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Rumina Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Tank Giveaway

March 2, 2012 by

Today we have a giveaway from TLB sponsor Rumina Nursingwear.  Read on for details on this opportunity and an interview with the company founder Dawn Alva.  I love this company and had the pleasure of meeting Dawn and her staff this past fall.  Their commitment to supporting moms extends beyond their customers and sales to ongoing support of WIC and Milk Banking.  I hope you take the time to get to know this company and consider using their product knowing that doing so helps them help so many other moms.

TLB:  Tell us about how Rumina came to be, the inspiration, the meaning of the name, and the vision of the company.

Dawn: Rumina was inspired by my infant son. From the beginning, my son and I struggled with breastfeeding. First we had difficulty with latching then he seemed to just get irritated and frustrated at the breast. Eventually after a few months of trying he decided he preferred the bottle. I didn’t want to give formula because I knew of all the benefits of breast milk but pumping came with its own set of challenges.

As a working mom, I had to return to work. Prior to returning to work I was trying to pump every 2-3 hours for about 30 minutes at a time, trying to build up a supply. I was nervous about getting enough time to pump. I searched for a hands-free solution to help but there was nothing available at that time that worked for my body. My nipples weren’t in the “right” location for the holes or the garment didn’t stay up, defeating the hands-free purpose. Plus I hated undressing at work to pump! Every time I sat there holding the pump, I worried about how I could be the mom I wanted to be and continue my demanding job. I became so overwhelmed that after 2 1/2 months of nursing and 4 months of exclusively pumping, I stopped short of my personal hope of at least a year.

The vision of Rumina started after I emerged from my “mommy fog,” I became dedicated to developing a solution that would meet the needs of breastfeeding moms who pump in one comfortable and supportive garment. Our vision as a company is to help moms reach their own unique breastfeeding goals. While I was not able to reach my own breastfeeding goals, it’s truly amazing to hear when Rumina assists other moms reach theirs!

Rumina is a Roman Goddess of Breastfeeding and Women, the Goddess who causes the milk to flow. Her name is related to an old Latin word for breast, rumis or ruma and translates to “the Nourisher”, “She Who Breastfeeds” or “Mother’s Breast”. Rumina is the protectress of all nursing young. (http://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/rumina.html)

 

TLB:  What would you like TLB readers to know about Rumina?

Dawn:  Rumina is working hard to support our community and establish long term relationships with our local WIC and Milk Banks. We really want to not only support these great resources and amazing organizations but to help increase the awareness and needs of these organizations and offer ways moms can help contribute.  Read more about the WIC Peer Counselor program and how we support it here.

 

TLB:  What has been your personal experience with breastfeeding and how has it factored into developing your company?

Dawn:  My personal experience with breastfeeding was a struggle. The struggle has been a reminder that as we move forward as a company we want to help moms through their own breastfeeding experience. We want to offer great, quality products that helps support hands-free pumping but we also want be a sounding board for moms who are struggling or have questions. We want to provide resources and connect moms to great communities like The Leaky Boob where they can find support and other moms going through similar experiences. Breastfeeding moms are amazing and we have a lot of offer each other!

 

TLB:  What is your favorite breastfeeding and pumping tip?

 Dawn:  There are so many great breastfeeding and pumping tips, like hand expressing after pumping to completely drain the breast and help increase your milk production as well as relaxing while breastfeeding and pumping, something I think I personally forgot…often. But my number one favorite breastfeeding and pumping tip I encourage is to drink plenty of water. Sometimes we moms get so busy and so overwhelmed by baby and life we sometimes forget to drink enough water which greatly help with our overall well-being and milk production.

Dawn and her son Bryce


This giveaway is for one mom randomly selected from the entries to receive a free all-in-one Hands-Free Pumping Bra & Nursing Tank in their size and color preference, a $48 value.  The Rumina Hands-Free Pumping Bra & Nursing Tank has a built-in bra that is the perfect layer for a busy mom’s active life. Wear it on its own or layered under work and casual tops.  The patent pending design is perfect for moms who have to be away from their child but want to continue and give their very best.  The tank has all the functions you’ve come to love in a nursing tank plus all the functionality a breastfeeding mom needs throughout the day.

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This giveaway is now closed.

To be entered, please leave a comment on this post.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Rumina Nursingwear Facebook page and/or Rumina on Twitter and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.  Let’s be sure to show our appreciation.

For a second entry share this giveaway in some public forum (Facebook, Twitter, parenting forum, etc.) and return with the url of where you shared it and leave that in a comment (and don’t forget to tag them!).  Please note, you can share it where you like and as many times as you like, but only one will count for a second entry.

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

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Rumina Nursingwear for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere.  This giveaway will remain open through Thursday, March 8, 2012 and is open to international entries.  At the close of this giveaway, Rumina will be offering a discount code for all Leakies so even if you aren’t the lucky winner, you can get your own top for 20% off.  Good luck and have fun!

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Congratulations to Brianna!

“What a great company! Love the name. I struggled with my first daughter going to school full time and pumping and keeping up my supply. Very hard work. Appreciate anything that makes that job easier.”

Thanks everyone that entered!  Rumina has generously offered a 20% off discount code for Leakies this week, it’s good through Thursday, March 15, 2012:

TLB20

Rumina’s support and giveaway is greatly appreciated, it is a pleasure to partner with such a wonderful company.

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

Nursing Time Tea from Fairhaven Health- Giveaway

February 28, 2012 by

Today we have a giveaway from Fairhaven Health.  Read on for details on this opportunity and an interview with the company including information on their newest product, Nursing Time Tea.  Suzanne from Fairhaven Health was happy to answer my questions about the company and shared some great recommendations for building supply.  Fairhaven has chosen to sponsor TLB because of their commitment to healthy families.

TLB:  How does Fairhaven Health support and encourage families as a company?

 Suzanne:  At Fairhaven Health, we specialize in products for fertility, pregnancy and nursing, which, naturally, gives us the opportunity to talk every day with women and men as they take their first steps towards becoming parents, and also as they begin their parenting journey. Such an exciting and rewarding journey it is, but, for some of our customers, this path is filled with many disappointments and frustrations. We pride ourselves on being a source of credible information on all things related to reproductive health, and for having soft listening ears for our customers as they share their ups and downs with us.

 

TLB: How is the Nursing Time Tea different from Nursing Blend and who would benefit from enjoying a cup?

Suzanne:  Nursing Time Tea is a comforting and refreshing loose-leaf tea that blends natural galactogogues (such as fennel seed, goat’s rue and blessed thistle) to stimulate breast milk production, with anise and lemon verbena for flavor and to help reduce gas and indigestion. Nursing Time Tea  can be enjoyed iced or hot, and is a great way for nursing moms to stay hydrated and build their milk supply. Our dietary supplement called Nursing Blend also contains herbal galactogogues, but also includes full vitamin and mineral support. We feel that vitamin and mineral supplementation is important for nursing moms, so we recommend Nursing Blend both for its multivitamin/mineral support as well as for the breast milk stimulating herbs. Nursing moms who want to build their milk supply can choose either the Nursing Time Tea or the Nursing Blend, or can take both if they desire!

 

TLB:  Other than trying some Nursing Time Tea or Nursing Blend, what’s your #1 tip for moms to be sure they have a great supply of milk for their nurslings?

Suzanne:  The two things we tend to emphasize most with nursing moms who are working to establish a dependable and plentiful milk supply are frequent feedings and as much skin to skin contact with their little bundle in between feedings as possible. It is well-known that this skin to skin contact increases prolactin levels, which stimulates breast milk production. But, we also believe that encouraging this closeness between mom and baby gives busy moms an “excuse” (sometimes we will only do what we are told to do, right?) to rest . . .which is really what most moms need more of as it is easier for a well-rested mom to establish her breast milk supply than it is for a fatigued mom.


This giveaway is for a 3 bag supply of Nursing Time Tea for one lucky winner, which represents a retail value of $45.   Nursing Time Tea is the all-natural herbal tonic designed to help nursing mothers increase their milk flow and soothe digestive unease of both mother and baby. Nursing Time Tea brings together a select array of safe and proven ingredients to aid nursing and providing a rich spectrum of nutritive vitamins and minerals for robust and healthy breastfeeding.  Each bag of Nursing Time Tea is vacuum-sealed for freshness and contains a 1 month supply. All ingredients are organic and wildcrafted, and of the freshest and highest quality with no preservatives or additives. Nursing Time Tea is caffeine-free and has a brisk lemony flavor that is comforting and refreshing.

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This giveaway is now closed.

To be entered, please leave a comment on this post.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Fairhaven Health Facebook page  and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

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

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

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Fairhaven Health for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere.  This giveaway will remain open through Monday, March 5, 2012 and is open to USA entries only.  Good luck and have fun!

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 Congratulations to Anna:

“I would love to have some. Thank you for the giveaway.”

Thanks to everyone that entered, the winner has been notified via email.

Much appreciation to Fairhaven Health for their generous support of TLB and such a great giveaway for the Leakies.  Thank you!

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

Making Mama’s Milk & More Toting Cookies Giveaway

February 4, 2012 by

TLB Sponsor Making Mama’s Milk is giving away some cookies every mother is sure to enjoy with the added bonus of boosting breast milk supply.  Dairy-free cookies that not only taste great but also help increase breast milk supply making it a treat not just for mom but her nursling as well.  Dori Acevedo, the mom behind Making Mama’s Milk, shares about her company and the breastfeeding challenges she has had to overcome herself.

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Making Mama’s Milk as a company and your product?

Dori:  I really hope people know how much effort and caring I put into those cookies. I really care about each person as an individual and care that they have a fighting chance at breastfeeding for as long as they choose! I also make sure I use only the best ingredients even if it means losing money.

TLB:  How did you go about creating the perfect lactation cookie?
Dori:  I knew that Fenugreek, brewers yeast, and Flax seed worked well in conjunction with each other, and I knew Whole rolled Oats was used to build up supply, so I took my Grandmother’s simple Oatmeal Cookie recipe and added and subtracted what I thought would be best. Over the first few weeks, I used and then took out Blessed Thistle because I personally was the guinea pig and it didn ‘t work for my supply. Once I took it out and upped the brewers yeast and the others is when I saw a difference.
TLB:  What flavor is your personal favorite?
Dori:  We just started selling our newest flavor which is Oatmeal Butterscotch, which are SOO good, but I am a chocolate girl, so Chocolate Chip are my favorite.
TLB:  What breastfeeding challenges have you overcome?
Two of my children were born tongue tied. One I was unable to breastfeed, which was very sad to me, even to this day and he is 21 years old. I also had low supply for a couple of my kids, so for these cookies to be helping me and a lot of other woman fulfill a dream of breastfeeding until whenever, is truly a miracle to me.

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Leakies have a chance to win some cookies from Making Mama’s Milk, a total prize package valued at $52.95.

To be entered, please leave a comment on this post telling us which flavor you hope to win, oatmeal chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and oatmeal butterscotch.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Making Mama’s Milk on Facebook and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity. (Please note, commenting on the Making Mama’s Milk on Facebook is not required to be entered in the giveaway, just a nice thing to do to thank them for their support of TLB and the giveaway opportunity- so please do it.)

For a second entry visit makingmamasmilk.com and come back here to comment with what package you’d order today.

The winner will get a 30 day supply of cookies, their choice between Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Oatmeal Butterscotch.  Dori will also include a *new* Making Mama’s Milk & More Tote bag.

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

 

This giveaway is now closed.

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That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Making Mama’s Milk for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere.  This giveaway will remain open through February 13, 2011 and is open to USA and Canada entries.  Good luck and have fun!

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Congrats to Messa:

“oatmeal raisin!!! please and thank you!!!!”

Thank you to Making Mama’s Milk and everyone that participated.

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

Ness Bags Giveaway- 2 winners!

December 26, 2011 by

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


TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Ness?

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

 

TLB:  What inspired you to start your company?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ness Bags hold hope.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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This giveaway is now closed!

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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The winners have been randomly selected, congrats to…

Robyn:

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

and

Shane:

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

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

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, breastmilk pumping, breastpump, giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , ,

Fairhaven Health Nursing Blend Giveaway

December 22, 2011 by

Today we have a giveaway from Fairhaven Health.  Read on for details on this opportunity and an interview with the company including their favorite breastfeeding tip.  Kelly was happy to answer my questions about the company and the why and how they got into breastfeeding related products.  Fairhaven has chosen to sponsor TLB because of their commitment to healthy families.

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Fairhaven Health?

Fairhaven Health:  Our mission at Fairhaven Health is to help couples create and maintain healthy families. From preconception through pregnancy and nursing, Fairhaven Health is there – every step of the way – to provide clinically-proven products designed to safely and naturally promote fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding wellness. As a trusted leader in this field, our products are cooperatively developed and formulated by a diverse panel of medical experts – including doctors, ObGyns, nutritionists, and naturopaths.

What motivates each of us here at Fairhaven Health to roll out of bed each morning and come to work is the amazing feedback we hear from our customers. Nothing starts a day better (with the exception of a large cup of coffee) than hearing from a new mom that she is now breastfeeding successfully after struggling to get her milk flowing. Click here to hear what some of our customers are saying about Fairhaven Health’s Nursing Blend.

Watch Chianta’s video review of Nursing Blend! 

TLB:  How did Fairhaven Health get started and what led to expanding to breastfeeding related products?

Fairhaven Health:  Fairhaven Health was started in 2003 to provide natural alternatives to couples struggling with fertility issues. The expansion into pregnancy and breastfeeding related products happened quite naturally, actually. As couples successfully conceived using our fertility related products, they began asking us to develop products for pregnancy and breastfeeding wellness, knowing that we could be trusted to provide high-quality options.

To build our line of breastfeeding products, we teamed up with internationally recognized lactation expert and breastfeeding advocate, Dr. Kathleen Marinelli. Dr. Marinelli is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and is a neonatologist and Director of Lactation Support Services at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, CT. In her role as a neonatologist, she has worked tirelessly to make sure that all babies in her NICU receive human milk, and is a staunch supporter of breast milk donor banks. At Fairhaven Health, we continue to be inspired by Dr. Marinelli’s commitment to making sure all babies receive human milk.

TLB:  What is your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Fairhaven Health:  Seek out the support you need! Just because breastfeeding is the normal way to feed our children, does not necessarily mean that it is always easy. With formula companies lurking around every corner waiting to pounce on discouraged moms, breastfeeding women need support from family, friends, health care professionals, and (perhaps most importantly) other nursing women, especially when the inevitable struggles arise . . . latch issues, supply problems, fussy/colicky babies, mastitis, etc. At Fairhaven Health, we believe that all of these “struggles” can be overcome, and we are heartbroken to hear when a nursing mom stops nursing before she is really ready to stop, simply because she doesn’t know where to turn for help and information. There is a community of breastfeeding love out there (props to The Leaky Boob), so don’t be shy about jumping in!

This giveaway is for a 3 month supply of Nursing Blend for two lucky winners, which represents a retail value of $53.95 each.   Nursing Blend was formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of nursing mothers and their babies and to aid in milk production. In addition to comprehensive vitamin and mineral support, Nursing Blend contains a blend of herbal galactogogues, including fenugreek and fennel seed, that promote the production of breast milk. Nursing Blend is the ideal dietary supplement for nursing women who are experiencing breast milk supply issues.

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This giveaway is closed.

To be entered, please leave a comment on this post.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Fairhaven Health Facebook page  and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

 

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

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

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Fairhaven Health for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere.  This giveaway will remain open through December 30, 2011 and is open to USA entries only.  Good luck and have fun!

 

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The winners have been randomly selected, congratulations to…

Emily:

“I would love to try your product, thanks for the giveaway!”

and

Janae:

“I would love to try this out. Working full time and being a busy single mom of two boys sometimes takes a toll on my supply and my eating habits. This would be wonderful for me!”

Congratulations to you both!  Thank you Fairhaven Health for this opportunity and your support of TLB.  Those of you that didn’t win but are hoping to try their product, follow the links in this post or the image button in the sidebar for Fairhaven Health and order yours today.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, breastfeeding support, giveaway, Jessica, Sponsor Tagged With: , , ,

PumpEase Giveaway

December 17, 2011 by

One of my favorite things about The Leaky Boob community is how giving back is just a part of what we do.  From asking questions and needing help to sharing experiences and information, Leakies know how to support other Leakies.

Beth Swan, the winning designer of The Leaky Boob logo has decided to share the love.  With working from home she’s not pumping much these days and has no need of the PumpEase hands free pumping support bra she won as part of her prize for winning the logo design contest.  So instead of having it shipped to her to sit unused, she’s passing it on to a Leaky that can use it!

 

This giveaway is now closed!

This quick giveaway for a free PumpEase is super simple, just leave one comment on this post and you’re entered!  (One entry per person please.)  

Huge thanks to Beth for passing this along to a Leaky that can use it and to Wendy from PumpEase for sponsoring the logo design contest.  We appreciate all the support!  Good luck everyone, the giveaway is open through Tuesday, December 20th.

 

Congratulations to the winner, Sunny, who commented:

“I could get some work done while pumping with one of these!”

Thanks to everyone that participated and to PumpEase and Beth Swan for their generosity.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, breastmilk pumping, breastpump, giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: , ,

Bamboobies Holidays breastfeeding survival giveaway!

December 13, 2011 by

As part of our LIVE Facebook chat this week with TLB sponsor Bamboobies, Kerry Gilmartin has generously offered a giveaway just for The Leaky Boob readers.  I got to meet Kerry this past September (and her adorable little boy!), she’s such a lovely person with a passion for helping moms, I am so pleased to share this wonderful company with my readers.  Read on for Kerry’s holiday breastfeeding survival tips and to learn about the products she developed and materials she uses.

 

TLB:  How did you develop your products and why do you use the materials you use?

Kerry:  I’m a hippie at heart – and a very leaky boob! When I was breastfeeding my 2nd, it really bothered me that the only pads that wouldn’t leak through my shirt and so I started stuffing some bamboo velour fabric washable baby wipes into my shirt because they were so soft and absorbent. I wouldn’t have had the instinct to start a company making breast pads if it weren’t for the funny name I thought of one day – or the knowledge of great eco-fibers and waterproof materials being used by cloth diaper manufacturers.

I developed the unique nursing shawl when I was embarrassed by the attention the bright apron-style covers drew and not confident enough to just nurse in public without any cover.  I wanted something that was stylish and could be worn all the time and wound up using a woolen shawl I owned to nurse in quite a bit. When I wanted something more lightweight I developed our unique design with a couture designer friend and found the neat soy/organic cotton fabric was really well suited to it for breathability, wrinkle resistance and keeping it’s shape.

We make all of our products here in Colorado by women making a fair wage and we’re really happy about that too!

 

TLB:  What holiday breastfeeding tip do you have to share with the Leakies?  I think our nursing shawl is such an attractive and subtle thing that whether you’re traveling on the plane or sitting at a cocktail party, no one will know what you’re doing until you pull the baby out! It’s nice to have privacy for yourself and your baby and boobies – especially at such a hectic time of year.

Kerry:  Taking time out to get naps for you and baby when you’re traveling makes all the difference too – a little nurse and nap can be a cure for even the most annoying of crazy uncles/nosy aunts etc.

 

Kerry is giving away one set of therapy pillows – value $24.99.  Bamboob-ease therapy pillows ease pains of engorgement, clogged ducts and weaning – and even big kid bruises!  They’re super-soft bamboo fabric filled with flax seeds that can be warmed in the microwave or cooled in the freezer to provide comfort and therapy for all sorts of breast issues.

Kerry is also giving away one Bamboobies Cute Little Nursing Cover – value $44 – a novel new nursing cover that looks more like a stylish shawl than a traditional apron-style cover-up.  It comes in only solid colors so it’s more discrete – you called it ‘mom-wear with flair’ !  Useful during pregnancy as well as the next couple of years as a stylish shawl, it’s a flattering addition to a new mother’s wardrobe.  Made of organic cotton and soy fiber, it’s a cool eco-garment and lusciously soft too.

Bamboobies are made in regular (ultra-thin and leak-proof) and overnight (ultra-thick).  Nursing mothers love them bc they’re the softest and they don’t show through or leak through like other washable pads.  Made of organic cotton, bamboo and hemp, they’re eco, ultra-soft and they’re money-savers in the long run over disposables.  We’ll give away a multi-pack with 3 pair of regulars and one pair of overnights – value $30.

Total value is is just over $100!

 

All you have to do to be entered to win one of these fabulous prizes is to comment on this post and share what you’d like to win in this giveaway as well as your holiday breastfeeding survival tip.  For a second entry please visit Bamboobies site and come back with the link of what you’d treat yourself to this holiday season.  Please be sure to visit Bamboobies Facebook pageand thank them for sponsoring this chat and giveaway!  And so you don’t have to wait, take advantage of this code FaLaLa25 for 25% off at Bamboobies, the code is good through the end of this week so get yourself something for your stocking this holiday season.

 

This giveaway is open to USA and Canadian entries and closes December 15th, 2011.  Good luck!

 

The winners have been randomly selected, congratulations to…

Laney:

“My 2nd entry: I’d treat myself to the http://www.shop.buybamboobies.com/Nursing-Cover-3-Pair-Regular-Bamboobies-Gift-Box-GIFT.htm Thanks!”

Sherry:

“I would love to win the nursing cover. its so adorable and not as obvious as other covers. My survival tip is to just relax and do what you know is best, forget the rest! “

Amanda:

“I would love to win the nursing pads, as baby is due in January! With my first two babies we survived the holidays breastfeeding by trying not to stress. Stress just makes everything worse for Mom and baby, plus it is a lot harder to enjoy this wonderful time of year.”

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, breasts, Facebook, giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: , , , ,

Making Mama’s Milk Lactation Cookies Giveaway

December 7, 2011 by

TLB Sponsor Making Mama’s Milk is giving away some cookies every mother is sure to enjoy with the added bonus of boosting breast milk supply.  Dairy-free cookies that not only taste great but also help increase breast milk supply making it a treat not just for mom but her nursling as well.  Dori Acevedo, the mom behind Making Mama’s Milk, shares about her company and the breastfeeding challenges she has had to overcome herself.

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Making Mamas Milk as a company and your product?

Dori:  I really hope people know how much effort and caring I put into those cookies. I really care about each person as an individual and care that they have a fighting chance at breastfeeding for as long as they choose! I also make sure I use only the best ingredients even if it means losing money.

TLB:  How did you come to start Making Mamas Milk and when did you start?

Dori:  I started the company in August 2011. I wanted to help my husband be able to being money into our household since I was able to stay home with the 3 smaller children while he worked. In this economy I felt I need to be proactive. Breastfeeding is something I am doing, something I am good at, and with the knowledge I have with herbs, I knew it was a success.

TLB:  Tell us about your family and how you balance your business and family.

Dori:  It isn’t easy all of the time. My husband is at work for UPS fairly early in the morning, and home early too. So I am lucky when he walks in about 10am. I get his help with the children, ages 3.5, 2, and 5 months, in order to make the orders for that day. Each order is made special- no cookie cutters here. 🙂

TLB:  What has your own breastfeeding journey been like?

Dori:  I had a horrible time with my first 2 children. I had my 1st in 1990, and he was tongue tied, but I did not find out until he was 3 weeks old and my milk was long gone. They tried to get him to latch on when he was born but never mentioned a TT issue. My second born in 1994, and I nursed her for 2 weeks, because my now EX husband didn’t lend me any support. My last 3 children are the total opposite. My husband is so supportive about everything related to breastfeeding. He makes sure I have enough water, that I have a comfy place to nurse, etc. I have been successful for the last three.

TLB:  What difficulties did you overcome and how?

Dori:  The first was the TT, and then my last baby, Ethan was also born with a TT and had it clipped in the hospital. It was like night and day with the TT and how much pain it was until after it was slipped. So happy they discovered it.

TLB:  What’s your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Dori:  Confidence! We all need confidence. If we, as women can carry children, birth children, we can surely breastfeed them!! If you have confidence and keep sheering yourself on- you can do it.

This giveaway is now closed, thank you!

________________________________________________________

Leakies have a chance to win some cookies from Making Mama’s Milk, a total prize package valued at $52.95.

To be entered, please leave a comment on this post telling us which flavor you hope to win, chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Making Mama’s Milk on Facebook and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity. (Please note, commenting on the Making Mama’s Milk on Facebook is not required to be entered in the giveaway, just a nice thing to do to thank them for their support of TLB and the giveaway opportunity.)

For a second entry visit makingmamasmilk.com and come back here to comment with what package you’d order today.

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

 

 

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Making Mama’s Milk for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere.  This giveaway will remain open through December 14, 2011 and is open to USA and Canada entries.  Good luck and have fun!

________________________________________________________

Thank you everyone that participated!

The randomly selected winner is Kimberly B. who left this comment:

I really want to try the Chocolate Chip cookies. They would really help me through our feeding frenzy/growth spurt with my youngest son. (almost 3 months old) I’d have to keep my family stocked with their own cookies so they leave mine alone though.
Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: , ,

Shop TLB Sponsors Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals

November 25, 2011 by

We have quite a few great TLB sponsors and several of them are having Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.  We thought you’d enjoy hearing about them and the opportunity to give back to those small businesses that give to help make TLB possible.  Thanks to all TLB sponsors for their support of this site and breastfeeding women everywhere.

 

Black Friday Sales

PumpEase/Snugabell: Great things are happening this weekend with this great company  and TLB sponsor.  Shop snugabell.com on Black Friday and save 20% off  your Bamboobies!  Shop snugabell.com on Black Friday and save 25% off your Toni Top!

 

 

A Mother’s Boutique: Everything from Tops to Dresses to PJ sets – all 20-70% off – all for breastfeeding and/or maternity wear.  Specials are online only -and will last from Black Friday through Cyber Monday – so you can shop all weekend long.  And they will be adding more items as the weekend progresses too!  Follow this special link to automatically receive the $5 off coupon just for Leakies!

 

Wild Mother Arts: Handmade jewelry including nursing necklaces.  Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale buy any two items & get a nursing necklace for free! Plus, Leakies get an additional 10% off with coupon code: LEAKYHOLIDAY2011.

 

 

Lollidoo Diapers: With a variety of different sales, for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, This USA based company is offering cloth diaper steals for your cloth diapering needs.  Read all about it here.  (P.S. We have one of their overnights and it’s one of our favorite diapers.)

 

 Works Like a Charm: Teething necklaces, nursing necklaces, and more, all handmade.  Black Friday sale starting at 12am Friday-midnight Monday. 10% off storewide at the etsy store.

 

 

Making Mama’s Milk: Yummy lactation cookies, offering vegan varieties, Free shipping for Black Friday.

 

 

Mommy Jewelry Sturdy & Purdy: A mommy owned jewelry business featuring unique necklaces and more.  Etsy shoppers receive 15% OFF discount coupon. The code is: HOLIDAYSALE.  Also take advantage of her Facebook sale album.

 

 Fairhaven Health Nursing Blend: A weekend long special just for Leakies!  Save 20% off any breastfeeding related product using the code leaky.  See their breastfeeding related products including herbal supply booster, nipple cream, breastfeeding tea, and more here.

 

Lullabye Kisses: Natural parenting supplies including diapers, babywearing, and personal care products. Use code “TURKEY15” to get 15% off your order! Black Friday – Cyber Monday.

 

 

Cyber Monday Sales

Bamboobies: Featuring breast pads with super absorbent bamboo velour, Bamboobies has your Leaky needs covered.  But that’s not all they have, a beautiful nursing cover/poncho/skirt, soothing therapy pads, and other breastfeeding and parenting related supplies.  Cyber Monday take advantage of their 30% off sale on everything on their site.

 

PumpEase: 40% OFF PUMPEASE ON CYBER MONDAY

Buy 1 PumpEase use coupon code CYBERONE

Buy 2 PumpEase use coupon code CYBERTWO

Buy 3 PumpEase use coupon code CYBERTRE

Shop Amazon.com on Cyber Monday and save 40% off up to three PumpEase.

 

Other: Not all small businesses can afford to do major sales but please be sure to check out our other sponsors as well for your holiday shopping.  We make every effort to choose to work with companies that we can feel confident about their ethics, products, and desire to truly support breastfeeding and all parents.  As a personal note, I have to highly recommend Pure Play Kids for their wonderful selection of toys, arts and crafts, and play things for children.  Some of our family favorites are available on their site and will be under our tree this year.  Additionally, we love Dandelion- Earth Friendly Goods, particularly for their affordable baby and toddler playthings with an emphasis on responsible sustainability.  Check out their adorable hand crocheted animals with matching hats.

Don’t forget to check out our Market Place for additional listings of companies we are pleased to share with you.  If you’re interested in becoming a TLB sponsor, please email jeremy@theleakyboob.com.

Filed Under: Featured, Jessica, Sponsor

Wild Mother Arts Nursing Necklace Giveaway

November 21, 2011 by

Jacquelyn Smith from TLB sponsor Wild Mother Arts, has 3 beautiful necklaces to giveaway this week.  Designed to be strong and safe, her jewelry is perfect for the mother of little children and can withstand the yanking and twiddling that comes with children.  Jacquelyn answers a few questions about her business and her own experience with nurslings.

 

TLB:  How did you get started making jewelry and where did you get the the idea for “nursing necklaces?”

Jacquelyn:  I’ve been making jewelry for many years out of a desire to celebrate the milestone’s in women’s lives. I started out by making jewelry for births and mother blessings, and after wearing these pieces my friends and doula clients began asking for sturdy necklaces they could wear while breastfeeding. I did some research and came across “nursing necklaces” but mainly what I found were plastic and acrylic necklaces. I absolutely adore gemstones and love learning about their properties and meanings, and decided to add handmade gemstone nursing necklaces to my collection.

TLB:  Where your own children distracted at the breast?  Where there stages where they were more distracted than others?

Jacquelyn:  My own children popping on and off the breast, and wanting to twiddle with my hair, my clothes and especially my other breast, nearly drove me batty. Sometimes they were good nursers and would get down to business right away, and sometimes they would do anything but actually nurse. When they were about 3-4 months they began to start becoming distracted, and then around 6-8 months it really began in earnest. Suddenly everything is more interesting than sitting down for more than a minute or two to nurse.

TLB:  Aside from a necklace, what other tips do you have for moms with fidgety, distracted babies at the breast?

Jacquelyn:  I’ve found that trying to find a quiet, familiar space can be really helpful with distracted nurslings, but that’s not always possible is it? Singing, telling a story, and nonsense rhymes can all help keep a baby interested in sitting down and nursing. And for wiggly, younger babies who like to twiddle, I found that in a cradle hold you can tuck one of their arms underneath your breast, and then you can hold their other wandering hand tucked in yours. That saved my sanity, and after a while, my youngest would almost always hold my hand while he nursed. Even when he was older. 🙂

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

Wild Mother Arts is giving away three nursing necklaces:

 

Sugar Plum, a $20 value.

Sugar Plum is perfect for the holidays or anytime. It’s made with a grass flower jasper & pyrite composite donut & dressed up with a double-lotus Tierracast lead-free pewter bead. This stone is thought to release tension, increase self-confidence and invite joy into our lives.

Mama’s Heart, a $18 value.

Mama’s Heart in purple & cream amethyst helps you wear your heart on your sleeve. Amethyst is said to bring inner peace, dispel grief and offer balance and abundance. This one has beautiful natural V-shaped marking with natural inclusions.

Educa, a $16 value.

Educa is made with rose quartz which is considered to be the stone of universal love and compassion, encourages peace and calm, and aids during life’s transitions. This necklace is named for the Roman goddess of nourishment who watched the transition from nursing to eating solids, and helped the transition to go smoothly.

Even those are called nursing necklaces, you don’t have to be breastfeeding to enjoy wearing them and would make great gifts too!

To be entered, please leave a comment on this post telling us which of the 3 necklaces you hope to win.  This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway.  Please be sure head over to the Wild Mother Arts Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

 

For a second entry, visit the shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildmotherarts and return to comment sharing your favorite item.

 

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered twice for a chance at a great giveaway.  Thanks to Wild Mother Arts for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere.  This giveaway will remain open through November 23, 2011 and IS open to international entries.  Good luck and have fun!

Jacquelyn is also giving Leakies a special code: LEAKYHOLIDAY2011 for 10% off anything in the shop (good until December 15th) and advance notice of her Black Friday/Cyber Monday Weekend Special. The special will be: Buy any two items and receive a free nursing necklace (and Leakies may use their coupon code in addition to the special, which is something she’s offering for the first time ever).  She will choose a necklace which complements your choices.

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The winner of the Sugar Plum necklace is Maureen who left this comment:

The Peace Sign necklace is my #1 fave!!!! I also love the Celtic Knot Necklace!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86206927/peace-nursing-necklace-howlite-nursing
http://www.etsy.com/listing/85757892/celtic-knot-nursing-necklace-rose-quartz 

The Mama’s Heart necklace goes to Lisa who said:

I love all your pieces!!! out of these 3 … the heart and the educa are awesome

And Staci A. will get to enjoy the Educa necklace:

My favorite item is the Sands of Mars Nursing Necklace!

Congrats to the 3 winners and a huge thanks to Wild Mother Arts.  Don’t forget about her cyber Monday special and the exclusive opportunity for Leakies:

special code: LEAKYHOLIDAY2011 for 10% off anything in the shop (good until December 15th) and advance notice of her Black Friday/Cyber Monday Weekend Special. The special will be: Buy any two items and receive a free nursing necklace (and Leakies may use their coupon code in addition to the special, which is something she’s offering for the first time ever).  She will choose a necklace which complements your choices.

______________________________

Filed Under: giveaway, Sponsor Tagged With: ,
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