MMB Gimme Giveaway

MMB Gimme Giveaway

It’s time for another fun MMB Gimme Giveaway.

Weehuggers have just recently launched their new Wetbags and Laundry bags in a Hobo style bag that matches their adorable cloth diaper covers. These bags will be arriving this week and are available for preorder now.

We are so excited to get these bags and I am already thinking of a million ways to use them!

Weehuggers diaper covers are a great cloth diaper cover system that can be used with absorbent weehuggers™ bamboo inserts, cotton pre-folds, fitteds, or even biodegradable gDiaper inserts for a complete diapering solution. They feature “stay-put” laminated bamboo/organic cotton flaps that ensure that your insert stays in place no matter which one you decide to use. The natural fibers gently wick moisture away from your babies’ delicate skin. The covers are simple, reusable and waterproof with true leg gussets and adjustable snaps that allow them to grow with your baby.

This easy to use cover comes in your choice of snap closures or our unique, adorable mitten-shaped hook and loop closures. Both offer an adjustable, secure fit. The all new weehuggers™ covers are available in durable waterproof polyester solids and designer cotton prints in both baby and toddler sizes.

We also love all the adorable prints and the two size options which allows you to get a great fit!

Enter to WIN a Weehuggers Package – 1 Wee-Be-Gone Hobo Wetbag and 2 matching Weehuggers Covers!!

In order to enter you must complete all 5 steps. Please comment on at least one of the steps with your email address in this format – “name at host.com” to avoid spam, but make our ability to contact/find you easier! You may comment a maximum of 5 times to complete the 5 steps. You may use the EXTRA ENTRY comment as many times as you qualify.

1. Like us on Facebook and comment that you are a fan.
2. Use Google Friend Connect and follow us on the blog (lower right hand side “Natural Mama”) and comment that you are a follower.
3. Like Weehuggers on Facebook.
4. Comment and tell us your favorite Weehugger print.
5. Share this blog giveaway link in two different places – a blog, forum, Twitter or Facebook are all acceptable, but must do two different places (cannot do both on FB or both on Twitter, etc.)
Then comment with two links to where you left them.

EXTRA ENTRY – ANY orders you make between 8.30.10 thru 9.3.10 comment with your order #.

Entries much be completed by 11:59 pm EST on September 3, 2010. Winner will be announced that weekend! Contest open to residents of USA and Canada. Contest void where prohibited by law.

Monday, August 30, 2010

MMB Gimme Giveaway

MMB Gimme Giveaway

The summer has completely flown by. Kids are starting back to school. The days of lazing by the pool and in the air conditioning are coming to an end. Why does it have to happen?

I miss summer already. Soooo I think a giveaway will cheer me up!!

Booroi was one of the first cover systems with inserts designed to fit into the cover. Booroi made their insert out of Bamboo and designed them for use in their cover as a tri-fold prefold or for use with a Snappi.

They really are unbelievably soft and ultra absorbent, made of 100% Bamboo fleece on the inner layer, with an outer layer of Bamboo terry (92% Bamboo 8% Polyester).There is an extra layer of thirsty bamboo fleece through the center of the nappy, making 3 layers through the center and 2 in the wings (2×3x2).

GIVEAWAY: There will be 18 winners!! Mom’s Milk Boutique is giving away 3 Booroi Cover and Bamboo Prefold Systems (includes 1 cover and 1 prefold) and 15 Bamboo Size 1 Prefolds! Winners will be selected randomly to win either 1 of the Cover Sets or 1 of the Prefolds.

FOUR ways to ENTER and you CAN win multiple times if your comments are drawn:

1. “Like us” on Facebook then post a comment with your Facebook user name.
2. “Fan us” on the Blog then post a comment with your Blog user name.
3. Tell others about the GIVEAWAY then post a comment with a link to your post.
4. If you order during the contest (8/14-8/16), you can comment with your order #!

Comments are moderated, so they will not show up immediately.

Giveaway closes at midnight on 8/16/10 and the winners will be randomly selected the next day and posted here. It is the winner’s responsibility to contact info@momsmilkboutique.com to claim your prize. Contest void were prohibited by law. Winners outside of the USA are responsible for any shipping costs incurred.

WINNERS: Comments 5028 (C Denfall), 5065 (Shan), 5050 (Candy H) all win 1 Booroi Cover/Insert set. Comments 5074 (Katie), 5091(Patti P), 5097 (Candace), 5107 (Michelle), 5122 (Jen N), 5144 (DiaperDad), 5200 (Jodi), 5333 (Megan), 5315 (Christina D), 5295 (Jennifer), 5269 (Emilie M), 5250 (Vicki), 5262 (Melissa J), 5210 (Heather H), and 5217 (Heather B) all win 1 Booroi Bamboo Size 1 prefold. Click/scroll over the date of your comment to see comment #s.

Congratulations! Winners must email abbie@momsmilkboutique.com by 8/25/10 to claim their prize!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Breastfeeding and Down syndrome…A Beautiful Combination

Breastfeeding and Down syndrome…A Beautiful Combination

Who ever thought breastfeeding a child with Down syndrome would be any different.  I didn’t.  Until I saw the look on the nurse’s face after my daughter was born.  She asked me if I had a preference on which kind of formula they gave her in the nursery.  After telling her I was going to nurse my daughter, she handed her to me and said “OK, give it a try, but keep in mind most babies with Down syndrome can’t latch on very well.”  Over the next few days I kept hearing that same comment and couldn’t understand why people weren’t more encouraging.

After doing research on breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome since she was born, I can see why the nurses reacted this way.  For some babies it can be very difficult, due to low muscle tone.  But it is still possible.  A good support system is the key to any breastfeeding adventure.  Having the right resources in place before hand would be excellent, but if that’s not possible you can call a lactation consultant, preferably one with knowledge of special needs, while you’re in the hospital with your baby.  Other things such as nursing pillows and a hand express pump will help.  Stimulating your milk supply yourself or with a pump right before nursing will save your baby some work and utilize that energy to nurse longer.

Children with Down syndrome also have a tendency to have a lower immune system and respiratory issues.  Sticking with it is beneficial for baby to get all the extra immunities that breast milk has to offer.   I’m so thankful I could offer my daughter that extra boost.  And the bonding time we had together was great.  Turns out, she was easier to breastfeed than my typical child.  Down syndrome or not, breastfeeding each child is a different experience.  Don’t let the myths or negative comments sway your decision, I’m here to tell you it can be done and become a beautiful experience for both of you.

by Jodi Osmin, guest contributor

Giveaway: One lucky blog fan is going to win a Bravado Original Nursing Bra.

How do you enter?

1. Become a fan on Facebook. Comment below that you are a follower on FB. ONE comment below per FB follower.

2. Become a follower of our BLOG by becoming a “Natural Mama!” Comment below that you are a follower or just became one. ONE comment per BLOG follower and include your blogID name.

3. Tell others about this GIVEAWAY, our BLOG or our store!  You may comment below as many times as you tell others – ONE COMMENT PER LINK – with a link to your blog or helpful message board post (respect spam policies, please). Your comment must be viewable have a link back to our store – www.momsmilkboutique.com our blog www.breastfeedbabywearclothdiaper.com or tag us on Facebook to be eligible for entry.

5. Tweet about us! Then copy and paste your TWEET here as a comment. MUST include any of the following in your tweet @MomsMilkBtque #clothdiapers #babywearing. Every unique tweet is an entry!

6. Make any purchase between 7/16-7/26 then come back and post the order#.

Entries will close at 11:59 pm EST on 7/26/10 and the winner will be posted on 7/27/10!

WINNER: Mallory says: July 20, 2010 at 9:48 am (contact abbie@momsmilkboutique.com to claim)

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Life at Mom’s Milk Boutique

Life at Mom’s Milk Boutique

MUST KEEP PACKING!!!
(I know many of you mamas wish you too could sleep surrounded by fluff.  No one was injured during this demonstration and I promise no drool ended up on anyone’s Fuzzi Bunz) :)

What started out as an idea that Bonnie and I tossed around has grown into more than either of us could have imagined. No, I’m not referring to size – we aren’t a multi-million dollar corporation (far from it), nor do we want to be, but we have come so far from where we started.

We started out in a little (and I mean LITTLE) space in the back of a building. Here is Bonnie painting in the “BEFORE.” I am sure she will thank me later for featuring her in “painting garb.”

We painted the space an interesting green with painted flowers and pictures all over the walls – courtesy of our artsy sister, Dominie.

The moment we moved into the space we had outgrown it (did I mention it was really small?). People had to park across the street and many times couldn’t even find us.

Here are a few pictures of our first space. My favorite part was the glossy black floors!

After a year, we moved into a little bigger space in the front of the same building. Parking area and WINDOWS – score!! Here are a few from our current space!

Southern Illinois needed a resource for natural parenting, breastfeeding and cloth diapering. After providing that, we also took our business online in hopes that other families throughout the USA might need a little MMB too.  Now, every time we ship out an order to one of the 50 states or someone in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Norway, Greenland, Israel, France, Ireland, England, well, places I only dream of visiting, I am blown away that all of you found us – some on the other side of the globe! The concept of being an international business located in a very rural town of 8,000 people in the middle of nowhere is just plain neat.

We are so appreciative to all of our customers who are so dedicated to natural parenting, cloth diapering, babywearing, and breastfeeding making it possible for us to grow. In addition to Bonnie and myself, we currently employ 3 other mamas, Lacey (her baby is the one asleep on the FB), Sara, and Brittany and also our sister, Dominie. We love bringing you new and amazing products and hope to continue to bring on different product lines. We are also working on another building expansion slowly but surely.

Because we love you all, we thought you might enjoy a little glimpse into where life started and what is happening around MMB! :)

by Abbie, breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering mama to 3. Although I only have 1 currently doing any of those three things right now. :)

And because no post is complete without a giveaway….one lucky blog fan is going to win one Perfect Size FuzziBunz and one One-Size FuzziBunz!!

How do you enter?

1. COMMENT with what country (or state) you are FROM! :)

2. Become a fan on Facebook. Comment below that you are a follower on FB. ONE comment below per FB follower.

3. Become a follower of our BLOG by becoming a “Natural Mama!” Comment below that you are a follower or just became one. ONE comment per BLOG follower and include your blogID name.

4. Tell others about this GIVEAWAY, our BLOG or our store!  You may comment below as many times as you tell others – ONE COMMENT PER LINK – with a link to your blog or helpful message board post (respect spam policies, please). Your comment must be viewable have a link back to our store – www.momsmilkboutique.com our blog www.breastfeedbabywearclothdiaper.com or tag us on Facebook to be eligible for entry.

5. Tweet about us! Then copy and paste your TWEET here as a comment. MUST include any of the following in your tweet @MomsMilkBtque #clothdiapers #babywearing. Every unique tweet is an entry!

6. Make any purchase between 6/10-6/15/10 then come back and post the order#.

Entries will close at midnight on 6/15/10 and the winner will be posted on 6/16/10!

WINNER : Tamara Glen from SC! Email abbie@momsmilkboutique.com to claim your prize!

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Is It Too Late to Start Cloth Diapering!?

Is It Too Late to Start Cloth Diapering!?

It is NEVER too late…

IGNORE NO MORE
Information overload. That pretty much sums up my initial feelings about cloth diapering. My gut told me I wanted to cloth diaper, but I was overwhelmed to the point that I ignored my gut. I felt the twinge with every disposable I threw away. Through colic and exhaustion and teething, I continued to ignore that little voice in my head. After about 10 months, I was out of survival mode and clarity returned – I could ignore the voice no more. I dove in to the pool of information and I didn’t drown. In fact, I actually felt like I was swimming within days.

INFORM
Questions filled my head. What kind of diapers do I use? What else do I need? What do I do with the dirty ones? How do I wash them? So, I tackled them with some research. Google® was my best friend over those first excitement filled days as I picked out and ordered my first diapers. I was as impatient as my two year old during Christmas as I waited for my first diaper to arrive.

What kind of diapers do I use? It really depends on your situation as to what fits your lifestyle best. At the time, my daughter attended daycare and I was lucky enough to have a provider that was open to cloth diapering. I decided to make it as easy as possible on her and chose a diaper that also had a cover. We chose to use a combination of pockets and all-in-ones since both types allow for quick and easy changes.

Pockets are great because they are just like a disposable for an “end-user” and are generally a very affordable option. You do have to stuff them with an insert after washing. An all-in-one also goes on just like a disposable diaper and they have no inserts. However, they do tend to be more expensive. We do use some fitted cloth diapers at home and they are the best at containing any leaks, but they also require an extra step of putting on a waterproof cover when putting the diaper on.

What else do I need? What do I do with the dirty ones? There are so many accessories available for a cloth family – talk about adding to the confusion! We decided to stick to the basics. A 13-gallon plastic trash can with a pail liner serves as our diaper pail. And no, it never really stinks. We like that our WAHMies Pail Liner has a seam of fabric attached so that we can add essential oil to help mask any possible odors. Cloth wipes and a spray bottle of water mixed with some baby soap serve as our wiping method. We use some flushable liners when she is “due for a big one” to make clean up much easier. We rounded it out with some wet bags for travel and that has worked well as the basics for us.

How do I wash them? This was the most complicated issue for us. The one that held us back and overwhelmed us the most. Everywhere I looked, there seemed to be a different method or suggestion for a washing technique and detergent choices. I highly recommend looking at the laundry page at Mom’s Milk Boutique for a ton of valuable information.

While every machine is different, we have found great success with the cold rinse, hot wash, extra cold rinse. In plan English, rinse your diapers with no detergent, wash them on hot with detergent and then rinse again with no detergent – checking the final rinse to make sure the suds are gone.

The most important thing is to make sure to rinse enough to get the suds out or else they can cause build up. It is a fine art in determining how much detergent is enough to get the diapers clean, but not too much to cause buildup. Just like you do with everything as Mom, you’ll find the right balance.

IN LOVE
Cliché as it sounds, I can honestly say my only regret is that I ignored my gut for so long and didn’t start cloth diapering sooner. We have seen so many benefits from cloth. Besides the obvious environmental ones, my older daughter’s problems with diaper rash instantly became a distant memory and my younger daughter (cloth baby from birth) has never known what a diaper rash is.

From a young age, my older daughter also took great pride in getting her diapers out of the dryer and helping Mom put them away. As an added bonus, she now loves to do all kinds of chores at home and I credit the early days of dryer duty for that. Cloth made her very aware of being wet and she potty trained so easily at two.

Cloth diapering was and is one of the best decisions we made as parents – for ourselves, for our children, and for our environment. It is never too late!

by Christina Evans, guest contributor

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Comment and tell us when you started cloth diapering and enter to win a WAHMIES Pail Liner! Contest will run through 10 am MST on 6/5/10. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be announced 6/6/10. It is the winners responsibility to contact us to claim their Pail Liner!
WINNER – Jen on May 28, 2010 at 6:35 pm – contact abbie@momsmilkboutique.com to claim your pail liner!

Friday, May 28, 2010