From hands-free to cordless to whisper quiet features, there are lots of new developments in the breast pump category right now. Gugu Guru wants to know what you think so vote on your favorite using the thumbs up icon today! (Did we miss an innovation? Comment below to let us know what should be on the list!) Winner gets the Gugu Picks badge!
Breastfeeding
Gift Guide for Traveling Mamas
As your infant quickly grows, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore the world more and more. Eventually, you’ll even want to go on a vacation and stay someplace overnight! If you’re going to be bringing baby along, we have some handy travel items you don’t want to forget. These make wonderful baby shower gifts or add them to your registry.
Sponsored Post
Smockingbirds Pajamas: Anytime you go on vacation, it’s always fun to have a new set of pajamas to rock in a hotel room. We’re big fans of Smockingbird’s pajamas because not only are they super soft, but incredibly personalized! The pajamas can be personalized and you get to pick the color of the thread and which font you like (they have 16 to choose from). Not only are these pajamas super adorable, but the long sleeves will keep your little one (the smallest size is 3 months) warm in cool hotel rooms – or a cool house in summertime. They make a wonderful baby shower gift for second or third time mamas, because you can get baby’s name on it!
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 586b943859841f2d4e37a13e
Babymel’s Robyn Diaper Bag Backpack: If you’re thinking about traveling with baby, we highly recommend the Robyn bag from Babymel. It’s an incredibly versatile bag and can be worn four different ways – wear it as a backpack, shoulder bag, cross body or hand held with our easy to use convertible strap. The Robyn bag is both lightweight and durable, and features plenty of pockets to organize all baby’s essentials. The Robyn includes an Easy-Wipes pocket which has a dispenser slot for pulling wipes through, so you can easily grab a wipe without having to undo zips or dig through your bag – perfect for quick clean- ups on the go, especially while traveling. It’s a very roomy bag, so there is enough space for a change of clothes and snack for mama – plus, it also comes with an insulated bottle bag for baby. If you’re looking for utility and lots of style, this Babymel Robyn bag is the way to go.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 586ec6300452725f5ce5c562
Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs: If you’re a traveling mama who also breastfeeds, you need to check out Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs. Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs are the only FDA-cleared moist-heat and cooling relief packs that conveniently slip into any bra and can help increase milk supply, and relieve and prevent mastitis, clogged ducts, nipple pain, engorgement and more. Moist heat is one of the most highly recommended and effective ways to help increase milk supply and relieve common breastfeeding discomforts. No more dripping wet washcloths! Now women can get relief effectively, conveniently and discreetly. Rachel’s Remedy helps moms reach their breastfeeding goals. If you’re heading on a trip, make sure to throw some of the packs in your luggage!
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 5840121a59841f110c45d742
Chewbeads Baby Gramercy Stroller Toy/Car Seat Attachment: When traveling, it’s always best to have something to distract baby! Chewbeads are 100% silicone and safe for your teething baby. The soft and flexible design adds a great distraction for curious babies who like to touch, tug, and chew on the go. This is small enough so you can easily throw in your diaper bag and use on the stroller, on a plane, in the carseat, or in a highchair! The bright colors are stimulating for little eyes and this toy is a great way to teach dexterity and grabbing objects as well.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 586b97190452725f5ae5bdce
Thank you to Babymel, Chewbeads, Rachel’s Remedy and Smockingbird for making this sponsored post possible.
Celebrate Feeding with the Earth’s Best Organic Formula! (+ giveaway!)
As parents, we want the best for our babies; whether it’s where they sleep, what they wear, or what they eat – we strive to make sure that we are providing them with the right resources to keep them healthy and help them thrive.
We’re so excited to team up with the Earth’s Best Organic® brand to Celebrate Feeding! We understand how emotional, exciting, and sometimes confusing deciding how to feed your baby can be, especially for first time parents. While it’s generally known that “breast is best,” breastfeeding might not be an option, such as with adoption. Or, some moms need to supplement when they go back to work. For a host of reasons many moms turn to formula. Through celebrating feeding, we want to give formula-feeding moms the help they need cutting through the noise and learning about what best-in-class products are available to them.
We’re here to share some of our favorite feeding products, helpful tips for bottle feeding, travel tips, fun baby and mama feeding style, and more! Each day this week we will be sharing a new post to Celebrate Feeding; we will be providing resources, product recommendations, and many mama lifestyle hacks!
We are proud to join the Earth’s Best Organic® brand to celebrate feeding because for over 30 years Earth’s Best has been committed to providing better-for-baby products that are pure, safe and sustainable. As the creators of the first complete line of organic infant nutrition and care products, Earth’s Best Organic® infant formulas are produced with milk from cows that are humanely raised and not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Earth’s Best is also known for providing parents, no matter how they’re feeding their little one, with amazing resources and information. Their Infant Feeding Schedule provides a comprehensible chart for new parents on how much, and how often, a baby should eat, including resources for both breastfeeding and formula feeding. For parents who choose formula (or supplement with formula), their video on organic formula explains all of the wonderful benefits of choosing and organic formula. Confused on whether your baby needs milk, soy, or low lactose sensitive formulas? Earth’s Best provides resources for navigating the formulas and picking the right one for your baby.
There does not need to be a one-size-fits-all method to feeding your baby. Every baby is different, and even…every baby is different at every stage! Breastfeeding, known for its many healthful benefits, is a wonderfully natural way for your baby to get a boost of immunity from their first feeding onward. Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and an OB-GYN states that “the incidences of pneumonia, colds and viruses are reduced among breastfed babies.” Breastmilk is known to be a cure-all for ear infections, pink-eye, and even helps prevent your baby from getting sick! Breastfeeding also has benefits for the mama, such as leading to a lower risk for ovarian and breast cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Formula feeding, especially with an organic formula, also has some wonderful benefits for babies and moms. It’s much easier to document how much a baby formula a baby is drinking, and when mama gets tired of feeding, she can share the responsibility with others – it does take a village! Formula provides all of the vitamins and iron a baby needs in perfectly measured doses, so you never need to worry that they’re not getting the nutrition they need.
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, both methods are nutritionally fulfilling for babies, and no matter how you feed your baby, as long as you’re cuddling their sweet little warm body next to yours, they will feel loved and safe.
We are excited for you to join us and Celebrate Feeding with the Earth’s Best Organic® brand this week!
Follow Earth’s Best on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Enter below to win a three month’s supply of the Earth’s Best Organic Formula, a Comotomo Bottle Starter Pack, a BabyBjorn Bouncer, $125 to Finn + Emma and a Newlie Louise Bag!
Top photo by Molly Leon Studios
Third Photo by Amy Buelow Photography
Mompreneur Spotlight: Amanda Cole of Yummy Mummy
Amanda Cole, entrepreneur and blogger, conceived of the idea for Yummy Mummy after the birth of her daughter when like many other new moms, she was looking for help overcoming the challenges of breastfeeding and motherhood. She saw a need for a one-stop-shop for support, services and products to help new moms meet their personal breastfeeding goals and their needs as a new mom. Yummy Mummy is a retail store on the Upper East Side of New York City, and is a company dedicated to All Things Breastfeeding and for moms-to-be! Unlike large big box retailers which sell everything, but specialize in nothing, Yummy Mummy is focused on new and expectant parents. The store prides itself on carrying fashionable and functional maternity and nursing apparel.
Gugu Guru: How and why did you start you Yummy Mummy?
Amanda Cole: After I gave birth to my daughter, Alexa, I struggled with breastfeeding. I was happy to put up with the struggle because it was important to me. But struggling with purchasing breastfeeding products and finding support was not an option. I thought “there must be a better way” and so I set out to create it.
GG: How do you balance work and family?
AC: The balance afforded to me by having my own business is immeasurable. I do the work – and then some – but I don’t miss out on family. It does mean that I’m constantly in “work mode,” but it’s a sacrifice I’m happy to make.
GG: What’s the best part of being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?
AC: I love how rewarding I find my job. I remember the days when working meant waiting for the hours to pass and I don’t miss that. When you have your own business you’re all in; if you’re going to be successful, you have no choice! But caring that much can make even the most mundane tasks interesting and exciting.
Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mamas!
We rounded up some last minute must-have items for the stockings this year! These would also make perfect gifts for your mom friends, as they’re all essentials and thoughtful items. Like what you see? Add them to your registry too!
Sponsored Post
Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: If mama’s breastfeeding and pumping this year, you’re going to want to slip some of these amazing breast pump nipple cushions into her stocking. 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
Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs: Looking for a helpful little gift for a breastfeedin’ mama? Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs are the only FDA-cleared moist-heat and cooling relief packs that conveniently slip into any bra and can help increase milk supply, and relieve and prevent mastitis, clogged ducts, nipple pain, engorgement and more. Moist heat is one of the most highly recommended and effective ways to help increase milk supply and relieve common breastfeeding discomforts. No more dripping wet washcloths! Now women can get relief effectively, conveniently and discreetly. Rachel’s Remedy helps moms reach their breastfeeding goals.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 5840121a59841f110c45d742
Tootsies Compression Maternity Socks: Socks are a must-have in every Christmas stocking! Why not put Tootsies Maternity Socks into your favorite mama’s stocking this year? Tootsies not only come in adorable designs, but are the brainchild of a 5-time Olympian who realized that compression socks would help pregnant mamas with the swelling of the feet and prevention and reduction of spider and varicose veins. The socks, which are healthy for all day wear, come in a huge variety of styles, so you’re sure to find one for every pregnant mom this holiday season.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 5840196e59841f110c45d7f1
Baby Leche Fashionable Nursing Cover: Baby Leche combines style and comfort to create a nursing cover which is perfect for mom and baby. Why not add one of these super soft covers to your nursing-mama friend’s stocking this year? She will appreciate the 360 full coverage of the cover, and the fact that the gift does double duty – it’s a scarf which easily becomes a nursing cover! Genius. With a variety of chic color choices, this surely makes a great holiday gift.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 58400e7daf09b12eaec31e8a
Thank you to Baby Leche, Tootsies, Beaugen, and Rachel’s Remedy for sponsoring this post.
Holiday Gift Guide: Holiday Party Attire!
It’s getting to be the time of year chock full of holiday parties with your kid’s school, neighbors, families, and friends. While you want the family to dress up for these parties, you also have to be realistic about comfort level and breastfeeding the baby, too! Today we’ve rounded up our picks for comfortable and cute holiday party attire for the family. These would make wonderful holiday gifts, or add them to your registry.
Sponsored Post
Rainbow Pompom Hat and Booties, Land of Nod: If you’re gearing up to visit family and friends this holiday season, you’ll want the baby to look adorable, but also stay warm! We’re loving this hat and bootie set because it’s classic with a twist. Designed to fit babies 0-6 months, this set (which would make a perfect holiday gift) is designed exclusively for Nod by Misha and Puff.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57dd0ecdaf09b10f8e7f485a
Layla Dress, Loyal Hana: The Layla 3/4 sleeve dress is the perfect mom style staple for the holidays this year. With its clean and chic style, this dress is a must have for your closet. The open back is discreet enough to hide bra straps, yet looks sexy at the same time. And, best of all – with the hidden zipper seams on both sides it makes discreet breastfeeding convenient and effortless. You’ll find yourself wanting to don this dress all year long – holiday season or not!
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 582b41ecaf09b12cc2a69f4a
Bobux iWalk Shoes for Boys + Girls: Holiday season is indeed about dressing up, but you also want your toddlers and kids to be comfortable and safe. We love Bobux Shoes because they are healthy for your child’s foot development, and come in such cute styles. The iWalk line of shoes is the perfect transition shoe between baby booties and big-kid shoes. With a secure fit around ankle and heel, yet unrestricted space for movement, these shoes are super comfortable and also very safe! Running around in the rain? No worry – the tread pattern provides grip and notches provide flex points for feet to bend naturally. Plus, the flexibility of the shoes accommodate growing feet, so you won’t have to worry about your little one being uncomfortable dancing it up at your family’s holiday party this year. Special deal for our readers: use code GUGU15 for 15% off your order!
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 58189e8c59841f13afaafa3b
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 58189f37f3e6915657d6f2cb
Thank you to Loyal Hana and Bobux for sponsoring this post.
Must-Have: Covered Goods Nursing Cover
Whenever the Gugu Guru team works on a registry with a mama, we always recommend one item, whether a mama is breastfeeding or not – the Covered Goods Multi-Purpose Cover – while it can obviously be used as a breastfeeding cover (that’s why it was created), we love that it is so versatile and can be used for many things! Did you know that Covered Goods is the original multi-use nursing cover? It comes in so many patterns and colors, every mama can find exactly the style for her. We teamed up with the lovely mamas from Baby Bailey Mama Drama to demonstrate all the different ways to use a Covered Goods cover.
Since a Covered Goods cover is so stretchy, it makes for the perfect shopping cart seat cover, as it can be used in any sized cart to protect your baby from touching a cart full o’ germs!
Don’t forget, as you head to the park, that the cover can also be used in swings, too!
And, of course, the reason we love Covered Goods most of all, is that a mama can go from breastfeeding her little one to wearing a chic scarf within a matter of seconds. The Covered Goods multi-use cover is very breathable and washable.
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Mama Who Loves to Travel
As the holidays approach, we’re sharing our product picks and gift ideas for the moms in your life. Whether she’s traveling around her town, city, village, or world, every mama should be prepared when it comes to traveling with baby. These would make wonderful baby gifts, or add them to your registry.
Sponsored Post
Hope Carried Linen Ring Sling, Blush: When traveling, or even simply just meandering around the grocery store, it’s always so much easier when you can wear your baby or toddler. The blush linen ring sling from Hope Carried makes traveling with a little one so much more efficient, and dare we even say…fun? This ring sling would make a wonderful gift this holiday season because it will hold-up and last forever; five times stronger than cotton and naturally antibacterial, linen is woven from spun flax — one of the most sustainable natural fibers in the world. These ring slings are perfect for traveling in any environment as they regulate temperate with a built-in wicking property and breathe wonderfully, keeping you warm and cozy in the winter and cool and dry in the summer. The simple gorgeousness of linen is suited to every occasion, from family beach adventures to special events and everything in between.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 58187a05428ba02f1cd28fc1
Pediped Footwear: What makes pediped shoes unique? pediped footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and orthopedic medical professionals deem pediped shoes an excellent choice for parents who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. For the holidays, pediped is offering gift boxes available in two pair or one pair options of classic pediped Originals® styles – wrapped in silver paper with a purple ribbon (now through December 21, 2016). These gift boxes contain pediped Originals® shoes and a purple or grey baby blanket. A single pair gift box retails for $54.95 (a $89.95 value) and a two pair gift box retails $84.95 (a $129.90 value.) What a steal! Plus, it’s so easy to give a box as a gift because pediped Originals® are sized by age (0-6 month, 6-12 month, 12-18 month and 18-24 month).
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 5824462b0452721b68abb59c
Kleynimals: Any parent knows that they key to traveling with baby is having a lot of distractions for them. Kleynamils are non-toxic stainless steel toy keys that will satisfy your child’s desire to play with metal keys without the hazards of lead contamination, sharp edges, or the daily grime that come with the keys in the bottom of your diaper bag. These make a wonderful gift as they can be monogrammed, and will become a family heirloom long after baby is done chewing on them. They’re easy to travel with and can be thrown in any bag for any family adventure.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 57dd1355af09b10f8b7f486e
Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit: If you’re traveling with baby, often sleeping in a new environment can make it tough for baby to fall asleep; the Magic Sleepsuit by Baby Merlin gives baby a warm, cozy, and comforting feeling to help them fall asleep faster, and stay asleep, too! The Magic Sleepsuit is designed for babies who are ready to transition from the swaddle, yet still need that cozy and contained feeling to aid in their sleep. Made with soft, comforting materials, the Magic Sleepsuit will give your baby the sense of security and warmth they need to sleep well through the night.
PRODUCT WIDGET – ID: 58187b42f3e6915391d70092
Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: If mama’s breastfeeding and traveling, there’s a good chance she’s also pumping. 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
Thank you to Pediped Footwear, Hope Carried, Kleynimals, Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit and Beaugen for sponsoring this post.
Webinar: Breastfeeding + Returning to Work on November 17th
Leaving your breastfed little one while you return to work can be a daunting prospect, but proper planning can help ensure a successful transition. Does my employer have to provide me with a space to pump? How often should I pump at work? When should I first offer a bottle? What if I forget my pump at home?
Ease your mind and set yourself up for success by attending the third webinar in our three-part series: Returning to Work!
Details
Thursday, November 17, 2016 | 2-3pm EDT
Join us for our 1-hour Returning to Work* webinar from the comfort of your own home or workplace, led by Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and creator of Boobie Bars. This 1-hour class is guaranteed to teach you everything you need to know about returning to work as a breastfeeding mom. We will also offer time for Q/A at the end of the class, time-permitting. Don’t miss out on our early bird pricing!
This a must-attend if you plan to breastfeed and return to work!
Key topics to be covered will be:
- What are my legal rights as a breastfeeding employee?
- How do I begin to build my freezer stash for when I return to work?
- When should I first offer a bottle?
- How often should I pump at work?
- How do I store my pump parts at work?
- Plus, much, much more!
*Returning to Work is Part Three of our three-part series, which covers setting yourself up for successful breastfeeding. After Part Three, the series will begin again with Part One, Advanced Breastfeeding Class, followed by Part Two, Pumping and Storing.
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.
Webinar: Pumping & Storing Breastmilk on November 15
Whether you’re pumping to boost your supply, to build up a stash of frozen milk, or because you prefer to bottle feed your breastmilk, the thought of pumping can be daunting. Will it hurt, how long should you pump, how do you store the milk? Ease your mind and set yourself up for success by attending the second webinar in our three-part series: Pumping and Storing!
Details
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 | 2-3pm EST
Join us for our 1-hour Pumping and Storing* webinar from the comfort of your own home or workplace, led by Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and creator of Boobie Bars. From flange size to freezers, this 1-hour class is guaranteed to teach you everything you need to know about pumping and storing your milk. We will also offer time for Q/A at the end of the class, time-permitting. Don’t miss out on our early bird pricing!
This a must-attend if you plan to pump!
Key topics to be covered will be:
• How to ensure a good supply from the start
• When to start pumping
• How long to pump
• How to begin to build your freezer stash
• Plus, much, much more!
*Pumping is Part Two of our three-part series, which covers setting yourself up for successful breastfeeding. Part Three covers Returning to Work.
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.
