TLBmoves is about getting started together. You can make it into becoming an Olympic athlete if you want. Or you can focus on being better able to keep up with your toddler. It’s up to you. Will you join me? 
 
It’s time for #TLBmoves!
 

 
Find support and inspiration in our closed group #TLBmoves here.  And join me on The Leaky Boob Facebook page, here; The Leaky Boob Community Facebook group, here; BeyondMoi.com and the Beyond Moi Facebook Page, here; and the Beyond Moi Community Facebook group (where we talk about just about anything and everything- particularly relationships), here.
 
#TLBmoves 2017 runs through the end of July, though a meaningful focus on how we get moving with our families is never really limited to a set of dates. We will be focusing on what inspires us in health and fitness, sharing meaningful experiences, opening up, posting ideas, and a lot of humor. All of this through the sharing of information, support, and most importantly, The Leaky Boob and Beyond Moi communities in action teaming up with you, our communities, and a few select brands we trust: Contours, Joovy, The Vintage Honey Shop, and Chunkabuns.
 
Be on the lookout for the hashtag: #TLBmoves (and start using it too!), Leaky guest posts, a vocal presence across social media (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook), posts from our campaign ambassadors, relevant information and interactions on our sister site, BeyondMoi.com, inspiring support within our community, involvement from our campaign sponsors, giveaways, and informative articles.
 
Let’s explore health and moving together, with #TLBmoves. Oh, and enter our giveaway here! 

 

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Meet Our Ambassadors

We’ve assembled a small team to provide a little daily inspiration and some real-life experiences as they focus on the love present in their relationships. Here are the four mamas (apart from myself) that will be sharing their #TLBmoves experiences with us this for the next month:

 
 

Dominique Gallo

I am a Hampton Roads native currently residing in Roanoke County. I am a wife to a  L.E.O (Law Enforcement Officer) and mom to two beautiful girls, an energetic little boy,  and two fur babies. I was called to birth work because of the birth of my oldest. I had no support and was not able to make informed decisions– or any decisions for that matter!. I felt bullied and scared. From then on with a little helpful nudging from friends and family I decided to become a lactation consultant and a doula to make sure that mothers did not have to experience what I experienced. I have an undergrad degree in Community Health Education from Virginia Commonwealth University (Go Rams!) and currently finishing up a master’s degree in Health and Wellness: Lactation Consulting to further my knowledge in lactation. I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) , a professional doula trained by toLabor, and a child birth educator trained by Lamaze International.  I am the Director of Marketing for the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA), and I also host a podcast, called Mocha Milkies Cafe, to help bring knowledge and awareness about breastfeeding and positive birth practices to African America women in my spare time. 


Ambar Gingerelli

Ambar Gingerelli is a wife + mama, life coach for new moms, and the creator of Mama Bird Well Nest, a blog dedicated to supporting mothers in creating happy and healthy lives. She helps mamas who are struggling to find balance learn to put themselves first so that they can have a positive experience of motherhood and feel deeply connected to themselves and their children. Ambar believes that true health comes from nurturing ourselves fully in mind, body, and spirit, and that it is vital for us to take great care of ourselves so that we are better able to care for our loved ones. You can connect with her on her blog, www.mamabirdwellnest.com and on her Instagram page, www.instagram.com/mamabirdwellnest. Check out her free yoga video series – an easy way to get moving!

 


Ashley Martin

Ashley Martin is a breastfeeding educator from the Chicagoland area. She the mama to one busy bee toddler and currently waiting on the arrival of her second seed.  Ashley is also the creator of Mommy & Moon, a blog dedicated to encouraging moms to cultivate a positive space for self love. She believes the key to motherhood is being resilient.

There is so much beauty in the resilience of a woman, both physically in mentally! We are strong! 

You can connect with Ashley on Instagram and through her blog, www.mommyandmoon.com

 

View More: http://yourstreetphotography.pass.us/martinwebberfamily1Jessica Martin-Weber

Drawing from a diverse background in the performing arts and midwifery, Jessica Martin-Weber supports women and families, creating spaces for open dialogue. Writer and speaker, Jessica is the creator of TheLeakyBoob.com, and co-creator of BeyondMoi.com. She co-parents her 6 daughters with her husband of 20 years and they are all looking forward to the addition of a new family member sometime this Fall.

 

 

 

 

Sara Smith

Sara Smith is a wife, mother, breastfeeding and education advocate, and community volunteer. After struggling to nurse her first child due to a lack of knowledge and community resources, she decided to continue her post-graduate education as a breastfeeding peer counselor and aims to provide breastfeeding support to families in her county once certified. Sara believes that evidence-based information is greatly empowering, especially when it comes to the health and well-being of new mothers and the babies that depend on them.  When Sara is not wrangling her two toddlers, she volunteers as the Co-Vice President and Co-Chair (and blogger) for the Arizona Breastfeeding Bag Project/Arizona Breastfeeding Bag Project – Mohave County, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing breastfeeding support bags to new and expecting mothers in Arizona. Follow her personal adventures with #TLBmoves on Instagram. 

 

Brianda Traylor.

Hey! I’m Brianda Traylor I am a proud mommy of a two year old girl named Olivia and twin 5 month old boys named Owen and Benjamin. My house is always chaotic but I love every minute of it. I work full time and I am always on the move with my little dragons (khaleesi reference). I am so happy to be apart of the #TLBMoves campaign and I hope I bring some love and light by sharing my chaos.  

 

 

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Meet Our Partners

We are so grateful to partner with brands who value the mission of The Leaky Boob and we trust to share with our community. Leakies themselves, the brands below have made caring for families with quality products that we can trust a priority, and they believe in the importance for us all to get moving in and beyond #TLBmoves. Check out the giveaway they’re sponsoring over here!


Contours – Contours is a family-owned and family-operated company that has been developing baby products for more than 70 years, and we know that nothing is more important than family. Life is hectic, kids grow up fast, and every moment counts. Contours products are designed to make parents’ lives easier. Our strollers, carriers, and everything in between bring balance to their active lives with convenience and adaptability. Check out the Contours Love 3-in-1 baby carrier!

 

Joovy – Joovy is a U.S. born, lifestyle brand that brings innovative design concepts to the growing and dynamic baby accessory market.

Since 2005, Joovy has been dedicated to making mobility easier for growing families. Our mission is to provide parents with products that are both fun and functional with an emphasis on durability, utility, and on-trend design. Each of the products that we offer also takes your child’s comfort and safety into consideration, making it a product that the whole family enjoys.

Joovy’s collection of products has grown to five categories: strollers, feeding, playards, walkers, bikes/trikes/toys and accessories. Its attention to innovative designs and high quality at an affordable price sets it apart from the competition.

 


The Vintage Honey Shop – We are a handmade teething & nursing necklace company in Nashville, TN. Our necklaces help keep mama from being scratched & pinched during feeding time and provide relief when teething! You can also wear our necklaces while wearing your baby as they provide a focal point for your baby, giving them something to play with and grab onto while being close to your heart. Check out their teething and nursing necklaces!

 

Chunkabuns – Like every great idea, Chunkabuns began with a mission in mind: to solve the Fluffy Bottomed Baby epidemic once and for all. Chunkabuns is the passion project of a cloth-diapering mom who struggled to find clothing that fit comfortably around cloth diapers while still looking good. After two years of research, redesign, and product testing, Chunkabuns is proud to offer a unique, quality solution for parents using non-disposable cloth diapers that will grow right alongside your baby! But that’s not all – they have also developed fun and inspiring shirts and other items of clothing for everyone in the family! Check out Chunkabuns tops here!

Filed Under: #TLBmoves, #TLBSupportForward, Article, Featured, New article, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Joy of Giving 2016

December 21, 2016 by 199 Comments

joy-of-giving-brands-logos

 

Everyone loves a good giveaway. They’re fun, enticing, and full of hopeful anticipation. Here at TLB we take delight in working with brands that care so much about quality, families, support, and seeing babies well fed. These companies not only see our community as a valuable resource for them, but each brand we work with is carefully vetted, selected for their commitment to value supporting families. With them, TLB gets to regularly experience the joy of giving to families through our giveaways and community support.

Which is why this holiday season we are extending the reach of that giving. The Joy of Giving giveaway brings together 32 brands that truly know the meaning of the joy of giving. With three different bundles (totaling $4306), one lucky winner will have the chance to give as well by selecting two of their friends that could use a little holiday cheer, and they will each receive a bundle!

But that’s not all. Not only are we offering this giveaway and giving you a chance to give, every item being given away in the Joy of Giving giveaway is also being donated to a nonprofit organization that supports families. And we need your help!  There are so many amazing nonprofits out there that we struggled to select just 5 of them for this opportunity, and it’s up to you to make the final selection. We are including a short description for each of the 5 organizations with a link to their website in case you would like to learn more about them. Once you’re ready, cast your vote for your favorite in the poll just under the descriptions! Our hope is that they will inspire us all to find new ways to give this season. Even a warm smile can lift a person’s spirits.

 

Happy Holidays, and good luck!

 

Everyday Miracles is built on the belief that every woman has a right to evidence-based prenatal care; that every woman should be empowered, supported and celebrated during pregnancy, birth and postpartum—regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status. The work they do is inspired by the commitment, resilience and strength we see in the moms we serve every single day. Their mission is to improve birth outcomes and reduce health disparities by providing evidence-based education, compassionate and culturally competent support and a non-judgemental, caring community. Find them on Facebook.

Mothers Helping Mothers is a refuge in which Teens in need of support and guidance can receive mentoring and educational encouragement that offers empowerment in such a way that it promotes positive self-esteem while enhancing teen parenting skills. Serving teen mothers in the Columbus, OH area in need of a loving and nurturing environment during their time of pregnancy and beyond in both emotional and physical ways. Find them on Facebook.

Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC), aims to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding by protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the cultural norm and optimal feeding method for mothers and babies of African Descent in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Their mission also includes providing culturally relevant breastfeeding, parenting, and nutrition education and information in a supportive group environment. The PBBC facilitates community learning with maternal child health and lactation specialists and experts; in addition to the development of peer leadership. Find them on Facebook.

The Carrying On Project provides carriers and more to low income and struggling military families to help encourage and facilitate bonding for service members who spend extended amount of time away from their children because of deployments, trainings, and other duties of service, as well as help the caregiver at home by providing them a way to snuggle and comfort the children who are left behind with a focus on families who are brand new to the military or our veterans who are awaiting medical support or compensation, including those living in halfway houses and group housing. They also work with veteran families, some who are left unemployable due to injuries, TBIs or PTSD, and more. Serving nearly 8000 families since their inception, collaborating with other organizations, TCOP distributes items for charity baby showers and need-based to help families that apply and need extra services. In addition to baby carriers, TCOP has supplied families requiring extra assistance with diapers, clothing, blankets, breastfeeding supplies, teething items, bottles, pacifiers, and more. Find them on Facebook.

Wichita Treehouse women come to The Treehouse as referrals from other social service agencies in Wichita. These moms have given birth in difficult circumstances, and have material, emotional, and spiritual needs. The Treehouse provides moms with: Parenting education, One-time free distribution of basic infant necessities (for eligible mothers), Thrift store (newborn to 16 youth clothing, basic supplies for infants and toddlers, etc. credit earned by taking classes), Extra assistance (up to 2 times a year for diapers or formula). The Treehouse continues to be able to serve moms and babies because of  financial, material, volunteer resources, and prayer from the entire Wichita community. Find them on Facebook. 

Prize bundle #1:

joy-of-giving-bundle-1

Prize Bundle #1 Total Value: $583

You! Lingerie: Isis Blue Maternity and Nursing Set, $50 value
Truly Irresistible! Fall in love with this smooth vivid blue color nursing bra featuring a seductive touch of lace, a true definition of ‘Luxurious!’ The gorgeously molded nursing bra is a great choice during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lined with our signature Hot Pink 100% cotton for maximum comfort. Embellished with our signature Hot Pink satin bows. It comes with a matching brief microfiber with a touch of lace in vivid blue for a gorgeous YOU!

Smart Bottoms: Convertible Flannel Nursing Scarf, $39 value
Made with cozy flannel fabric, this scarf will quickly become your favorite cold-weather accessory! Snaps enable you to customize your coverage and compliment your outfit.

MommyCon: General Admission, $45 value
General admission to any 2017 MommyCon event.

Molly‘s Suds: Liquid Laundry Detergent, $17 value
This free and clear, unscented formula is perfect for those with allergies and sensitive skin and it is baby laundry safe. You can count the number of ingredients on both hands – it does not contain the long list of harsh chemicals found in conventional brands. 50 loads, 50 FL OZ, Ultra-Concentrated. Works in all machines, including HE, and safe for septic systems. Work in all water temperatures, and hard/soft water.

Carriwell: Seamless GelWire Nursing Bra, $50 value
The healthiest, supportive nursing bra ever made, the incredibly flexible Gelwire gives you the support you desire while still being soft and comfortable to wear. The Carriewell GelWire is the healthy option when you need support in your nursing bra and is approved by lactation consultants.

Nurture-Elle: Pleated Short Sleeve Top, $45 value
The graceful pleats are excellent at hiding the tummy and the slimming effects of the long sleeves will boost your confidence! Wearable during pregnancy as well. The subtle elastic band along the bottom of the shirt structures the top so as to add style, not volume.
Opening: SIDE SEAM ACCESS: To access the right breast, simply move the front fabric to the left and move to the right the inner layer. To access the left breast, simply move the front fabric to the right and move to the left the inner layer.
* All our breastfeeding fashions are created with a woman’s post-partum shape in mind. We have customized the bust lines to be 1 to 2 cup sizes larger.

Crane: Owl Humidifier, $50 value
Crane ultrasonic cool mist humidifier provides up to 24 hours of whisper quiet mist to relieve stuffy noses, dry skin, dry cough and overall cold/flu symptoms. Does not require a filter.

Make My Belly Fit: Jacket Extender, $86 value
Babies bring change. Your jacket doesn’t have to! The BellyFit is an award-winning jacket extender for maternity and baby-wearing. It simply extends your own jacket.

Belabumbum: Dottie Nursing Pajama Set, $79 value
Belabumbum’s sweet and soft polka dot print pajama set includes a camisole with underbust pull-up nursing access and adjustable straps and a flattering pant with soft flat elastic waistband in 100% pima cotton jersey with lace trim.

MoveMamí: Nursing Sports Bra, $50 value
SHINE in the most comfortable and supportive nursing bra. MOVEMAMÍ is highly recommended by mothers and midwives around the world. Supportive, comfortable and stylish – the SHINE breastfeeding sports bra is designed to support a mother’s ever-changing body, both during and post-pregnancy. Each MOVEMAMÍ nursing bra comes with a pair of innovative BAMBOOB breast pads.

Preggo Leggings: Black Out Moto Leggings, $50 value
Rock this biker inspired Black Out Moto Maternity Leggings and you’ll instantly look like a badass preggo babe. They are super comfy too with an adjustable waist and ribbed stretch cotton over the bump panels. Your ultimate go-to fashion maternity leggings that you can easily dress up or down with a tee or your favorite top.

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Prize bundle #2:

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Prize Bundle #2 Total Value: $626

Ameda: Purely Yours Ultra Pump, $299 value
Our Purely Yours Ultra Double Electric Breast Pump is a closed-system, single-user pump intended to help mothers to safely and effectively express and store her milk when she is unable to nurse directly. The Ultra has updated features including larger, easy-to-use control dials and an easy-to-clean exterior finish.

Glamourmom: Nursing Bra Full Bust Long Top, $59 value
Full structured built-in nursing bra into a long tank top that supports up to a J cup.

Woolino: 4 Season Basic Baby Sleeping Bag, $70 value
Woolino’s award winning 4 Season Basic Merino Wool Baby Sleep Bag will keep baby at a perfect temperature all year round. It is made of the finest Australian merino wool that is silky soft, hypoallergenic, and it has an unmatched ability to regulate baby’s body temperature. That means there’s no need to worry about which weight sleep sack to use, or whether your baby will be too hot or cold while sleeping – they’ll always be just right!

KangaCare: Rumparooz Diaper, $24 value
One diaper. 4 sizes. Fits babies 6-35+ lbs
The award winning Rumparooz One Size Cloth Pocket Diaper has been a revolutionary change to the face of cloth diapering. Kanga Care brand cloth diapers were the first cloth diapers uniquely designed with the now patented leak protection technology of dual inner gussets. Designed with simplicity, Rumparooz are as easy to use as a disposable diaper, but without all the chemicals, waste and high cost. The Rumparooz One Size Cloth Pocket Diaper is 4 diapers sizes in ONE diaper. The Rumparooz will fit most babies at any size between birth (size newborn, 6 lbs) up through potty training (size large, 35+ lbs). Each diaper comes with a microfiber 6r soaker. This unique soaker has 6 different size and absorbency settings to customize for your babies needs.

The Dairy Fairy: Ayla Pumping Bra, $54 value
A beautiful, comfortable and functional bra for the multitasking mom. Lacy and supportive, definitely not your granny-bra.

Twin Z: The One Z Pillow, $60 value
One Z Pillow is a nursing pillow fantastic integrated back support that allows moms to nurse for hours a day in complete comfort. The One Z Pillow uses also include Tummy Time, Bottle Feeding, Support and Play Time!

Phoenix Baby: GoTo 2-in-1 Infant Car Seat and Travel High Chair, $60 value
The GoTo2-in-1 is the first adaptive system that allows parents to safely, cleanly and comfortably provide baby a safe spot at home and on the go. Designed with wide legs for stability, a safety lock to hold infant car seats in place, and mesh pockets to conveniently store feeding essentials, the GoTo 2-in-1 is a perfect alternative to a restaurant high chair or placing an infant car seat on a raised surface. With the 2-in-1, parents can safely keep baby up and away from pets, dirt and floor drafts. The 2-in-1 is tall enough to feed baby at a table and conveniently folds compactly for storage and travel.
Once a child is out of an infant car seat, the 2-in-1 can be used as a high chair, including a full 5-point safety harness. It comes with a case and easily fits in a car trunk or an overhead storage rack for easy travel.

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Prize bundle #3:

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Prize Bundle #3 Total Value: $733

Twin Z: Sleep Z Pillow, $50 value
Toddler/Kid Body Pillow for children ages 3 and up that helps your child fall asleep by surrounding them with comfort. Results in less middle of the night waking!

Nurture-Elle: Pleated Short Sleeve Top, $45 value
The graceful pleats are excellent at hiding the tummy and the slimming effects of the long sleeves will boost your confidence! Wearable during pregnancy as well. The subtle elastic band along the bottom of the shirt structures the top so as to add style, not volume.
Opening: SIDE SEAM ACCESS: To access the right breast, simply move the front fabric to the left and move to the right the inner layer. To access the left breast, simply move the front fabric to the right and move to the left the inner layer.

ThinkBaby: BPA Free Feeding Set, $40 value
Free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, nitrosamines, lead, PVC, PET,  Melamine and biologically harmful chemicals.The Complete BPA Free set contains: bento box, soup bowl, baby bowl, and a kids cup.
Made from highly sustainable materials.

MommyCon: Smash the Patriarchy T-shirt, $20 value
On Wednesdays We Smash the Patriarchy and invite you to join us by wearing this 100% cotton, heathery gray shirt in ia classic, unisex crewneck.

KangaCare: Lil Learnerz Training Pants, $28 value
Lil Learnerz are here to help your toddler hit the next milestone – potty training! When your little one is ready to leave the diapers behind but still needs help and protection, Lil Learnerz will become that essential aid. Lil Learnerz look like big kid underwear and come in multiple fun prints and vibrant color combinations. Lil Learnerz are made with IMWET TECHNOLOGY™! This feature lets your toddler feel wet when they have had an accident. This helps them learn more about their body and aids in the potty learning process. Lil Learnerz are breathable and soft with a hypoallergenic layer that rests against your child’s skin. Lil Learnerz are also waterproof and can hold a heavy accident with no trouble. The inside is made up of an absorbent, dual layer, microfiber core. Lil Learnerz are easy to pull up and down by your little learner! Just like real underwear! Lil Learnerz are available in five sizes ranging from Extra Small to Extra Large. The Extra Small and Small sizes also feature side snapping release panels for easy-off in case of accidents with early learners.

Chimparoo: Soft Structured Baby Carrier, value $206
The Chimparoo TREK is the contemporary of the woven wrap, designed for those who desire an ergonomic and supportive soft structured carrier. Sporty and chic, down to earth and sophisticated, this carrier is for men and women with refined tastes, the nature lovers and the trend-seekers. It can hold up to 45 lbs and is easy to handle.

Ameda: Purely Yours Ultra Pump, $299 value
Our Purely Yours Ultra Double Electric Breast Pump is a closed-system, single-user pump intended to help mothers to safely and effectively express and store her milk when she is unable to nurse directly. The Ultra has updated features including larger, easy-to-use control dials and an easy-to-clean exterior finish.

Snugabell: PumpEase Hands-Free Pumping Bra, $38 value
PumpEase holds your breast pump flanges securely in place so you can read, text, eat, email, care for your child, or just relax while you pump your breastmilk – hands-free! You don’t need to fuss with awkward straps or adjustments; PumpEase is easy to use and looks great for moms who aren’t willing to forgo fashion for function.

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Every bundle includes (Total Value: $784):

Snuggle Me: Organic Cosleeper, $140 value
USA Made Organic Cosleeping Infant Lounger for Babies. It is slightly raised and unpadded, which means when baby is laid on top of the cushion, the sides will gently pull in to give baby the sensation of being held.

Anna Naturals: Boobie Basket, $33 value
The Boobie Basket includes all your nursing necessities – Nursing Mama herbal tea, All Smiles Aromatherapy Mist, and Nursing Mama Nipple Cream.

The Baby Booster: Baby Booster, $36 value
A lifestyle solution that helps support a breastfeeding mom’s daily diet.

Wear PACT: Camisole/Leggings/Hoodie, $100 value
All PACT apparel are super soft, sweatshop free, ethically produced, and part of a movement transforming the way apparel is made. Sure they’re (comfy, amazing) clothes, but they’re more than clothes. They’re an impetus for the best kind of change.

Lake Champlain Chocolates: Peppermint Hot Chocolate, $12 value
Make it a merry and minty Christmas! This is holiday hot chocolate the way it should be — a refreshing blend of rich cocoa and cool peppermint, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Just the thing to warm everyone up!

Momzelle: Nursing Top, $69 value
The cutest and most comfortable nursing hoodie on the market! Stay warm while nursing your little one. This lightweight hoodie offers easy and discreet nursing access and comes in four great colour combinations.

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear: Gray Love Bear, $40 value
The Gray Love Bear recordable stuffed animal kit includes a fluffy, gray-colored teddy bear, an attached 3×5″ yellow frame that holds your ultrasound photo, and a recorder to capture the sound of your baby’s heartbeat during an ultrasound. The gray Bear is 13” long, perfect snuggle size. My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear kits make excellent baby shower gifts or pregnancy keepsakes. Also available at many 3D/4D ultrasound studios. Patent pending.

Spectra: S2 Breast Pump, $250 value
Spectra S2 Single/Double Closed System Hospital Strength Electric Breast Pump. Includes back flow protection, hospital strength suction, single or double electric, nightlight, timer, adjustable settings, quiet, lightweight at 3.3lbs, dual voltage, stylish, and comfortable. This pumps suckling action helps moms initiate, increase, and maintain a milk supply.

Belibea: Nourish Cami, $60 value
Made for the flexibility of a modern mom, our seamless stretch-knit Nourish Cami provides the convenience of wearing ONE garment whether nursing, pumping or reveling in the sweet moments in between.

Itzy Ritzy: Infinity Breastfeeding Scarf, $25 value
Everyday scarf that is convenient to wear and use when nursing. Allows maintained eye contact and airflow for your baby. Cotton and polyester jersey knit blend with finished edges!

Luna Pads: Performa Lunapads, $19 value
Performa is a brand new approach to washable menstrual pads. Featuring high-tech fabrics that absorb three times as much fluid than a regular disposable pad or tampon, Performa is the eco-friendly option for a more comfortable period.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from December 11, 2016 through December 21, 2016.  A big thanks to all of the sponsors who generously demonstrated their compassion for people by participating in this giveaway.  Their support of TLB, and all breastfeeding women, and beyond, is invaluable; don’t hesitate to visit them on social media and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

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