Nursing & Feeding

Webinar: Advanced Breastfeeding Class on November 5

Advanced Breastfeeding Class* is part one of a three-part series on setting yourself up for successful breastfeeding (as well as Pumping & Storing and Returning to Work in the latter parts of our series.) Join us for one or all three* webinars in this informative series designed for expecting and new moms who are planning to nurse and/or pump.

Details:
Wednesday, November 5, 2016 | 3:30-5:30pm EDT
As baby’s due date approaches, all new moms seek peace of mind about the whole process. One of the biggest decisions you will make for your newborn is whether breastfeeding is right for you and your baby. After your baby is here, you will most likely get support and hands-on training at the hospital. However, with our brand new and exciting webinar series, you will get a head start on important breastfeeding basics prior to baby’s arrival from the comfort of your home or workplace. Led by Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), this 2-hour class is guaranteed to teach you new breastfeeding techniques and facts, as well as go above and beyond what you would learn at the basic class taught at hospitals.

It’s a must-attend if you plan to nurse and/or pump!

Key topics to be covered will be:

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and when is the right time to seek their help?
Why should you breastfeed?
What is in breastmik?
Common issues with breastfeeding and solutions.
Plus, much, much more!

Nurse Wendy will also offer time for Q/A at the end of the class, time-permitting.

*Attendees will be entered for chance to win 1 of 50 pairs of Bamboobies reusable nursing pads!

Gugu Village is Gugu Guru’s new educational community for expecting and new moms. Offering both webinars and offline events, Gugu Village provides first time moms with the knowledge that they need to feel prepared and well supported during the prenatal and postpartum period.

Modern Feeding Picks Roundup!

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While there is nothing revolutionary about the act of feeding a baby, there are many new modern products which make feeding a baby just a little easier – we have rounded up some of our top picks of modern feeding gear – these make great baby shower gifts or add them to your registry!

Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: These breast pump nipple cushions are a universal fit, soft and stretchy which add comfort to your breast pump. Each package includes 2 nipple cushions which fit breast shield sizes 19mm-36mm. Make your time pumping more comfortable with these soft and helpful cushions!

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 579f24b9af09b16d386ff715

Silverette Nursing Cups: Are you breastfeeding your newborn? Check out Silverette Nursing Cups, which are small nursing cups made out of 925 silver to help protect the nipples while breastfeeding. Silver is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory element and it heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness and infections. These cups are essential for anyone who is having problems with painful nipples or want to use them as a precautionary measure. They are completely easy to use and no creams or lotion are needed.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57a8ff75f3e6917c3b08f2d6

Boobie Bars: Created by a nurse and lactation consultant, Boobie Bars, are a convenient and healthy snack and a wonderful alternative to taking pills and special teas to help your milk supply! Made of a proprietary blend of herbs, coconut oil, oatmeal, and fenugreek, these bars are offered in blueberry coconut, oatmeal chocolate chip, and gluten-free peanut butter! Eating just one Boobie Bar a day fulfills a daily dose of milk-boosting herbs that a breastfeeding mama needs. Throw these bars in your purse, diaper bag, or pocket so you can deliciously keep your supply up all day, no matter what you’re doing.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 56d484a66336361e878a0500

Fayebeline Onesie: When we came across this super soft onesie from Fayebeline, we had to share it with you – “I’ll Have Your Finest House White” – too cute! The charcoal grey color is fashionable, on trend, and gender neutral — perfect for a baby boy or baby girl. Fayebeline uses premium, thick, soft cotton and industry-leading printing techniques to create boutique quality baby clothing.

PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57c83720af09b10b320a8f67

Thank you to Boobie Bars, Silverette, Fayebeline, and Beaugen for making this sponsored post possible.

DIY Burp Cloth Tutorial

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Let’s get crafty! See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. We’re all about nursing in this post co-sponsored by Momsense.

I’m so excited to be here sharing a burp cloth tutorial today! I’ve never really needed burp cloths before, my baby #3 is a little bit of a spitter!

We partnered with Momsense for this tutorial for Breastfeeding Awareness Month! The Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter is a new product that tracks how much your baby is eating! The meter has a pair of headphones equipped with a microphone that safely sticks to baby’s neck. The microphone amplifies her sucks and swallows for you to hear. It also has a little animation that goes with it and it translates the swallows to give you a good sense of how much milk your baby is getting!

My older daughter loves to listen in and it’s so fun to involve the kids and dad in the breastfeeding experience. I needed this meter about 6 years ago with my first when I was struggling with milk supply, so I’m so glad it’s on the market now!

My favorite part about the meter is how inspiring it is to a breastfeeding mama! It’s so neat to see and hear how effective your breastfeeding session is and is pushing us to get the best and longest breastfeeding experience possible. Read my full review on SeeKateSew.com to hear all about my struggle with supply and how the Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter has been a game changer for us!

Today we’re making burp cloths lined with absorbent towel material! I thought lemon fabric would be cute since we’re talking about eating! The back of the cloths are made from a towel. You can either use a pre-made towel or terry cloth material for the backing. The only other thing you need is the pattern (provided below) and basic sewing supplies.

Let’s get started!

Materials:
–See Kate Sew Burp Cloth Pattern
-a store-bought towel or terry cloth material
-1/4 yard cotton ( lemon fabric source)

Print out the burp cloth pattern at 100% (do not scale). Cut off the overlap and tape the 3 pages together. It will look like this:

Use the pattern piece to cut out 1 piece from cotton and 1 piece from your towel material.
Put the cotton piece on top of the towel piece with the right sides together.
Pin and sew the front and back together 3/8″ from the edges, leaving a 2-3″ opening on one side.
Turn the burp cloth right side out through the opening you left. Press. Turn the opening edges in.
Topstitch around the cloth 1/4″ from the edge. The opening will be closed as you do this.

You’re done! A little stack of these make a really cute shower gift (maybe paired with a Momsense meter!).

Back to Preschool With Stasher, skip*hop and Rockets of Awesome

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Hey there – it’s Monica, Gugu Guru’s founder. It’s that time of year {sigh} summer is really coming to an end, people. This means it’s time to finish up all the prep for going back to preschool and I’m sharing a few product discovery picks that have made life a little easier in our home this year.

Stasher

Disclaimer: I received Stasher bags for review but all opinions are my own.

I would not describe myself as an “eco mama” by any means, my cupboards are a good mix of organic and the not so organic stuff. However, I would say that my family is really good about recycling. One item that we use a lot and that does make me feel guilty is ziplock bags. We use a TON of them to store just about everything – from leftovers to crayons and more – leaving me constantly rinsing them out in an effort to re-use them and do my part to save our planet from all this trash. Well, my worries have come to an end folks. Enter Stasher – the world’s first—and only—self-sealing, airtight, non-plastic bag!

Why am I loving on Stasher for Back to School? It’s just genius in terms of not being wasteful. I don’t only mean for the environment but also for all the leftovers your picky baby or toddler or kid will be generating over his or her childhood. I cannot tell you how many times, I have had food on the tray of the high chair and pondered, “Is this ziplock worthy?” Now the answer can always be “yes” with Stasher.

These bags are super functional; easily going from the freezer, to the microwave, and to the dishwasher. Also, you’re not limited to storing food, they make great travel bags, organizers and more.

skip*hop Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag, Owl

I just love skip*hop; it’s a classic brand with iconic designs. You’ll be met with a lot of choices when you go back to school shopping – especially when it comes to backpacks and lunch boxes. Don’t be fooled into grabbing that cartoon character lunch bag. Smart, high-quality design like skip*hop is always a good investment for parents.

This roomy, insulated PVC-free lunch bag keeps food and drinks cold. The large main compartment is big enough to hold a sandwich, fruit and juice box and it also has an interior mesh pocket for utensils (or snack!) The top handle attaches onto another bag – which is great for kiddos that are new to handling backpacks.

Rockets of Awesome

Full disclosure here: Rockets of Awesome used to be a baby registry site called Cricket’s Circle and I guess you could say Cricket’s Circle was a competitor to Gugu Guru of sorts. So, needless to say I was very intrigued when the company evolved into a kids’ clothing subscription service called Rockets of Awesome and I signed up for my boxes the day the site launched. The first thing I thought was, “Who needs another clothing subscription service?” I am here to say, I do – and you probably do too!

Fiona rocking her first day of school outfit: a striped dress with tulle skirt and matching crown headband from Rockets of Awesome.

To get started with Rockets of Awesome, you take a style quiz for your kid(s). The more information, you give about your child’s style, the better. Then you get a note that the stylist is working on your box and you should receive it within the next few days.

Here’s what I liked:

There is NO FEE to try this subscription. Just pay for what you keep. There are so many subscription boxes out there that charge you a fee just to get a box – even if you don’t keep anything. When I saw this, I felt like Rockets of Awesome did their legwork when it came to researching what parents would appreciate from a box service.
My kids were thrilled to open their boxes and see what was selected for their style. That was the highlight of the experience – the element of surprise.
The clothes are all unique & stylish, mostly well constructed and a very reasonable price.
Very easy to return what we didn’t want to keep, as well as provide feedback to the stylists on why we kept what we did.

Some minor things to be improved:

A few of the items – just a few – seemed a little lower on the quality side.
My son is very tall but very skinny; some of the pants sent to us fit his waist but looked like floods. Sizing with kids is a tough nut to crack sometimes. We’ll see how it’s handled with the next box.
A glitch with billing that was resolved relatively quickly, but I had to contact Customer Service to point it out.

Could you just hit Old Navy and shop for clothes there? Yes, but this is more fun. However, the real deciding factor of whether I will continue with RoA will be the upcoming boxes. Will update you all in October. In the meantime, if you want to try it out, you can use this link to receive a free item with your first purchase.

How did Rockets of Awesome know that Rory is camouflage-crazed? Not sure. But this outfit in his box was a total winner.

Photography: Sinnerman Photography

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, you help to support Gugu Guru as we receive a commission on the sale. Thank you in advance!

When Smartphones Meet Smartpumps

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By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC

Ever since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented in the United States in 2012, breast pumps are becoming commonplace after a baby is born. The number of breast pump manufacturers continues to grow now that most private health insurances cover and provide a double electric pump under the ACA. But, there is still a need for retail breast pumps too.

Some of the reasons why a mom might still need to purchase a breastpump after receiving an insurance issued pump are:

The insurance issued pump she receives is not compatible with her breasts and/or lifestyle.
She prefers to own two separate pumps leaving one at work and one at home to make working and breastfeeding easier when returning to work.
The breast pump she was issued from insurance stops working and is out of warranty.

Luckily, there are a lot more choices when it comes to purchasing a personal double electric breastpump. One of the newest pumps emerging on the market is the Lansinoh® SmartPump Double Electric Breast Pump. This new breast pump is the first to combine some of the most efficient and convenient features found on today’s personal breast pumps and gives it a modern twist by blending them with Bluetooth technology. Lansinoh Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump’s integration with Bluetooth via its free app could make pumping more suitable for the millions of moms who choose to pump while breastfeeding.

The features which stood out in my opinion as a board certified lactation consultant are as follows:

Closed system: This technology minimizes milk from backing up in the tubing. Having the motor sealed decreases the chance of bacteria and other organisms entering the pump’s motor, which is often unknown to the mother.
Modern design: No knobs to turns; just easy and precise push buttons.
LetDown Button: Moms have been conditioned and want at the push of a button to have a pump mimic the change in speed and suction during a letdown and expressions phases.
Separate Speed and Suction Function: The Lanisinoh Smartpump allows for each mom to customize and maximize how she pumps. There are three Pumping Styles built in to choose from to try to mimic how her baby suckles from the breast or, at the push of a button, a mom can choose to customize her setting even more choosing up to eight levels of suction.
Compact Size: Thankfully the big and bulky pumps are less common within the new generation of breastpumps. Battery powered is optional because today’s mamas are on the go!
Clock/Timer: Losing track of time is easy to do with pumping since most moms I know are pumping handsfree and become distracted on their phones.
Backlight: Useful to have because moms don’t just pump in the day hours.
Different Flange Sizes Included: Having variances in flange sizes included better assures an accurate fit, which results in increasing output and decreasing nipple trauma. Having sizing options included prevents injury from having to use the incorrect size until a mom has time to go shopping.
Cost: The $199.99 MRSP is a good price point for a retail pump. The free app which connects automatically is what makes this pump so unique.
Lansinoh Baby App: Compatible with both iPhones and Androids. Can be connected prior to connecting to your pump to track the necessary data used when determining how well lactation is going such as output from diapers including color of stools, tracking feeding frequency, and duration. The best feature is it can be downloaded and shared with your lactation consultant and pediatrician to provide a thorough history. Gone are all those messy handwritten charts parents show me!

Since my breastfeeding days are six years behind me, I enlisted the help of a few local breastfeeding moms to let me know how the new Lansinoh® Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump feels and functions compared to their current electric breastpump they were using. Disclosure: Lansinoh provided pumps to these two mothers for trial, but all opinions are our own.

Tester #1: Mother of two; ages 3 years and 2 months. Breastfeeds exclusively, but works fulltime. Has a flexible work environment and can bring her newborn to work with her on most days. She represents the “occasional pumper”. She pumps for breastmilk to be given by bottle by her spouse or caregiver due to work, date nights, and errands done without baby.

Pros

Suction “I could only stand the lowest setting which was strange because I usually have to turn my pump to the highest setting.”
Speed Tester 1 used Pumping Style Two, which is the default setting. “It felt faster, but I have never recorded my minutes before. The app made it effortless to know how long it takes me to pump. That was cool!”
Comfort “I used the standard size flange, and they fit the same as my previous ones. If I kept the suction at the lowest setting it felt comparable to my former pump’s highest setting.”
Ease of Use “I perused through the instruction manual before trying because I had never used a pump with separate speed and suction controls. I just turned it on, starting to letdown, and pumped. The first setting was perfect for me.”
Amount Pumped same as her previous pump
Favorite Lansinoh Baby App Features The pump automatically connects when turning on your pump making record keeping easy to do.

Cons

Small ice pack which doesn’t fit around the storage bottles in the cooler. Added second ice pack in cooling bag.
“Wish the pump parts which I already own (I have tons) are compatible.”

Would you recommend? “Yes, it has it all! The app has things on it you can use if not pumping yet. I would suggest a new mom download the app while still pregnant because learning to pump and playing with the app was another step.”

Tester # 2: First time mom, 7 month old; Exclusively Pumping (EP) mom who is a stay at home mom. Pumps 5-7 times per day and exclusively bottle feeds + solids using only her expressed breastmilk.

Pros
● Suction “It felt stronger which had me questioning if my current pump is wearing out from using it so much. Eight suction levels is a nice feature.”
● Speed “I used all three pump styles. I found each one to be good for the different fullness in my breast. I prefered Pumping Style 2 which is standard. However, when I’m fuller in the mornings, I then prefered Pumping Style 1 because it’s faster; removing more milk once I begin to letdown.”
● Comfort “I am so use to pumping, it never hurts me! This pump is about the same as my current pump.”
● Ease of Use “I cleaned the parts, assembled and just pumped! The automatic shut off feature is useful since I often would forget to turn off my pump when I was done while storing my milk.”
● Amount Pumped “I use to get about the same as my older pump, but now that I am more familiar with this pump I average 2-3 more ounces per day.”
● Favorite Lansinoh Baby App Feature “It replaced my previous baby app since it can do all that and more. I love that it automatically records when I pump by simply turning on the pump. I use both the bottlefeeding and diaper count feature too.”

Cons
● “I use this pump now in place of my current pump, but If I had to change give one thing about this pump it would be the size of the outside diameter of the flange (purple rubber part) and the fact it’s made out of rubber. This part is wider than my last pump and I had to cut the holes in my handsfree bra bigger because the rubber doesn’t slide in and out as easily. I wish it were plastic instead.”

Would you recommend? “Yes”

In America, breastpumps have become synonymous with breastfeeding. In fact, North America was the largest market with more than 63% share in global breast pump market. (1) While most lactation professionals agree that pumping more than your baby actually needs to gain a freezer “stash” is both unnecessary, could cause an oversupply which has health implications, and is too time consuming for the average breastfeeding mother. Breastpumps are vital items if you are one of the 70% (2) of moms who return back to the workforce after childbirth. Also, each year the initiation of breastfeeding rates continue to climb. Today’s moms are choosing to breastfeed longer compared to just a few years ago because of the increases in education and support which continue to improve. Pumping is imperative for the working mom obviously, but also the mom who only pumps regardless of work status. Exclusive Pumpers (EPs) are a population that is growing. These moms rely heavily on a breast pump’s features to be successful.

Thankfully, these moms and others have options when choosing their personal double electric breastpumps like the Lansinoh® Smartpump Double Electric Breast Pump.

Bio

Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC, RLC is a registered nurse whose specialties include NICU and maternalchild health and is a board certified lactation consultant with over 20 years experience working with families. She is the creator and CEO of Boobie Bar, The Original Herbal Lactation Bar. She currently works as a lactation consultant at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and in privatepractice in the San Diego, California area. She is also participates and speaks monthly through breastfeeding webinars hosted by Gugu Guru in the Gugu Village.

References:
1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/pressrelease/globalbreastpumps
2. https://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/stats_data.htm

Mompreneur Spotlight: Lindsey Laurain of ezpz

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Here at Gugu Guru, we’re proponents of any products and ideas which make mealtime easier for the family; which is why we’re so excited to introduce Lindsey Laurain of ezpz! ezpz features placemats, bowls, and mealtime tools which are not only healthy and safe for babies and kids, but promote self-feeding skills and independence in young children.

GG: How and why did you start ezpz?

LL: Our life can be pretty chaotic, especially at mealtime, and my husband and I were fed up with the messiness and cleanup time dedicated to each meal. One night (in the midst of his frustration) my husband said, “Someone needs to create something kids can’t toss or throw at meals!” The next day I hopped online and, low and behold, nothing exists. From that day on I was committed to creating products that made meals with kids ezpz – and that is how the Happy Mat came to be!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

Balancing work and family is a constant challenge, but I do my best! I try to shut down my computer when the kids get home from school and spend some time giving each one of my three boys the attention they deserve. One thing I love about starting ezpz from scratch has been teaching the boys about what you can achieve with hard work, a positive attitude and teamwork.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

The best part of being an entrepreneur is having an amazing team and community! I have the pleasure of working with my best friends, husband and brother! Our community (ezpz fans and supporters) are also phenomenal; they keep us motivated and upbeat even when times are tough.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Caroline Freedman, co-founder NurturMe

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This week’s Mompreneur interview is with Caroline Freedman, co-founder of NurturMe. NurturMe is the first and only family of certified-organic, dried fruit and veggie meals and snacks created to nourish healthy growth and overall wellness in little ones. Made from specially selected super fruits and veggies that are quick-dried in order to preserve freshness, flavor and vital nutrients, NurturMe baby and toddler foods are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher, with no added preservatives, sugars or salts. They’re also super lightweight and made in the USA, leaving a smaller carbon footprint on our planet than the other options found in the baby aisle.

GG: How and why did you start your NurturMe?

CF: The idea came about seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child. I was doing a lot of research about when to feed your child, what ingredients are appropriate, how the whole process works. … It was very intimidating. I was surprised to find there was no innovation in baby food. It was still Gerber. It was still pureed foods in jars. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a brand that could appeal to modern parents.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

CF: I found a partner. Aside from actual workload, there is just so much problem-solving that goes on. My business partner, who also has two children, Lauren de la Rosa, and I help one another. We have two very different approaches, and, in some situations, her approach is more effective and, in others, mine is. The fact that we have that dynamic as co-founders has enabled us to both grow our families, stay sane and enjoy this ride we’re on. Also, in regards to maintaining balance, it’s important to have a rich and fulfilling social life. There’s this idea that entrepreneurs have to have their heads down and focus on work all the time, but my experience has been that as my company and my responsibilities have grown, my relationships and my friendships have deepened. I don’t have this tunnel vision on work 100 percent of the time.

GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

CF: One of the things I love most about it is being an example to my girls. Their view of what a mom does is work, run her own business, while also (hopefully, from their perspective) being an involved and present parent. It’s something that I hope will shape them into confident girls and women who feel that they, too, can do whatever they set their minds to.

Please visit nurturme.com for additional information, including pricing and where to purchase NurturMe products. Visit NurturMe on Facebook and Twitter for special promotions, recipes, new products and more.

Follow NurturMe on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Nursing Essentials Roundup!

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The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, so we wanted to share some helpful nursing essentials which you could add to your registry or gift to a new mama friend!

Sponsored Post

Bamboobies Nursing Pads: Bamboobies Nursing Pads are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly. Bamboobies washable nursing pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing.

Milkies Milk-Savers: Any breastfeeding mom will tell you that they absolutely hate wasting even one drop of breast milk! Luckily, Milk-Savers by Milkies save the day! Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. Once you’ve finished your breastfeeding session, simply transfer the collected milk into storage containers and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to feed your baby at a later time. Slim, durable, and portable, the patented Milk-Saver is comfortable to wear, holds a little more than 2 ounces of breast milk, and includes a protective lid to prevent milk from spilling out of the Milk-Saver during normal use. And with its stylish, durable case, your Milk-Saver will stay safe and clean when you’re on the go.

Bamboobies Nursing BRAHHH!: Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh combines the popular seamless nursing bra style with super-soft rayon from bamboo fabric. Wire-free comfort and soft support will make this bra your everyday favorite. Bamboo rayon is more breathable, softer and eco-friendly than cotton or nylon. Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh now has clasps for easy access nursing.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Heather Stoeckel Karpinsky of Baby A & Baby B

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This week’s fab mom is twin mom Heather Stoeckel Karpinsky of Baby A & Baby B.

GG: Tell us about your product and how you came up with the feeding set?

HSK: We were so excited when we found out we were expecting twins. The news came as a big surprise and so did their arrival. Grant and Gavin were born at just 31 weeks after I developed preeclampsia. When they were born, I did not get to hold them. They were rushed immediately into the NICU and I remained in the operating room praying. That day started my journey as a mother of twins and the experiences below gave me the idea for the Twin Feeding Set.

Stopping the Spread of Germs: When we were able to go home after 6 weeks in the NICU, we were very happy and nervous. My babies had entered into this world as warriors and I wanted to do everything in my power to protect them. Leaving the strict rules of the NICU and heading home made me very worried about exposing Grant and Gavin to sickness. Parents of premature babies know that colds can be harsh and in some cases cause permanent damage to a premature baby’s developing lungs. When my son Gavin got a cold at just 6 months old, I did everything in my power to ensure he got better quickly and that Grant did not get the same cold.

Keeping foods separate due to allergy: Being a parent makes you want to do the best for your children. I wanted the best and most healthy foods. I started making purees at home. It was a great way to save money and ensure only the best ingredients were used. We soon discovered that Grant loved anything with apples and Gavin did not. Gavin would get an upset stomach when he ate anything with apple. So ensuring their foods were not confused became important.

Making things a little easier: Feeding twins is so different than feeding a singleton. I always felt so silly juggling separate bowls and spoons while frantically trying to feed my boys. I also felt weird using the same spoon and bowl when both boys were healthy. It was a stressful experience and I hated making them wait so long in between bites. I searched online to try to find something that would make the process easier, but was unable to locate anything, so I started looking into doing it myself. These circumstances gave me the idea for the twin feeding set.

The Twin Feeding Set provides two mouthpieces to keep germs from spreading and two matching bowls that make it easy for parents to measure how much food each child has consumed. The Twin Feeding Set is also easy to hold and allows the parents of multiples to feed both children without juggling separate bowls and spoons. We started using the first model of the twin feeding set for my boys when they were 7 months old and they have yet to spread a cold or germs. We tested out the product for 6 months before we started to sell them online. The twin feeding set has enabled them to eat their favorite foods at every meal. It was a dream come true for us because it turned a stressful time into an enjoyable time for everyone.

GG: What is the best part of being a mompreneur?
HSK: The best part of being a mompreneur is connecting to other parents of twins. It makes me a better mother and I love hearing their stories. Becoming a mother to twins is my life’s greatest blessing and being able to use what I have learned from my past experiences has been truly wonderful.

When I graduated from Albright College in 2002 I started working at MBNA, a bank based in Wilmington, DE. I took a position in customer service that taught me to “think of yourself as a customer” and “success is finding a better method.” When MBNA was sold, I took a new role in development at the University of Delaware. I helped to raise money for scholarships, programs, and research. The birth of my twins altered my plans and going back to work was not possible. My salary did not cover the cost of daycare and coupled with my husband’s hectic career as a helicopter pilot we agreed it was best for me to stay at home with my boys. My focus was on nurturing and caring for my twins, however part of me missed working. When I discovered how simple changes to the products I already used everyday would make parenting twins a little easier my journey as a mompreneur began. Being a mompreneur has given me the best of both worlds. It enables me to be at home with my boys while letting me use my experience in customer service to help others. My new role has helped me grow personally and professionally while connecting me with parents of twins from around the world.

GG: How do you balance it all?
HSK: I take it one day at a time and always do my best. Balancing is almost impossible with twins! You can plan and prioritize and then something can happen that changes all of those plans. I am so lucky that I have a great support system (my husband, mother, father, friends, and my entire family) that I can always count on. The day of my first large order my son Grant had an allergic reaction that caused a severe asthma attack and I rushed him to the hospital. Without the help of my mom and my husband I would have failed in getting my orders completed that day. I would never want to let anyone down, so doing things all by myself would be impossible. It takes a village.

Well Rounded NY’s Small Spaces Picks

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The ladies of Well Rounded NY – the foremost experts on chic city living -and therefore, by default also masters of petite living quarters – have curated some of their favorite “small spaces” picks for your baby registry and we have them listed here. Have a Gugu Guru registry? Add them all in our new WRNY Small Spaces category!

GB Pockit stroller

Designed for frequent travelers, the gb Pockit Stroller in Monument Black quickly folds into an ultra-compact package shaped like a handbag for simple transport on airplanes and more. The stroller offers a self-standing folded option for added versatility when you and baby are dining out.

SkipHop Pronto changing station

The Pronto is our portable diapering essentials kit that ensures that baby is always clean, dry and happy, and that mom and dad are always prepared. Drop it in any bag, strap it to your wrist or clip it to your stroller and you’re good to go. With loads of features, our Pronto is a favorite of moms and dads everywhere. Its extra wide mod changing pad wipes clean, and the head area is cushioned with an innovative pronto pillow. The pad is also removable, allowing the body to become an independent diaper carry all.

Puj tub

The Puj Tub is the easiest bath tub ever! Made from a soft foam that folds and conforms to almost any sink, the Puj Tub cradles and protects the baby during bath time. Hang or store the tub flat anywhere you would like…even on the back of your door and out of sight!

Babyhome – Dream bassinet

As a lightweight sleeping system, the Air is the only bassinet you’ll need whether your lifestyle is on-the-go or you’re dyed-in-the-wool homebodies. With a beautifully constructed frame boasting a brilliant leg design that transforms from wheels, to stationary, to rocker on the fly, the quality of the Air is evident from the ground up. The mesh window on the side of the Air creates for a well ventilated sleeping space and serves to give you a view into the bassinet without disturbing your sleeping baby.

Micuna OVO Chair

The Ovo high chair was designed and manufactured with the best materials in mind. Components such as solid beech wood, high quality textiles for upholstery, and the best leatherette, only for those with the most distinguished taste. The fusion of these materials makes Ovo a product that will leave a lasting impression.

DockATot
The Deluxe dock is the ultimate docking station for your baby ages 0-8 months old. Multifunctional and multitasking, the Dockatot™ Deluxe offers a safe and comfy spot that lets baby lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes. Deluxe docks are lightweight and portable, allowing for easy travel.

Lorena Canals rug

Machine-washable: easy to wash, it can be washed at home in a conventional washing machine. Handmade: carefully and individually handmade by artisans. Eco-friendly: 100% natural cotton and non-toxic dyes.

Finn+Emma activity gym

Get ready for the best playdate ever! Our 2 height adjustable Play Gym has a 100% birch wood frame finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers (free of lead, phthalate, nickel, mercury, formaldehyde and ultra low VOC’s). The wooden toys are non-toxic, made from all natural untreated indian hardwood buffed with vegetable seed wax. The knit dolls were made with phthalate-free rattles inside and hand knit from organic cotton.

Babybjorn Mini Bouncer

Safely holds your baby for you in the early days at home. Gives proper support to a very young baby’s neck and back. Natural bouncing, no batteries required. Can be used from newborn up.

Baby K’tan

Wrap-style baby carrier with no wrapping required. Patented double-loop design is as easy to put on (and as comfortable) as a t-shirt.

Ergo Nursing Pillow

The Ergobaby Natural Curve™ Nursing Pillow with brown cover provides nursing mothers the support they need to nurse comfortably and bond with their baby.

Wall Decals – Urban Walls

Our cat wall decals feature friendly faces that will keep your walls in good company for many days to come. These easy to install cats will fill your wall with elegance and style in just minutes. From matte black to metallic gold they can be cut in any of our over 25 available colors for you to select from.

Wall Hooks – Land of Nod

We have a theory that the ancient pyramids were not built as tombs, but they were constructed to hang giant jackets. Although, we’re only basing that on these pyramid wall hooks, featuring a combo of solid colors and patterns that are perfect for a child’s bedroom or playroom.

Honest Diaper/Wipe Bundle

Babyletto Dottie Bookcase

Add pop color, playful style, and serious function to your nursery or playroom with the Dottie Bookcase. Sized for books, buddies, and baskets of toys, the Dottie bookshelf will help keep your babe’s room neat and organized. Plus a palette of moveable, multicolor dots lets you customize which colors to display and match any modern decor.

Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

This is the new gold standard in diaper pails! STEP is the only pail that combines best-in-class odor control with a modern, sleek aesthetic that looks great in any nursery AND an easy-to-use foot pedal.

To help you stock your small space nursery, we’ve teamed up with Well Rounded NY to bring you a Small Space Registry Package giveaway worth nearly $1,500! Enter here.

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