Best for Babes

Did you think we were only going to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week?  Of course not!  In many countries around the globe, breasfeeding is celebrated during the whole month of August, and sometimes September too, and other odd weeks here and there.   We say, let’s celebrate them all!  Our Mom-Made Wonderfood is truly worthy of celebration, every day.  Whether it comes straight from the tap, the bottle, or via a human milk bank, its a superpower that fights  diseases in mom and baby, and helps to clean up the planet - all in a single bound.  Even Clark Kent would be jealous.

We’ve seen a lot of breastfeeding companies doing giveaways and promotions this last week—and in tough economic times, a freebie or a discount is a good thing!   But how many of those companies are truly investing in changing our breastfeeding culture and beating the booby traps?   When only 3% of hospitals are designated baby-friendly; when too few doctors are  educated on the basics of lactation management; when women can are still being harrassed, and even abused, for breastfeeding in public; and when ours is one of the only industrialized countries without paid maternity leave—and the list goes on—moms need more than a coupon or some helpful information on a website.  Building the “mother of all causes” takes some serious cash.

That is why we are extremely pleased to present  the “Ultimate Giveaway that Gives Back” that not only celebrates breastfeeding but also showcases some wonderful companies that are going above and beyond to help moms and babies.  Everyone of the sponsors represented in the baskets below is committed to working with Best for Babes to change the breastfeeding landscape for our sisters, our friends, and our daughters, and really for all of us, because when moms are no longer prevented from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals, everyone benefits.   These companies also happen to make some of the best products on the market, because while all you really need to breastfeed is at least one boob and a baby, there are a lot of things that can make breastfeeding more comfortable, appealing and convenient.  After all, if some cute workout gear can motivate you to go to the gym, then certainly a sexy nursing top can boost your confidence, make you feel fabulous, and empower you reach your breastfeeding goal!   We say, whatever works for you, babe!

How to Win: Here’s the special twist on our giveaway. In the spirit of giving back, we are asking you to nominate someone else for the gift basket, someone whom you really think could benefit from this extravaganza:  for example, a mom who really wants  to breastfeeding but can’t afford a top-quality breastpump to go back to work, or for whom babywearing (and the multi-tasking that goes with it) would make a world of difference.   First, leave a comment describing the person you would like to see win basket (1-Expecting Mom) or basket (2-Working Mom) below, and then, make sure you “Like” our facebook page.   At the end of the month, everybody will vote on the nominations, and we will check and make sure that the winner is legit before shipping the gift baskets in beginning of September.   The generous-minded person who nominates the winner will get a lovely gift too-A Belabumbum Lily Sleepwear set (see the Expecting Babe Basket) and a Best for Babes T-shirt!!   Total value of the giveaway is a mind-blowing $1,500 smackeroos.

#1. Ultimate Best for Babes Giveaway Basket for the Expecting Babe

• My Brest Friend Deluxe Breastfeeding Pillow has a wrap-around design with a silent, quick-release strap, back support and a firm, flat cushion that keeps baby from rolling and promotes the optimum latch; with soft, washable cover.
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Breastfeeding Support Kit includes Milkmaid Tea to support healthy breast milk production, lanolin-free nipple cream to prevent or heal sore, cracked nipples, gel- and toxin-free breast packs ease breasts sore from engorgement or mastitis, and organic, herbal breast compresses provide extra nipple and engorgement care.
• Evenflo Comfort Select Performance™ Dual Breastpump with autocycling vacuum is newly improved and perfect for occasional pumping; it runs on batteries or can be plugged in for traveling convenience.   Two pumps can used simultaneously for greater efficiency, or leave a spare where you are likely to need it, comes in carry case.
• Posh Pads are ultra fashionable, reusable, earth-friendly organic cotton and bamboo nursing pads that are so gorgeous, you can use them as coasters when you are done nursing.   In outrageous colors and patterns to suit every bra and boob.
• Moby Wrap Custom Best for Babes Carrier is made of the softest of cotton fabrics, is extremely comfortable, and is one of the safest baby carriers available today. It distributes weight evenly from parent’s shoulders to hips and aligns baby’s center of gravity as close to the parent’s body as possible.  Svelte black with the signature Best for Babes logo on it!
• Mother’s Boutique Sweet Embrace Necklace is a gorgeous sterling silver pendant on a leather cord, designed by Judy Masucci, owner of the Mother’s Boutique.   It symbolizes the love between a mother and child and represents a breastfeeding mother or any mother holding and loving her child.
• Belabumbum Lily Sleepwear Set comes with a robe, cami and pants perfect for snoozing and lounging and feeling fabulous!  Belabumbum believes that women grow more beautiful while expecting and while nursing, so their lingerie confections encourage women to feel pampered, sexy, and hip — during and after pregnancy.
• Hadley Stilwell Sleeveless Crossover Shirt is ultra-luxe and stylish, perfect for date night or a meeting with the executive committee.  HadleyStilwell designs are meant to be clothes you want to wear - that just happen to accommodate nursing and pumping - and many moms keep them as long-term staples of their wardrobe.  Gift certificate so you can choose the color and size.
• Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy Book is a stunning coffee table quality book with evocative photos of breastfeeding and parenting combined with clear, expert guidance on how to start and continue a breastfeeding relationship with ease and prevent and solve any problems.
• Sweet Knee Gift Bag includes an adorable, reusable cloth bag filled with splendidly all-natural  bubbly soap, oatmeal cookie bath, bun glaze for tender tushies, 3.2 oz rubbit oil for massaging or moisturizing, and a 3.75 oz hulababy bar soap.
• Be Nice Prenatal Vitamin Drink Mix allows you to get your essential prenatal vitamins and minerals, in easy to take and carry portions for better nutrient absorption and hydration throughout the day. Doctor approved, it comes in two delicious, naturally sweetened flavors.

#2. Ultimate Best for Babes Giveaway Basket for the Working Babe

• Ameda Purely Yours Ultra Breastpump is a top-of-the-line electric breastpump that is preferred by lactation consultants and doctors and  can be converted for one-handed manual use. Cycles per minute and suction can be adjusted to maximize milk output.  The patented diaphragm ensures no milk or bacteria can enter the tubing or motor, and no contaminants from the pump can enter your collected milk.  Comes with a stylish, sophisticated pebble-grained tailored tote, cooler (holds 6 bottles-included), a car lighter adapter, 3 different sizes breast flanges (with more available), and various pump accessories.
• Pumpease Bra Supports make pumping at work or home much easier because it allows you to pump hands-free.   The 6″ wide pumping supports feature patent pending, ‘no-stitch’ horn openings, guaranteed to accommodate any breast pump on the market, in a variety of gorgeous prints that allow you to “express” your personal style and fashion sense.
• Motherlove More Milk Plus capsules contain a special blend of safe and effective herbs designed to quickly increase breast milk for breastfeeding mothers, created by one of the leading companies in the holistic body care industry.   Pure, natural and organic-use under the care of a lactation specialist.   Not for use during pregnancy.
• Breastpumps and Briefcases Audio CD contains valuable information to ease your transition back to work, including how to maintain your milk supply, how to create a pumping schedule, make arrangements with your employer, and store your milk.   Shari Criso’s reassuring manner and tips for succeeding with breastfeeding have helped thousands of moms achieve their personal breastfeeding goals.
• Hotslings pouches allow you carry your baby in fabulous style, safety and comfort.   So pretty they can be worn to coordinate with your designer suit for the boardroom if your employer allows babies at work!  Can be exchanged for a size and print you prefer.  Created by one of the leaders in the industry who also actively writes American safety standards for sling-style baby carriers.
• Mother’s Boutique Sweet Embrace Necklace is a gorgeous sterling silver pendant on a leather cord, designed by Judy Masucci, owner of the Mother’s Boutique.   It symbolizes the love between a mother and child and represents a breastfeeding mother or any mother holding and loving her child.
• Hadley Stilwell Sleeveless Crossover Shirt is ultra-luxe and stylish, perfect for date night or a meeting with the executive committee.  HadleyStilwell designs are meant to be clothes you want to wear - that just happen to accommodate nursing and pumping - and many moms keep them as long-term staples of their wardrobe.  Gift certificate so you can choose the color and size. 
• Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy Book is a stunning coffee table quality book with evocative photos of breastfeeding and parenting combined with clear, expert guidance on how to start and continue a breastfeeding relationship with ease and prevent and solve any problems.
• Sweet Knee Gift Bag includes an adorable, reusable cloth bag filled with deliciously all-natural  bubbly soap, oatmeal cookie bath, bun glaze for tender tushies, 3.2 oz rubbit oil for massaging or moisturizing, and a 3.75 oz hulababy bar soap.

Our deepest gratitude to all these great companies that support moms and babies and Best for Babes with their generous donations!   Leave a comment below nominating a person you would like to see win a  gift basket, and make sure to say  which one: “#1-Expecting” or “#2-Working”  and why, and jump over and “Like” our facebook page too!  Thank you for giving back, and for helping us make sure that the gift goes to someone who could genuinely use it and for whom it would make a difference in achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.

First of all, apologies for not getting this post up yesterday, or even this morning; I was at a family reunion, and then one kerfuffle (thanks Amy for the new word) after another came up on my radar, and I didn’t have a chunk of time to concentrate.   My kids were out of whack by the time we spilled out of the car, and I have been trying to do a better job of setting clear boundaries between BfB and family time (often unsuccessfully, as I am known to sneak in a text or email reply on a trip to the loo) . . . so here we are, with the first day of World Breastfeeding Week already waning.   Anyhoo . . .

We are really excited about World Breastfeeding Week’s theme this year, which is ”Just 10 steps.  The Baby Friendly Way“   As the Motherwear Blog so persuasively explained, only 8% of our nations hospitals follow just six of those steps.   Only 3% follow all of them as designated by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.    The hospital booby traps are so ginormous that most moms can’t breastfeed exclusively for the first three days, let alone the first 6 months recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  We are working hard to raise awareness of the hospital booby traps (the link I reference most often is this one), and have also developed a close relationship with Baby Friendly USA.   We will be dedicating a separate blog post to our thoughts on Baby-Friendly, and what we can all do to advance it. 

If you are expecting or thinking of starting a family, the single most important thing you can do, long before you go to the hospital or maternity center, give birth at home, or waltz the Ten Steps, is to PREPARE.   This means educating yourself so you can make an informed feeding decision and then arming yourself with the tools that will inspire, prepare and empower you to achieve your personal breastfeeding goals.  

My Baby Experts Simply Breastfeeding DVD is now available FREE online until September 30!

 One of the most powerful tools we have come across since starting Best for Babes is the Simply Breastfeeding DVD by Shari Criso.   We are thrilled that in honor of World Breastfeeding Week (and months August and September around the world); Shari is making the entire class available online FREE of charge . . . a savings of  $29.99 as available on Babies R Us . . . through September 30th!    When I first saw Shari’s DVD, I jumped up on the couch, Tom Cruise style, because it is the first full-length class on DVD that I’ve seen that every expecting mother can use to gain confidence, information, and be reassured.   We endorsed it because it is a best-in-class tool but also because it is modern, non-judgmental, and very importantly, not boring!    Not all breastfeeding classes are teaching evidence-based, unbiased information, in a way that commands interest and attention, and not all moms have access to that information.   Shari has a tremendous track record helping clients near a hospital that is a black hole for breastfeeding, and has some jaw-dropping (literally for those babies!) new techniques.   (We are hoping to find a researcher and funding to create a study that will examine whether watching the DVD will improve breastfeeding rates; based on anecdotal evidence, we think it does!   Shari’s clients have been known to sneak the DVD into the hospital and watch it on their laptops after delivery for help with latches etc.)  Here’s where we need your help:   We would love to have 10,000 people (expecting moms, dads, grandmas, friends, health professionals) watch the class during the next two months, so Shari can make a case to her sponsors to make the class available free permanently.   Please share the free online video with your expecting and new mom friends!     We’re interested to hear what you think!       

We’ll also be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with lots of hot info, super style, glam giveaways, and actions you can take!  We have a fabulous new celebrity interview coming out, a new line-up of great products that boost your breastfeeding or advocacy style or comfort while helping to grow our cause, and lots of love for our wonderful supporters—from our nearly 7,000 moms on Facebook to the  companies and nonprofits that believe in us to all of those who have helped spread the word, donate or help us in some way-you all make it possible for us to do the work we do.   This World Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate ♥YOU♥!!

Another sign that we’ve reached the turning point in the breastfeeding movement is that there are several independent films in the works that have to do with breastfeeding and donor milk.    I was a little disappointed that Michael Moore’s film “Sicko,”  about the ”crazy and sometimes cruel” U.S. health care system, did not touch on the absurdity of systematically preventing moms from succeeding at breastfeeding despite the fact that it could save $13 billion and 900 lives per year, at the very least-and we think that is a conservative estimate.    The good news is that several independent film makers think this absurdity should be the subject of a documentary that examines our cultural and institutional “booby traps” and how we ended up in this mess.

Left to Right: Katja Esson (Director, "Latching On"), Bettina Forbes (Co-Founder, Best for Babes), Debbie Zimmerman (Executive Director, Women Make Movies), Gina Ciagne (Director of Breastfeeding & Consumer Relations, Lansinoh Laboratories)

Katja Esson’s short film, ”Latching On,”  does a great job covering much of this ground.  I attended the premiere screening of her documentary at the Tribeca Film Center a couple of weeks ago and got a chance to chat with the director over a dinner sponsored by Lansinoh prior to the viewing.  Like me, Katja Esson is a native of Germany, and was struck by the enormous cultural differences between her native country, where breastfeeding is accepted and embraced, and the U.S., where bottlefeeding is the norm.   Even though she has no kids of her own, Katja spent seven years plumbing the depths of the anti-breastfeeding culture in the U.S..   She and I agree that the biggest booby trap is the lack of designated Baby-Friendly Hospitals in the U.S.-if new moms can’t even make it through two days of exclusive breastfeeding with their healthy, full-term babies without out being “booby-trapped”, than how can we expect them to get to the six months recommended by the AAP and every other medical & health organization?    We really loved meeting some of the stars of the film, some of whom are already old friends of BfB like Heather Kelly, IBCLC and Felina of the Upper Breast Side.  We were captivated by ”Glam-ma” (not Grandma) a glamorous and hip black woman who tells explains that she breastfed for economic decisions because there were no free handouts of formula through WIC.  Her daughter-in-law is on the fence about breastfeeding and her story steals the show.  The film, which is distributed by Women Make Movies, is already one of their top-selling films of the year and has tremendous potential for raising awareness and putting pressure on the barriers, not moms.  Lansinoh’s  ByMomsForMoms did a fantastic video interview with Katja Esson and Debbie Zimmerman (Executive Director of Women Make Movies) which explains how the film can “open eyes” and reach classrooms, libraries and even women’s prisons.  We will be staying in touch with Katja, and Women Make Movies to see how Best for Babes can help market the movie to reach the largest audience possible (and hopefully capture attention of the media), and we’ll be following the film’s attendance at festivals on Facebook.  Here’s the trailer:

Before the screening of “Latching On”, we also met Beth Poague, who is the process of making a documentary called “Supply & Demand:  Uncovering Breastfeeding in America”.  This film also shows great promise for educating and raising awareness of the barriers that keep moms from making informed feeding decisions and achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.  She interviews our Board Member, Marsha Walker and we are excited to see her film develop.   Thanks to Laura Keegan, RN, FNP and author of Breastfeeding with Comfort & Joy for introducing us to Beth.

Kevin West is making a full-length documentary called “Mother’s Milk: The Movie” which expands on a short film he created in 2009 that I found very moving and inspiring.  The movie will highlight the work of the Human Milk Bank Association of North America and the desperate need for donated, screened, pasteurized human milk for babies whose mothers can not breastfeed, or who have been prevented from succeeding.  We’re extremely excited about the potential of this film because we think it will have mass-market appeal and be able to drive the demand for human milk and give hope to mothers who want to give their babies the next best!  

Mother’s Milk (2009) from Kevin Douglas West on Vimeo.

Finally, there is a movie in production called Formula Fed America, which we have been following for quite some time.

Do you know of any other films that have the potential to educate and inspire the mainstream? Let us know!

By Elita of Blacktating.com for the Best for Babes Foundation ©2010

This week started off with a bang when a writer for the Better Homes and Gardens blog posted a piece on the Ten Commandments of Dining with Little Kids. The author, Heather W., who is not a mom, suggested that women who are breastfeeding should “take it to the restroom.” So many were outraged at the idea that a baby should eat in the toilet that within a few hours the page was flooded with comments, telling Heather W. what she could do with her suggestions. Thankfully, the Better Homes and Gardens blog Editor quickly issued an apology and the article was removed. A new article filled with useful tips, written by real moms, replaced it.

Researchers discovered a few years ago that breast milk contains stem cells and now doctors in India have isolated the cells and say they have the ability to differentiate into different cells. Imagine what new stem cell therapies are around the corner!

Are you a Spanish-speaking mom seeking breastfeeding information and support? Join Mother’s Utopia’s weekly breastfeeding Twitter party called Club de Lactancia, every Wednesday at 8 PM. The chat is completely in Spanish and your questions will be answered by an IBCLC. The hash tag for the party is #lactancia.

Want to send a pregnant friend or new mom information on the benefits of the breastfeeding? Our very own Danielle Rigg has created a fantastic list of some lesser known and amazing facts about breast milk and breastfeeding called Mom-Made Wonder Food. The document, which includes citations, can be printed out and kept handy for when you need some extra inspiration or want to dazzle friends and family with the magic of mother’s milk!

Babes, how long after the birth of your baby did you go back on birth control? Most moms I knew waited until their milk supply was well-established before beginning hormonal birth control, but new CDC guidelines suggest that the benefits of beginning birth control immediately outweigh the risks. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine these new recommendations “ignore basic facts about how breastfeeding works.” The ABM has asked the CDC to change their recommendations, and in the meantime you can follow ABMs protocol for contraception and breastfeeding.

Are you in the market for a new wrap? Best for Babes has teamed up with Moby Wrap to create a baby carrier embroidered with our logo. Proceeds from the sales of the gorgeous wrap will benefit Best for Babes.

On our Facebook fan page this week, we asked for your tips on breastfeeding while babywearing and you were overheard saying:

Usha Tunnell Nurse in a tummy to tummy position, there is no need to move into the cradle position. Untie the wrap, loosen to lower baby to breast lever and retie. Bust out the breast and help baby to latch.

Beth Shupp-George The best tip I got for us well-endowed gals is to pull the breast out over the top of the bra, if possible, rather than unhooking it.

Heather Farley Tips: PRACTICE! I found that if I had the baby’s head on the side of the sling that didn’t go over my shoulder, she would nurse better.

Starting a non-profit is no easy thing, so we are glad to have a guardian angel:  Earth Mama Angel Baby.  We love them and want to tell you why.

In the wake of recall after recall and unsafe chemicals making the news on a regular basis, it’s hard to find companies we can really trust.  As moms, we want to do right by our babies and give them the best that we possibly can. On the other hand, we don’t have time to read and research every ingredient, on every label, every time we need something.

With Earth Mama Angel Baby, there’s nothing to second-guess and you don’t have to read any labels to know that you’re getting safe, organic products.  All EMAB products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, certified Vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes.  In a nutshell:  products don’t get much safer or more natural for mom and baby.  This is a company you can trust, one that’s truly Babe-Worthy, and we’re proud to have them as a sponsor.

Danielle, EMAB Founder Melinda Olson, Bettina at ABC Kids Expo in Vegas '09

Getting safe, natural products (and the peace of mind that comes from that) is great, but EMAB doesn’t stop there.  It’s not even their efforts to use eco-friendly packaging that makes them so great (but we like that, too!). What makes this company stand out is their devotion to motherhood - in all its forms.  EMAB supports all phases of motherhood, from conception to babyhood, as well as in times of loss.  Their commitment to supporting moms, naturally and holistically, goes way beyond customer service.  This is a company born out of caring, and they really do want what’s best for moms and their babies.

Their above-and-beyond efforts shine through. Need something to quell your morning sickness or something to pamper a pregnant friend?  They’ve got it.  Seeking something to make labor or postpartum recovery a bit more bearable?  You’ve found it.  EMAB even has products and a website devoted to supporting moms in times of loss—last month was Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and they were up front, doling out comfort and caring. They do it all, and they do it all-naturally, which is a beautiful thing.

And of course, EMAB has a fantastic line of breastfeeding products!  As we all know (some of us, too well), breastfeeding doesn’t always go smoothly or come easily.  EMAB offers some great products to help beat the Booby Traps. Their Breastfeeding Support Kit includes everything a new mom needs to help her (and her newly milk-tastic boobs!) through breastfeeding.  The kit includes EMAB’s Natural Nipple Butter, Booby Tubes, Bosom Buddies, and Milkmaid Tea - everything necessary to address any soreness or discomfort, boost milk supply (when needed), and keep nipples in feeding shape.  And for the mom that’s ready to stop breastfeeding (perhaps because she was “booby trapped”!) , or for the mom who can’t breastfeed (rare, but you can’t argue with a mastectomy) or decides not to breastfeed, there’s also No More Milk Tea.  Giving up nursing can be a heartbreaking experience and we are grateful that this wonderful tea can soothe mom’s bodies, boobs and spirits.

We’re thrilled to have EMAB as a corporate partner and love all the wonderful support they provide to mamas. They’re a great company through and through.   They fiercely uphold the World Health Organization’s International Code on Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes, and they are generous too:  A portion of the proceeds from each Breastfeeding Support Kit goes to Best for Babes.  Next time you are looking for the perfect  Babe gift- baby shower or new mother, keep Earth Mama Angel Baby in mind!