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2009-01-23T15:04:00.001-08:00

Two Giveaways on Goodies for Mom

2008-11-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

Check out these two great giveaways:

Also watch for the Green Holiday Gift Guide coming Black Friday on Goodies for Mom!

Blogging for Blood Cancer Event - August 11-18

2008-07-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Please consider joining our “Blogging for Blood Cancer” Event. The first annual “Blogging for Blood Cancer” event will take place from August 11-18, 2008. This first time event will bring bloggers from across the United States together to raise awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

For more information on the event and a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, visit: http://goodiesformom.blogspot.com/2008/07/blogging-for-blood-cancer-event.html.

Win the Essential BabyWearing Stash

2008-07-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Win your own "BabyWearing Stash" in the Along for the Ride's Summer 2008 Contest. Just enter by midnight, July 31 by completing their form with a babywearing tip. (Get an extra chance for blogging about the contest.)

The winner will receive the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride. The essential babywearing stash includes one Gypsy Mama Wrap, one Hotslings pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Beco Butterfly, and one ZoloWear Ring Sling - in their choice of any in-stock colors or patterns.

The winner will be announced by email to all entrants on or before August 10, 2008.

For those not familiar with babywearer, check out The BabyWearer. It's a great site to learn more about it and meet a lot of great ladies!

[Go to Along for the Ride to enter now to win your own stash.]

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Biggest Entrecard Giveaway for Bloggers

2008-07-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

For all those moms who also have blogs, you can can some entrecard points quickly but joining in their giant contest. Just blog about the contest and what you'd like to win. I of course would love to win 10,000 credits from Fantasy Baseball.

[Head to Entrecard's Blog to win.]

2008-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Panda and lots of her friends, including the Cushie Pushie Company and Goodies for Mom are giving Candace of Mamanista.com a cyber baby shower to celebrate the upcoming birth of her little boy. The party is going on July 7-July 17th and you are invited.

There are lots of prizes to be won, including a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow and New Mom Goody Bags so make sure to stop over and join in the fun.

All party guests who leave a comment (with a way to contact them) on our Goodies for Mom blog will get a Virtual Goody Bag containing coupon codes, innovative mom-owned companies, and helpful articles electronically at the end of the shower.

[Check out the fun now.] (Link will be live on July 7th at 8:30 EST)

Here are some of the great prizes being offered that I'd love to win:

The Diaper Clutch will give one free diaper clutch of the winners choice. (I so need this!!!)
Happy Panda is offering three $35 gift certificates to spend in their online store.
Ju Ju Beane Boutique will give three winners a gift code for $25.00 each.
N-Style Mom…For Moms that Travel N-Style is offering a $25.00 gift certificate to their store.

NYC Walking with Dinosaur Giveaway and Discount

2008-06-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Walking with Dinosaurs-The Live Experience is coming to Madison Square Garden from July 30- August 3, 2008. Goodies for Mom has the opportunity to offer their readers a chance to win a family four-pack and a 10% discount.

NYC Walking with Dinosaur Giveaway and Discount

Scholastic Book Giveaway and Summer Reading Program

2008-06-18T19:10:00.001-07:00

In honor of Scholastic's launch of their Summer Reading Buzz web site, they are giving ten (10) lucky Goodies for Mom readers the opportunity to win a book custom selected just for their child by Scholastic.

[Enter Now at Goodies for Mom.]

Publicity for your Blog or Website

2008-06-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for some free publicity for your blog or website, Entrecards can be a great tool. Just sign up for an account, put their widget on your site then visit other sites in the network and drop virtual "cards" on the sites you visit to earn points to buy ad spaces on popular sites in the network. It's a little confusing at first but they have a great e-book to help you get started: http://entrecard.com/static/entrecard_official_ebook.pdf

You can also add more than one blog to Entrecard simply by going to your "Dashboard" and clicking "Linked Blogs" in your Dashboard navigation. You will be able to choose whether to link your account with another EXISTING account, or to register a NEW BLOG with Entrecard, and automatically link it to your account.

Earn points, visit new sites, and gain credits for ads to share your site with others.

Look on our right hand bar for our Entrecards widget and make sure to "drop a card" and we'll return the favor :)

[Learn more]

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival

2008-01-29T04:53:00.000-08:00

In honor of the gigantic Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, our sister site, Goodies for Mom is giving away a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow for Nursing Moms.

All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite fabric and size by February 1, 2008.

Then head over to Bloggy Giveaway Carnival. There are 500+ bloggers giving away tons of stuff, from baby carriers to books to totes. Join in the fun!!!!!!

One Chic Mama Giveaway for SoRa Charm

2008-01-10T07:15:00.001-08:00

SoRa Charms are beautiful and functional too. These necklace doubles as a rattle and teething ring. The charm is made from sterling silver (an antibacterial metal) and hangs on a black silk cord. Soothe a cranky baby with the rattle inside that creates a gentle sound or use charm as a teether.

One Chic Mama is giving you a chance to win a SoRa Charms ($149 value) for yourself. Just head over to One Chic Mama and e-mail them by midnight on Monday, January 14th telling them where you'd use it most!

[Go to One Chic Mama now.]

Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

2008-01-10T07:14:00.001-08:00

by Katie Rose
Breastfeeding can be confusing the first time a new mother attempts it. Although it is one of the most natural things in the world and many mothers feel like they should be born knowing how to effectively nurse a child at the breast, it can be hard to know exactly what to do or how to do it. Here are some essential breastfeeding tips to discuss with your doctor or midwife.

Put the baby to the breast as early as possible - It is good to have your first breastfeeding session within an hour after giving birth, if possible. This is the time that the baby is alert after the activity and work of being born and the sucking instinct is strong. You will not be producing milk this early but your breasts contain colostrum, which is a thin milky fluid that contains important antibodies to disease. It is a perfect first food for your new sweetheart.

Offer frequent feedings - It is a good idea to try nursing your baby every two to three hours. This can help keep your breasts soft and aid in the prevention of engorgement. Pay close attention to your baby for signs of hunger - changes in facial expressions, sucking sounds or lip movements are usually good clues that he is getting hungry. By keeping an eye out for these signs you can learn the cues to help anticipate your baby’s hunger so you can start nursing before he is too hungry. A hungry baby can be too impatient to latch on correctly and if your breasts are engorged from waiting too long between feedings you may be sensitive to his touch. Breastfeeding on cue will actually help stimulate your breasts to produce more milk - the breasts make more milk based on the stimulation received by breastfeeding. Carrying your baby in a baby sling can help foster more frequent and convenient feeding as well as give a wonderful closeness for both mom and baby.

Practice good positioning - Having the right positioning for breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects in avoiding nipple soreness. You should use your hand to support the infant’s neck. His mouth should be open wide with the lips puckered out, not folded in. Your nipple should go back as far into his or her mouth as possible. Many hospitals provide lactation consultants to mothers who choose to breast feed. If you do not take advantage of this in the hospital, or need a refresher once you get home, you can get help finding proper positioning by asking a nurse, midwife, lactation consultant or other experienced mother for some help breastfeeding. La Leche League is a nationwide network for breastfeeding support and is in many communities.

Nipple relief - Some women get sore nipples when they first begin breastfeeding and others have no problems at all. Most of the times the discomfort can be remedied by better positioning. If your nipples start to become very sore try this - after each time you nurse, rub a small amount of breast milk on and around each nipple and allow it to air dry. This can help prevent cracking (which can lead to infection). In cases where your nipples do crack, coat them with breast milk, vitamin E oil, or lanolin to help them heal. The lanolins sold for breastfeeding are usually fine to leave on with no concerns for the baby at the next feeding - but be aware that some babies can have allergic reactions to certain moisturizing agents, so ask a doctor or lactation consultant what is best. Proper positioning is the number one factor in avoiding sore nipples.

Be on the lookout for breast infections - If you experience a fever or painful lumps and redness in your breasts, you should seek medical attention immediately. Abscesses can develop quickly and need medical treatment.

Postpone using artificial nipples - Some experts say that if you are going to be breastfeeding your baby you should avoid introducing pacifiers or other artificial nipples too early. Artificial nipples require the baby to use a different sucking action than human nipples do and may hinder breastfeeding efforts - often referred to as “nipple confusion.” It is usually best to try to wait until after about two weeks of successful breastfeeding before introducing any pacifier or bottles.

Supplements are not needed - Unless your doctor says otherwise, there is usually no need to supplement breastfeeding with sugar water or formula. Breast milk is made especially for babies and is a perfect source of nutrition - it is also full of helpful antibodies. Although there have been many advances in formulas, they do not have the same nutritional complexity of your breast milk and may interfere with the baby’s appetite for breastfeeding and lead to a diminished milk supply. If you worry that you are not making enough milk, breastfeeding your baby more often will cause you to produce more milk. If you think your baby is not getting enough to eat or is losing weight, consult your doctor for advice on whether supplementation is necessary and to ensure that there are no other problems.

Avoid engorgement - When breastfeeding first begins you will be producing a lot of milk. This can make you breasts large, swollen, hard and painful. You can help to ease this engorgement by breastfeeding frequently or expressing some milk with a hand pump or electric pump until your body adjusts to produce only as much as your baby needs. You can also help relieve the pain by applying warm, wet compresses or taking warm baths. Some over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult your doctor before taking any sort of drug, since it may be passed through your milk to the baby.

Stay healthy - A breastfeeding mom needs to eat a healthy diet in order to produce nutritional milk. Ask your doctor about increased calorie intake to ensure that both you and baby get all of the nutrition you need. Most likely you will need an extra 500 calories a day. It is very important to drink enough water and clear fluids when breastfeeding so you do not get dehydrated. Avoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine and smoke.

With support and persistence, breastfeeding can be a simple and pleasurable way to feed your child. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from your doctor, nurse, lactation consultant or midwife - successful breastfeeding depends heavily on education and practice.

©2005 Katie Rose Kids Clothing Toys and Unique Keepsake Gifts

About the author:
Katie Rose is the owner of Katie Rose Kids at http://www.katierosekids.com - an online boutique for clothing, toys and unique gifts for preemies, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and moms too. They have Diaper Cakes, a very popular baby shower gift, as well as bath accessories, baby slings, books, decor, educational toys and personalized clothes, blankets and keepsake gifts.

Custom Made For Kids

2008-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to win a Custom Made For Kids' book entitled First Adventures of Incredible You during the Classy Mommy Cyber Shower. My entire experience with them was truly a joy. I quickly received my gift certificate for my prize and ordering was so easy. I just answered some questions which allowed them to customize the book for my youngest son. Within a week I received the beautiful book that was made specially for my little one.

The book itself really is beautiful and the boys loved the cute story that mentioned places and people they knew throughout. On Christmas morning, everyone was ooohing and aawing over it. Everyone was excited to see themselves mentioned, especially the boys and their grandparents. ;)

According to the owners, "Custom Made For Kids was born out of a desire to give people the opportunity to buy thoughtful, personalized and meaningful gifts for the special children in their lives." And it allows them to run a business while spending time with their families.

For more information visit Custom Made For Kids.

What's in Your Bag? Contest, sponsored by CareerBags.com

2008-01-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

Work It, Mom! is hosting a "What's In Your Bag? Contest, sponsored by CareerBags.com." Join their CareerBags Group. Then you just take a photo of the contents of your bag and upload it in the Group Photos area to be entered. Visit http://www.workitmom.com/contest for more information. Contest ends on January 20, 2008.

Go to Work It, Mom!

Win a Peanut Shell Sling & Nursing Cover

2008-01-03T19:11:00.001-08:00

Wow, this would be a great way to start the new year by heading over to Close to Home for a chance to win. Baby Adventure Gear is giving away a Peanut Shell Sling in the size of your choice and Peanut Shell Nursing Cover in Royalty print! But don't delay because tomorrow (Friday, January 4) is the deadline.

Go to Close to Home.

Ultimate New Mom Bag - Cool Moms

2008-01-02T18:30:00.001-08:00

Head over to Cool Moms and sign up for their fab monthly newsletter and get the opportunity to win an ultimate new mom bag valued at $900 before January 31! It features celeb faves like Baby Kaed, Aden + Anais, MD Moms, and New for Baby. Click here to learn how to subscribe.

Good luck everyone!

The Cute Kid of the Year Contest

2008-01-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Show off those adorable kids for a chance to win a $25,000 college fund or a monthly prize. Go to: http://www.thecutekid.com/ for more information on how to submit your photos.

First Organic Cotton Breast Support Pillow

2008-01-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

A unique organic cotton breast support pillow is now available for eco-conscious breastfeeding moms whose New Year’s Resolution is to “Go Green.” The Cushie PushieTM Organic is produced from 100% organic cotton flannel and 100% organic cotton batting. This is the first product of its kind to provide breast support for breastfeeding mothers made from organic materials.

What is a Cushie Pushie Organic Breast Support Pillow?
The soft, eco-friendly pillow pushes the breast upward in order to allow easy latching on by the nursing child, while maintaining correct breast positioning throughout the feeding. By keeping the breast pushed up, it also frees one hand from continually supporting the breast while nursing. It allows one-handed breastfeeding for busy moms who are continually multi-tasking, even while nursing. This product is particular helpful for larger breasted moms or moms whose breast lack the elasticity they once had. It is a toxin free, natural, safe, healthy alternative for breastfeeding moms who need some extra support. According to the Mama Speaks website, “Mama's with a little "more" to offer will appreciate this little lifter.”

The rich natural heavy 8 oz. organic cotton flannel and soft cotton batting are produced without the use of pesticides and fertilizers in the USA. Many of the most expensive pillows produced are made in part from organic cotton.

What Are Mothers Saying About The Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow?According to a Kentucky mother of three, “My Cushie Pushie Breast Pillow has been a life saver! It really makes breastfeeding SO much easier these days! I wish it had been around with my first two babies! I love the fact that it is completely washable...I would say this is a must have product for any breastfeeding moms who have larger breasts.”

Another breastfeeding mother from Illinois says, “I've just found the best nursing support pillow around. It positions you so that you can actually nurse using just one hand.”

In addition, a new mom from Canada states, “The breast pillow is actually quite cool to use...The pillow takes up that extra room between your elbow and the baby's head so that you can comfortably hold the baby firmly to your breast with only one arm.”

About Cushie Pushie Company
The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM. With a goal to make breastfeeding easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide a quality product at a reasonable cost.

For more information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com.
For additional press information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com/press.htm.

Product Review: Jason's Natural Rich Therapy Creme

2007-12-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

We are waging war on this infuriating eczema and my weapon of choice is Jason Earth's Best Baby Care Calendula Extra Rich Therapy Creme. This is the first thing that is actually making a difference in my son's skin. It smooth and baby like for the first time since he was five months old. A big plus is that the creme also is non-staining!!!! Mommy can now have stainfree clothes. I was ruining all my others with everything else and not even making a difference in his skin. Another thing that I think is helping a lot is bathing him pretty much every night to help wash off any allergens.We did have a fall back last week when we went to Sesame Place. Not sure if it was a reaction to something he came in contact with or the chlorine in the pool. My older son's skin actually was really dried out too and he had a reaction to watermelon when he got it on his face which he never does so I think it may have been the chlorine. My cousin gave me the tip to wash them with fresh, cool running water after the pool so we'll try that next time.But even with the flare up, he has bounced back quickly in less than a week with the creme and a little bit of 1% hydrocortizone, which in the past would have taken weeks to get under control and stronger medicine. Yeah, we are beating the eczema beast. The war isn't won but for the first time in a year I feel like we can have the upper hand on this.

New Habits in the New Year

2007-12-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

5 Minutes for Mom is having a bloggy giveaway/retrospecitve entitled "New Habits for the New Year." They will examine the key areas for the new year, including health–spiritual health, physical health, and relational health. They'll have informational posts as well as giveaways.

Go back every day between January 1 and January 8 for new giveaways. The winners will be announced January 9.

For more information visit: http://www.5minutesformom.com/2770/new-habits-in-the-new-year.