Breastfeeding is natural but not necessarily easy. Women can become empowered by educating themselves about breastfeeding before baby comes. Organizations such as La Leche League International offer support groups for breastfeeding moms and advocacy for breastfeeding and the law. Visit a group in your area before your baby arrives so that you will know where to turn when you need help. Excellent nutrition during pregnancy and when breastfeeding is key. Drinking plenty of healthy fluids during breastfeeding, regular skin to skin contact with your baby and babywearing will go along way to ensure breastfeeding success. Challenges during breastfeeding may present themselves at any stage, and having a strong support system in place ahead of time is key to working through and solving any issues. A Certified Lactation Consultation is your best friend, and a consultation soon after birth to ensure that your baby is latching on correctly and to provide guidance. A good latch is critical to breastfeeding success, in conjunction with emptying the breast completely and frequently. Seek help early when you are experiencing a problem; don’t wait.

A high quality breast pump can be highly beneficial to all nursing moms, regardless if they are working outside of the home or not. Breastfeeding is a demand and supply operation, meaning that you need to empty the breast fully in order to signal to your body to produce more milk. A breast pump can be used to empty your breast when your baby is unable to do so if he is sleepy, ill, or has a preference for one side. Engorgement can occur not only during the initial few days after birth, but at any stage of breastfeeding and using a breast pump to relieve the pressure can make it easier for your baby to latch on correctly to feed and empty your breasts. Many first time moms are surprised that when their milk lets down, it lets down occurs from both breasts, so if your baby is nursing on your right side, when the milk let down occurs, it occurs on the non-nursing side as well. Moms can place a nursing pad on the non-nursing breast, however, instead of allowing the milk to go to waste, moms can use a breast pump to empty the breast instead. Having extra milk available in the refrigerator or freezer can allow mom a much needed break and allow dad extra time to bond with baby. So as you can see, a breast pump can be used in so many ways, and can be of great benefit to stay at home moms in addition to working moms.

Medela’s Breastfeeding Division has been supporting nursing moms around the world through their commitment to quality products.

Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, “from breast to belly,” of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela’s primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.

“Medela’s Breastfeeding Division exists to enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk.”

Medela’s Breastfeeding Division offers a wide range of breast pumps and accessories. The Medela Breastfeeding website is well designed and easy to navigate. It is a wonderful resource for pregnant and nursing moms. Consult the product selector guide for suggestions for selecting a breast pump.

Medela Freestyle Breast pump

One of the smallest double electric breastpumps in the world helps mothers save precious time and offers freedom of movement whilst pumping. Freestyle is ideal for daily and regular use.

• Efficient: simultaneous expression in combination with the 2-Phase Expression Technology increases the amount of milk.

• Innovative: small, lightweight and quiet, to make daily expression as comfortable and natural as possible.

• Comfortable: individually adjustable vacuum settings, as well as memory function offers the highest degree of comfort.

• Complete control: a display shows all the relevant information.

• Support of milk supply: double pumping can help to increase and sustain milk supply.

The Freestyle has 2-Phase Expression, the only research based breast pump technology to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm.

• Stimulation: Fast pumping rhythm to start your milk flowing.

• Expression: Slower pumping rhythm to express your milk gently and efficiently.

• Proven to feel most like your baby and to reduce your pumping time.

Straight from the mommy panel:

“I exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of my son’s life. I was looking for a lightweight breast pump for when I was to return to work part-time. I volunteered to try the Medela Freestyle Breast pump and the Calma Feeding device. This was my first time ever using a breast pump and after reading the manual, I felt pretty confident about set-up and usage. Sure enough, it was easy to assemble and I was really surprised about how lightweight (weighing just under 13 ounces) and compact the unit was. I also had the support of my local LLL group to assist me as needed. They had informed me that I needed to make sure that the breast shields that were included in the kit were the right size for me – a crucial factor in ensuring success. Luckily for me they were, but if not, consult Medela’s website about determining the right size for you. The pump itself is ergonomic, fitting into the palm of my hand. It is very portable allowing me to take it anywhere – I can discreetly clip it onto the waistband. I love being able to take it with me to my part-time job and having the freedom to pump while at work and then store the milk in the handy cooler bag, included with the kit. A double electric pump clearly saves you time when you need it most. Also included is a hands-free kit, but I preferred to use my own hands free bustier as it was faster to set up. Look into Medela’s line of nursing wear for other options. There is also a stylish tote bag which is another bonus. No-one would suspect that I was carrying around a breast tpump, which I love. The Freestyle pump has allowed me to continue to breastfeed my baby, even though I am away from him for a few hours a week. For this I am very grateful for and I would recommend this pump to other moms in my situation. I feel wonderful knowing that my baby is continuing to receive the best food in the world while I am balancing being a part-time worker and full-time mom.”

Pump and Save

• Pre-sterilised
• Small and convenient
• Direct pumping into bag prevents milk loss.
• BPA-free

The newly designed Pump and Save bags now allow moms to pump directly into the bag, saving you time and preventing milk loss. This innovative feature is a big draw for moms, thanks to the self stick tape. The perfect time saving solution for the busy mom. When full, the bag stands independently so it is easy to mark and date the bag for the future reference. The bags take up very little room in the refrigerator or freezer and a wonderful addition to your storage options.

Calma Breast milk bottle with teat (teat also sold separately).

Your baby will always prefer and benefit from breastfeeding However if you are separated from baby, Calma provides an excellent alternative that stands to minimize any interference with the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. Breastfeeding needs to be well established before introducing Calma. Calma is recommended for breastfed babies and not those who are currently bottle fed as they may find it difficult to feed.

Medela has pioneered innovative products which help to enhance babies’ health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk. With Calma you can trust in a product that has been developed on a well-established research foundation. This research has shown that you baby is able to maintain with Calma the same learned feeding behaviour that your baby exhibits in breastfeeding.

Calma consists of 3 parts which are easy to assemble and clean.

Calma’s unique design makes baby work- Similar to breastfeeding, the milk only flows when baby creates a vacuum. This ensures that the feeding is controlled by baby and his own individual rhythm.

One size is sufficient – The eat comes in one size which is sufficient for the entire duration of breastfeeding, thereby saving you money.

To see the Calma in action, please click here to view the video.

The Calma Feeding Device it is aimed at babies who are breastfeeding and not at babies who have been bottle fed with regular bottles from birth. This is an important distinction to make. The Calma Feeding Device is truly revolutionary and unlike any other teat/bottle system on the market. Baby needs to have a well established latch and good oral motor skills to use the Calma effectively. If you baby has achieved success breastfeeding, he is a good candidate for the Calma Feeding Device.

Straight from the mommy panel:

“I used the Freestyle breast pump in conjunction with the Calma Feeding Device and I feel that this is a great pairing of 2 very innovative products. For the first 6 months of my son’s life, he was exclusively breastfeed. When it was time to return to work part-time, I began looking into breast pumps and bottles and had a hard time deciding which ones to select. Luckily I was contacted by Success Through Play Magazine who asked me if I was interested in reviewing the Freestyle along with the Calm Feeding Device and I jumped at the opportunity. When I was briefed about the Calma Feeding Device I was amazed at the innovative and I was very anxious to try it, because my number one concern was that once I returned to work and had to introduce the bottle, my baby would refuse my breast. Thankfully, this didn’t occur and I strongly believe that it was due to my electing to use only the Calma Feeding Device and no other bottles. My son was indeed the perfect tester, because he had been exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and was a pro at obtaining a good latch and had developed a very good pattern of feeding from the breast. I can see first hand how the Calma Feeding Device mimics my son feeding from the breast and it is truly remarkable in its design. I was so worried about the effects of introducing a bottle but the Calma Feeding Device has made the transition effortless. My son moves from breast to Calma Feeding Device smoothly and easily and I am so thankful for this.”

RESOURCES

The Medela Website is well designed and easy to navigate. Check out the Resource section for education articles which will help to enrich your breastfeeding experience.

PURCHASING

To find out where to purchase Medela products in your country, please click here.

For additional information about the products in this article and to see the full product line from Medela, please visit www.Medela.com

All images copyrighted Medela.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Medela provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

We will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week at Success Through Play Magazine by highlighting some innovative breastfeeding products and accessories.

Medela

The Baby Hobo Convertible Diaper Bag

The Milk-Saver

Hands Free Pumping Bustier

Stay tuned for the reviews and a giveaway.

okiedog® is a German, independent company and was founded in 2006. okiedog® stands for innovation, creativity, quality and functionality. Their fun-loving spirit of innovation is reflected in their user-focused design philosophy. Their goal is to make families’ lives more fun, and convenient in a truly original way. They are also aware of the special responsibility that comes with making products for children and are committed to making the best and safest products possible. All okiedog products are PVC-, Phthalate-, AZO- and BPA- free.



Introducing The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag from okiedog. Inspired by nature’s beauty, designed for beautiful mums and babies. Fashion at nature’s best. The okiedog Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag is a medium sized diaper bag and measures 20″ x 13″ x 6″. The nature Sassy Diaper Bag features beautiful nature inspired embroidery including butterflies, leaves, trees and birds, and is visually stunning to look out. This bag is expertly designed with organisation in mind.

FEATURES:

The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper Bag from okiedog features two side pockets for bottles located on either side of diaper bag. One is insulated and the second has a removable insulated bottle holder which is clipix compatible and comes with the clipix base clip set to attach to your stroller so you will always have a bottle within easy reach. The front of the bag features 2 exterior pockets (with hook and loop closures). One of exterior pockets has a compartment where you can securely stash your mobile phone as well as carabiner (key clip) so you will never lose your keys again! The bag features two loops on either side of the bag which will attach effortlessly to your stroller via the clipix hook system (included). The bag boasts a reflective strip (located between 2 front pockets) for additional safety at night. To the rear of the bag will find a removable changing pad with antibacterial treatment, which is very easy to wipe down after each diaper change. Looking at the interior of the bag, you will immediately see the bright inner lining which makes it a snap to locate and retrieve important items immediately. The interior of the bag features 2 inner side pockets and a 3rd which holds an accessory bag. We love the 2 quick pick loops which are located on either side of the bag which can hold anything from a pacifier to a toy. You will never again have difficulty locating your baby’s pacifier or toy and will become an expert at soothing him/her when out and about, reducing everyone’s stress.

The Nature Inspired Sassy Diaper bag from okiedog is the perfect lightweight bag for the warmer months. Moms will have everything that they need within easy reach thanks to the innovative design and many unique features which will help to streamline and simplify their day.

Clipix Accessories

Have you noticed that many strollers, even the high end ones, do not come with a line of accessories included with the stroller. They are typically available for purchase separately and often at a great cost. If you have more than one stroller, you will often have to re-purchase your line of accessories for each stroller as they are more often than not, not universally compatible.

Enter a line of innovative accessories for your stroller called “Clipix“. Clipix is the new, universal, flexible, removable stroller accessory system from okiedog, designed for parents and kids who love the outdoors. With a simple “Click” various accessories can be attached to the stroller and keep it at a comfortable level for you. This system was nominated with a Kind and Jugend Award in 2010.

The clipix accessory line is compatible with virtually every stroller on the market, thanks to the 2 rubber adapters which are inserted in the clip base. If have more than one stroller, simply purchase an extra base clip, one for each of your strollers. Simply install a base clip set on each stroller and with one “click” it is possible to remove and install all the clipix accessory on multiple strollers. The base clip does not have to be removed when folding the stroller. The following products are currently available in the clipix line:

Hooks with base clip – Perfect for hanging your diaper bag from your stroller. For demonstration purposes, we have illustrated this with a lightweight umbrella stroller, but to ensure safety of your baby, please select a stable full size stroller to hang your diaper bag from and always test for stability.)

Insulated Bottle Holder – Soothe baby instantly when he cries to be fed. Whether it is breastmilk or formula, you will have it at immediately available at the optimal temperature. No searching through your bag.

Cup Holder – Busy parents on the go often forget to stay hydrated. Whether it is a warm beverage to stay toasty in the winter or an ice cold drink to refresh you in the summer, you will always have a place to store your drink.

Mobile Phone/Camera Holder – You are expecting an important call however when your phone rings, it takes you some time to locate your phone and retrieve it, only to see that you have missed the call! That will never happen again with the mobile phone holder. Mounted on your stroller, you will have it available immediately when you need it most. This holder can alternatively accommodate a compact camera. You can surely related to the situation where you forgot your camera at home or are searching through your bag to find it only to realise that the moment has long passed. With this holder, you will be able to capture your baby’s precious moments to be cherished for a lifetime.

base clip (for your extra stroller) The clipix base clip includes adapters for various strollers, including square and oval tubes.

The clipix line of products will ensure that you always have a bottle for baby on hand, a refreshing beverage for mom or dad available within easy reach, a cell phone available within arms reach so that you never miss any calls and or a compact camera immediately available for you to capture those precious moments. The much anticipated Clipix Safety light will be available soon. Stay tuned for the review. We applaud okiedog for developing this truly innovative line.

PURCHASING:

okiedog products are sold in more than 30 countries worldwide. Click here to find a store locator. For further information and to see the full product line, please visit www.okiedog.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. okidog provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

Success Through Play Magazine will be celebrating its 4th Year Anniversay this month. Come and celebrate with us.

Stay tuned for some amazing giveaways.

Boob Design is the designer line of Maternity and Nursing Apparel from Sweden that will change the way that you think of maternity and nursing clothing forever. Gone are the bulky, uncomfortable and frumpish maternity and nursing outfits that hide the bump (maternity) and are difficult to access and scream to the world that you are nursing. Boob Design® boasts a gorgeous line of designer apparel that just happen to be maternity and nursing wear!

Commitment to the environment:

“We keep all of our production in Europe, in factories where we know that the employees are treated well and are decently paid. Keeping production in Europe is also a way of guaranteeing that the product in Europe is as environmentally sound as possible. All our jersey is certified with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This certification is a guarantee for clothes that are completely free of toxins that can be harmful to you. Clothes that are kind to your skin as well as nature. Our goal is to you materials that are environmentally optimal.”

Boob Design’s® Maternity line is cut to accent and flatter your new curvy figure. The gorgeous eco-fabrics, the fresh simplicity and the playful details make the trademark of Boob® . The soft and comfortable fabrics will fit like a dream – all the way from bump to big belly!

Boob® Nursing tops and dresses are brilliantly designed and feature a double layer of fabric over the bust so that an overlapping opening is formed. The opening is simply pushed aside with one hand, making nursing comfortable and discreet.

We love the gorgeous summer dresses on offer from Boob Design. The Singoalla Nursing Dress (pictured right) is a great investment because it is designed to be worn for both pregnancy and during nursing. The smocked neckline, frilled bottom and tie-able waistband add a romantic feel to the dress. The dress is made from an innovative fabric, lyocell, which is a natural fiber that has a flattering drape, is breathable and naturally wrinkle resistant. Nursing in this dress couldn’t be any simpler, with the signature boob design double layer nursing design. We applaud Boob Design for exploring natural fabrics in their Summer 2011 Collection. The Singoalla dress is very versatile – pair it with flats for a casual look or heels for a more dressy occasion.

Nursing singlet

Nursing singlet with that little extra length.

An essential basic garment in a nursing mother’s wardrobe. Soft knitted stretch fabric in 92% organic cotton and 8% elastane.

The nursing singlet from Boob Design is available in 17 colors, including stripes and solids. The versatile singlet is sure to become a staple in your summer wardrobe and is perfect for layering for the rest of the year. The thicker shoulder straps are ideal for covering up your nursing bra and the longer length creates a flattering effect. The material is soft and gentle against your skin. When the temperature outside soars, reach for your nursing singlet, to beat the summer heat, while still looking fabulous.

PURCHASING INFORMATION

To find a store near you, please click here.

Shop the online store here. Bargain hunters will love the outlet section.

GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to Amanda G and Lori S.

Thank you to Boob Design for sponsoring this giveaway. To learn more and to see the full range, please visit www.BoobDesign.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Boob Design provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

BABY SMART START – HOME OF THE I-QUBE®.

Product Description (provided by Baby Smart Start).

The I-Qube® is lightweight cardboard printed and creased to fold into a sturdy 3 1/2″ square block when assembled. It can be unfolded and stored for later use, then refolded. It is intended to be used for the relatively short period of time (0-6 months) when your infant is most likely to gain from the stimulation provided by using it. The I-Qube® was developed and copyrighted in 1983 by a public health nurse who worked extensively with babies from prenatal to postnatal care, well-baby and infant development clinics. It is the pioneer product of this sort. The designs on each side have been carefully created based on scientific studies to attract the attention of infants from the time they can open their eyes until they are ready to advance to more complex colors and shapes.

PURCHASING

Baby Smart Start strongly recommends that parents buy at least a couple I-Qubes® for their baby. One for the infants travel bag, one for the nursery or where you spend your time with your infant, and a spare.

International Readers, please click here

UK readers, please click here

How to use the I-Qube® (provided by Baby Smart Start):

The I-Qube® has six sides – no one side preferred though infants usually respond first to the ‘female face,’ next to the ‘male face,’ then typically to all of the rest.

The I-Qube® should be shown to your infant from the very first time they open their eyes until they graduate to more advance designs and color schemes – about 4-6 months. The best time to use the I-Qube® is any time your infant is alert and receptive to attention and until your infant ignores the stimulation – this may be from moments to minutes. There are two outstanding features the I-Qube® has over most similar products we have seen, including a mobile that has similar designs. They are the bonding experience that comes with the one-on-one attention as a result of the interaction between the parent and infant, and the focus that the infant achieves with the I-Qube®. The mobile and like items, impersonal and at a fixed distance, may not even be visible to the infant if it is out of their range of focus. If an item moves at all, the movement may be indiscernible by the infant; there is no feedback that the infant recognizes the motion. The I-Qube® focal range is interactively adjusted between the parent and infant.

I-Qube is not simply a toy and needs to be used in conjunction with the caregiver, in order for it to be effective. It seems that there is a 2-fold reason for the caregiver to hold the baby when using the I-Qube. Firstly, for practical reasons: the caregiver will need to interact with the baby in order to facilitate a tracking response of the baby to track and lock onto the I-Qube. The caregiver will need to adjust and re-adjust the distance and interchange the sides of the cube to maintain baby’s interest. It is also vital for the caregiver to monitor the baby’s arousal level and not overstimulate the baby. Secondly, holding the baby provides the baby with deep proprioceptive input which is calming. Touch is also crucial for learning.

Just as physical exercise advances the range of motion for the body, interactive use of the I-Qube® advances hand-to-eye coordination and visual stimulation. Also, with exercise of the eyes and development of coordination, synapse connections are made within the brain. This same principle applies for visual stimulation and rehabilitation for all ages when the I-Qube® is used by professionals in the optometric or psychology environment.

I-Qube® is eco-friendly!

By the time baby has ‘graduated’ from the I-Qube® it is usually a little worn, a little torn and about due for replacement. They are very affordable, economical and expendable for that reason – use them until they’re used up, then recycle them.

Success Through Play™ comments:

We have been most impressed with the professionalism of Baby Smart Start and it has been our great pleasure to work with them on this article. We would like to thank Baby Smart Start for sending us several samples of the I-Qube® for our test panel. The parent panel found the I-Qube® to be very easy to assemble and they commented on how they liked the fact that it is so lightweight and can be easily transported when they are on the go.

Each parent was briefed about the concept of the I-Qube® and how to use it with their baby and were then sent home with their “assignments.” The group met a few weeks later to report about their baby’s experience with the I-Qube®. Each parent commented that they would “highly recommend the I-Qube® to their friends.” The group as a whole was impressed that their baby was so interested in looking at the shapes and patters on the I-Qube® and the parents reported that they enjoyed spending time bonding with their infant!

The I-Qube® educational toy is research-correct. This means it was developed in accordance with studies about what works and what doesn’t in the enhancement of early infant development. To read some very interesting articles about infant development and the environment, please click here.

Baby Smart Start Emphasizes: “Holding your baby while using the I-Qube® increases the human bonding that your baby needs for best development. Think of this as prime one-on-one time at a crucial point in their development. Wall hangings, crib mobiles, changing table covers and such don’t offer this human bonding advantage.” We agree with statement and in addition will add that learning should always be a fun experience for your baby. Parents must learn to recognize which state of consciousness their baby is in, and only introduce an object/developmental tool when their baby is in an calm state and eager to take in the world around her. When baby signals that he has had sufficient stimulation, parents must read his cues and stop the activity. Research is showing us that holding your baby enhances bonding. Touch continues to be important as your child grows and a recent study showed that children learn more efficiently when a parent gently places their hand on his/her shoulder.

We applaud Baby Smart Start for offering a reasonably priced infant developmental product that can engage your baby and promote bonding between parent and baby. The I-Qube® will make an ideal Baby Gift!

To learn more, please visit:

www.BabySmartStart.com

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Baby Smart Start provided us with a sample for the purpose of this review.

Templar Publishing, based in Dorking, Surrey, is a leading UK children’s publisher. Founded in 1978, Templar has become one of the world’s most respected publishers and packagers of illustrated children’s fiction, novelty and picture books. In 2008 Templar was recognised by the Independent Publisher’s Guild as UK Children’s Publisher of the Year and Independent Publisher of the Year.

They have an extensive backlist built over 30 years and sell their products in over 25 languages in more than 50 countries. They have a reputation for innovation and creativity, both in publishing ourselves and in producing books for other companies.

Templar is part of the Bonnier Group and was acquired by Bonnier in September 2008

Cased Novelty Board Books

A brand new format using a popular trim size, but adding sturdy cased covers – perfectly robust for baby’s hands! Textures, mirrors and die-cut pages provide lots of hands-on fun.



I love you!

illustrated by Emma Dodd, with photography by David Ellwand



This new edition of the award-winning I Love You (winner of the Booktrust Early Years Award) is the perfect gift for new parents. Babies will be drawn to the large, expressive photos of other babies, and the gentle rhyming text is ideal for sharing together. The final page includes a photo frame for parents to add a picture of their own amazing baby.

Babies love to look at other faces and are intrigued and fascinated with the human face. This delightful photo board book features expressive, black and white images of babies, set against colourful and contrasting backgrounds which are visually stimulating and designed to capture baby’s attention. Short, simple phrases accompany the pictures to add further interest. This book is certain to become a favourite in your baby’s collection.

Animal Babies

This touch-and-feel book showcases a lovable bunch of baby animals. Stroke the fluffy lion cub, pat the wrinkly zebra and have some hands-on fun!

It is time to meet the baby animals! This touch-and-feel board book offers baby an opportunity for tactile exploration. Baby will squeal with delight when he explores the various textures of the animals, from the soft hair of the zebra to the rough skin of the crocodiles – each touch is a new learning experience. Each of the animals are set against colourful and contrasting backgrounds, to further capture baby’s interest and attention. This book will grow with your baby as there are prompts to count the animals, so even toddlers will be able to enjoy the interaction.

Art for Baby



Twelve images by famous artists, from Henri Matiise to Keith Harring to Julian Opie, jump off the pages of this funky, chunky board book. Babies respond most to high contrast black and white images, therefore the artwork has been specially chosen for maximum visual stimulation. Each of the images are unique, but equally captivating. From simple bold shapes to the more intricate, baby will be fascinated with the artwork. Work with your baby to see which images he is most captivated by and then gradually move onto more intricate images as visual and concentration skills improve. Parents may choose to incorporate baby’s favourite images into tummy time.

Tucked away in the back of the book, you will find the wall frieze which consists of 3 separate wall friezes, each featuring 4 images from the artists. The wall frieze is the perfect decoration for the nursery of any budding artist. All of the images have been donated to the NSPCC (in association with OUTSET, the contemporary art foundation) for use in this board book, with all profits going to the NSPCC. Truly an exceptional book which will be treasured by both baby and parents alike.

Artists:

Keith Haring, Radiant Baby 1994

Paul Morrison, Cryptophyte 2005

Takashi Murakami, Ohana 1999

Julian Opie, Natasha 2000

Julian Opie, Raphael, 2000

Bridget Riley, Fragment 3 1965

Kazimir Malevich, Black Cross c. 1920

Damien Hirst, HyppovasePrazosin Hydrochloride 1992

Patrick Caulfield, Duck 1994

Josef Albers, Together 1933

Gary Hume, Pear 1996

David Shrigley, Untitled 2005

Each of these books can be purchased online from Templar Publishing. For further information please visit Templar Publishing.

Disclaimer: We did not receive any financial compensation for this review. Templar Publishing provided us with samples for the purpose of this review.

Slurp & Burp LLC will be offering a FREE* BabyBond to everyone who buys a BabyBond online from Babies R Us or buybuyBABY!!! Limited time offer.

*Buy one BabyBond online from Babies R Us or buybuyBABY of your choice (Original, Flex or Couture) from Slurp & Burp LLC on Thursday, April 7th, 2011 with only paying $10 shipping/handling.

Email receipt from Babies R Us or buybuyBABY to pr@babybondnursing.com along with your choice of BabyBond. Slurp and Burp LLC will invoice $10 via PayPal for shipping/handling and ship your FREE BabyBond once shipping/handling fees are paid. Receipt must be dated for April 7th, 2011.

Don’t miss out on this great limited offer!

To learn more about the BabyBond Nursing Cover, please visit www.BabyBondNursing.com

Gone are the days when pregnant women hid their pregnant belly in tent like creations and fathers had little to do with caring for their baby. These days, pregnant mamas-to-be are embracing their new curves and flaunting their growing bumps in stylish tees. UdderMama Maternity offers fun, flirty, organic cotton maternity tees which are designed for stylish comfort and are cut longer for full belly coverage. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and feels wonderful against the skin. The prints are fun and cheeky and embrace the modern mom-to-be. A must have in your maternity wardrobe.

“Our maternity tees are designed to show off and flatter the bump while you’re pregnant, and cleverly “shrink with you” as you shed pounds postpartum. A lean silhouette and extra-long length ensure complete “bump” coverage while showing off your sexy curves. Made of ultra-stretchy, lightweight organic cotton. We’ve put our fabric through an extensive wash process to produce a very soft, vintage-y t-shirt. Each has its own distinctive color and surface variations. We hope you enjoy making each shirt uniquely your own!”

The skin is our largest organ and it readily absorbs chemicals, including during pregnancy. Conventional cotton is grown with many pesticides and herbicides which can be directly absorbed into the skin when wearing clothing. Organic cotton on the other hand is produced with no chemicals and is a healthier alternative, especially for pregnant women. Organic cotton maternity tees are especially difficult to find, so we were delighted to have discovered the UdderMama range of organic cotton maternity tees which are made from organic cotton (some styles have an organic cotton/poly blend) and water-based non-toxic inks and dyes. Proudly made in the USA.

PURCHASING

Shop the online boutique where tees are 30% off. We suggest sizing up, as the line runs a size small.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of UdderMama Maternity, one lucky reader will win the following prize:

Busy Mama Organic Tee Size Large (pictured left)

Congratulations to Lana G.

To view the full collection, please visit the UdderMama Website.

Exercising is wonderful for the body, mind and soul. In order to reap the full benefits of exercise, appropriate gear is needed: shoes, underwear and workout clothing. For women who are well endowed, finding a suitable sports bra can often prove to be very challenging and frustrating. Wearing the incorrect bra during exercise may increase your risk of developing neck, shoulder and back discomfort. In addition, since breasts are made of fat, glands and connective tissue, with no muscle, wearing a supportive bra is essential to prevent tissue injury.

Enell was founded by Renelle Braaten, an avid volleyball player, who was frustrated with the lack of suitable sports bras on the market. Renelle resorted to doubling up and wearing two bras, which still didn’t do the trick, leaving her with achy shoulders and the “breast bounce” during sporting activities. Renelle took matters into her own hands and with the assistance of her mother, who is a talented seamstress, she created The Enell Sports Bran, an innovative sports bra for women who are well endowed. Enell Bras are designed for superior support and comfort.

Enell currently offers 2 styles:

Enell Sport: For running and high impact sports.

Enell Lite: For low to medium impact activities

We will be highlighting the Enell Lite Sports Bra today.

What makes the Enell Lite Sports Bra so special?

The unique power mesh design provides a unique blend of encapsulation and compression for a more flattering shape, while helping to reduce the dread “breast bounce’ during low to medium impact activities.

The wide, non stretch straps, help to evenly distribute the weight of the breasts, minimizing breast bounce, shoulder fatigue and discomfort.

The fuller back and unique cross-straps at the rear of the bra help to support an upright posture, which will go a long way in preventing, neck, shoulder and back discomfort during exercises.

The fabric is treated with NATUREXX, which transfers moisture away from the body, keeping you more comfortable while you are exercising.

GIVING BACK

Enell will donate 10% of the sales of the HOPE Pink Enell Sports Bra and the HOPE Pink Enell Lite bra to FORCE, an organization which is dedicated towards improving the lives of those affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

User Experience:

“The Enell Lite Sports Bra has now become an essential component of my workout gear. There is a learning curve to putting on the bra correctly and getting used to the snug fit. You will need to put each arm through the openings like you would put on a jacket. In order to fasten the bra, you start from the bottom and work your way up, adjusting yourself as you go. The workmanship is top notch and I have full confidence that this bra will last a long time. At first, the bra felt very snug and I was concerned that I had ordered the incorrect size bra – I hadn’t. I headed outdoors on my daily walk and the first thing that I noticed was how my posture had immediately improved and I felt taller and lighter as my bust was correctly supported. I hadn’t felt this level of support before and it really empowered me to walk taller and prouder! After the 3rd day of exercising using the bra, I noticed that the bra had become comfortable as I had adjusted to this new level of support. Bottom up using hook fasteners.” See video for instructions.

PURCHASING

Fitting and measuring info is available here.

The Enell Lite Sports Bra is available in a range of sizes and three colors: White, Black and Pink. Custom sizes are also available. Please click here to learn more.

Buy directly from Enell or from an online retailer in your area.

Find a retailer in your area here.

GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to Phillipa M.

For more information, please visit the Enell Website.