The secret to successful breastfeeding lies in obtaining a good latch, nursing frequently and emptying the breast fully. In order to help baby obtain a good latch, both mom and baby need to be positioned correctly. A good nursing pillow will assist mom in maintaining an ergonomic posture and help prevent achy neck, shoulder and back muscles. The key advantage of a good nursing pillow is its ability to raise the baby to the optimal height and position for achieving a good latch, while at the same time, supporting moms upper body, keeping moms joints in alignment and preventing poor posture.

Introducing the “Bo Peep” Nursing Pillow from Holy Lamb Organics. This top quality multi-functional organic pillow is beautifully designed and will appeal to both mom and baby alike! While most nursing pillows on the market are made from synthetic materials, this special nursing pillow is filled with Premium Eco-Wool batting and covered with an organic cotton fabric. Wool has a natural resistance to mildew, has the ability to regulate body temperature, and is mostly non-allergenic. A baby will spend hours upon hours in close contact with a nursing pillow, so it is very important to select a natural, non-toxic pillow. Also available is a matching organic cotton zippered cover, which will help to protect and prolong the life of your pillow. The zippered cover will help to keep the pillow clean and fresh. Proudly handmade in the USA.

The “Bo Peep” Organic Nursing Pillow is very versatile and can help to facilitate tummy time in an older baby. When baby is awake, lay him over the pillow, with his arms over the “U” of the pillow. The pillow will provide him with additional upper body support for play in the prone position. Baby will be strengthening his neck and back muscles, which are vital for later development. When baby is learning to sit independently, place him in a seated position in the middle of the pillow, which will provide him with bilateral support. Makes an ideal gift! Gift Registry available for Weddings, Baby Showers and other special occasions.

PURCHASING

To find a retailer near you, please click here. Alternatively, you can order from the online boutique.

Holy Lamb Organic Mission:
To promote health, well-being and to strengthen an economy based on ecology through manufacturing a line of high quality, all-natural, bedding products produced using sustainable and ecological practices. Holy Lamb Organics specializes in using only organic cotton fabrics and local Premium Eco-Wool from the U.S. Western Regions. They are proud to be a zero waste company (reusing/recycling all of our production by-products) and are committed to providing exceptional customer service and quality products.

To view the full range of eco-products, please visit: www.HolyLambOrganics.com

Bumbleride is an innovative lifestyle company that creates baby mobility products for today’s modern family. Founded in 2004 by Matthew and Emily Reichardt, new parents at the time, they were met with disappointment while shopping for a stroller for their daughter. This noticeable gap in the stroller market led the Reichardt’s to do what most would not: they set out to design and manufacture their own line of high-quality, modern strollers with eye-catching colors and innovative features.

Bumbleride is an eco-minded company, sponsoring recycling programs and offering employee carpooling incentives. Bumbleride strollers are innovative, ergonomic, stylish, colorful and fun, keeping modern parents in mind.

Bumbleride is releasing a new edition this spring called “Movement Edition” which features water-resistant sport fabrics, SPF 45 sun canopies and striking color combinations. This collection was inspired by and designed for the active, action/sports lifestyle and has a very unique and sophisticated look when compared to other strollers in the industry.

Available from April and featured in two colors- Jet, a sleek black; and Fog, a warm grey. It will be fitted on their Indie (all-terrain model), Indie Twin (double all-terrain model) and Flite (lightweight/umbrella model).

With Bumbleride’s deep roots in Southern California, the Movement Edition was a natural extension to Bumbleride’s passions, staying active via action sports and the outdoors. The founders and many employees are avid action sports enthusiasts and when the surfs up, like to catch a few waves or two. This Edition is the first of its kind to be offered to action sports parents. Inspired by Southern California’s surf and skate culture, Movement Edition strives to offer what action sports parents have long been waiting for- cool functional products suited to their lifestyle that make their lives easier with baby.

To learn more, please visit the Bumbleride Website.

Book Publishing Company is a community owned, independent press dedicated to publishing books that promote a healthful and sustainable lifestyle. They are located on The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee and have been in business since 1974.

BPC titles focus on plant-based nutrition and cooking and feature not only some of the pioneers of soyfoods cookery and raw foods but new generations of chefs that are redefining the look and taste of plant-based cuisine.

Their vegetarian/vegan cookbooks include ethnic favorites and cover a number of dietary concerns (food sensitivities, diabetes, weight management, etc.). Their Healthy Living imprint offers titles that help people reach optimal health through better nutrition, nontoxic personal and home care, and natural therapies for illnesses. Their Native Voices imprint features books on Native American history, spirituality, and culture.

They are a member of The Green Press Initiative and have a commitment to print a growing number of our titles on paper that is postconsumer recycled and processed chlorine free.

The Natural Vegan Kitchen

The Natural Vegan Kitchen – Recipes from the Natural Kitchen Cooking School

ISBN#: 9781570672453
Christine Waltermyer

Exciting news for everyone interested in preparing vegan meals. THE NATURAL VEGAN KITCHEN by Christine Waltermyer blends the principles of macrobiotics seamlessly with recipes that taste too indulgent to be good for you.

Readers are encouraged to:
• eat in harmony with their surroundings
• maintain balance in their life and diet
• savor mealtimes
• enjoy a natural lifestyle

Wholesome meals that offer both more nutritional bang for your buck and deliver a deeply satisfying experience meet these guidelines. These recipes will encourage America to fall in love with healthy cooking. When food tastes delicious, is good for your heart and your waistline, and gentle on the planet, it is easy to embrace.

Taste-tested by hundreds of students and clients, these recipes are fun to make. Sections include What’s For Breakfast, Appetizers, Nourishing Soups and Stews, Ballads for Salads, Radiant Grains, Spectacular Salad Dressings and Sauces, Savory Beans, The Main Dish and Casserole City, Delectable Vegetables and last but not least Have Your Cake and Eat It Too. And many of the recipes are gluten-free.

Christine Waltermyer has over a decade of experience in the field of natural cooking and is the founder and director of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, with training programs in Manhattan, New York and Princeton, New Jersey. Christine is a masterful chef and teacher specializing in macrobiotic and vegan cuisines, and has co-taught with legendary natural foods leader Michio Kushi.

Purchase your copy here.

Enter the current giveaway here.

To see more titles, please visit The Book Publishing Company.

Books to Education…Inspire….Empower.

With the New Year comes “New Years’ Resolutions”. Most peoples New Years’ Resolutions include Getting Back into Shape and signing up with a gym. With winter nearly over, we are here to tell you that you don’t need to sign up with a gym in order to get back into shape. Spring is just the around the corner and the perfect time to take advantage of the outdoors. Before embarking on a new fitness regime, get the okay from your health care professional . For those who are looking for a wonderful fitness challenge, consider the Couch to 5k Program. In just 9 weeks, you will slowly condition your body to learn how to jog and by the 9th week, you will be able to run for 3 miles or 30 minutes. Whether you are walking or running, you will need a good pair of shoes.

Selecting the right type of shoe.
Most people select athletic shoes based on the price and color of the shoe. Each walker/runner has specific needs based on his/her unique anatomy, body type, weight, height etc. What kind of arch do you have? What kind of gait pattern do you present with? What degree of supination or pronation do you have? These and other questions will help you determine the appropriate shoe for you and will assist you in
achieving a comfortable fit and a successful run. Learn more here.

“Brooks® Sports, Inc. is your go-to company for anything and everything related to the run. As a leading running company that designs and markets high-performance men’s and women’ running shoes, apparel and accessories in more than 40 countries worldwide, we are dedicated to inspiring people to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, faster and happier.”

Brooks Goes Green
Brooks has won many Green Awards and we applaud them for their efforts. Here are 2 eco-components which are found in many of their shoes:

BioMoGo

Brooks has produced the first-ever biodegradable running shoe midsole: the BioMoGO. Learn more here.
Brooks’ eco-friendlier Compression Molded Preform (CMP) midsole manufacturing process reduces waste by 50 percent as compared to traditional midsole manufacturing methods.

Recyclable Packaging
Each Brooks Shoe is packaged in an eco cardboard box made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. In addition, water-based inks and adhesives are used.

Womens Ariel

“Ariel® and its brother shoe The Beast® are running’s leading Control shoes because they deliver the perfect mix of stability and comfort, pampering runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. This triumph of technology has been taken to new heights in this update. Now empowered with brand-new, patent pending full-length Brooks DNA, the Ariel provides heel-to-toe protection for your foot while dynamically serving up an individually customized ride with optimal cushioning. Weight 12.3 oz.”

The Women’s Ariel is an outstanding running shoes with many innovative features for the runner. It is the ideal running shoe for those who need ample support and stability in a shoe and is designed for those with flat or low arches and excessive pronation. It features Brooks DNA Cushioning Technology your personal cushioning system. Brooks DNA is a First-of-Its-Kind Running Shoe Cushioning System which adapts to each runners biomechanical needs. This innovative system instantaneously adjusts to provide the perfect balance between cushioning and stability for each foot strike. Man or women, fast or slow, small or large. The shoe is very lightweight (only 12.3oz) which means that you will tire less easily; perfect for the new runner. More experienced runners will appreciate the lightweight shoe when jogging uphill. The upper mesh component of the shoe provides breathability and ensures that your feet stay a comfortable temperature during your run. Our tester provided us with very positive feedback about the Ariel model. She commented that typically, it takes her a few runs before a show becomes comfortable, but with the Ariel, this happened within a few minutes of wearing it for the first time. The Women’s Ariel is available in Normal, Wide and Extra Wide Width, which is terrific news for those ladies who have wider feet. As an extra bonus, the design and color is very modern and stylish and is perfect for Spring/Summer 2011. The Ariel is also a good choice for walking.

Finding the Perfect Shoe for You.

If the Ariel isn’t a good fit for you, consider additional styles from Brooks. Check out the Shoe Advisor on the Brooks Website. This helpful tool will aid you in selecting the appropriate shoe. Even better, find a Brooks Fitting Expert here for a personalized service.

PURCHASING

Click here for a retailer in your area. To learn more, please visit the Brooks Running Website.

Brooks, the Perfect Ride for Every Stride.

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. The Happy Magpie offers gorgeous 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 hint of spandex makes for a very flattering fit and will expand with you as your belly grows larger. There are styles for the modern romantic, the edgy mama and the sporty mama – guaranteed to make any mom-to-be feel very special.

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 Happy Magpie’s range of organic cotton maternity tees which are made from organic cotton with a hint of spandex and non-toxic inks and dyes. The Happy Magpie has embraced sustainable business practices so customers can feel great buying their products.

We commend The Happy Magpie for their eco-friendly organic cotton collection which is proudly made in the USA and look forward to seeing it continue to expand. We would also like to acknowledge that The Happy Magpie contributes a portion of sales to various charitable organizations and we applaud them for giving back to the community.

PURCHASING

Shop the online boutique or find a retailer in your area.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of The Happy Magpie, one lucky reader will win the following prize:
Branch Hip Healthy Happy With Rouching, Natural Size Large

“Keep it simple and natural, and oh so pretty, in this ‘Hip, Happy, Healthy’ cherry blossom branch tee. In Asian cultures, the cherry blossom symbolizes love, feminine beauty and principle – all traits that ring especially true of a glowing mom-to-be. This tee is left un-dyed and is the creamy color of natural organic cotton.”

Congratulations to Tessa W.

To view the full collection, please visit:

The Happy Magpie Website

In Chinese and Korean folklore the magpie is called the “bird of joy” and “happy magpie” and is considered a symbol of happiness and good fortune. It is believed that chattering magpies deliver good news and foretell the arrival of cherished guests.

All images copyrighted The Happy Magpie.

Breastfeeding is natural but not necessarily ease. This month, we are highlighting innovative products on the market which assist moms in achieving breastfeeding success. Just when you think that you have breastfeeding down, your baby may present you with another challenge! As your baby begins to discover the world around him and develop fine motor coordination, he may become very distracted during breastfeeding and display some negative behaviour while breastfeeding. It is not uncommon for older babies to pinch and pull at moms hair and/or jewellery, hit and sometimes bite mom while breastfeeding. This is clearly and unpleasant experience for mom and results in baby feeding less and taking longer to feed.

Introducing the Nursing Necklace from Mama Jewels UK. Mama Jewels offers a beautiful line of necklaces which are are designed to support breastfeeding. This gorgeous necklace is an essential item for any mom who has a baby who displays the above behaviour during nursing. When a baby is given something safe and stimulating to play with while breastfeeding the negative patterns will disappear, leaving mom and baby able to enjoy breastfeeding once again – without the struggle. The colourful necklaces are visually attractive to babies who enjoys exploring them with their eyes and hands. In the process, they will develop fine motor skills which is an added benefit.

The Nursing Necklaces are of a very high quality and each one is hand made in the UK. Mama Jewels UK offers a wide range of styles and colours to accent your wardrobe. Their range will appeal to both nursing moms and non-nursing moms alike, because their designs are so sophisticated and modern. Each nursing necklace arrives in a high quality gift box, making it the ideal gift for a new mom. Many moms report feeling like “milk machines” and having something special and pretty to wear that is also functional can really boost a moms self-esteem.

You may be wondering why you can’t use your regular jewellery to achieve the same effect. The Jewellery in your closet is not typically designed to withstand rough handling from a baby and may very well be toxic and a serious safety hazard. The Nursing Necklaces from Mama Jewels on the other hand are non toxic and strength tested to UK standards, so mums can feel confident wearing them. That being said, please keep in mind that the Nursing Necklaces from Mama Jewels are adult jewellery and are to be worn by adults only.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of Mama Jewels UK, one lucky reader will win the following prize:

Mama Jewels Nursing Necklace Square Pendant – Bronze, perfect or Spring 2011. This longer length necklace is simply stunning and will coordinate with your Spring Wardrobe. Simply slip it over your neck; no fastening is required.

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Anne M.

All images copyright Mama Jewels UK

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 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.

Boob Design doesn’t disappoint with their colourful Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.

New for 2011: The Fast Food Swimsuit

One of the safest forms of exercise during pregnancy is swimming. This low-impact form of exercise is ideal for all 3 trimesters and will become more appealing as your belly grows larger and your buoyancy in the water supports and cradles your baby. Swimming provides cardio-vascular benefits, helps mom to gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy, maintains muscle tone, improves endurance and circulation as well as promote restful sleep. Introducing the Fast Food Swimsuit from Boob Design. This innovative swimsuit offers terrific value as it is expertly designed for both pregnancy AND nursing. The adjustable pullstrings at both sides provides room for the growing belly and will provide a flattering fit post-pregnancy. The innovative nursing function allows for discreet and comfortable nursing, whether at the beach, pool or soaking up some sunshine. Available end of February 2011.

A newborn nurses very frequently, including throughout the night! Investing in a set of nursing pyjamas can make night time nursing more comfortable and convenient. Boob Design offer a lovely night and leisure range. We love the Peggy Nursing Pyjama Top (Left) which is very figure flattering. Perfect for Spring/Summer nights. There are no clasps or hooks, simply lift up the upper portion of the top and push down the lower half of the top for instant nursing. The organic cotton fabric feels terrific against your skin.

After a hard day looking after your baby, there is nothing like slipping into comfy pyjama pants or shorts, depending on the season. The Boob Design range ofpyjama bottoms are fantastic. We lovethe Lauren Pyjama Pants (Above Left) and the Ginger Pyjama Shorts (Right). Both feature a super comfy wide panel with drawstrings for adjustability. The pants and shorts can be worn throughout pregnancy and nursing making them a good investment. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and feels wonderful against your skin.

Left: Audrey Terry Wrap

Forget frumpy and shapeless nightgowns! The Audrey Terry Wrap from Boob Design will keep you warm and toasty without sacrificing your style! This cozy night wrap style dressing gown is stylish, comfortable and feminine! It will take you from pregnancy through nursing and beyond, providing a flatter fit. When unexpected guests arrive at your house and you are still in your pj’s simply throw on the Audrey Terry Wrap for a chic, pulled together look. It pairs beautifully with the tops, shorts and pants pictures above, as well as the other styles in the night and leisure range.

Breastfeeding is natural but not necessarily easy. There are several products on the market which can help make nursing your baby less challenging and more comfortable, especially when you are in public. Nursing bras are designed with cups that open to allow easy access to the breast.

Introducing the Fast Food Bra from Boob Design. The Fast Food Bra combines the comfort of a seamless bra with a flattering and feminine design. The addition of the lace is really pretty and will make any new mom feel very special. This bra is packed with innovative design features. First and foremost, the bra is VERY comfortable, which is of utmost importance when it comes to selecting a nursing bra. The wide band beneath the cups offer support and maximum comfort. The bra is easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand – a very important feature. It is very hard to find a high quality nursing bra that offer a drop cup with full circle sling, but the Fast Food Bra doesn’t disappoint. This design offers far more comfort, support as well as discretion while nursing. The soft stretchy fabric of the bra will accommodate breast size fluctuation during the day. The fabric is Oeko-Tex Certified, so moms will be great wearing the bra, and are assured that it is free of harmful chemicals and toxins. Each Fast Food Bra comes with a complimentary hook and eye ribbon which will add additional inches around the rib cage, to support you while pregnant. This eliminate the need to buy additional bras when your bras feel snug at the band. Matching slimming brief with built-in support available. Both are available in 3 colors: Black, Almost Nude and Purple. View the full underwear line here.

The Seamless Belly Tube is an essential part of any pregnancy wardrobe. It is so versatile and can be used in so many ways. During pregnancy, you can continue to wear your favourite pre-pregnancy jeans, pants, shorts and skirts, by wearing the Belly Tube over the zipper area. This will extend the life of your pre-pregnancy pants and help to keep your budget in check. As your pregnancy progresses, you will start to notice that your belly starts to peek out from under your tops. The Belly Tube is the simple solution to this and will allow your to wear those shorter tees, while still remaining modest. In addition, if you require some belly support, perhaps while working out, try folding down the Belly Tube, under your bump for some instant support.

Post pregnancy, it can be worn as a base layer to ward off the cold as well as providing additional belly coverage when nursing with a non nursing shirt.

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of Boob Design, one lucky reader will win the following prizes:

Seamless Belly Tube Size L/XL
Fast Food Bra Size XL

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Helen D.

All images copyright Boob Design®

The Success Through Play Team is wishing all of our readers Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year.

2011 is going to be a very exciting year for us, with plenty of giveaways and reviews.

Stay Tuned!

Okiedog, a German owned company, offers a wide selection of designer nappy bags which are designed and constructed to save space, paying special attention to detail. Okiedog’s mission is to make parenting fun and convenient.

Traveling with a baby can be stressful enough, but Okiedog has come to the rescue with the gorgeous Okiedog Bliss Voyager Trolley. You will be the envy of all parents at the airport, but best of all, you will feel calm and in control with all your essentials available within easy reach.

The 2011 Okiedog Bliss Voyager will be available exclusively in black.

Full review coming soon.

Björn Jakobson founded BabyBjörn AB in 1961, in Bergshamra, Sweden. Today, you will find BabyBjörn in around 40 countries all over the world. Their headquarters remain in Sweden, and they are still a family company. BabyBjörn has recently launched their organic line of products which are made from organically grown cotton. We applaud them for their continue commitment towards safe products and the protection of the environment.

Transitioning from Womb to World can be an uncertain and fussy period for a newborn. Movement can play an integral roll in calming a fussing baby. This is where a bouncer can come in handy. In fact, experienced moms rate a bouncer as being an essential item that they could not have lived without during the first few months of their baby’s life. Introducing the BabyBjörn babysitter balance, a swedish designed bouncer that was developed in close collaboration with pediatricians and the result of almost 50 years of product development. The BabyBjörn babysitter balance is now available in a soft organic cotton fabric . You can feel confident that baby is resting on a fabric which is non-toxic and safe.

The genius of the babysitter’s design is in its simplicity. You won’t find bright flashing lights, loud musical sounds and a vibration mechanism which can so easily overwhelm your baby’s sensory system, driving him into overload. Instead, you will find the simple, clean lines that are synonymous with the Swedish design that Babybjorn is known for.

The babysitter is suitable for babies 8-29 pounds. There are 3 positions for baby: play rest and sleep. Use the restraint system for younger babies. Toddlers can use the babysitter as a comfy chair; simple remove the restraint system and adjust the seat to the upright position. Toddlers will develop a sense of independence by getting in and out of the chair on their own. The babysitter growns with your baby from newborn through toddler phase, making it a great investment. The 4th position allows the sitter to fold flat for transport and storage. Adjusting positions is quick and easy thanks to the quality engineering and design. It is lightweight and portable, yet stable.

No batteries are required for this babysitter! This babysitter is baby powered. When your baby kicks or bounces, the sitters gentle moves, helping to soothe and calm your baby. In addition, the babysitter will allow your baby to develop cause and effect associations, develop gross motor skills and coordination. What is unique about the babysitter. which has won the approval of many health care professionals, is that it actually stops moving once baby falls asleep, helping him to develop good sleeping habits. In addition, it is designed to support good spinal alignment and supports the head well.

The organic cotton fabric is fully removable for washing and completely reversible for stylish versatility. Accessories include a wooden toy bar for fun playtime and fine motor coordination development and a versatile cozy cover which will keep baby snug after bath times and will also protect the babysitter and preserve the life of the babysitter fabric.

To learn more and to view the full range of products that BabyBjörn offers, please visit:

www.babybjorn.com

All pictures courtesy of BabyBjörn AB and are copyrighted.