How Anyone Can Celebrate and Support Black Breastfeeding Week

by Jessica Martin-Weber with special guests Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, Waetie Saana Cooper Burnette, Dominique Bellegarde,Fortune Glasse Cotten
This post made possible by the generous sponsorship of Ameda, Inc.

Ameda Finesse Double Electric Breast pump

 

What if the risk of infant mortality was twice as high for one particularly vulnerable group? What if there was a simple measure to reduce infant mortality? What if there was a significant gap for the most vulnerable group in accessing that measure? Wouldn’t it be time to raise awareness and celebrate when it does happen?

 

To learn about BreastPowered and prepare for Black Breastfeeding Week, The Leaky Boob visited via Facebook livestream with Black Breastfeeding Week co-founder Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, CNM (read an interview with Anaya here) and part of the BreastPowered.org team, Waetie Sanaa Cooper Burnette, Dominique Bellegarda, and Fortune Glasse Cotten, winners of the MIT Hack My Pump-A-Thon 2018 Ameda Connections Award. These wise women shared practical ways anyone and everyone can prepare for, support, and honor Black Breastfeeding Week and celebrate black breastfeeding. See their suggestions below.

Photo Credit: Isreal Jean of Breastfeeding in Color.

 

How YOU can celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week

Anyone can celebrate black breastfeeding week and having the support of groups outside the black community is important too.

Inform yourself. Don’t understand why Black Breastfeeding Week is necessary?** Google and read what black women have said why this is important (start here) and then believe the experience of the black women that say this is necessary.

Share information promoting Black Breastfeeding Week on social media channels as well as in real life too.

Like and share images of black women breastfeeding. Representation matters, you can help celebrate black breastfeeding by helping make it visible. You never know when just seeing breastfeeding is all the encouragement someone needed to feel confident in their own breastfeeding journey.

Share your own story as a black mother and why this is important to you. If you’re not a black mother, share the stories of others and why this is important to you.  The more the information is out there, the more other mothers are reached and supported.

Do something through your own channels to show you are a black mom breastfeeding or that you support black breastfeeding such as one-a-day photo social media posts featuring black women breastfeeding (yourself or others).

Amplify the voices of black women sharing their stories, efforts to promote black breastfeeding, and taking steps for equity.

Attend Black Breastfeeding Week and black breastfeeding events in support- sometimes the biggest thing you can do is help make sure it is a full house.

Visit breastpowered.org, blackbreastfeedingweek.com, breastfeedingrose.org, and other organizations to find out how you can get involved and learn more.

Support an event even if you are not going in person by sharing and spreading word, donating, and volunteering.

Donate through BBW’s fundraiser to help events all across the USA through a $250 mini grant program run by Black Breastfeeding Week.

Photo Credit: Erin White

Larger Picture- Beyond One Week

Whatever your race, be a breastfeeding ally and ecstatic about those in your life breastfeeding! Be sure that anyone in your life that is breastfeeding knows for sure that you support them and you are not neutral. Not just as a one day/one week kind of thing but an all the time kind of thing.

Find your frontline- may be your work place, your family, your church, your social media, etc. and recognize where your power is and take a stand and put in the work wherever you are to be antiracism and fight for equity for all.

 

** Black breastfeeding week is about recognizing black women as humans and supporting black women in having all the basic opportunities and support that everyone should have. For more on why Black Breastfeeding was started, see here.

 

 

Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka, CNM, MSN, MSEd is a nurse-midwife and innovative culture worker leveraging digital media to impact health and parenting. Clinically, she cares for women across the life span in Washington, D.C. Anayah also writes, speaks and consults with organizations on using social media to deepen community building and leverage social change. Anayah is a co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week, co-editor of Free to Breastfeed: Voices from Black Mothers(Praeclarus Press), and consultant with MomsRising

 

 

Waetie Saana Cooper Burnette’s undergrad studies focused on anthropology and gender. These studies laid a unique foundation for her work with Breastpowered.org collaborating with families, recruitment, resource-building, and student support with innovative programming, grant writing, and attention to all families receiving equitable access to services. She is excited to focus on expanding the ways that the worlds of art, story-telling, and public health awareness can fuel our efforts to increase funding for lactation services for women of color. Waetie Sanaa co-facilitates the weekly breastfeeding group at Codman Square Health Center with Jenny Weaver, writes a blog for the Vital Village site Daily Milk, and is excited to work as a ROSE Community Transformer.

 

Dominique Bellegarde is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) who has worked with Women, Infant & Children (WIC) for more than 10 years as a peer counselor helping mothers meet their breastfeeding goals from home and hospital visits to supportive text messaging and video chats. Dominique teaches a Breastfeeding class every other week at Codman Square Health Center for pregnant women and their partners. She also co-facilitates the well-known Baby Cafe at Codman Square Health Center. With a degree in human services, Dominique is currently pursuing becoming an IBCLC.

 

 

Fortune Glasse Cotten is a mother, attorney, and breastfeeding advocate. Her own experience birthing and exclusively breastfeeding her son has led her on this journey seeking to support other mothers of color. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Fortune lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and son.

 

Baby Feeding and Finding Your Village- The Importance of Community In Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals

By Jessica Martin-Weber

This post made possible by the support of The Village from Ameda, Inc.

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The US Surgeon General identified lack of support as one of the primary reasons families don’t reach their breastfeeding goals. Be that support in education about breastfeeding, support in health care, support in dealing with breastfeeding difficulties, support in social settings, and support related to employment environment, lack of support directly impacts breastfeeding goals.

For over 6 years, The Leaky Boob has been supporting families in their baby feeding journeys and we’ve seen exactly the impact support can have on breastfeeding goals. Here’s what we’ve learned:

  • Support helps the breastfeeding parent be prepared.
  • Support helps the breastfeeding parent better advocate for themselves and their child.
  • Support helps the breastfeeding parent be informed.
  • Support helps the breastfeeding parent identify problems and know when and where to go for care.
  • Support helps the breastfeeding parent not feel alone.

That last point matters more than you might think. Breastfeeding can feel like such an isolating solo act, particularly in an unsupportive environment and support can go a long way in combating loneliness that some experience as part of their baby feeding journey.

When I had my first baby, my breastfeeding supportive mom (community!) encouraged me to try a breastfeeding support group when I was having pain initially. As I walked in I felt uncomfortable right away but decided to give it a try anyway but by the end I knew it wasn’t for me. In fact, I was more anxious after that experience but not necessarily because of breastfeeding but rather it was a group that attracted families that felt frighteningly “crunchy” to me at the time (no lie, I’d probably fit in great there now). Personality and value differences made it not a good fit for me and that is ok. Unfortunately, at the time breastfeeding support was not so wide-spread and I ended up very alone and isolated in feeding my baby. Aside from my very supportive husband, neither my health care providers nor my friends were supportive or experienced with breastfeeding. Thankfully, my own mother was and though we were separated by more than a thousand miles, she continued to offer encouragement, information, and support. Just having that one experienced voice, even when her experiences were vastly different from mine, helped me in reaching my breastfeeding goals. Even with the support of my partner and my mother I felt alone in feeding my baby but I am so grateful for their support because I can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been without them. Not every support community is right for every individual, even when they’re shared experience and common interest based communities. Which is why there is a wide variety of options and increasingly so. Different people are going to have different needs and ways they experience community.

Ameda cobranded 2017

To find a community that is right for you

Determine what you need. Just looking for clinical facts and information? Find encouragement being able to ask anything and everything? Inspired by hearing the stories of others? Love seeing images of baby feeding? Enjoy connecting in the day to day? Want it to be only about baby feeding? Need focused connection on a specific feeding related experience? Value feeding as what brings you together but want to share about anything and everything else? Figure out what works for you personally and look for options that fit your needs and personality.

Clarify your values. Is there certain language that you want to avoid? Is there a controversial topic that you have a strong position on that is a non-negotiable for you? Identify your personal values and have a clear understanding of them for yourself.

Recognize what you have to offer. Community isn’t just about getting the support you need, community works when everyone gives and receives. You have something to offer in supporting others, even if you don’t feel like it, your story matters and sharing it can make a difference for others.

Ask around. Breastfeeding rates continue to rise (2007 initiation rates were around 70%, in 2014 they were nearly 80%) so more and more people have at least some experience with breastfeeding. If you know someone that has had a baby, ask them where they found breastfeeding support, you’re likely to have better results than with just a google search.

Eventually I figured out what I needed in community, particularly in a baby feeding support community. A judgment-free atmosphere that supports people over methodology, embraces the wide diversity of feeding modalities and tools (exclusively from the breast, pumping, bottle-feeding, combo formula feeding, formula feeding, etc.), promotes information, and has an emphasis on the relational sharing of baby feeding experiences with the good, the bad, the ugly, and the funny was what I needed which is reflected in The Leaky Boob and the communities we partner with, such as this one.

Once we know that community makes a difference in reaching breastfeeding goals and in supporting parents in finding their confidence, it only makes sense that we would work to be community ourselves, supporting and encouraging each other along the way. It takes a village, after all, together, we are the village.

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JMW headshot

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, and creator and author of the children’s book and community of What Love Tastes Like, supporter of A Girl With A View, and co-founder of Milk: An Infant Feeding Conference. She co-parents her 6 daughters with her husband of 19 years and is currently writing her first creative non-fiction book.

How Lubrication Can Improve Breastmilk Pumping

by Kristine Phillips Keller

This post made possible by the support of Ameda

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I learned the answer to this question the hard way with my oldest son. I was not much of a reader but breastfed because both of my sisters did the breastfeeding thing. If they could do it, so could I. However, in hindsight, I pretty much did everything wrong that I could have done. I wanted a nursery (I needed sleep, right?), I wanted pacifiers (he can’t just suck on me or I won’t get any sleep) and I wanted bottles (dads need to help too, right?). I thought, surely I can make all of this work. Boy was I wrong!

Not only did I go into it uneducated, I also have flat nipples. I honestly thought they were broken as they never became fully erect prior to years of nursing/pumping. I also have really naturally dry skin. Early on, I had damage but didn’t realize how bad it was until it was visible, right at Stage III damage (which means skin is literally gone). I was in such pain that I would cry when my boys would cry because I knew what was coming. I would fear nursing them because of the toe curling pain that it took to get them latched on. For the most part, after a minute or two it became bearable. Other times, the entire feeding was excruciatingly painful for me.

At six weeks with my first, I gave into pumping full time. I asked for help from family repeatedly to try and figure out what I was doing wrong and what I could do to correct the latch. No one seemed to be able to offer me the advice that I needed to make direct breastfeeding work and I just didn’t have it in me to bear that kind of pain any more. However, I still wanted to give them my milk…so I continued on with pumping & still continued to have cracked, bloody nipples until a good 10-11 months of pumping.

Around that same time, I was talking with my sister about all of the bloody milk that I was dumping because, even though I was no longer nursing, I still had pretty bad damage on both of my nipples. I just thought that’s how it was going to be for me. She then asked me if I was lubricating before I pumped. My response to her was, “Isn’t that what you do when you have sex?” She laughed & then said yes but that the pump shields were dry. Babies have moisture in their mouth for lubrication but there is no moisture on the pump shield prior to pumping.

I mean, would you ever expect to drive a car with NO lubrication and have things go well? ABSOLUTELY NOT! There must be lubrication to prevent friction… and to prevent damage. After all, isn’t that what our healthcare is supposed to be about these days, preventative care? Well, let me tell you…the difference was night and day. I went from having constantly damaged, bloody nipples to pain free/damage free nipples overnight. It was such a relief to know that there was something I could do to prevent this pain and discomfort.

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I started working for WIC 2.5 years ago as a peer counselor and have since applied theory to moms that come to me with damaged or sore nipples. If you lubricate before you latch, you lessen the probability of damage happening from the initial suck (regardless of whether it’s baby or the pump). That lubrication gives both something to slide against instead of that reverse pressure working against dry skin.

I’ve asked numerous breastfeeding professionals and no one seemed to know of any literature that puts emphasis on “lubricating BEFORE nursing or BEFORE pumping”. The only reference that I’ve seen is to use breast milk on sore nipples AFTER nursing. If it works after, why not try it before?

Lubricant suggestions: (you may need to try a few different ones to decide which is most comfortable for you.)

  • Your breastmilk
  • Nipple cream/ointment (suggest vegan and edible, rather than animal based)
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Almond oil
  • Infant massage oil
  • Avoid synthetics such as traditional baby oil

Some moms have found that regularly lubricating their breasts and pump horns before pumping greatly reduces the amount of discomfort they experience which in turn helps them let down easier and respond better to the pump.  There’s no need for pumping to be a painful or uncomfortable experience, experiment with different lubricant options to find what works best for you.  I hope this simple tip helps you in your breastfeeding and pumping journey as it has helped me.  How about we pass along this little known tip and prevent the damage in the first place?

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What pumping tips do you have to share to help other moms?

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Kristine Thanks to her sister, Kristine breastfed/exclusively pumped for her two boys now 3.5 and 8 years old, she pretty much did everything wrong when it came to breastfeeding but managed to get the pumping thing right (after a while).  After experiencing discrimination she contacted WIC about becoming a breastfeeding peer counselor and begin training to become an IBCLC. She sits for the IBCLC exam this summer and looks forward to continuing to help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.

New Mom Care Ameda Pump and More

Ameda Giveaway for New Moms!

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump, Hydrogels, Eat at Moms shirt

Purely Yours Ameda Breast Pump:  This great breast pump is portable and lightweight, making it convenient to transport and includes a CarryAll tote.

New Mom Care Package including a bra/cami, t-shirt, Store’N Pour, Breast pads and Hydrogel. 

Bra/Cami: The Ameda Intimates™ Nursing Camisoles are designed with nursing moms in mind by adapting to your changing breast size! Perfect for use as your breasts transform and while breastfeeding provides comfort and support. As a nursing mom your breast size can vary as your milk fills and your baby feeds. The flexible fabric comfortably supports you during these changes.

T-Shirt: An Ameda “Eat@Moms” T-Shirt

Store’N Pour: The Store‘N Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags feature everything a mother could want:

  •  Easy-close zip seal so bags won’t leak
  • Unique tear-and-pour spout helps prevent spills during milk transfer
  • Gusseted bottom allows filled bag to stand on its own
  • No more sticky tape or twist ties—unique flange adapters easily attach to pump kits and channel milk flow below the zip seal to prevent milk loss
  • Freezer safe
  • Without BPA and DEHP

The Ameda NoShow Premium Disposable Nursing Pads offer the features breastfeeding mothers prize most: Greatest absorbency and has a unique triangular shape that fits neatly and stays inside most any bra style.

Hydrogel Pads:For breastfeeding mothers with nipple discomfort, ComfortGel Extended-Use Hydrogel pads provides relief from soreness by soothing, cooling, and protecting nipples. 

Total Retail Value: $260

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To enter to win this giveaway, use the widget below.

A couple of reminders before you go crazy with the widget:

  1. Please don’t cheat, we’re daring to trust that you’ll participate in the giveaway in a way that makes it fair for everyone, thank you.

  2. This giveaway is available to Leakies in the USA only, sorry for our international followers. Please understand, it is not intentional but due to shipping costs, customs, and safety regulations concerning different products and not all the items included in our giveaway are permitted in all countries. Thank you for understanding.

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Receiving Breastfeeding and Pumping Support Online and Over the Phone

by Linda Zager

600x200 Banner Ameda

In today’s busy world moms cannot always find time to meet with a lactation professional in-person when support is needed. These professionals can be far away, only have office hours at limited times and let’s be honest, when you have a newborn it can be near impossible to even get dressed let alone making it out of the house. But there is hope! Breastfeeding moms can receive support by reaching out by phone and speaking with a Lactation Consultant, nurse or a member of the breastfeeding community regarding breastfeeding or pumping concerns. Phone triage is a first step to resolving some breastfeeding issues. Mom’s face frustration caused by inconsistent information about breastfeeding and often, the unique personality of the baby is not taken into consideration.

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Families can experience stress once they bring their baby home from the hospital. There may be questions surrounding breastfeeding and learning to “read” the newest addition to their family.  A phone conversation can dispel common myths. Offering a small amount of education and lending an empathetic ear goes a long way. By listening carefully, a lactation professional will be capable of addressing some issues by phone. Offering mom different ideas of how to resolve simple issues can also empower moms! Follow up is often necessary to assess if the advice resolved the issue.  The lactation professional may detect a more complicated issue that cannot be addressed over the phone, and in that case, the mom will be referred to a skilled Lactation Specialist for an in-person assessment.

The challenge for those who are providing support to breastfeeding women over the phone will be to distinguish between the mothers and babies whose situations are uncomplicated and those who will need the special assistance of a skilled International Board Certified Lactation Consultant(IBCLC). Proper assessment of the breastfeeding process requires an understanding of how the anatomy, physiology and psychology of how the mom and infant interact during lactation. Conducting a thorough history of the breastfeeding woman’s pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum period can shed light on any complications that could affect breastfeeding.

 

Pumping moms can seek advice over the phone to resolve problems they are experiencing with breast pumping. All Moms are unique and may have different experiences when using a breast pump. Not all breast pumps are made to operate in the same manner and one type of breast pump can work very well for one woman and poorly for another. Therefore the person offering advice on pumping by phone requires education on various types of breast pumps, which pump is best for the reason mom is using it, basics of pumping and suggestions to help stimulate a milk letdown. Moms need to be directed to READ the instruction manual of their breast pump and not assume it works like her friends or the one she used 3 years ago. Mom needs to be patient with her body as it adapts to a breast pump to express her milk. The first few pumping sessions should be looked at as practice. Pumping is very different than nursing a baby and a body needs to adapt to this difference. Pumping should never be a painful experience. If a mom is stating pumping is painful, factors such as flange size, suction pressure and pumping technique must be reviewed with her.

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At Ameda, we have ParentCare Specialists available that are knowledgeable in the basics of pumping and how the Ameda breast pump functions. The representatives are responsible for thorough troubleshooting of the Ameda breast pump if an issue occurs so the mom has a positive pumping experience. If a ParentCare Specialist cannot resolve the issue, the mom’s case file is escalated to one of our IBCLC’s for assistance. And that is where I come in, I am a RN and IBCLC. I assist moms with both breastfeeding and pumping issues using phone triage to find a resolution to an issue. A mom who finds breastfeeding support during her motherhood journey can reach her goal of feeding her baby breast milk – a truly special gift.

 

Linda, IBCLC2 smallerLinda Zager, RN, IBCLC
I’ve been an RN for 37 years, working in various hospital positions from Intensive Care to Hemodialysis/Plasmapheresis, Maternal Child Care and finally Lactation Consulting, my true calling in life. I have been an IBCLC for 23 years working with moms/babies in their homes and in the hospital. I left hospital work and now work as Ameda, Inc.’s Nurse Clinician/Lactation Consultant in the ParentCare division. I speak with mothers all over the country when they require resolution to breastfeeding/pumping issues.

World Breastfeeding Month Wrap Up!

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

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

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

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World Breastfeeding Bundle #1

Bundle #1 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% spandex

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

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

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

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

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

Total Retail Value: $1118.91

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World Breastfeeding Bundle #2

Bundle #2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% spandex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Retail Value: $1022.91

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World Breastfeeding Bundle #3

Bundle 3 revised

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% spandex

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

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

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

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

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

Total Retail Value: $874.92 

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

This giveaway is open to participants in the USA.

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Leaky Boob Looks With Ameda- Boob Out Fashion for Breastfeeding Moms

by Kileah McIlvain
this post made possible by the generous sponsorship of Ameda.

Welcome to our all NEW feature:   Leaky Boob Looks

Every Wednesday, we will be featuring awesome fashions for the Leaky mom. YOU!

 Real life. Real options. Options that work for your lifestyle. 

Because you’ve got to be able to get a boob out.

I don’t know about you, but I love feeling put together without feeling like I have to use all of my remaining brain cells to pull it all together.  Why not share the awesome?

So-we’re here to share some of our ideas with you!

Moms who work, moms at home, moms on the go. Moms in between, moms rocking their awesome.

YOU!

Stuck? Want to break out of the mold and try something new that can help you rock your awesome? Here are some looks we’ve created just for YOU featuring some of our favorite products to inspire YOU to rock your own Leaky Looks!

 

Leaky Looks 1: Retro Mama

 

Ameda nursing tank, Eat@Moms shirt, Tom's High Heel Shoes, Vintage Honey Nursing Necklace, Luv My Bag

 

 

Leaky Looks 2: Babywearing Mom On The Go

On the Go Mom babywearing breastfeeding fashion, Annee Matthews keyhole tunic breastfeeding top, Ergo 360, Jujubee diaper bag

Leaky Looks 3: From Office to Mom’s Night Out

Working mom date night breastfeeding babywearing friendly fashion Sakura Bloom ring sling, Luv My Bag, Vintage Honey nursing necklace, The Dairy Fairy Arden nursing and pumping bra

Leaky Looks 1: Retro Mama 

This look features Ameda’s retro-themed crew neck t-shirt and nursing tank!  The greatest feature of this look? That the Ameda nursing tank makes ANY shirt (even a “non-nursing” shirt) breastfeeding-friendly! Pair this with a nursing/teething necklace from The Vintage Honey Shop and the Skooch Urban Messenger diaper bag from Luv My Bag (maybe even a pinup bandana!), pair it all with your favorite jeans (maternity jeans are the best!), and you’ve got yourself some serious rockabilly cute going on that will still let you chase after your toddler.

Leaky Looks 2: Babywearing Mom On The Go

This lightly-layered Leaky Look features the Keyhole Tunic from A Mother’s Boutique, the Ju-Ju-Be Be All diaper bag from Luv My Bag (major bag envy going on over here), and the Four Position 360° from Ergobaby.  The Keyhole Tunic is fantastic (and so kind!) for the post-birth mom and the extra-long bodice with hugging bottom panel lays so well over leggings or skinny jeans (or your maternity trousers!). For a review of this piece,  read here. The Ergo 360° is easily versatile with 4 positions to carry your little squish and easily adjusts to nurse or feed while out and about.  And. The diaper bag, you guys. sighs of bag love We paired a thin patterned scarf, a light cardigan for unpredictable spring weather, and a chic black ballet flat to complete the look. Easy, comfy, fabulous!

Leaky Looks 3: From Office to Mom’s Night Out

We created this classy set to highlight how easy it can be to pump in style while at the office or out on the town! We paired a gorgeous chambray shirtdress (buttons are magic!) with the all-in-one and handsfree-pumping Arden Bra from The Dairy Fairy.  We found the Halsea Weekend Bag (that can hold ALL OF THE THINGS, including your pump gear!) from Luv My Bag, added some edgy leather moto leggings, and comfortable red hot pointed flats. A look you can easily transition  from office to night out in effortless and comfortable style.

 ***

Want to show us YOUR leaky looks? Create your own Leaky Looks and post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and TAG us using

#LBLWednesdays       #FashionOn

We’d love to feature YOUR leaky fashion on Leaky Boob Looks!

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Get started on today’s Leaky Looks by winning this bundle from Ameda:

Eat@Moms T-Shirt: $15

Bra/Cami: $29.99

Store’N Pour 50ct plus adapters: $12.99

Cool’N Carry: $29.99

HydroGels: $16.99

Hand Pump: $46.99

Use the widget below to enter, this giveaway is open to EVERYONE but you only have 24 hours so hurry!

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It’s TLB’s 5th Birthday! Time to Party Like a Leaky Part 2!

 The Leaky Boob is turning 5 years old and we’re celebrating ALL MONTH LONG! To celebrate we’re collecting and sharing your stories along with collecting some of our favorite maternity, breastfeeding, and baby products to give as gifts to YOU Leakies. Each week our celebration includes a different birthday bash bundle of prizes from our favorite brands, presents for Leakies. AND we’re growing! Some of us aren’t breastfeeding or bottle-feeding any more (and you thought it was going to last forever) but you’re still a part of our community and you’re still nourishing and loving your family so we’ve grown to expand two more communities where we can talk about our highs and lows of that journey in a safe, judgment-free environment. Over on BeyondMoi.com we talk a lot about, well, everything, specially about parenting and relationships. OurStableTable.com invites everyone to find a seat at the table embracing that sometimes there’s a little wobble in one of our legs, making room for allergies, and creatively nourishing our whole selves with recipes and a lot of honest conversation. Our family is growing and we’re happy to share it with you!


Let’s party like a Leaky this month and #TLBsupportForward!

Bundle #2

Here is what’s included in TLB’s Birthday Bash Bundle #2:

Tula Baby Carriers: Ring Sling – Retail Value: $135
Tula Carriers, Ring Slings, and Wraps, known for comfort, quality, and style, are the top choice in handmade ergonomic baby carriers to be used from birth through toddlerhood and beyond.

GladRagsCloth Pad Sampler Kit – Retail Value: $95
An excellent start to any cloth pad user’s collection available in a variety of fun and colorful styles. The Pad Sampler Kit contains 3 GladRags Day Pads, 3 GladRags Pantyliners, 1 GladRags Night Pad, 1 GladRags Carry Bag, 1 Mesh Laundry Bag. New to cloth pads? The Cloth Pad Sampler Kit is a great place to start! For most women, this kit contains enough pads to cover you for part of your cycle. You’ll get to try our Day Pads, Pantyliners, and Night Pads and discover which ones are the best fit for your body and your flow. Tote them on the go in your Carry Bag, and make sure nothing gets lost in the wash with the Mesh Laundry Bag!

Bamboobiesa Multi-pack Bamboobies Nursing Pads (3 Pairs Regular + 1 Pair Overnight), Boob♥ease 100% Organic Nipple Balm and our Bamboobies Chic Nursing Shawl – Retail Value: $68

Snugabell Mom & Baby GearPumpEase – Retail Value: $38
PumpEase is the only hands-free pumping bra that’s as stylish as it is functional. Free up both hands while you pump!

Baby K’tan, LLC: ACTIVE Baby Carrier – Retail Value: $60
The Baby K’tan ACTIVE Baby Carrier is an innovative “ready to wear” wrap. Made of hi-tech performance fabric, it provides a unique temperature control, wicks away moisture, and blocks over 90% of UVA and UVB rays. The carrier’s unique double-loop design functions as an all-in-one sling, wrap and baby carrier, yet does not require any wrapping or buckling. Simply slip it on like a t-shirt! The Baby K’tan is sized like clothing for the perfect fit (XS, S, M, L, XL) and offers multiple positions from 8-35 lb. Chemical free, azo dye free. No hardware, plastic or metal.

Naked Nursing Tank: Nursing Tank – Retail Value: $40
100% Canadian made Luxury Bamboo Naked Nursing Tank – A midsection cover-up for breastfeeding moms worn underneath regular wardrobe. Allows moms to lift their shirt to nurse their babies while their midriff stays covered at the same time. The Naked Tank is the only nursing tank on the market that can be worn with any bra, and fits every body type (sizes XS – 5X), turning every shirt into a nursing shirt -saving Mom’s money!!

Momzelle Breastfeeding Apparel: Momzelle Gift Card – Retail Value: $50 USD
Shop our online store for the nursing top of your choice. We have a full line of stylish and practical clothes all designed with easy to use nursing openings. From nursing tanks and tees to beautiful nursing dresses, breastfeed your baby anywhere and everywhere with comfort and ease.

A Mother’s BoutiqueVirtual Bra Fitting(R) – Retail Value: $25
Most Moms don’t know what size bra they should be wearing. Our service helps them to figure it out and make recommendations for bras that will meet their needs. It also includes a $25 discount toward one bra of their choice.

Ameda: Store’N Pour Breastmilk Storage Bags – Retail Value :$13
The Store‘N Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags feature everything a mother could want including easy-close zip seal so bags won’t leak, unique tear-and-pour spout helps prevent spills during milk transfer and a gusseted bottom allows filled bag to stand on its own. 50 bags plus 2 adapters.

Bonus from Ameda: Eat@Mom’s T-Shirt! – Retail Value: $15
All proceeds from the sale of the shirt go to Mother & Child Health Coalition in St Louis.

Total Value of this bundle: $539

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 7, 2015 through April 15, 2015.  A big thanks to all of the sponsors of this birthday giveaway bundle for their support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to take a moment to thank them on their Facebook pages for their show of support!

This giveaway bundle is for U.S. and Canada Residents only. That’s right, Canadian Leakies: This giveaway is for you too! 🙂

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