my Bump Maternity

MODELS NEEDED

2010-08-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have an incredible opportunity for 3 beautifully expectant mammas! Please email me directly if you are interested in being on TV on modelling 2-3 outfits. The tv is here in Toronto and will be filming in September. Pass this on to any of your pregnant friends too if you wish.

All the best,
Cheryl
at info@mybumpmaternity.com

Apology & Last Chance at Summer

2010-08-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how badly I've neglected my Blogging!! I have no excuse other than kids, life, vacations and all things summer. I have been blessed with a great summer so far and hope that you and your family are enjoying it too! We are gearing up already for another busy Fall season here at my Bump and want to make sure that you are all informed about the happenings here. Some excited stuff - fashions, programs are coming your way so please stay tuned, and I promise to keep you more informed over the next few months!

All the Best,
Cheryl & the gang at my Bump.

The "IT" Dress

2010-06-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

It hasn't happened often, but lately, it's been a lot - Which is awesome BTW! - That women, no matter pregnant or not - are stopping into the store to try on and than fall in love with the Versatile Dress. A lovely women yesterday said she was driving by and had to literally put the brakes on and find a parking spot fast to "get that dress". It truthfully has been the best fitting, most flattering on any body shape and size. The dress can be worn 7 different ways - so the perfect solution of travelling or a limited budget because you can wear it so many different ways - it looks like a completely different dress each time. I challenge you to come up with more than 7 ways to wear it!

Versatile Dress

JUNE SAVINGS

2010-05-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well I'm assuming the whole month of June is going to be a HOT one - so stay in your air conditioning and shop on-line! For the entire month of June we are offering Free Shipping on all Canadian orders of $50.00 or more. Simply use the Coupon Code FREESHIP - and you don't have to pay to have your order delivered right to your door. So it's pretty simple. Browse our sight - fall in love with a dress or two, and order your favourite outfit - knowing you don't have to pay to have it shipped to you. Just a little thank you for all of your patronage over the last four years!
SHOP my Bump Now

Ice Cream Season

2010-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's Ice Cream season! Hooray. My kids heard the infamous sound of the ice cream truck last night as we sat outside to have dinner. I don't know if it's just me - but I find that familiar jingle kind of creepy. I think it was in a horror movie I saw and I can't help but get freaked out when I hear it. The kids are obviously oblivious to my fears - so bolted out the yard to stop the truck dead in it's tracks!
I got to thinking how terrible that is that I cringe when I hear that sound - when all my kids thoughts were on Ice Cream. My kids still amaze me and many times I wish I remained as innocent as they are. Keep our kids safe and innocent for as long as you can. There is no need to grow up too fast. I wonder if they will ever change that song. I'm sure it's been the same for decades. Come to think of it - I hope they don't. It's simple, yet means so much!

Look Mom I'm in a Coffee Table Book

2010-05-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Wow - We made the Crave Toronto Book. Now I can check off Coffee Table Book off my list!

my Bump is featured, along with another 125 other fabulous women run businesses, in Crave Toronto. A book about women run businesses for the city of Toronto. It is an elegant slick book that highlights not only the businesses but the women behind the scenes. Each profile is a little different but you get a peak at the inspiration and motivation for all of these women starting their own businesses. Yours truly, (pg 162 FYI) has a passion for fashion and can't help but want to help women celebrate this very exciting time in their life. You can pick up your Crave Toronto book here in the store, or on-line at Crave Toronto Book - Again, it's a great guide and will expose you to some cool places you should check out.

Upcoming 4th Anniversary

2010-04-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this crept up on me, but my Bump is celebrating it's 4th Anniversary on April 17th! A big thank you goes out to all of you who have supported my Bump over the last 4 years. Please, if you don't already, sign up for our newsletter, as we'll be announcing great savings for the entire month of May! We will be hosting a celebratory event on the day of the 17th, so if you can stop in for some cupcakes and door prizes, we'd love to see you there!!

Winner of You Breastfed Where Contest?

2010-03-12T14:37:00.001-08:00

The winner of the You Breastfed Where Contest is Mommom. Please contact me at info@mybumpmaternity.com to receive your $25 my Bump Gift Certificate. Thanks everyone for sharing. I've had some great laughs, :)
Gosh the things we do!
Cheryl

You Breastfed Where?

2010-03-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

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.

Breastfeeding in Style

2010-02-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

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!

Sign up to receive our my Bump newsletter! We always offer Specials & promotions to our friends - so either stay connected on Facebook, Twitter Fan pages, or sign up to receive our newsletter & start saving - my Bump

Helpful Breastfeeding Tips

2010-02-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

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

AND THE WINNER IS.......

2010-02-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

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.... :)

6 More Weeks?

2010-02-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

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!!

FACEBOOK

2010-01-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

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

BLOG CONTEST

2010-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

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!

MIA

2010-01-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

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!

Your Second Skin

2010-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

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 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!

2010 Is Here

2010-01-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

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

my Bump Goes Yummy

2009-12-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

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

Breastfeed your way to your health

2009-12-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

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

Tips for Looking Great Breastfeeding

2009-12-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

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

Peek-a-boo Now in the Building

2009-11-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

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

Just saying Hi

2009-11-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

Today, I just felt like writing to say hi to all those who follow my blog as well as check out our site and blog - even if you aren't following me. (Don't worry I dont feel offended). Personally Im just trying to manage all of these tech stuff that we have to communicate with eachother. Although I do believe that technology has improved my life in many ways - I'm still very old school and miss actually talking to people on the phone. With updates a many via twitter, facebook, email, I never talk to anyone anymore. Am I the only way that feels this way? Feel free to leave comments - Comments welcome. I feel like talking :)

Is this thing on,.....

2009-11-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

Hey this no bump stuff is really working! I've had 10 customers in today looking for my no bump required stuff! Who knew?