Tuesday, March 2, 2010

You Breastfed Where?

I have no idea why - but the other day I had a conversation with a customer about all the.... let's just say strange places I've breastfed. I know a little odd, but if you're not a nursing mom yet - you'll see, just sayin. Several places went through my mind, airplane washroom... don't ask why, at bosses house at dinner table, trade show (that I was participating at).. then I remembered the one that sticks out the most in my head. Curious where? Have a read.

Picture this, the norwalk virus came calling one January. Mom has a 5 month old & 2 1/2 yo girls. It's January, winter outside sucks, snow everywhere - and eldest gets the flu. Literally hours later, my husband falls ill, then another hour later, I fall - we were falling like dominoes and there was no one left standing. Remember the Exorcist? Well it was like that but there was no need for any exorcisms.

So needless to say, when you're little 5 month old has norwalk and is keeping nothing in, when she's hungry you got to feed her, or at least try and feed her. It was so bad my husband even offered me $5 bucks to change the DVD in the DVD player! I'll try not to get too graphic, but as I was on the throne with bucket in one hand, babe in the other I actually heard myself moaning and thought - this is definitely not something I'm saying at her wedding!
How about you? If you feel up to it, share your story. Your name will go in for a $25 my Bump Gift Certificate just for sharing.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Breastfeeding in Style

We are just unpacking our Spring 2010 breastfeeding styles! Take a look at what's in store for you if your breastfeeding this season!! I'm so jealous. I couldn't wait to unpack all these boxes, and update our website so sending this out as a teaser for you! Will work on website tonight after kiddies are in bed!

boob_m0526printgraphite

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Helpful Breastfeeding Tips

A few weeks ago now, we held a Blog Contest, asking women what advice they wish they received before they started breastfeeding. We had a great response, and one of our great customers, Lauren, wrote a Top 10 List on Breastfeeding Advice. On her permission, we've published Lauren's list to give those that haven't started yet, some insight into breastfeeding, and perhaps generate questions and seek out advice before you need it. Enjoy

1) At first, it will probably hurt! After all, this is a tender area getting a lot of abuse from a beginner! I wish I had known that it was normal or at least common to feel VERY sore at the outset. But this too shall pass.

2) Seek out help immediately if you need it. Call a lactation consultant, a midwife, a member of La Leche league or a friend who has successfully breastfed if you think you could use some support or tips. Call them early and call them often. A small adjustment and a kind word can make a world of difference and keep you breastfeeding when you might otherwise give up.

3). Take care of your girls! Smear on the lanolin after every feeding at the beginning, go bra-free once in a while (while sleeping, in the tub, etc) to give them a rest, pump if you are painfully engorged, invest in a few comfortable supportive properly-fitting nursing bras and perhaps a few of the softer crossover type bras for sleeping in and always put a dry pad or dry clothing next to your breast. Learn the symptoms of mastitis and watch for them very carefully. Your girls deserve TLC!

4). As one other mom put it to me: Breastfeeding is the most inconvenient thing a mother will do for the first two weeks and after that, it is the most convenient thing in the world. Always the right temperature, always with you, no sterilizing bottles, mixing formula, etc. and so good for mom and baby.

5). Essential equipment - a good chair, a breastfeeding pillow, an easily viewable clock, a good book, a nursing cover for outings, washable nursing pads and a good pump to give others a turn and get some rest. Oh, and lots of tummy-hiding, breastfeeding-friendly tops! (many of the above items available at My Bump, of course).

6). Just when you get used to a pattern, it changes. Feedings last 45 minutes, then they last 15. Baby feeds on one side at a time, then both, then back to one. Baby wants to feed all day long, baby is not very hungry at all. Go with the flow and trust your baby's cues.

7). Older teething babies can bite, I discovered first-hand! Ouch! However, this doesn't necessarily mean breastfeeding is impossible. End the feeding immediately and he or she will quickly get the idea that biting is not cool and drink gently again next time.

8). Don't try to lose the baby weight too quickly or your milk might disappear with it. My midwives warned me about this and I have heard several stories of women experiencing just this problem. As the midwives put it, it takes 9 months to slowly put it on, it should take about 9 months to slowly get it off.

9). The hunger! Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories so you need to eat well and stay hydrated. Bring a big glass of water with you every time you sit down to feed, or keep a sports bottle beside your table. After almost 9 months of breastfeeding, I still need that 3pm snack!

10). Don't judge your fellow mothers. Breastfeeding is wonderful, but not all mothers are able to do it or choose to continue for a wide variety of reasons. They already feel a lot of pressure and guilt placed on them from media and other sources, so be supportive of your fellow mommies, however they feed their babies

Friday, February 5, 2010

AND THE WINNER IS.......

Wow - almost feels like an Oscar moment. Lauren C. is our winner of the $25 my Bump Gift Certificate. Congratulations Lauren, and again thanks for the amazing Top 10 List of Breastfeeding Do's. We should do a Top 10 List for Maternity in honour of David Letterman to keep things even..... Oh but that's another blog contest.... :)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

6 More Weeks?

Apparently all of the little ground hogs around the world all agreed - 6 More Weeks of Winter. Well I have to admit that this has been a stellar winter - so can't complain if we're getting 6 more weeks of this.

From a business perspective, it creates a problem when Spring Fashions are in crates & boxes on route to us from Sweden! Though freshening up the store with pretty pastels will be a fun change to all of the black! Here's a sneak peak at what's in store for all of your maternity & breastfeeding mamma's out there.

And please, don't forget, we are now carrying some Non-Maternity Fashions too - so whether you were a customer, or want to, we have something in store for you!!

Breastfeeding Smock Camisole

Friday, January 29, 2010

FACEBOOK

What's your thoughts on the recent decision by Facebook to remove images of women breastfeeding their babies? Leave your comment here:)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

BLOG CONTEST

I haven't had a Blog Contest in a few, so thought since these last few grey days have gotten me down, I'd try and spread a little cheer.

Please respond to this blog, and you will be entered to win a $25.00 Gift Certificate from my Bump.

1. What advice would you wish someone told you before you started breastfeeding?
Or alternatively,
2. What advice would you wish someone told you before you got pregnant?

Please provide your answers in the comment section of this blog. I'll enter your name and draw a winner February 5th. Just in time, as we'll be receiving our new spring inventory very soon! Stay Tuned.
Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter, my Bump Twitter and/or become a fan on facebook my Bump Facebook to stay in touch with us at my Bump!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

MIA

Been missing in action lately - Have had some crazy last few days. Our furnace broke down - of course, when hubby is in Texas! So I had to pack up the 3 little ones and head to nannas house and very quickly burned through $5K on a new furnace. Poor little fishies never made it through the adventure. As the house dipped to 37 F, it was mighty chilly for our tropical Betas!

Gearing up for our Spring Inventory coming in, so please drop by the store and take advantage of some fantastic savings on our remaining Winter Inventory - 30- 60% OFF! Lots of styles will work for spring, i.e. Black Pencil skirts, 3/4 Length tops, so please don't wait until the weather turns, come in today and check it out!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Your Second Skin

I don't know about you, but I'm a denim girl. I've actually gone to bed in denim the last few nights because I've been tired, cold, and keep getting woken up in the middle of the night by #3 - so why not be dressed! DH sighs as obviously there's no foolin' but I really do love my jeans.

Paige Maternity Jeans
Paige Premium Maternity Denim - Rebel w/o Cause with high waist panel.

Anyway, (there is a point to that story!)- which got me thinking that we've not had a Denim Event in a while! So be the first to hear about our Denim Event happening the next 2 weeks of January - 20% Maternal America, Boob, and the ever popular Paige Premium Denim. Sign up to receive our newsletter to get the Denim Event Code! Or drop by the store and get special treatment & properly fitted for the right denim for you! You'll look great & feel glad that you did. A little treat after all the hard work you did over the holidays!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

2010 Is Here

I was really glad to say goodbye to 2009. Not sure why, but just wasn't a stellar, memorable year for me personally, or otherwise. No resolutions to speak of ('cos I never keep them anyway) so already I'm off to a great start :) Kids are back into a routine, and so am I. Here's wishing you much success and happiness in 2010. Even it sounds better than 2009.
Cheryl

Thursday, December 31, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Just a big shout out to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and all the best for a successful 2010. Thanks again for all of your customers who continue to support us. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you!
Much happiness and love for 2010,
Cheryl, owner, my Bump

Thursday, December 17, 2009

my Bump Goes Yummy

Check out the recent article I wrote for Erica Ehm's Yummy Mummy Site - Yes I know there was one or two words missing = Yikes - Need more time to proof read - but alas, was a lot of fun and a great way to increase exposure of my Bump. Have a read and if you don't, you should sign up receive her newsletter. It's great!

Yummy Mummy Site

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Breastfeed your way to your health

Check out this great article about the benefits (like you needed to be convinced) of breastfeeding your newborn. Looks like it helps moms out too!
Breastfeeding may protect moms health

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tips for Looking Great Breastfeeding

I was thrilled when Everything Mom asked if I could write an article for their upcoming newsletter about Breastfeeding. I am a big Fashion Freak and found that to be a very difficult time dressing for breastfeeding. I wasn't comfortable hiking up my top - couldn't care less about my boobs, it was my scary mid-section that I wanted covered up and fast! Check out the newsletter and let me know your thoughts!
Everything Mom newsletter

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Peek-a-boo Now in the Building

Peek-a-boo Breastfeeding Top

Probably one of the fastest moving items that we've ever had in the store! The Peek-a-boo breastfeeding line is doing really well and breastfeeding moms are loving the flattering look and the convenience of breastfeeding whenever, anywhere with confidence. Come in to check it our, or shop on-line for your convenience at my Bump