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Wild Mother Arts Holiday Giveaway

November 20, 2012 by
As a mother of three and as a doula & breastfeeding counsellor, Jacquelyn has a special understanding and love for pregnancy, birth, babies and breastfeeding.  Her jewelry shop, Wild Mother Arts, is the result of over 12 years of passion for birth combined with a love of making jewelry.  One of The Leaky Boob’s early sponsors, Jacquelyn happily shares some inspiring thoughts about her business, her passion, and her personal breastfeeding journey, and she is offering a Holiday-inspired giveaway to The Leaky Boob community.  Read on to find out more!

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about you Wild Mother Arts?

Jacquelyn:  My name is Jacquelyn and I’m a mama of three, a doula & breastfeeding counselor, a jewelry artisan, and my life’s work is supporting, honoring & celebrating the sacred journey of motherhood. I make fertility and birth jewelry and nursing necklaces with semi-precious gemstones and I love what I do, especially as it allows me to be a WAHM.

TLB:  What is the significance of your company name?  What’s the story behind it?

Jacquelyn:  I’ve always loved the LLL book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, which is built on the idea that pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are all Wild Mother Arts! Eventually I plan on expanding my business to include other things, and I wanted a name that could be expressive of what I do now and beyond.

TLB:  Where do you find inspiration for your craft?

Jacquelyn:  I find inspiration every time I read a birth story, chat with a pregnant mama, see a mother nursing their child and even just talking to my girlfriends. I love to make meaningful (and many times – practical) jewelry that celebrates the different phases of women’s lives.

TLB:  How is your family involved in your business? How do you juggle it all?

Jacquelyn:  My whole family helps support me. My youngest often names new necklaces, my older two pick up more chores around the house during busier times and help take care of their little brother. My husband assists with shipping, and right now he’s making a lot of our meals and doing most of the laundry, too – this is our very busy season. I’m not sure if I juggle it all! I try and prioritize, figure out what absolutely needs to be done first, and work down the checklist. When I have a spare few minutes, I try and get to something on the list. As well, my crock pot gets almost daily use, and podcasts are a jewelry-maker’s best friend!

TLB:  I know you share regular birth and breastfeeding affirmations on your Facebook page, which 3 have the most significance for you personally and why?

Jacquelyn:  Affirmations are special to me – I’ve used them for as long as I can remember, and I believe that positive self-talk is really valuable. Write them down, put them where you see them everyday, and say them daily.

“I remember to enjoy this phase of motherhood.”

This is the one affirmation I use on a daily basis! Though my pregnancy and breastfeeding days are now behind me, and I still miss them, there is always another tidbit of mothering joy just a minute or two away.

“I trust my inner voice; she is a worthy ally.”

I believe that we need to embrace our intuition and trust our instincts more and more in an ever-increasing technological world. Some things just can’t be replicated – not breastmilk, nor our intuition.

“My milk has no expiry date.”

My children each nursed well past toddlerhood, and I fully support full-term breastfeeding and child-led weaning. But it was hard with my first when family and friends kept asking when I was going to wean. So I’d answer, “My milk has no expiry date.” By our third, no one asked anymore.

Jacquelyn is giving away four different prizes to four lucky Leakies (one per winner).  The prizes are:

1) A $50 Gift Certificate to the Wild Mother Arts Etsy shop – choose your favorites for gifts or for yourself.  Retail value $50.00

2) Angel Pregnancy & Nursing Necklace – a guardian angel to watch over your pregnancy & birth, this sweet necklace is carved from turquoise howlite and can later be used as a nursing necklace.  Retail value $24.00

3) Gingerbread Nursing Necklace – with all the richness of gingerbread, this nursing necklace is made with a  large picasso jasper & pyrite composite donut with a copper accent.  Retail value $22.00

4) Sugar Plum Nursing Necklace – a holiday favorite! Beautiful purple grass flower jasper is mixed with shiny pyrite and a touch of silver – perfect for nursing your little sugarplum.  Retail value $22.00

Currently Leakies can find these and other jewelry celebrating fertility, birth and motherhood in the Wild Mother Arts Etsy shop.  Also, go check out the Wild Mother Arts blog, where Jacquie shares daily birth affirmations, fertility & pregnancy affirmations, quotes, ideas & activities for celebrating childbearing & early parenting.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from November 20, 2012 through November 27, 2012.  A big thanks to Jacquelyn and Wild Mother Arts for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@wildmotherarts on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries.

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Special Black Friday/Cyber Monday announcement

Jacquelyn will be having a 12 Days of Holiday Specials from November 23 – December 4th, and the first four days (Black Friday through Cyber Monday) will be buy any two items, and get a nursing necklace for free! For all the details, see the announcement in her shop. 

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Snugabell Triple Prize Giveaway: Pumping, Style, and Care

July 7, 2012 by
Drawing from her own personal experience as a pumping mom, PumpEase™ and Snugabell creator/owner Wendy Bell has developed a product and company that offers quality support to pumping moms and now has a new line of maternity/nursing wear, the Toni Top line.  She brings together quality products that combine ingenuity with quality and fashion.  Along with a beautiful giveaway opportunity for Leakies, Wendy answers a few questions, sharing her passion, mothering wisdom, and her favorite pumping while traveling tip.  I’m so grateful for the support of PumpEase™ for TLB and all Leakies and hope you enjoy the interview and giveaway.

TLB:  What was the inspiration behind the name of your company and your products?

Wendy:  The name Snugabell comes from our last name (Bell) and the fact that our girls – Antonia and Michaela – used to ask for “snugs” when they were little, rather than “hugs”.  Actually, come to think of it, they still do!  The Toni Top is named after our daughter Antonia (Toni for short) and PumpEase is a made-up name that we came up with via focus groups and surveys.
TLB:  Where have you breastfed or pumped while traveling?
Wendy:  I am very inspired by moms that take their pumps “on the road”.  Although Snugabell didn’t officially start until my youngest was almost one, I’ve been a freelance patternmaker for over 13 years now so was always “working” even when my babies were tiny.  As a result, we didn’t travel much in those early years and thus most, if not all of my pumping was done at home.  As for breastfeeding – I did it everywhere:  at family’s homes, the mall, friends’ houses, wherever I was when my baby was hungry.
TLB:  What is your favorite travel/vacation tip for breastfeeding/pumping moms?
Wendy:  Bring extra parts for your breastpump:  membranes, flanges/tubes (in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost), extra batteries and a plug adapter if you are traveling overseas.

 

 

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Wendy is giving away 3 fabulous prize packs:

Pumping Pretty Prize pack:  PumpEase in size and print of winner’s choice and Nursing Mother Goddess Necklace.  $63.00 USD
Breastfeeding in Style Prize pack:  Toni top 3/4-Sleeve Top in size and colour of winner’s choice and Breastfeeding With Comfort and Joy by Laura Keegan.  $101.00 USD
Soothing Care Prize pack:  Bamboobies Value Pack and Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter.  $57.00 USD

Currently Leakies can find these and other great products on the Snugabell website.

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 Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered and have fun browsing snugabell.com.  The giveaway is open from July 7, 2012 to July 15, 2012.  A big thanks to Wendy for her ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit their Facebook page or follow them on twitter (PumpEase on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Kangaroo Care teething ring and mommy necklace giveaway

July 3, 2012 by
New TLB sponsor Kangaroo Care is offering a lovely giveaway of a teething ring and necklace for mom.  Beautiful and original pieces for mom and baby, Kangaroo Care has something for everyone.  Varja, the mom behind Kangaroo Care, took the time to answer some questions about her company and share her favorite breastfeeding tip.  This experienced breastfeeding mom of 2 opens up about her inspiration and breastfeeding experience, supporting Leakies, and giving one lucky reader two of her lovely handmade items.

Varja and her children

 

TLB:  How did Kangaroo Care come to be, what was your inspiration?

Varja:  I started making breastfeeding & babywearing necklaces when my daughter was born in August 2008, but the idea to create KangarooCare brand and shop came only 2 years later, when I was pregnant with my son. My kids are my endless inspiration!

 

TLB:  Where are you located?

Varja:  I am located in a very “exotic” and very tiny country called Estonia, which is not Russia! 🙂 It’s an independent country and a part of the European Union.

 

TLB:  How are your products made and from what materials?

Varja:  I am using ONLY natural materials for making everything you see in my shop – apple and juniper wood beads, cotton yarn, 100% silk for the cords, etc. The beads that I use were made here in Estonia specially for KangarooCare and you won’t find products made out of these beads anywhere else!

 

TLB:  Does your family help with your company at all?

Varja:  Our family always tries to help everyone who needs help.

 

TLB:  Did you breastfeed your children and if so, for how long?

Varja:  Simona will soon be 4 years old and Jakob is 1 year and 8 months old, and I still breastfeed them both.

 

TLB:  What’s your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Varja:  Hot tea, sweet cake or a bar of chocolate, a comfortable chair and a bunch of pillows always help to normalize breastfeeding at the beginning!

 

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Varja is giving away a Kangaroo Care wood and crochet bead rainbow teething ring and winner’s choice of any 1 necklace.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered and have fun browsing Kangaroo Care’s site.  The giveaway is open from July 3, 2012 to July 10, 2012.  A big thanks to Varja for her support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, be sure to visit their Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Mother’s Day Wishes- Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy Nursing Necklace giveaway

May 10, 2012 by
Want something pretty for mommy?  Need something to help your distracted little one at the breast?  Take care of both with a beautiful, handmade nursing necklace.  Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy, a TLB sponsor (and fellow Leaky) has a whole shop full of such creations.  Jeemaa, the Leaky behind the shop, is offering up two of her hand crafted necklaces and a Mother’s Day wish for all moms.  I had the chance to interview Jeemaa and am excited to share more about this woman that I’ve come to know as beautiful both inside and out and her craftsmanship (I have 5 of her necklaces and they are all among my favorite pieces to wear) to be stunning quality.

Jeemaa with her son Zachary

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy?

Jeemaa:  My name is Jeemaa and I am a stay at home mom to a busy two year old boy. All my nursing and teething ring necklaces are hand-made by me. My goal is to create unique, natural and beautiful pieces that can be enjoyed by both mommy and baby.

 

TLB:  How did Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy come to be?

Jeemaa:  I have always enjoyed beading and mostly made bridal jewelry and nature inspired whimsical jewelry in the past. My mama necklace idea started with one of my best friend’s custom necklace request and my own experience with my baby boy. When my son was about four months old, my friend asked me to make a nursing necklace for her. I got some pretty beads with different shapes and textures and made one for her and one for myself. I wanted the necklace to be durable and functional – interesting enough to grab babies’ attention but pretty enough that it can be worn as everyday jewelry. My friend loved it and so did my son! He used to get very easily distracted during nursing, especially in public. And with the necklace he was more focused. He loved the natural donut stone and really enjoyed exploring the beads. He fiddled with it while I waited in a checkout line or changed his diaper. He tugged on it instead of pulling my hair. I was so excited that I posted the necklace pictures on Facebook and it didn’t take long before another mommy wanted one.

 

TLB:  What was your favorite mother’s day present to receive?

Jeemaa:  I love opening a card from my husband! He is a man of a few words but always says the sweetest things. And of course, the cards with my son’s cute scribbled notes that I adore! They are without a doubt the best presents! I also love herb plants even if they seem to get eaten by rabbits every year!

 

TLB:  What do you wish for all mothers this mother’s day?

Jeemaa:  Mamas, I wish you all to have the most wonderful Mother’s Day! Life can get so hectic at times and it is hard to find time to just relax. Busy or not so busy, I wish you all a day pampered with the love of your families and kiddos!

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Jeemaa has made 2 beautiful necklaces she’s giving away.

Necklace 1: http://www.etsy.com/listing/87486307/hip-mama-nursing-necklace-with-orange

Value: $14.50 US; Free shipping USA and Canada; International shipping fee will be paid by the winner.

The lovely 35 mm Orange Magnesite pendant is complimented by vibrant Fire Agate, dark green Russian Serpentine and green Dragon Vein Agate beads. The beads are secured by knots, and will not spill if they break. The small wooden bead is finished with Certified Organic Flaxseed oil and is movable. Your necklace will come packaged beautifully.

 

Necklace 2: http://www.etsy.com/listing/78309667/happy-baby-all-wood-nursing-teething

Value: $ 11.50 US; Free shipping USA and Canada; International shipping fee will be paid by the winner.

This all natural maple ring measures 2 1/2 inches. The textured wooden bead is about 3/4 inch. The teething ring and the wooden beads are all finished with Certified Organic Flaxseed oil. It is safe for your little one to chomp on while you are wearing it. The necklace is adjustable up to 28 inches with a Sliding Knot.

I create my jewelry in my loving home with baby’s laughter, fun music and family conversations, so when you receive your necklace, it will be infused with love and happiness. Wear it when nursing, wear it short or long. Your necklace will come packaged beautifully.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered and be sure to visit Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy in My lil’ Market to see more of Jeemaa’s work and get to know this company that makes it a priority to support breastfeeding moms through their sponsorship of TLB.  This giveaway is open from May 10, 2012 through May 17, 2012.  Jeemaa has offered incredible support of TLB and all breastfeeding women, please be sure to visit the Mommy Jewelry Sturdy and Purdy Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is open to international entries though international entrants may be required to pay shipping.

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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.

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