PBM Products...formula & discount coupons! (GIVEAWAY)

I have breastfed all four of my children. I am thankful and happy that my body produced milk for my babies, because it is convenient, healthier, always the right temperature, less to prepare (bottles, nipples, etc.) and it helps my health, too. Breastfeeding your baby is THE BEST food source for babies, however not all moms have that option. Some moms don't produce enough milk, some have to be on medications, some moms have multiples (and nursing would be very tiring), some women can't pump at work, or some moms may just need to supplement formula with milk.

On those occasions, it’s important for new moms to get the best value for their dollar, while also safeguarding baby’s health. According to the 10th edition Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, store-brand infant formula is as nutritious for babies as nationally advertised brands. Moms can save significantly – up to 50%-- by buying store brand infant formula vs. nationally advertised brands.
As of October, a new Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program initiative designed to promote breastfeeding reduces infant-formula subsidies by up to 26%; parents who previously had most of their formula paid for by WIC may now have to purchase formula on their own. Honestly, I only think this is a good idea if the mom medically can produce milk for their baby. Some mom's bodies just don't produce/supply milk. If funds are tight for that mom/family and she is on the WIC program, she now has to figure out another way to feed her baby. Formula is very expensive.
For these moms, and all moms who need to save money in this economy, I recommend that you check out the store brand formula’s safety and value. It very well could be comparable, and you could save a lot of money, while still feeding your baby.

PBM Products, which makes store-brand formula, is offering a free copy of the 368-page Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, a $16.95 value, as well as discount coupons for purchase of Walgreens, Babies “R” Us, Kroger and dozens of other leading store brand formula.

This contest is open to all bloggers/readers of the United States and will end on November 20th. Just leave a comment below telling me why you could use this book and the coupons. You can enter this contest to win the book for a friend or family member if you aren't in need of it. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest, but you MUST do the first entry.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was sponsored by Team Mom. They have supplied me with information to share with my readers, for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. Team Mom & PBM Products is supplying the giveaway prize.

Nursing in style with BOOB!

It can be a challenge finding the "right" tops to wear when you are a nursing mom. I like to be discreet when I am nursing in public, and covering up is essential to me. I was amazed with the tops that I got from BOOB design~ the tops are made with such quality, and superior design! I love how easy I can feed Cole, no hassle! These tops have one straight opening for both sides. I really like that the inside opening is up high, so your shirt doesn't have a line across your (ahem...chest). So many other nursing tops, LOOK like nursing tops, and I don't think the Boob label tops do. Here is a picture of me wearing the Poppy top, and I love this top!

I don't think anyone can tell this is a nursing top, and it is so comfortable. This shirt wears and washes great! I highly recommend this top to all you nursing moms! The fit is so comfortable!
With winter coming into season, I would recommend the B Warmer nursing hoodie from Boob! I got the poppy color hoodie for review, and I rave over the design of this top, too! The B Warmer is made with extra material across the chest line to keep you warmer in the winter. When you are producing milk for your baby, you can be extra sensitive to warm and cold~ especially the cold. So, the Boob line will keep you warmer, and more comfortable. Again, this is another top that I would highly recommend to nursing moms, especially if you are in a cold winter climate! The B Warmer is so comfortable, wears great and washes well. I love this top!
About the company:
Mia Seipel, founder of Boob, was inspired to start the collection in the autumn of 1999 watching her sister nurse her newborn. Boob Nursing is a Swedish patented innovation, and is made to last! Boob offers clothing for the nursing mother, as well as the pregnant mom! Check out their website: Boob design.

This review was written based on my own opinion and use. I was given product to review from the company, in return for a written review, and to thank me for my time and efforts. I was not paid for this review.

Evenflo Comfort Select (DUAL) Breast Pump: REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

I love breastfeeding, and I am currently breastfeeding my 3 month old, Cole. It is such a great thing knowing that my body is made to give my son the nourishment he needs to grow. I love the fact that I can have his "meal" ready whenever he needs it: right temperature, right amount, and already ready. I like having other options available, though. I would like to be able to be more flexible with leaving Cole in the care of my parents or in-laws, so pumping breast milk is a must! I was thrilled to review the Evenflo Comfort Select (Dual) Breast pump on the Mom Central blog tour! Having milk stored up for those emergency times, or when I would like to go out on a date with my husband, is a must! I love the new Evenflo Comfort Select breast pump. It is so easy, and convenient to use! The pumps are hand-held, and you can use electricity or battery power to use them. I love that feature, because you don't always have an electrical outlet available! The Evenflo Comfort Select is made without BPA, which is such a concern now days. It makes me feel more at ease knowing the breast pump is free of harmful plastics. I really like the slim traveling storage bag that comes with this pump. Most often, I have seen breast pumps to be so bulky and large. The Comfort Select from Evenflo is a great size, in my opinion. Here is what is included in the kit: 2 hand-held pump units, 2-4 oz. bottles with 2 cap rings, 2 nipples, 2 sealing discs and 2 hoods, 2 soft horn inserts, carrying/travel bag and and AC adapter. There is also nursing pads and a Breastfeeding/instruction guide.

I think that the Evenflo Comfort Select Dual Automatic Cycling Breast pump is easy to use, and is convenient for traveling. I think that the cycle time is just right, and the vacuum is comfortable and imitates baby well. I like that this pump doesn't have a lot of cords and pieces.
I recommend this breast pump if you are currently looking for one. You can enter to win one from my site~ thanks to Mom Central and Evenflo! Here are the "rules": This contest is open to the United States. You need to go to the Evenflo website and find other products that they carry and comment here on them. They offer great products! You can do "extra credit" with tweeting this contest (leave your twitter name in a separate comment), commenting on other posts on my site(please let me know what you commented on), blogging this contest, displaying my button (found on the upper right hand side of my page), and/or subscribing to my site. LOTS of chances to enter to win! This contest also includes 2 boxes of nursing pads from Evenflo: one with Lanolin and one without. YOU MUST DO THE FIRST REQUIRED STEP TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!
Contest will end May 7th, 2009.
You can also go to the Mom Central website page where you can share breast pumping tips. Every mom that shares a tip will be entered in a giveaway to win one of three Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pumps and boxes of nursing pads!

Sickness

Caleb was snuggled in my bed this morning when I woke up with Cole (at 5:30 AM). It isn't uncommon to find a child sleeping in "Terry's spot," when I wake up. Most nights, lately, Madelyn is sleeping in between us. She has had a rough time with her teeth coming in. I think she is getting all the rest of her teeth. It is nice for them all to come at once, but not so nice to her moods. Madelyn is a very touchy-feely gal, so co-sleeping is really right up her alley. Plus, if she is happy, and sleeps better, I am not going to kick her out of our bed. It is getting a bit cramped up though, because Cole tends to stay in our bed quite often, too. It is just warmer, and easier, if he just stays near me. I am too tired to keep putting him in the bassinet next to our bed. Anyway...little tangent there, sorry.

Back to Caleb...
He was laying in "Terry's spot," shortly after Terry left for work. He was playing with his new belt from Chesapeake Ribbons, and making a lot of noise. He loves his new belt, and I am glad he likes it, but I wasn't happy that it was a toy keeping him (and me) awake. I am not a morning person, and I like to sleep in~ well, at least until 6:30/7:00. After I took his belt away, and tried to get him, Cole and myself back to sleep. Well, it wasn't happening. Not only was Cole fussing~ he wanted to be up and talked to~ Caleb started complaining about his tummy hurting. I told him he was probably hungry. Nope, not so much. He started moving around on the bed, and kept complaining, then he coughed...gagged, and it was all I could do to get him off the bed. I was nursing Cole (laying down) at the time. I jumped out of bed fast, and guided Caleb quickly to the bathroom. He managed to get some on our floor (YUCK), and I held his head over the toilet. Poor guy! I have a weak stomach, so I had to really not think about it. This was a great way to start the day. He had 3 more episodes throughout the day, and a fever this evening. He took 2 naps (thankfully). We didn't give him any fever reducer this evening, because we would like to see if it can break on it's own, and fight the virus.
I am not going to stay up anymore, just in case we have a rough night, or morning. Really, I probably stayed up too late as it is.
I hope tomorrow is a better day, and that Caleb is well. I sure hope no one else gets it in our household!

Lancaster's Clip 'N' Feed

It is great having another baby! I love being a mom~ it is such a blessing! I also love breastfeeding my babies! For me, it is such a bonding experience, best nutrition, and so convenient~ no bottles, formula, and extra cleaning.
I do love to be able to nurse my baby anywhere and everywhere...but I like to be modest about it and not give everyone a show. So, staying covered up is my concern. I was happy to review the Lancaster's nursing cover.
First of all, I am thankful that the Lancaster's Clip 'N' Feed is made in the USA! With all the talk about questionable products, Lancaster's is a product we can feel safe about. The Lancaster's nursing covers are made with colorful patterns made with 100% cotton, and they are machine washable (another plus, since babies can be messy).
The nursing cover is great for many uses~ nursing, stroller cover, baby carriers and car seat covers. Attached to all four sides are matching Velcro straps that you can use to attach the cover to the strollers and car seats for security. There is a neck strap that mom can use to have the cover hang from her neck, so she can make eye contact with her baby. There are also plastic clips included so you can clip the nursing cover to your clothes if you would rather do that. Lancaster's nursing covers also have a pocket located on the outside you can use for baby stuff.
Clip‘n’Feed Blankets and Covers were made by parents looking for better ways to solve problems. Mrs. Lancaster and her husband came up with the Clip‘n’Feed covers because she was frustrated with blankets falling off while she was nursing. Mr. Lancaster created the first creation by using some plastic clips from hangers and attaching them to a blanket. With compliments and raves, Mrs. Lancaster created the Clip‘n’Feed. Lancaster's also carries Clip‘N’Feed blankets and Eco-Friendly nursing covers. The prices vary between $35-42 and can be purchased from their online store.

Born Free Feeding system

I am really looking forward to our baby due in a little under 2 months! I am really looking forward to nursing again! I love breastfeeding my babies! I also like the option of bottle-feeding (with my breast milk) when we need to be away, or if my husband will be home with the kids. I am so glad I have heard of Born Free Natural Baby Products! Born Free bottles are Bisphenol-A Free, Phthalates Free and PVC Free, which means they are safe for my baby! Born Free offers BPA-Free Bottles, Glass Bottles, Trainer cups (6-12 months) and Drinking Cups (over a year old). They also carry extra nipples, accessories, pacifiers, and now New Stainless Steel!

The Born Free Bottles are made with a unique venting system that allows air to flow into the bottle. This reduces the hard sucking that often leads to painful colic, gas and middle ear infections. The nipples for the bottles are soft and are available in 5 different flow rates. These nipples are good for babies 0-18 months old. The Born Free feeding system is suitable for breast fed babies who are being introduced to bottle feeding. The unique air valve begins the steady flow of milk~ just as it does when the baby is nursing! How cool is that? I think that these bottles will be a great fit for our family, and especially our new baby! I will say that these bottles are a bit more on the spendy side, but really~ look what you are getting for the price.

The Born Free site offers several options for picking which bottles and how many to purchase. You can also see their product line and pricing just looking around. I highly recommend getting these bottles and/or accessories. Keep your baby safe.

A Must for Nursing!

I love breastfeeding and I am an avid promoter! I have used pillows, and other methods of "propping" my baby into a comfortable position while nursing. I am really looking forward to nursing #4 baby, due in January, on my new nursing pillow. My Brest friend is a nursing pillow that supports all around the body. Now that is complete coverage! I have a bad back, and nursing (without proper support) can be a strain on the back. I think that My Brest Friend will help the strain because of the wrap around design and back rest! This will help me be more aware of how I am sitting and give me support. The Deluxe Pillow has a handy pocket attached to the side where I can keep items close. I really like that My Brest Friend pillow is easy to use and put on! Plus, I can adjust the height of the pillow to have my baby in a position that is the most comfortable. There are so many pretty fabrics to chose from in the Brest Friend products, but I love the Deluxe fabrics best because they are so soft (100% baby soft)! The slip cover is washable, too! This is a great feature, because those great pillows get spit up on, and waste material can get on it. The My Brest Friend Nursing pillow is the Number 1 choice of lactation consultants! There is no need to "fill in the gaps" with other pillows and supports while using the My Brest Friend pillow!
My Brest Friend's inventor is Andrew Zenoff, and it was developed in a "laboratory" of new moms, babies and breastfeeding experts. 12 years ago, Andrew and his "team" put together a list of complaints with nursing. **This began a lengthy cycle of design and test, followed by redesign and retest until we had built over 50 prototypes in a single year. We poked, prodded, raised, lowered, tightened, loosened, shifted and adorned until, at last, we had a pillow that our mom testers loved so much, they couldn't find a single way to improve upon it. Then, and only then, did we introduce My Brest Friend to mothers everywhere. ** (From the site)**
My Brest Friend can be found in several stores and is sold in over 20 countries!
I think this is a MUST HAVE for all nursing moms out there, and I am so thankful to finally have a support that will work best!

Pump Ease: A Review

Breastfeeding is such a great and wonderful thing! Sometimes we need to pump for when we are away from our babies, or if we want to let someone else feed the baby. So, I was excited to come across a product to help with pumping. I was excited to know that I can free my hands up while pumping, so I can maybe read a book. Adorable hands-free pumping supports that I am sure you would agree would be a great product to own while you are nursing. Pumping can take some time, especially just getting relaxed. The brand new PumpEase enable busy Moms to keep their hands free for other tasks such as checking email, (or blogging) taking phone calls, or writing thank you cards- all while pumping! PumpEase are functional, super fashionable supports that can fit over your nursing bra/garment or over nothing at all. They ensure proper alignment which results in excellent suction, are comfortable to wear, easy-to-use, and are designed with a 3-position hook and eye closure that adjusts to your varying breast size. PumpEase works with all single or double, battery-powered or electric breast pumps - no attachments required! Retail Price: $29.00 - $34.00

About Founder of PumpEase

When Wendy and her husband Mike started their family, they decided that breast milk was the best choice for their babies. They made the choice to pump primarily so that Mike could feed the babies and therefore bond with them as Wendy was. When Wendy started to pump on a daily basis, she was frustrated by how boring it was! After painstakingly searching the Internet, only to find ugly, expensive and fiddly pumping apparatus, she mocked-up a pumping support on her sewing machine. After more than 400 pumping sessions, she knew what a pumping support should offer a nursing mom. More than 3 years of research and development later, she refined the design to be not only functional and user-friendly, but pretty darn funky too! And now it’s
available to breastfeeding and pumping moms everywhere!

Shower Hug: Review and Giveaway

Contest is now closed. Congratulations to Ms. Sarah! She is the lucky winner of the Shower Hug! I hope you love it after delivery! I wish I would have had this with my first baby!
Thanks to all who entered, and to Belmama & Cherub for sponsoring the giveaway!
**This review is for females, only~** Thanks!
One of my top 13 necessities for a new baby, in my opinion (especially if you are a brand new mom) is a Shower Hug! I really wish I would have had this with my first pregnancy. There are other benefits of this for "seasoned" moms, but I think it is most beneficial for first-time moms. The Shower Hug, is a soft, terry cloth wrap that fits around your chest and back. It closes with a Velcro strip. This is a wrap to wear in the shower when you are engorged with milk (like soon after the baby is born). It can be painful, when you are a new mom, to take a shower when you have full breasts. Plus, your nipples are soar from your baby nursing all the time. So, you may have cracking and bleeding. With that, you don't want any soaps on them, either. I know that I tried many different methods to help relieve my pains in those first few weeks after delivery....especially when I took a shower. I think I would have found my relief with a Shower Hug!
I really like that this product is easy to ring out after use, and I can throw this in the wash machine. The Shower Hug can be used outside of the shower, as well. I can use the Shower Hug for an alternative to my nursing bra. I think this is easier at night time, and I don't have to worry about a wet nursing pad. In those first few months of nursing, the milk can just flow out, even when you aren't nursing. Hear your baby cry, or just thinking of your baby~ gush! Out comes the milk! Seriously, the Shower Hug can help with holding you together a bit more firmly, and with the overflow.
Shower Hugs are proudly made in the USA by a network of dedicated moms who value comfort, convenience and a little luxury too! Every person involved in the production of the Shower Hug is a self-employed Mom!! It truly is a product made for Moms by Moms! We seek to support other "mom-preneurs," so let us know how we can help! We source our ultra-soft fabric from North Carolina, a state known for quality textile production, and manufacture our product in southern California.
Want to win a Shower Hug for you, or someone you know??
Belmama & Cherub have offered to sponsor a giveaway for one of my readers!
This contest is open to all readers living in the Continental United States. Just go to the Belmama & Cherub website and look at the super Shower Hug! Come back and comment on what you like best about this great product. Click here to see how you can earn extra credits to win. Contest will end on September 1st, at 7:00 PM CST.

Glow Mama Tea

I was excited to try the latest hydrating beverage for pregnant or nursing mamas! Glow Mama! This drink is very refreshing, nutritious, and just plain great! I love that it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and FIBER! Yes, this energizing drink has 4 grams of fiber! Coming from being on Weight Watchers, fiber is a woman's best friend! If you aren't a big water buff, Glow Mama is a great alternative! Glow Mama uses water from the Pajaro Valley aquifiers in the beautiful Santa Cruz region of California. I like that Glow Mama is a
low-calorie drink, made from 15% juice, specifically kiwifruit juice concentrate, white grape juice concentrate and cane juice concentrate.
Glow Mama is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association, too!
You know, being pregnant and/or nursing you should stay away from alcoholic beverages. With Glow Mama, you can make the perfect mama "drink" by making Mocktails! The Glow Mama has many recipes you can make using your Glow Mama drink! Go check them out, because the names of the drinks are very comical!
You can find Glow Mama in the baby, maternity and natural grocery stores in the San Francisco Bay Area, or order online at Amazon. You can get a 24 pack of Glow Mama (12 ounce bottles) from Amazon for $44.95. I must say, I really like this kiwi drink, and I think it is a great beverage for pregnant or nursing moms. Hey ~Weight Watcher ladies, this is a great drink for you, too!!

Thanks for the prayers

I think we are on the mend from the weekend. Caleb was still running a slight fever this morning, but he is on the mend. He is loving his funny sounding voice right now.

I am feeling a little better. I got hit with the cold stuff this weekend, too. I had a fever, chills, and runny/stuffy nose.

Madelyn was a complete bear this morning. She was hard to manage, and she kept having tantrums. She just wanted to nurse all day, and we all know that is not a go....so, I put up with some screaming tantrums. I really don't like to do that, but I really don't want her just using me as a pacifier. I feel bad for her because I am sure her gums hurt, but nothing is as good as mom's place, I guess.

Tonight I got to go to my stamp club. We make cards and then make an order. I love going to this once a month. It is a great time to enjoy my hobby, make some great new projects, learn new ideas, socialize (WITH OTHER ADULTS) :) and increase my supply to feed my hobby.
I got to see my friend Naomi tonight, and she brought a friend that I haven't seen in a few years. It was fun to see them tonight. I also go to the club with my friend, Lisa, so it was great to see her and her mom, too!

I really need to get to bed. I know this post isn't a very detailed post, but I needed to get some information up. Thank you to everyone who said they are praying! I greatly appreciate and covet your prayers. I had a second blood draw this afternoon. I will find out some results tomorrow afternoon. I still have to wait for the ultra-sound next Friday (May 30th). I do appreciate the kind and thoughtful words. :)
I will try to write more tomorrow.
Good night~