This is a sponsored review. However all my opinions are my own. Please read my FTC for more information.

5 Essential Items for Your Baby Registry!

As a mother of multiple, I know it’s tempting to just buy everything that seems helpful, but only a few items are really ‘must haves’ for the new baby. I’ve narrowed it down for you!

Baby Registry Must-Have #1: Diaper Bag

When looking for a diaper bag two things run through my mind: How functional is it? How fashionable is it?

EliteBaby makes an amazing diaper bag that is not only cute but super functional for any mom. It’s also so adorable! Something that stood out to me is the quality of the zippers. It is so frustrating dealing with broken zippers on other cheap bags. The zipper itself is metal with a leather loop riveted to it; I love it! 

Every time I unzip the big pocket to grab a diaper, it feels sturdy like it is going to last a long time.

Another thing is that it is not a fish mouth diaper bag. This was a big deal for me because my first bag had that feature and it ended up being such a nuisance because anytime I needed something I had to unzip it all of the way to open it.

This may seem like a trivial complaint but when your teething son needs his rattler and you only have one free hand it becomes very inconvenient. All that to say, I love that EliteBaby chose not to implement the fish-mouth opening. I have also enjoyed the cellphone pocket. However, I don’t keep my cell phone in there but my wallet! It is super handy for shopping and easy access! Make sure to put this item on your baby registry!

Baby Registry Must-Have #2: Crochet  Rattler | Baby Teether

Aside from being adorable, this teether/rattler was a godsend! Babies can start teething right away and it can feel overwhelming when your baby is inconsolable because their teeth hurt.

This little crochet rattler/baby teether has been perfect for soothing sore gums on my babe by having different textures. My little guy is currently teething like crazy, I don’t know what he loves more, the wooden handle in his mouth or sucking on the organic cotton ears! 

Baby Registry Must-Have #3: Pacifier Holder | Soothie Pacifier Holder

Keeping a pacifier or a soothie clean is tough work and it is hard not to lose the little things. In my house the pacifier seems to vanish DAILY! They are always falling on the ground, and slipping out of my baby’s hands even when I have a rock solid clip.

These ‘must have’ pacifier holders have helped me and my husband keep track of the pacifier and keep it clean, not to mention safe from my little toddler who likes to collect all the trinkets she finds in the house.

Must Have #4: Magnetic Child Safety Cabinet Locks | Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches

Once you become a mom, all you can think about is how to keep your baby safe! Just put your mind at rest and get some baby proofing done! Seriously, these are a MUST-HAVE item for your baby registry! If you want to prevent your baby from “reorganizing” your cabinets, put these on your list! My favorite place to put the cabinet locks are under my sinks where I keep cleaning supplies, an obvious danger to your lil’ crawler.

The hook, size, and color have also been a life saver for me on the go. The bright color helps it to stand out among the toys and books I keep in the car so it is always to find. I keep one in my car and one in my diaper bag, I’ve also been able to keep at least two pacifiers in one holder which is awesome! 

Baby Registry Must Have #5: Adjustable Child Safety Locks | Child Proof Locks For Drawers

These go right along with what I said about #4 but these can be placed anywhere, not just cabinets. These safety locks can be applied to anything!

As soon as your child starts exploring you will be AMAZED at the things they can get into, for example, the TOILET! Yea.. I know.. Gross!!! That is why these locks are one of my ‘must have’ items. Let’s keep those little fingers out of places they might be eager to explore!

Even if it isn’t necessarily a place a baby wouldn’t explore, think of places where small fingers can get pinched like drawers and cat doors. Our son can’t help but put his fingers in the cat door to spy outside, and those tiny fingers have gotten stuck too many times. Keep those hands safe with these adjustable child safety locks. 

Make sure you visit Elite Baby for these must-have items for your baby registry! Trust me, they’ll make life easier for both you and your lovely new baby! Leave a comment below on your 5 Must Have Items to help all those new moms build their baby registries with more ideas!

The post 5 Must-Have Items for Your Baby Registry! first appeared on True Aim.

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Beech–Nut. I received a free coupon to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions are my own.

The alarming amount of pesticides that go into our regular food cannot be brushed aside anymore. I’m sure the amount we spend to buy organic is far less than the cost of medical bills in the future.

That’s why I’m so excited that Beech-Nut has come out with their organic line of baby and toddler food. The new organic line is inspired by the way you make homemade baby food.  Real, whole fruits and vegetables (no GMOs) are inside their jars and nothing else.

Check out this video of a family who eats only organic food for two weeks. Now, there may still be some natural pesticides used in organic food, but the really bad stuff that they measured for in this video makes you think twice about feeding baby anything else.

I usually make my own baby food, but always keep some jars and pouches of Beech-Nut organic in my pantry for days when I don’t have time, or when we go out on errands. The Beech–Nut organic line uses a unique just gentle cooking process, a method that doesn’t add any excess water or artificial preservatives and won’t cook the nutrients away. So, it’s just like the kind I make myself.

My baby tried the apple, raspberry & avocado flavor and loved it! I’m excited for him to try the black bean & cumin too. We’re both so happy to have a great organic choice for him.

Beech–Nut organic is sold at the following retail stores:  Kroger, Babies “R” Us, Wegmans, Price Chopper, Wakefern, Walmart.com,  Winn-Dixie, BI-LO, Stop & Shop, Giant Carlisle, A&P, Pathmark, Albertsons, Hannaford, Raley’s, Meijer, Nugget Market, Diapers.com, Harris Teeter, Shaw’s, ACME, Shoppers Food and Cub Foods.

Click here to find a store near you that carries the new Beech-Nut Organic line of children’s products. For more Natural and Organic Baby food inspiration, follow Beechnut on Facebook or Instagram.

Beech-Nut Product Giveaway!

Beech-Nut wants a lucky reader to try their Organic product for free! Click here to see all the Beech-Nut products and then come back and leave a comment below telling us which one you’d like to try!

*Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central and must reside in the United States

The post Giveaway! Why We Choose Organic Baby Food first appeared on True Aim.

The water was only up to his waste so I wasn’t too worried about him drowning. Turning to watch eldest hold her breath underwater, my son was knocked over by another child. When I turned around he was face down in the water kicking and struggling. Luckily I was only turned for a few seconds and grabbed him up as fast as I could. Seeing him gasp for air was the worst feeling in the world and I never want it to happen again.

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for SwimWays. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. 

Fast forward a year later, and I have 4 children to watch over in the pool. It really helps when more than 1 parent is there, but I’m a lot more confident with my littlest one because I have a Swimways Baby Spring Float. Although my little guy can touch in the kiddie pool, the Baby Spring Float ensures that he doesn’t get knocked over and allows me to watch my other children more closely.

There is a canopy that you can attach to protect baby from the sun when you’re outside and it folds up easily into it’s own carrying case.

My 1-year-old wasn’t sure about the float at first because he wasn’t directly touching me, but I left him in it a little bit and he calmed down right away. Baby Spring Float is the single best baby float on the market today; it’s the perfect product to introduce baby to the water for the first time. I even had a couple parents of small babies at the pool ask about where they could get one.

I’ll definitely use our new baby float whenever we go to the pool and can’t wait to check out the other swim vests and floats that Swimways has in their Swim Steps line of products at Toys-R-Us. They also have a whole website dedicated to help you teach your child to swim that will come in handy this summer!

Did you know that the Fourth Annual National Learn to Swim Day is May 16, 2015?! This day is designed to remind parents and guardians to kick off summer safely by engaging their children in water safety and swim instructions. SwimWays believes that swimming is an important life skill and that all children should have the opportunity to learn to swim. That’s why they have some great resources and free printables on their site!

To learn more about teaching your child to swim and Swimways’ products, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter!

The post Swimming with Baby first appeared on True Aim.

What is a Pinterest Party?

It’s a fun night of pinning – and you can win some amazing prizes while you’re at it!

We’ll be pinning our very favorite baby shower tips and tricks to the Boogie Wipes Happy Kids Pinterest Board.

You’ll want to be there to repin and save your favorite ideas. The best part is, we’ll be giving away more than $500 in prizes throughout the night!

Where: Boogie Wipes Happy Kids Pinterest Board
When: Sunday, October 17, 2015
Time: 6-7 pm PST, 7-8 pm MST, 8-9 pm CST, 9-10 pm EST (Make sure to show up in the correct time zone!)

You must follow the directions on the giveaway widget below to RSVP, and be entered for a chance to win the giveaway prizes when you attend the party.

See what you could win!

Did I mention the great prizes involved? You could win a $25 Target gift card, a $50 Target gift card, a $75 Target gift card. Or – the grand prize winner will be taking away more than $300 in amazing baby shower gifts!

How fun is that?!?

Join the Party!

Here’s how easy it is to join the party…

Step 1
Complete the form below to RSVP and be entered to win prizes.

Step 2 Follow the party hosts on Pinterest: Boogie Wipes

Downy WR Plus

Munchkin

My Life and Kids

Chance of Wine

Your Modern Family

Mom Does Reviews

True Aim Education

Savings Mania

Step 3
Show up online on Sunday, May 17, at the Boogie Wipes Happy Kids Pinterest board at 9pm ET.

Follow Boogie Wipes’s board Happy Kids on Pinterest.

Step 4
Repin your favorite baby shower ideas during the party so you can find them when you need them, chat it up in the comments and have fun!

**Winners must be present on May 17, 2015, at the the Boogie Wipes Happy Kids Board to win. If your name is announced, please reply via the comment section of the prize announcement within 5 minutes or another winner will be chosen. ~ PLEASE use an email where you can be contacted. Please note that it is not required to follow the hosts on Pinterest, comment or repin anything in order to be entered in the giveaway or participate in the party.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on Sunday night!

The post You’re Invited to an EPIC Baby Shower and Giveaway! first appeared on True Aim.

I was THAT mom. The one who had to do everything for my baby’s first Christmas. I got a special ornament, bought a special outfit, got Christmas pictures, sent out photo Christmas cards, and wrapped my baby LOTS of presents.

After being a mom 4 times over, I know better. There is nothing wrong with doing all of those things, but I did miss out on something. While I lugged my baby around in her car seat past the bustling shops and through the busy streets, my baby’s hands were getting bigger. She was one step away from 7 yrs old and I didn’t notice until it was too late.

Now it is my son’s first Christmas, and I’m doing things a little different.

I’m spending as much time as I can, cuddling, rocking, and just enjoying his first Christmas. There’s still lots of pictures taken with my camera, but I’m more concerned with time and less concerned with all the presents, hustle and bustle.

Stress Less on Baby’s First Christmas

Instead of stressing about the little things like the perfect outfit, gift, ornaments, or traditions, I narrow my to do list and focus on spending quality time with baby.

One way I cut down on my work load is with Happy Family toddler snacks and baby food. While not having to worry about meals, I know my son is getting the nutrition he needs, like DHA and probiotics, with the best Organic ingredients. I’m also reducing 80% of the toxins he eats daily by providing him with organic choices. Visit the Happy Family website to learn about organic baby and toddler food.

Happy Family baby food comes in convenient food pouches that allow me to feed my son anywhere without a spoon. Also, my relatives are less intimidated and more willing to help with feeding time because of them, even my other children can help feed their brother now.

I always have some Happy Family baby food stocked in my diaper bag just in case we decide last-minute, to go to family or friends.

Having an easy, healthy, organic choice to help me spend more time with my baby during his first Christmas is priceless, but Enjoy a $1 off coupon for Happy Family baby food pouches now!

More ways I stress less during the holidays:

• Higher a sitter for 1 day before the holidays so I can clean & organize the house.
• Take laundry to the laundry mat and get it done all at one time.
• Shop online and shop early!
• Baby doesn’t need anything! I’m really just shopping for more to clean up.
• Freezer cooking is my friend.

Now, you have the chance to win FREE Happy Family products Join Happy Family on Facebook and enter to win during December’s #TistheSqueezin giveaways! 25 Days of Giveaways to make your baby’s first holiday easier and healthier.

TO ENTER:

Follow @Happysuperfoods and tweet us using the hashtag #TistheSqueezin to be entered to win one of two prizes available each day from December 1st – December 25th.

The post Help with Baby’s First Christmas first appeared on True Aim.

I was avoiding even making them! Then I was approached by Squeasy Gear to review their new Squeasy Snacker (read my full disclosure policy). Now I don’t have to worry about my kids making messes with any kind of drink and it makes a great self feeder for infants too!

The Squeasy Snacker is the most versatile reusable food pouch on the market. It was designed by parents for parents to provide easy feeding on-the-go.

It is the only food pouch that offers the patent pending 2-in-1 NO SPILL INSERT for no spill or free flow.  It is made of BPA, PVC, and Phthalate Free, reversible 100% food-grade silicone for easy cleaning and collapses completely flat to prevent wasted contents. Plus, it is Dishwasher Safe (Top rack) and Freezer Safe!

I received two Squeasy Snackers to try. The 4oz and the 6oz. I wanted the 4oz for my baby and also for my friend’s baby that I watch. The small size makes it easier for baby to hold themselves and self-feed. Since my friends baby doesn’t like to be fed from a spoon, this really helped me out! She got the hang of it right away and finished her puree off in no time! What a happy camper she was

The 6oz Squeasy Snacker was perfect for my 2-year-old. Usually I give him a straw which ends up making a mess. I would make my kids stay at the kitchen table to drink their smoothies. Now, everyone can enjoy their smoothie where ever they want.

I definitely want to buy the larger 9oz Squeasy Snacker for my older children for all sorts of things like yogurt, pudding, juice, and milk. Unlike other food pouches, it prevents spills so I don’t have to worry about packing juice or milk for a trip.

Watch Clarrisa in the video below to see how easy it is to fill the Squeasy Snacker!

Mango Smoothie Recipe

This is my children’s favorite smoothie recipe! You can add more flavors to change up this base recipe like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries!

Ingredients:

1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Mango Chunks

1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Peach Chunks

1 Banana

1/4 – 1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. If you are using all fresh fruit, you can add crushed ice to make it thicker. Add baby spinach, cucumber, avocado, or dandelions to make a green smoothie. After filling your Squeasy Snacker for the kids, make sure you save some for yourself!

For more smoothie recipe ideas, follow Squeasy Gear on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!

The post Mango Smoothie Recipe and a No Mess Solution! first appeared on True Aim.

We lived in a smaller house when I had my first child. I was totally sleep deprived the first week after she was born and took a much needed shower in my master bath. I had my daughter in a bassinet right outside my door. Then the worst possible thing happened. I thought my baby had died.

I had suds all over my hands and hair, but jumped out of the shower like a swarm of cockroaches had come out of the drain. I grabbed a towel and swung the door open expecting my baby to be on the floor or something had fallen on top of her.

She was in her bassinet, in a deep sleep and didn’t make a peep. The screaming cry was all in my head!

An Easier Way to See if Baby is Safe

With all my babies I’ve imagined screaming cries. It’s only natural to be worried about your precious little one, but now I have an amazing new Ayden video monitor from Levana.

My vivid imagination is soothed, being able to clearly see my baby during the day, or night, with invisible LED lights that won’t wake baby. I especially love the color coded LED indicator ring that displays different colors based on the volume of baby’s cries. That means I don’t have to have the monitor blaring to know that baby is crying.

I can even soothe them without going into the room and disturbing their sleep with features like a two-way intercom, 3 different lullabies, and a gentle light show.

With Levana monitors, I can do more with confidence. Now that I can actually SEE that my baby is safe, I take my showers in peace. I’m even venturing outside to conquer the garden with the 750 ft. secure digital signal.

You can’t go wrong with a Levana video monitor. Baby safety is their number one priority. All Levana Movement monitors are digital and wireless, eliminating the risk of cord strangulation. They have one of the only wireless movement monitors on the market which makes the battery life exceed several days. Finally, ClearVu digital wireless technology ensures no one else is watching baby but you.

It’s an extremely affordable investment that will last beyond the baby stage (nap time will hopefully last a few more years)! But to me, peace of mind is priceless.

Baby Monitor Giveaway

Levana exclusively manufactures baby monitors which allows them to focus wholly on perfecting their products. They know what is important to parents regarding baby safety because they ask real moms, and then develop solutions to meet those needs.

They’re ready to give one lucky reader a chance to experience a Ayden Video Monitor ($119.99 Value)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Levana. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post Do More Knowing Baby is Safe first appeared on True Aim.

But the pain didn’t stop!

The little line went back up and plateaued for about 15 minutes as nurses came filing into the room.  All of them offering words of encouragement that didn’t really register, but created a calming white noise effect.  I abandoned my breathing and all reservations of how I looked to these other women or my husband.  Flipping from my back to my hands and knees, I rocked and hummed and breathed.

Hallelujah, it worked!

Finally, the mountain plateau that was on the monitor came down and I got to rest for a few minutes.  All the nurses seemed impressed and asked if it was really my first time giving birth.  Yes, I had no idea what I was getting into!  And after four children that was still the worst contraction I’ve ever experienced.

Some would say that I’m tough, but in reality I’m deathly afraid of huge needles going into my back!  So, I  labor naturally because for me, there is no other option.  If you’re deciding on what path you want to take with your delivery, my piece of advice is to go in with an open mind.

Each and every labor experience is different and every woman has a different threshold of pain.  If you go into labor only wanting one thing, you may be disappointed or feel bad about doing something different.

Don’t.  Go with your gut and make the experience your own.

Of course there is some pain involved with every delivery so here are 5 Ways to Ease Labor Pain that I’ve used with all my children.

Ease Your Labor Pains

When I was pregnant with my third child I was also caring for 3-4 other children in my home preschool on any given day.  My due date was a week after Christmas vacation ended and I was hoping that my son would come a little early so I wouldn’t inconvenience my students’ parents.

That didn’t happen.  So, I was caring for kids when I started having labor pains.  I didn’t want to call the parents home from work too early if I didn’t have to so I waited until the usual pick up time and then sped off to the hospital.

I really didn’t feel too bad and was worried that we had come in too soon and they would make me walk around and around in circles in the halls of the labor and delivery unit.  I wasn’t soon enough.

The nurse calmly checked my uterus and then got this wide eyed look.

I was 8 centimeters dilated already and as she hurriedly pushed my bed into a delivery room she said that I didn’t look like I was in labor at all, totally fooled her!  That brings me to my first pain control technique.

1.  Heat

As soon as I feel a little contraction I put a menstrual heat pad on.  They are activated by the heat in your skin, stay warm for about 8 hours and you can get them anywhere.  Just like any muscle cramp, the heat helps the muscle relax.  You could also take a warm bath and most hospitals and birthing centers let you take one in the delivery room.

2.  Cat Pose

Yoga during labor?  Well not exactly.  I just think this is a better name for getting on your hands and knees.  If you are having back labor, this is THE position to get in.  Rocking, humming, and having your spouse push on your lower back, bottom, or hips toward your head will really help relieve your pain; when I say push I mean REALLY hard.  Make sure you continue to breathe while getting into different poses.

In fact, try any position that makes you feel better.  Don’t be self conscious!  Do what feels right and listen to your body.

3.  Breathing

Seems like common sense right?  There are lots of different breathing strategies, but all help to distract yourself from the pain and deliver more oxygen to you and baby.

I used the breathing coach method. My husband would put up a number with his fingers and that is how many breaths I would take.  I never knew what number would come next so instead of thinking about the pain, I was concentrating on how many breaths I needed to take.  If he held up 4 fingers, I would take 3 short “hee” breaths and one big deep “hooo” breath.  Another technique that worked was to start with 5 breathing patterns (hee-hee-hee-hee-hooo’s), work my way down to 1 (hooo) and then go back up to 5.

Whatever breathing strategy you use, it is worth it.  Take your time practicing different techniques to see which one you like the most.

4.  Focus

Focus on anything you can that will distract you from your pain.  Is there a game that you like to play, Candy Crush perhaps?  A book you like to read?  A picture of you in Hawaii you can focus on while you breathe?  Remember to bring these things and see if they help.

With my 2nd child, I was shopping when my contractions first started.  I was so focused on getting everything on my list before the baby came that I barely felt any pain in the beginning.  I wouldn’t do this now because I’ve had a lot of kids and my labors are really quick, but if this is your first time shopping might do the trick!

5.  Prepare

Although there is nothing like the real deal, labor pain will be a lot less severe for you if you prepare yourself by exposing yourself to natural pain.  If you already experience braxton hicks, try not to take any pain relievers and focus on what that pain feels like so you won’t be surprised when you start experiencing real labor.

I tried not to take anything for head aches or back pain during my pregnancy because I just don’t like taking medicine all the time, but it also prepared my mind for what was coming. If you’re used to the sensation, it is a lot easier to deal with.

Another way to prepare is to make a birth plan. If the pain gets really intense what pain management techniques do you want to use? Are you open to the suggestions your Doctor or Midwife have for you? Mapping out the steps you would like to take helps providers take better care of you. You won’t have to tell everyone what you want while trying to deal with the pain; they’ll already know what to expect.

How do you deal with labor pain?  I’d love to hear some new tips to try with my next delivery.

For more on pregnancy and newborns, like me on Facebook or follow on Pinterest!

The post 5 Ways to Ease Labor Pains first appeared on True Aim.

Not only is it the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week 2014, but it is also the official launch day for the new book, Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and More! This book is the culmination of many tears of experience and an attempt to help other mothers planning to breastfeed twins, triplets or more.

Although it shares insights on being a mom of multiples, this book is for any new moms looking to nurse their babes.  Jennifer gives you her expert tips and personal stories on breastfeeding that will give you the confidence you need.

And because we don’t do “excited” in a boring way, we’ve teamed up with the author to host a fanta-bulous giveaway with prizes worth over $450! You’ll be the most prepared mama on the block!

Oh, and from August 1-7, 2014 you can get the book for 70% off! Buy it in the author’s store (PDF) for $2.99 (regularly $9.99!) or on Amazon (for Kindle) for the same price. Use coupon code “WBWBreastfeedMultiples.”

But first… Why a book on breastfeeding twins, triplets and more? Are there really women who want to breastfeed twins? Triplets? Quads? Yep! Many mothers who see more than one (or two, or three!) babies on the ultra-sound screen suddenly become overwhelmed with all the questions flooding their mind:

• Is it possible to breastfeed twins, triplets, quads (or more)?
• Will I make enough milk for all of them?
• What if they’re born early – will they be able to learn to breastfeed?
• Can I feed them at the same time?
• Will I always have someone “on the breast?”

As a mother who has breastfed my triplets for nearly three (yes, three!) years, it is most definitely possible!

What’s in the book?

The Challenges

While in theory breastfeeding one baby is similar to breastfeeding multiples, there are many facets that may come into play unique to a mother of multiples.  In this book, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for nearly any situation a new mother of multiples may face.

Easy to Read

Let’s face it: postpartum mothers have little time to read! This book is designed to give you the information you need to get off to a great start with breastfeeding – who needs to read now about how to deal with jealous triplets fighting for a boob? Time enough to figure that out later! You can read this ebook and be on your way in no time to having the experience you want!

Breastfeeding is Not All or Nothing

Most mothers of multiples feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of need these new little ones come with. Add into the mix the stress of prematurity, exhaustion x 2 (or 3 or more!) and not having the right support and information one needs – it’s no wonder many mothers of newborn multiples don’t make it past the first few days or weeks. But what if each of these mothers knew that breastfeeding twins, triplets or more wasn’t “all or nothing?” What if they heard from other mothers who found a happy medium that worked for their family, resting in the knowledge that even against all odds, some breast milk is better than none? In this ebook you’ll hear from mothers across the spectrum – mothers who exclusively breastfed their multiples and mothers who exclusively pumped for them. They share with you because they want you to succeed! Breastfeeding twins, triplets or more happens when a mother plans and has knowledge – and then is able to adjust to accommodate the needs her babies have. We believe that any and every life-giving drop of breast milk is a celebration and a victory! __________________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Celebrate with a Giveaway!

DayDreamer Sleeper Nurse one baby (or two!) while the other plays happily in this sleeper (stay tuned for a review of this fantastic product!): $129.99 value Amazon Gift Card Babies aren’t cheap! (And multiples are never “two for the price of one!”) But with this gift card you’ll be able to do that last minute shopping (or buy more diapers!): $100 value My Brest Friend Breastfeed your new little ones with comfort – choose a twin breastfeeding pillow and see why it’s the best: $78 value Fit2B Studio Learn how to heal those tummy muscles with access to an exclusive personal retreat with world-renowned fitness experts – all from the comfort of your own home! Oh, and you’ll be able to gift access to your BFF, too: $69.90 value Jennifer Saleem Books This author has created these beautiful paperback inspirational books about breastfeeding – Milkies in the Morning and I will Breastfeed Anywhere: $26.90 value Undercover Mama Choose an undercover nursing shirt in any size and color and nurse those babies without fear of what others may be seeing: $24.99 value Lilla Rose A gift certificate to choose from Flexi Hair Clips, Hair Sticks, Headbands, Bobby Pins, etc. and keep your hair out of reach of little hands! (If you’re already an LR customer, you may choose from the XS Flexi Hair Clips!): $16 value Vision Herbs & Gifts Keep all those little bottoms soft with one hand-crafted Baby Bottom Cream (4 oz.), and one Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer (4 oz.): $14 value

Pregnant and looking for support & encouragement?

Join my community! Ask your questions, get answers and feel supported by other mamas on this same journey! This giveaway runs from August 1st to August 7th and is open to anyone in the USA. Enter below and don’t forget to share this great giveaway with your friends – whether they have multiples or not!!

The post Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a Giveaway! first appeared on True Aim.

My first thought was to refuse to address the right to bare breasts, until the right to life was won. Yet some how, breastfeeding in public has become a hot controversy that won’t go away. It was just yesterday, when I saw a national ad campaign with pictures of women breastfeeding in public toilets, that I finally decided to throw my two cents into the arena.

Last summer, Janine and I took our kids to the Boise Aquarium, where we saw sting rays, sharks, turtles, snakes, and one pair of boobs. In fact, I practically walked into them before I realized what was happening.

A young mother sat down with her baby, pulled her boob out, let it hang as she readied her hungry baby before beginning to feed him, which she eventually did, but without a cover. I blushed a little, but survived, and my kids were too young to notice or care. I thought, “That’s it, I have just witnessed  firsthand the focal of a national controversy,”

and to be honest it was little anticlimactic.

We all did what any polite person would do, we averted our eyes and pretended not to notice. And while I am a huge fan of modesty, I realize that a hungry baby is the greater of the two evils. It may inconvenience people or make them feel a little uncomfortable, but manners is about putting petty comforts aside for the sake of others. So, I am also a fan of breastfeeding in public when it can’t be avoided.

The problem is, the pro-public-breast-feeding crowd seems to have forgotten that manners is a too way street.

Take the breastfeeding mother in the aquarium for instance. She might have had the courtesy to be a little more discreet. I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt; perhaps she didn’t see our family standing in front of her, was too shy to warn us, forgot her cover, didn’t think to turn the other way, had to feed then and there, didn’t see the benches 10 feet away in a less-public area, forgot to put her boob away, or didn’t know that exposing herself makes others feel uncomfortable.

But what I really think is that she didn’t care. She had the attitude that it is her right to breastfeed and too heck with everybody else. I agree that it is her right, and more importantly, her baby’s right to be fed, but she also has the right to be considerate of others whenever possible.

But how old fashion, right?

The new way is to take our rights and smash people in the face with them. We have a right to bare arms, and that means we’ve got to take our AR-15 in crowded malls and to hell with those anti-second-Amender’s who dare to feel uneasy.

And if a mom’s got a right to breastfeed, that means that instead of offering a polite explanation to a concerned business manager, or even agreeing to cover up a little, she’s got to teach that prude a lesson. She’s got to rant on facebook against the business and organize a mob of breast-baring mommies who, in the name of freedom, will proudly march outside that business flashing customers!

People need to be tolerant of mothers and mothers need to be considerate. Of course, for the most part we already are. In fact, I still consider this a non-issue – a molehill made into a media mountain!

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The post Boobs, Babies and Bullies first appeared on True Aim.