Community and sex.

Those 2 really don’t sound like they go together.  They don’t.  Not really.  But I’m talking about them on May 19th at MommyCon Austin anyway, just not at the same time.

Well, I’m not planning to talk about them at the same time.  We’ll see what happens.  You never really know.  Because when you’re talking about finding your parenting community talking about what made you a parent in the first place may just come up.

I had a great time at MommyCon Las Vegas even though I got asked to cover at the lunch by someone unaffiliated with MommyCon in a kind of bizarre turn of events.  That incident aside, the whole experience was a lot of fun.  Getting to meet the companies sponsoring, connecting with the moms and other presenters, making new friends, and talking about parenting… and sex.  In that space of 24 hours, I saw moms (and dads) connect, broadening and deepening their community while educating themselves and finding encouragement along the parenting journey.

Personally, I’ve never really been a fan of “mom” events.  They tend to scare me.  Like an extension of high school I always seem to be wearing the wrong brands, sporting the wrong hair style, and blundering into the wrong topics in conversation.  Between laughing at the wrong things at times and not getting why everyone else was laughing at other times, I have typically felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb at mom events.  Instead of leaving encouraged and with friends, I tended to leave feeling more alone than when I came.

So it was with some trepidation that I agreed to speak at MommyCon.  Like being the awkward kid stuck standing up naked in front of everyone in a crazy nightmare, I figured speaking at a mom centered event could only be worse than attending one.  Even better, I was talking about being an imperfect parent and sex, because what could be more awkward than that?  But if The Leaky Boob has taught me anything, it’s that we all need community and having someone be openly honest about the struggles they’re having can be all it takes to unleash a torrent of support from those that have been in that same place.  Every time I see a Leaky open up and share vulnerably I am amazed at how powerful it is not only for them but for those that were quietly struggling and feeling alone.  So I went, opened up, and found my own connections with others, some that have had similar journeys and some that have had wildly different ones.

And it wasn’t nearly as scary as I expected.  In fact, I’ve signed up to go again this time sponsored by Kanga Care and talking about finding our parenting community and why we need it.

But this time I get to go with my family and The Piano Man is joining me from our joint blog Beyond Moi, to have the sex talk.  I’m really looking forward to our session sharing in a relaxed setting what 16 years of marriage, several years as marriage mentors, and books and counselors have taught us when it comes to sex.  Honest and forthcoming, we’re not ones to sugar coat or pretend nor pander to stereotypes.  We will, however, be sharing some Milk Maker Cookies at our session on sex.  And going beyond the grown up sex talk for couples, we’ll share how we approach the topic with our own children and encourage dialogue about how our own attitudes, experiences, and perspectives of sex as parents can influence our children.  We can move beyond ourselves and our fear of having “the talk” with our children and into developing a healthy perspective on sex for ourselves and our children.

Community and sex.  There’s no avoiding these issues in real life and as moms and dads, recognizing the value of both and coming to terms with their place in our lives helps us guide our children.  We need each other and we need to be bold enough to talk about these realities.

If you’re going to be at MommyCon Austin, Jeremy and I will be around and we’ll have some goodies with us to share thanks to the great companies we felt comfortable partnering with to sponsor our sessions at MommyCon Austin.  Find me (Jessica) and let me know just how RUMPTASTIC MommyCon is and the first 20 I talk to that say so will receive a free Rumparooz cloth diaper from Kanga Care and a fun something for anyone after that.  Talk to Jeremy and tell him how much you enjoy cookies and milk because he’s giving out Milk Makers Cookies and not just to breastfeeding moms.

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Joining us at MommyCon in Austin on the 19th?  We’d love to meet you.  There’s a code just for TLB readers to get $10 off their registration, just use Leakyboob when you buy your tickets.  Need a better deal than that?  Enter to win a pair of tickets as a couple!  Along with a pair of tickets to MommyCon Austin, this prize bundle includes a Beco Soleil with drool pads in the winner’s choice of Micah or Stella, a Kanga Care Rumparooz in the new print Dexter and one in crimson, and a $50 gift certificate to Milk Makers Cookies!  Use the widget below to be entered.

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I am a strong mom.

I am a powerful mom.

I help support moms.  Strong moms.  Which is a bit redundant.  Because moms are strong.

I help support powerful moms.

Also redundant.  All moms are powerful.

And we don’t need a company to tell us so.

Nor do we need others to tell us so.

But it can help to hear it from others, it can be encouraging and it can even reveal the inner power we already have but maybe lacked the confidence to recognize and engage.  It doesn’t give us power though because we already have it, just like we’re already strong.  We’re moms

We have Mom Power.

The power to hope.

The power to dream.

The power to speak up for the oppressed.

The power to love with nothing in return.

The power to face fear and continue on.

The power to know when to use our strength.

The power to know when to use our gentleness.

The power to see beyond themselves.

The power to cry.

The power to celebrate.

The power to be fun.

The power to deserve trust.

I know this power well but I haven’t always been aware of it in myself.  Insecurities and certain messages had me doubting my own power, denying it, and hiding it.  Sometimes that insecurity led to me judging and belittling others.  Shame.  Such an ugly thing, shame.  It’s a perverted power, one that controls instead of frees.  Because of my own shame I have had times of allowing my filters interpret information as attacking.  With shame, I’ve put down others if I felt they didn’t try hard enough at something I thought was important.  *cough* breastfeeding *cough*  But real Mom Power doesn’t need gimmicks like shame or pretend mommy wars to own it’s strength.  Real Mom Power doesn’t resort to unsupportive support.  It has nothing to sell.  Mom Power can see through ‘all that and get straight to the heart of things.  I see it every single day in the community of The Leaky Boob Facebook page and twitter.

The power to let go of shame.

The power to forgive.

The power to listen.

The power to be understanding.

The power to learn from mistakes.

The power to care for others.

The power to share experiences.

The power to offer support.

The power to disagree with respect.

The power to stand for our convictions.

The power to resist fighting when it won’t help gain ground.

The power to make peace.

The power to own our feelings.

The power to see through marketing.

Perhaps the most important parenting tool we can have is confidence.  Confidence isn’t arrogantly proceeding as though one is always right.  Confidence is believing in yourself and your ability to handle what comes your way.  Insecurity can lead to rejecting learning opportunities, fear can diminish our willingness to grow, but confidence inspires constant adjusting according to new concepts and ideas.  With confidence it is easier to acknowledge mistakes, reduce stress, and not internalize information and the choices of others that we may disagree with.  A confident parent isn’t perfect and doesn’t have it all figured out but they are well equipped to do so.

The power to learn.

The power to grow.

The power to adjust.

The power to have compassion.

The power to teach compassion

The power to be humble

The power to make difficult decisions.

The power to evaluate our circumstances.

The power to analyze information.

The power to take responsibility.

Most of us don’t need to be “empowered” we just need to not be afraid of the power we already have.  As my friend Amber McCann, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) from the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburg put it “Power is being able, in whatever moment you are facing, to do whatever it is you’d like to do. That you feel as though you can jump over the obstacles. It is also in recognizing what the right choice is for you even when one of those barriers is in your way.”

And according to my 12 year old Storyteller: “When I think of Mom Power I think of a phoenix, pretty and strong and enduring.  Moms don’t give up.  That’s Mom Power.”

Moms, I believe in you, I hope you can believe in yourself and in each other.  Whatever your journey and wherever you are, whatever circumstances you’ve had to navigate, you are strong and have Mom Power.  Mom Power is an indisputable force if we can have the confidence to tap into it.  It’s not a product, it’s not a company, not an organization, not a campaign, not a marketing strategy… it’s moms.  A dear, dear friend of mine, Kathy, a local IBCLC and labor and delivery RN, once told me that the reason she’s involved in birth and breastfeeding is because that’s where the foundation of confident parenting is laid.  She wants to be on the front end of making the world a better place.  Which is what I’m all about.  If I want to change the world and make it a better place then start with helping make better people.  And there is nothing, no product, no organization, no campaign, no marketing strategy that can do that like pure, good ol’ Mom Power.

Elizabeth Antunovic, Co-founder and mother of four

TLB:  Boba is a funny-sounding name.  Where did it come from?

Elizabeth:  Yes, some think of the chewy round tapioca goodness sucked through a wide straw. Others think Star Wars. Spanish speakers may think of something silly.

We started out as sleepy wrap as you may know and put it out there that we were looking for a new name when we introduced our hot soft structured carriers to the world.  ”Sleepy” was descriptive as the wrap was indeed a tranquilizer. But we needed a name.

It was actually suggested by my dear wise mama friend.

BOulder BAby she said (I guess it could also be BOlder BAby)  Boba.

Not that profound. But something to chew on. something with character.  perfect nonetheless.

TLB:  We have discovered that there are a whole lot of infant carrier companies out there.  What do you think makes Boba stand out?

Elizabeth:  I could list all the features, sing praises of the leg support, the high back and not having to buy a darn waist extender if you are plus size.  Alas if you mamas are anything like I am you’ll research and compare baby carriers so much that you could probably write a dissertation.  We care. That’s the difference.  I have been having babies since we started. I have carried my sons and daughters, nursed them, consoled them, sung to them, moved with them pretty much every day for the last seven years. There is always something that can be done better.  So we assess and tweak and adjust the carrier so that you can move the baby to a lower position to nurse in it using just your two thumbs, so that you can bring your phone with you, so that your purse doesn’t fall off your shoulder while you’re holding your toddler’s hand, so that your older baby doesn’t get welts on the back of his thighs.  My husband and I are “in” it. Living it. Researching it. Spreading the light on all that is possible when you wear your baby.

TLB:  Have you used carriers with your own children?  Would you share a couple of particularly memorable moments from your own experience?

Elizabeth:  The only time that I haven’t worn my kids in the last decade is the latter parts of pregnancies when my blooming belly would not stand for it.  I have baby worn while riding a camel in Egypt but I won’t get into that  I have worn my babies while at the pumpkin patch, in rickshaws in Asia, watching the water buffalo on the banks of the holy Ganges river, hiking the Julien Alps, milking a goat in Serbia, mushroom picking in Slovenia, while exploring the ancient mud city of Bam, Iran, and of course every time I go to Target!

In the beginning of the business it was far from a life of play.  There was some serious dedication.  Long long hours.  Thank God these wraps were comfortable. They had to be. I wore my babies while sweating under mosquito nets and answering customer service emails. I wore my babies’ coordinating photo shoots.  I wore them during the days of website revamps and tradeshows and hours of learning the strings of social media.  I wore them while reading any books that I could get my hands on about preemies and skin to skin, ergonomics, hip dysplasia, and proprioception.

They say that the cobbler’s son is always barefoot.

Not me.  I couldn’t live without my carriers.  So practical.  So magically unifying.

Thanks for your time!

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Boba is giving away four different prizes to three lucky Leakies.  The prizes are:

1. Boba Wrap (one winner)
The Boba Wrap is the perfect wrap style carrier – with its unique fabric blend and the no-guesswork tying, it is a great choice for beginners and advanced babywearers alike, and is especially great for use with newborns. Retail Value: $38.00 

2. Boba Carrier 3G and matching Boba Mini (one winner)
Ideal for babies and toddlers alike, the Boba Carrier 3G may be converted to a newborn carrier without an infant insert or any additional items and used well into toddlerhood. Our ergonomic design includes features to make breastfeeding easy on the go, maximizes comfort with multiple adjustments, and with lots of designs to choose from, Boba Carrier 3G is the perfect fit for your entire family.  Retail Value: $125.00

The Boba Mini is designed for carrying dolls and toys to help spread the joy of babywearing to children all over the world. It is made with 100% cotton like our Boba Carrier 3G and can be worn by children 3 years and up. Retail Value: $29.95

3. Boba Air (one winner)
The Boba Air is simple to use, ultra lightweight and ergonomic! Similar in design to our popular soft structured carrier, but made of high tech nylon and weighing just 11 ounces, it is the perfect carrier for travelers or any parent on the go – when you’re done, just fold, zip & stash in.  Retail Value: $65.00

Currently Leakies can find these and other babywearing items in the Boba website at www.bobafamily.com or at a Boba baby carrier retailer near you.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from May 2, 2013 through May 8, 2013.  A big thanks to Elizabeth and Boba for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@Boba on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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 Read on to get to know the goofy ladies behind Crunchy Mamas and enter to win one of four awesome prizes!

TLB:  What should TLB readers know about Crunchy Mamas?

Katie:  Crunchy Mamas was born one year ago to two stay at home Moms that prefer a more natural and simple approach to life.  This business started out with a batch of 50 lip balms and now it has expanded beyond our expectations.  We hope that we can help raise awareness about the dangers of commercial products and help people feel confident about the products they are using for their families.  But please know, we aren’t perfect.  We have been known to drink Diet Pepsi and eat Little Caesar’s while making batches of Crusty Foot!

TLB:  How did this venture into handmade organic products start?

Katie:  Having kids changed everything.  Not only was I responsible for myself, but I was in charge of two little humans and they depended on me to make the best choices possible on their behalf.  I began learning about dangerous chemicals in various commercial household products and that really fired me up.  I promptly packed up my baby shampoos, deodorants, toothpastes, and household cleaners and tossed them in the trash.  This led to me researching essential oils and various recipes for homemade goods.  It is very empowering to know exactly what the ingredients are that I’m using on my babies and why they are beneficial.  You can get to know us better by reading our blog post on our mission to be Crunchy.

TLB:  What is it like, working together with your sister-in-law?

Ashley:  Let’s be honest, I feel like a fraud calling it “work.”  Katie is one of my best friends and I have so much fun getting to do this with her.  We both have different weaknesses that are made up for by our different strengths.  I’m in the running for the most impatient person on the planet, where Katie could sit contently and watch paint dry.  This adventure is enjoyable because we are getting to do it together.

TLB:  How do you balance work and family life?

Ashley:  Most importantly, I try not to separate my family from my work.  My kids play a big role in Crunchy Mamas.  They help me label products (this explains why you may receive a bottle of hand sanitizer with the label upside down), pack up boxes, and keep me company when we sell our products at our local farmers market.  I love that they are getting to see how much hard work and care goes into operating a small business.  Also, my husband helps with whatever he can.  In fact, he and Katie’s husband are appropriately referred to as the “Crunchy MAN-mas.”  We couldn’t do it without their tremendous amount of support!

TLB:  What is your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Ashley:  Oh boy, how do I pick just one?  Breastfeeding was very difficult for me in the beginning, so I’d like to target all the newbies with this tidbit of advice.  DON’T GIVE UP!  No one ever told me that breastfeeding could be painful, uncomfortable, and bloody.  I had a 9 pound baby with a really strong sucker.  I tell ya, that kid could have sucked a nail right out of a wall.  (It was this experience that prompted me to start making Nipstick.)  Fortunately, in the moment, I had cheerleaders around me encouraging me not to give up.  They assured me it would get better and it did.  If you’re new to nursing and are on the verge of reaching for that bottle, please don’t give up and seek a strong support system if you don’t already have one.

Ashley and Katie are giving away four different prizes to four lucky Leakies.  The prizes are:

1.  An expecting Mamas gift set.  One tube of our pregnant belly relief – About to Pop.  A tube of our Baby Butt Balm.  Lastly, a tube of our fabulous nursing nipple relief – Nipstick.  Retail Value:  $25

2.  One of each of our amazing Lip Balms.  Flavors included are: Naked, Grapefruit, Honey lemon, Sweet Orange, Lime, and Mint.  Retail Value:  $18

3.  A bottle of our all in one facial moisturizer – Smelly Face.  Retail Value:  $19

4.  A collection of products perfectly suited for your all-natural first aid kit.  One tube of our cuts and scrapes healer –  Scab Stick.  A tube of our all natural vapor rub – Menth Head.  Finally, a bottle of our Lavender-Lemon Hand Sanitizer.  Retail Value:  $15

Currently Leakies can find these and other all-natural wellness products on the Crunchy Mamas website, www.crunchymamasgoods.com.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 29, 2013 through May 6, 2013.  A big thanks to Ashley and Katie and Crunchy Mamas for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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When my daughter was entering the 2nd grade at our local public school, we were all enthusiastic about the coming year.  She loved school, loved learning, loved everything about it.  But just a few short weeks into the school year things we drastically different.  She cried all the time, she hated going to school, she started struggling with school work, and every day she complained that her tummy hurt and she was too sick to go to school.  We were confused.  What had happened to our little girl?

It quickly became apparent that while there were multiple issues going on that I won’t go into here except to say there were some technical difficulties and an adjustment period that needed to happen.  Still, there was one particular issue that emerged as being critical: she didn’t like her teacher.  Believing we need to encourage her to work with people, even ones she didn’t like, The Piano Man and I tried to help her navigate this relationship.  This proved to be more challenging than we expected because, as it turned out, we didn’t like her either.  She simply wasn’t the kind of person we thought would be teaching second grade.  Or teaching at all.  Grough, grumpy, rarely smiled, she came across as cold and distant.  Suddenly, challenges our daughter had previously felt empowered to tackle loomed as impossible mountains.  Intimidated by the one she thought was there to guide and support her in facing these challenges, she withdrew and began to give up.

We tried to work with the school and the teacher but in a short amount of time we felt we needed to explore other options and ended up transferring schools.  It was that, or risk killing our daughter’s love for learning and that simply wasn’t something we were willing to sacrifice.

When we visited the new school Earth Baby was nervous about meeting the 2nd grade teacher.  Gripping my hand she whispered “I don’t like 2nd grade teachers, they are mean.”  I was surprised she had already jumped to a conclusion about a group of people based on her experience with just one of that group.  Given that she was 7 at the time, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised at such an immature response but I felt that we had worked hard to help our children understand how individuals can be so different.  Encouraging her to remember that Miss B. would be a person first, a 2nd grade teacher second, we met with the teacher.  Gentle, kind, friendly, and very warm, Miss B. proved to be the opposite of the previous 2nd grade teacher and Earth Baby ended up flourishing in her class.  Inspired with hope and confidence, Earth Baby made a lifelong friend in her teacher (and is seeing her this summer) and not only met but surpassed her goals for the year with an enflamed love of learning.  Interestingly enough, now she will talk about how wonderful 2nd grade teachers are and being a teacher is in her top 5 career options.

Why am I sharing this story on a breastfeeding site?  Moms often come to TLB looking for breastfeeding support. The support they are looking for is usually just about what is normal in breastfeeding journeys, the mom-to-mom support of experience and camaraderie.  Sometimes it’s for issues that are outside of normal and require more expertise support and help.  It isn’t uncommon for a Leaky and/or one of the admin to recommend seeing an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for experienced and trained support.  These experts are usually the most equipped to help moms with true lactation problems having gone through intense training and having to comply to regular board standards in their continuing education and certification.  Just as often, someone then shares their negative experience with an IBCLC.  Frustrated and hurt, these women sometimes share that an IBCLC almost ruined their breastfeeding relationship with misinformation, intimidating and overwhelming directions, and sometimes down right bullying.

From these comments it sometimes sounds as though they fear all IBCLCs will be just like the negative experience they had.  Hurt and discouraged by the one or two individuals they encountered in the profession, they are unsure they can trust anyone with the title and position.  Like my daughter felt unsure about 2nd grade teachers, these moms are skeptical of the entire IBCLC profession, not because they don’t know that they are all different people but because they may believe that what they didn’t like is actually expected to be a part of the profession.  As if the consultants are trained to support that way.  Just as with any profession, there are individuals within the lactation consultant profession that are rude, unsupportive, not helpful, judgmental, dismissive, and misinformed. Thankfully, most I’ve met go into supporting breastfeeding moms because they genuinely care and want to help moms reach their breastfeeding goals.  The IBCLCs I’ve interacted with understand the vulnerable nature of that time in a mother’s life and the importance of providing the right kind of support.  Most IBCLCs aren’t in the profession to push an agenda or tell moms what to do, they genuinely seek to provide legitimate support unique to each mothers’ needs.  Sure, I’ve met a few that seemed burned out and dogmatic just like my daughter’s first second grade teacher, but just like most 2nd grade teachers actually enjoy children and teaching, so most IBCLCs aim to provide sincere information and assistance.  I encourage moms that need lactation support to move on from someone that isn’t supportive to find someone that’s a better fit.   It’s that, or risk not reaching your breastfeeding goals and that simply isn’t something we should be willing to sacrifice without a fight.

I am aware that for many, a second choice, let alone a third or fourth, isn’t readily available.  Financial restrictions, local availability, and even cultural support from family and friends can make it difficult to find someone.  Sometimes, shoot, maybe often, the support you need will find you in unexpected places such as the internet or a new friend.  Moms may have to try other paths for lactation support such as virtual appointments via the web or attending a local breastfeeding support group or even reading articles online.  Whatever it takes, pushing on to find the support you need may be work but you and your baby are worth it.

You don’t have to be stuck with a professional providing inadequate support.  In the end, you are the biggest advocate for you and your child and if advocating for you both means moving on to find the assistance you need, you won’t regret doing so.  As Leaky and IBCLC Jackie Rauch shared:

I will sometimes tell my clients the story of me seeking her out just to let them know that even the people with the knowledge need to seek out help from people with the knowledge. If you are not getting the help you need, keep looking!

You never know, you may find the one that helps you turn it all around and inspires you with hope and confidence.

Need a lactation consultant?  This site can help you find one.

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What about you?  What has your experience with an IBCLC or other lactation professional been like?  Did you have to find someone else for better support at some point?  Did an IBCLC or other lactation professional help you in your breastfeeding journey?  Check out the conversation we’re having on this very topic over on The Leaky B@@b Facebook page. 

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My mom tells how discovering she was pregnant with her first, my older brother, changed how she took care of herself and the earth.  Immediately, she stopped smoking and refused to let anyone smoke around her.  Addicted to Pepsi, she stopped buying it all together.  She became aware of the amount of waste from buying prepared foods and started cooking from scratch.  When my brother was born she breastfed exclusively and encouraged by the local La Leche League chapter she joined, she explored other healthy choices not only for her baby but for her entire family.  My brother’s intolerance to dairy and soy led to her completely revamping how they ate.  By the time I came along 3 years later, my mother was well on her way to being a “health nut” and growing in her care for the earth through gardening and making increasingly sustainable choices.  In many ways it wasn’t about becoming more healthy, it was about returning to a healthy normal.  From breastfeeding to not smoking to making her own food, my mom was getting back to her biological roots and cleaner air.

Like my mom, parenting has changed my views about health, food, and being aware of how we are treating the earth.  There is plenty of room for our family to grow in these areas, progressively making choices as we learn more.  Always inspired by our children.  A significant portion of what we have learned and chosen to do has come directly from information we’ve received related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.  And we’ve grown from there.  Eventually moving from feeding our babies commercial “baby food” and allowing them to feed themselves, we have found more ways that are healthier choices for our family and more gentle on the earth.  Our hope is to give our children the chance to return to a more normal healthy way of life but also with a planet that has been given that same opportunity.

Building on my mom’s lessons and change, my family is growing and changing, inspired in many ways by breastfeeding and a commitment to give our children not the “best” but the healthy normal we all deserve to have.

5 ways breastmilk is greenest choice in infant nutrition:

• Manufacturing requires minimal resources- feed mom.
• The containers are reusable and biodegradable.
• If able to feed “straight from the tap there is no plastic or glass necessary.
• Pumping and bottlefeeding moms still use less plastic than formula storage containers, meaning less waste.
• Reduced gasoline usage related to manufacturing, shipping, and shopping.

Because sometimes we need a little support in our breastfeeding journey, here are some companies that can help moms “greenify” breastfeeding even more: Motherlove Herbal Company (nipple salve, More Milk supplement), Hygeia (breastpumps, breastmilk storage bags), Bamboobies (breastpads, nipple ointment, therapy pads, nursing bras), PumpEase (Organic hands-free pumping support bra), Little Spruce (organic breastfeeding wear),

5 ways to “greenify” your life and nutrition beyond the breast:

• Try baby-led solids, skip buying manufactured baby food and let your baby feed themselves the same food you eat.
• Replace plastic storage options (i.e. ziplock baggies) with products like Wean Green glass and reusable snack bags.
• When introducing a cup, select products like Lifefactory’s sippy bottle, Kid Basix Safe Sippy, or a small open glass or enamel cup.
• Listen and encourage your child to listen to their bodies, not force eating everything put before them, we tend to eat less that way.
• Explore what you can make yourself, using less prepared foods, pick a few options to try and ask if you need each to be individually wrapped or not.

Plus one:

Did you know you can be “green” with waste?  Yep!  What you do with the other end of food is important not only for taking care of the planet but there are many reasons to consider the health concerns.  For some that may mean buying unbleached disposable diapers, for others going into cloth diapers, and still others may use elimination communication.  Check out Lovely Pocket Diapers, Kanga Care, Thirsties, Itty Bitty, and Kelly’s Closet for cloth diapers and information.  We’ve also found great products for taking care of baby bottoms such as diaper salves and baby wash from companies that want to help families care for the health of their babies and the planet such as Earth Mama Angel Baby.

Just like breastfeeding, making green choices doesn’t have to be all or nothing and it’s likely a journey.  One step at a time, spurred on by something or someone important.  Like our children.

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How has pregnancy and breastfeeding influenced you in making healthier or more sustainable choices for your family?

In what ways would you like to improve in how “green” your family lives?

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TLB:  What makes breastfeeding eco-friendly?

Melinda:  It’s to-go meals without any waste! No bottles, no formula, no transport costs. Of course you can buy things that make breastfeeding easier, or more comfortable, or more efficient for you, but at its simplest, breastfeeding is completely self-sustaining.

TLB:  How does Earth Mama’s mission support eco-friendly breastfeeding?

Melinda:  Everything Earth Mama does is about providing safe, comforting products for the benefit of mamas and babies. That includes Mother Earth. We use organic and sustainably grown herbs and continually refine products as organic ingredients or more efficient herbs are available. We make the extra effort to certify our products, and use certified organic herbs because “certified organic” is the only way you can know for sure an herb was planted, grown, harvested and handled in a safe and sustainable way. Of course there are no petrochemicals, artificial ingredients or toxins in any Earth Mama product, ever. We choose green and toxin-free business practices because we have a company-wide commitment to honor the earth and her valuable resources. It isn’t just breastfeeding, we approach every aspect of pregnancy and childbirth in a eco-minded way.

TLB:  Which products specifically support breastfeeding?

Melinda:  USDA Certified 100% Organic Milkmaid Tea helps support healthy breast milk production naturally, with time- and science-tested herbs known to help increase milk supply. Natural Nipple Butter is certified organic by Oregon Tilth and helps soothe sore, cracked nipples without petrochemicals or lanolin (which many mamas avoid due to concerns about allergies and pesticide residue). Booby Tubes® are 100% natural, gel-free breast packs that can be used warm or cold, depending on what breasts need!

TLB:  Would you call yourselves eco-minded, tree-hugging, peace mamas? 

Melinda:  We love to sign our correspondence, “Peace, love and Natural Nipple Butter for All!” so yeah, I guess you could say that!

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 Earth Mama Angel Baby is giving away 3 Breastfeeding Essentials Bundles to 3 lucky Leakies
(one per winner).  

Retail Value: $44.09 each

The Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle offers soothing comfort to nourish a new mama’s breasts, so she can nourish her angel baby, naturally.

Currently Leakies can find the Breastfeeding Essentials Bundle and other organic pregnancy, breastfeeding and baby care items on the Earth Mama Angel Baby website.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 22, 2013 through April 30, 2013.  A big thanks to Earth Mama Angel Baby for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@EarthMamaHQ on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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TLB:  What should TLB readers know about One Creative Mama?

Judy:  One Creative Mama was founded by a mom, lactation educator and breastfeeding advocate.  Her name was Sarah – and I used to purchase her items for my store.  About 2-3 years ago, Sarah stopped making the One Creative mama items because she has changed her focus to in-person mentoring of moms instead of making products.  So I decided to buy the business and give it a new look.  I took all of Sarah’s great breastfeeding advocacy sayings and made them into cute colorful shirts and rompers – so that babies can tell the world just how much they love breastfeeding!

TLB:  What’s the inspiration behind One Creative Mama?

Judy:  I am a huge breastfeeding advocate.  When the original owner of One Creative Mama decided that she wasn’t going to continue with her business anymore, I decided to carry on where she left off.  I love her creative sayings and I knew that I could build this business into a way for moms and babies to express themselves and their love for nursing in a cute, whimsical way.  It gives moms a chance to show off their babies and it tells the world that bresatfeeding is so normal – it’s on a baby’s shirt!

TLB:  How is breastfeeding advocacy important and how does One Creative Mama support breastfeeding?

Judy:  Normalizing breastfeeding is so important because when something is “normal” then everything gets easier.  Women won’t have to worry about being scorned for breastfeeding or asked to leave their location.  We have laws in place, but the best way to help normalize breastfeeding is to do it – openly and publically.  And wearing shirts that tell the world you are breastfeeding also serve to normalize it.  So for mom and baby – we make cute, whimsical shirts and rompers that are fun to wear and fun to give as gifts.  And for the world – it’s one small step toward the normalization of breastfeeding as the normal way of feeding your baby.

TLB:  What’s your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Judy:  My favorite tip is to stick with it.  In the early days, everything is difficult and lack of sleep can make it seem like it won’t get any easier.  But if you stick with it through the early days, it will get easier and you will get to enjoy a wonderful bonding session with your baby time and time again.

Judy is giving away 3 different prizes to 5 lucky Leakies.

The prizes are:

1. A One Creative Mama Baby Romper – your choice of saying, size and color – Five great sayings to choose from.  Retail Value: $17.99 – ONE winner
2. A One Creative Mama Baby Shirt – your choice of saying, size and color – Five great sayings to choose from.  Retail Value: $12.99 – TWO winners
3. A One Creative Mama Baby Bib – your choice of saying and color – Five great sayings to choose from.  Retail Value: $10.99 – TWO winners

Currently Leakies can find these and other great breastfeeding and baby items on the One Creative Mama website.  

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 17, 2013 through April 23, 2013.  A big thanks to Judy and One Creative Mama for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@OneCreativeMama on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway is restricted to U.S. residents only.

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“Vital to every nursing mother’s wardrobe, the Canadian made, NakedNursing Tank Fits EVERY body type providing coverage for your midsection during nursing. Our Luxury Bamboo Naked Tank line covers below the pregnant belly and can be worn during pregnancy as a layering piece, and it retains its original shape after washing so you can wear it with your shrinking figure for the perfect midsection cover-up while you nurse your baby. The Classic Cotton and Luxury Bamboo Naked Tanks are extra long in length and were invented by two nursing Moms who designed its unique low scoop beneath-the-bust shape, allowing women to select their supportive bra of choice without infringing on necklines or having to be limited to the one-size-fits-all shelf bras. Slipping on your Naked Tank underneath your outfit transforms every regular shirt in your wardrobe into a nursing shirt, saving you money while providing a stylish choice. No other nursing blankets or cover-ups necessary…Easy. Efficient. Effortless.”

TLB:  What inspired you to start your company, “Naked Nursing Tank”?

Jen:  I was nursing at the gym one day and was extremely frustrated with the nursing tank that I had on because it did not allow me any access to my sports bra.  At that moment I immediately ran to find Carrie, who happened to be in the bathroom, and I told her that I had come up with a great invention  We had NO idea what we were getting into that day in the bathroom

TLB:  Could you tell us a bit about your nursing tanks, and how the “naked” piece fits in?

Jen: Our tanks are designed to keep the breast area open for easy access, and your midsection covered.  We knew that the easiest way to nurse was when your top half was essentially ‘naked’.  We needed to be half naked and yet half covered all at the same time, which is how we coined the phrase, “When you need to be Naked, we’ve got you covered!” …and voilà, the Naked Nursing Tank name was born.

TLB:  How long have you and Carrie known each other?  In what way has this business venture changed your relationship?

Jen:  We have known eachother since we played Varsity Rugby at The University of Guelph, which was in *gulp* 1996…wow, a seriously long time!! The business venture hasn’t really changed our relationship at all.  We are together all of the time because we have 2 small children each who are the same ages, and we are best friends.  I think we have an enormous amount of trust in one another from our days playing on such an intense team together and we compliment each other because we really are polar opposites, which fits amazingly well into our business plan.  I am the ‘let’s get running & leap off this cliff and see how we land’ person, and Carrie is the one who has the parachute making sure all the details are taken care of. It’s a great fit for the both of us!

TLB:  Running your own business and having a family is tricky; how do you balance work and family?

Jen:  Haha, I am not sure if ‘balance’ is the proper word to use right now.  We have an enormous amount of passion for the Naked Tank and helping women to feel more comfortable while nursing, so we dedicate as much time as possible to running the business.  With that being said, we are also very passionate about the time that we spend with our families.  A lot of the time that is dedicated to the business are stolen hours at the gym while the kids are in the playroom and then also the time right after they go to bed…and the occasional 20 minute intervals strung together during the day

TLB:  What is your favorite breastfeeding tip?

Jen:  Breastfeed on demand, your baby is the only judge of when he or she is hungry. And enjoy the precious time you get to bond with your baby…this was our favorite part!

The Girls at the Naked Nursing Tank are giving away 2 different prizes to 2 lucky Leakies.  

The prizes are:

1.  A Luxury Bamboo Naked Nursing Tank.  Our luxurious blended Bamboo fabric in your choice of Midnight Black or Lily White.  Retail Value: $39.99

2.  A Classic Cotton Naked Nursing Tank.  Our super soft blend of Cotton/Lycra fabric in your choice of Charcoal Grey or Light Platinum Grey  Retail Value: $29.99

Currently Leakies can find these and other breastfeeding items on the Naked Tank website, www.thenakedtank.com.

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Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 5, 2013 through April 11, 2013.  A big thanks to Jen and Carrie and The Naked Nursing Tank for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter at @nakedtank and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway open to international entries.

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Husband and wife team, Chris and Jenny Lumley of Toronto, Canada are in the midst of changing the child passenger seating industry with the introduction of Clek’s new convertible car seat, Foonf. Aptly named as a play on the word “five” in German, Foonf contains an active safety technology that is in the same cars we drive and therefore reduces the forces on your forward-facing child in the event of a collision, and they have and share the test results to prove it. Parents to two young kids who use their seats, they wanted to create a series of products that are easy to use, best-in-class in safety, AND stylish. 

TLB:  What should The Leaky Boob readers know about clek?

Chris:  A few unique facts about Clek are that:

- We are a Canadian company, owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who use the products for their own children.
- We have a North American manufacturing base (Foonf is manufactured in Canada).
- All of our employees are owners in the company.
- We have a recycling program for all of our products.
- We  make kick-ass child seats.

TLB:  How did clek get started, what was the inspiration behind the venture and what’s the significance of the name?

Jenny:  Chris, Clek’s founder, started Clek as part of one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers. In 2010, we took our life savings (borrowed the difference) and bought Clek outright.

The inspiration for our products come from the company’s automotive history and through our experience as parents.

Chris: Clek seats are designed to look and feel just like the seats in your car that you sit in. They’re engineered with the most advanced safety features in the industry to provide optimal safety performance – our kids ride in our seats too. And, they are designed with convenience to make parents’ lives easier, like easy installation, 3 across seating, Crypton® Super Fabrics,  etc.

We were inspired by a kindergarten student, who, when asked what sound the seat made when the signature rigid LATCH locked into place, replied “Clek”!  It stuck with us.

TLB:  What makes Clek seats distinctive?

Chris:  They look and feel like a miniature version of the seat in your car. The uber-convenient rigid LATCH installation is unique to the North American market, as is their advanced safety systems, which boasts a unique mix of European child seat safety systems and automotive safety systems.

TLB:  Every parent wants to keep their child as safe as possible, what is the most common mistake parents make with child safety seats and how can they correct it?

Jenny:  Installation is hands-down the most common mistake. Well in excess of 80% of car seats are improperly used. Like anything, it won’t work properly if you don’t use it properly.

Chris: Read and follow the instruction manual or visit with your local child passenger safety technician to have your seat installed (but remember to learn from them how to install it, so that you can repeat the process when your seat needs to be re-installed in the future).

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Chris and Jenny are giving away 3 different color Foonfs to 3 lucky Leakies in three consecutive giveaways.
(One Foonf given away per week for the next three weeks.  Make sure you enter every week!)

The Foonf is a convertible car seat with top of the line technology and very appealing design, making sure that your child is both safe and comfortable.

Week 1: The black on black version in Drift which is not in Crypton fabric and does not have the integrated magnets.
Week 2: The Blue Moon which is in Crypton and does have magnets
Week 3: The Snowberry, which is like Bluemoon.

Currently Leakies can find these and additional colors at the ShopClek website at http://shop.clekinc.com.

For a personal review of the Foonf by Jessica (the woman behind TLB), click on this link.

ADDITIONALLY, during the 3 week giveaway period (April 4 – April 30) enter coupon code LuckyLeaky2013 for 20% off all Clek merchandise. This code is only good in the US at http://shop.clekinc.com , and in Canada at http://shop.clekinc.ca

Good luck to everyone!  Please use the widget below to be entered.  The giveaway is open from April 11, 2013 through April 18, 2013.  A big thanks to Chris and Jenny at Clek for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page  or follow them on twitter  (@Clek on Twitter) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.

This giveaway open to US and Canadian residents.

Our first giveaway ended at midnight on April 10th, and the winner is: Jenny Walker!  Enter for our second Clek giveaway below!

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