It's the Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway 2019!!!

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2019 is Empower Parents: Enable Breastfeeding.  According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action - “Empowerment is a process that requires evidence-based unbiased information and support to create the enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed optimally. Breastfeeding is in the mother’s domain and when fathers, partners, families, workplaces, and communities support her, breastfeeding improves.” Well, we couldn’t agree more!  Here at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and The Badass Breastfeeder, our goal is to provide judgment-free breastfeeding support so that breastfeeding and pumping families can provide as much breast milk to their children as possible and reach their personal breastfeeding/pumping goals.  We also love to partner with wonderful companies that do all that they can to support, guide, and protect a family’s ability to meet their personal breastfeeding/pumping goals. 

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2019, 11 breastfeeding and pumping-supportive companies have donated items for an enormous Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Prize Package, valued at over $2000!  First we’d like to introduce you to the co-hosts of the 2019 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week giveaway. Then, we’ll share all of the goodies that have been so graciously donated.

Your hosts:

San Diego Breastfeeding Center:  A judgment-free online and in-person resource for evidence-based breastfeeding information and personalized assistance for parents facing breastfeeding challenges.  Founded by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC in 2009, SDBFC offers private breastfeeding consultations, classes, free support groups, and an extensive blog. In August 2016, Robin started the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which offers reduced-rate lactation consultations to local families with financial need.  In 2018, Robin published her first book, Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage and just last month released her first online course, Breastfeeding for the Working Family, a step-by-step course to help breastfeeding parents prepare for a seamless transition back to work and meet their personal breastfeeding goals DESPITE returning to work.

The Badass Breastfeeder: The Badass Breastfeeder is a blog written by Abby Theuring, a social worker, writer, public speaker, activist, wife and mother of 2 who lives in Chicago, IL. The blog empowers mothers to breastfeed in public, and to breastfeed beyond infancy. It encourages moms and dads to trust their parenting instincts and helps parents develop the confidence to make important decisions for their families. It’s also the personal story of one family’s struggles through the ups and downs of attachment parenting. Unlike many parenting blogs, it paints an honest, authentic picture of the stressful moments that come along with being a parent. The Badass Breastfeeder is a global community of moms and dads who share their experiences so that we know we are not alone. 

How to Enter the 2019 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

You may enter the giveaway from August 1, 2019 - August 8, 2019.  On August 8, 2019, we will announce 1 lucky winner of the Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Prize Package.  Winners must live in the United States or Canada.

NOW Check out the Prizes!

One Breastfeeding for the Working Family online course.  Protect your breastfeeding relationship (and your milk supply) DESPITE returning to work!  This step-by-step course will prepare you for a seamless transition back to work.

One Ruby All In One Nursing and Handsfree Pumping Bra from Dairy Fairy.  A feminine and functional bra that’s supermodel worthy and super mom functional.

One Explore Baby Carrier - “Splash” by Baby Tula.  The Tula Explore Carriers offers all the features you and baby need: variable width settings for use with newborns to toddlers, adjustability perfect for nursing while baby is in your carrier, and multiple carry positions including forward-facing and back carry.

One Milk-Saver. One Milk Tray, one Nursing Blend, one Nursing Time Tea, one Softies Nursing Pads, and  one Nipple Nurture Balm all from Fairhaven Health. Milkies by Fairhaven Health is a line of innovative breastfeeding products to help moms reach their breastfeeding goals! Products include breast milk collection and storage solutions to help moms returning to work, as well as supplements, teas, nipple balm, nursing pads, and much more!

One $50 gift certificate for Lactation Granola Bars from Oat Mama.  Undeniably delicious and packed with brewer's yeast and healthy fats from nuts and seeds, Oat Mama lactation granola bars are lovingly crafted by breastfeeding mamas for breastfeeding mamas.

One $25 gift certificate from Momzelle.  Momzelle's mission is to help mothers feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding in public by designing high quality, affordable and super cute nursing wear.

One Breastfeeding/Nursing Necklace from Wee Kings.  Wee Kings nursing necklaces are the perfect distraction for baby's hands while being fed, and are a stylish, practical accessory for mom to wear.

LatchPal and a Little Zip Pocket Blanket from LatchPal.   LatchPal® is an Award Winning Breastfeeding Clip that holds up any shirt, for a nursing top in seconds.  The patented one-handed fastening method makes it easy to for a mom to breastfeed (or pump ) in comfort., without neck strain or distractions.

Set of Visy bras and BusyTabsfrom Nurse Me Mama.  Its soft cotton & stretch frame assists in cupping around breast. The visual graphics on frame helps baby focus and latch!

Breastfeeding Friendly Seed Tee from Cuarto Creciente.  Designed for functional nursing without having to lose style, comfort and most importantly without feeling exposed when nursing in public. Seed t-shirts are locally made in Vancouver by a lovely couple who has been in business for over 30 years.

One Gemma Nursing Top from Teat and Cosset.  The Gemma tee is our best selling top for nursing moms because the flattering & functional V design in the front hides zippers for easy & discrete nursing & pumping. Moms can now nurse their babies AND feel confident at the same time.

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2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2017 is ‘Sustaining Breastfeeding Together’, which is probably our favorite theme thus far!  We know that all families benefit from a team of support to reach their personal breastfeeding goals and this year’s theme really brings that collaborative spirit to the forefront!  In addition to the in-person, online, and mom to mom support that the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and the Badass Breastfeeder offers, these amazing companies have been part of this breastfeeding-supportive team for families for many years and we are thrilled to partner up with them this year for our 2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway!

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2017, over 15 breastfeeding-supportive companies have donated items for an enormous Breastfeeding Mom Prize Package, valued at over $2000!  First we’d like to introduce you to the co-hosts of the 2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week giveaway.  Then, we’ll share all of the goodies that have been so graciously donated.

Meet Our Hosts!

San Diego Breastfeeding Center:  A judgment-free online and in-person resource for evidence-based breastfeeding information and personalized assistance for mothers facing breastfeeding challenges.  Founded by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC in 2009, SDBFC offers private breastfeeding consultations, classes, free support groups, and an extensive blog. In August 2016, Robin started the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which offers reduced-rate lactation consultations to families with financial need.  

The Badass Breastfeeder: The Badass Breastfeeder is a blog written by Abby Theuring, a social worker, writer, public speaker, activist, wife and mother of 2 who lives in Chicago, IL. The blog empowers mothers to breastfeed in public, and to breastfeed beyond infancy. It encourages moms and dads to trust their parenting instincts and helps parents develop the confidence to make important decisions for their families. It’s also the personal story of one family’s struggles through the ups and downs of attachment parenting. Unlike many parenting blogs, it paints an honest, authentic picture of the stressful moments that come along with being a parent. The Badass Breastfeeder is a global community of moms and dads who share their experiences so that we know we are not alone.

How to Enter the 2017 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

You may enter the giveaway from August 1, 2017 - August 7, 2017.  On August 8, 2017, we will announce 1 lucky winner of the Breastfeeding Mom Prize Package.  Winners must live in the United States or Canada.  You can receive up to 33 entries into the giveaway by signing up for our newsletter, adding comments to this blog post, and checking out our social media.  

Now for the Prizes!

One Amaryll hand pump from Ardo. The Amaryll handle attaches three ways for the perfect, ergonomic way to pump right or left-handed. Amaryll is an efficient, easy-to-use and comfortable option when you need to pump on the go. Like our electric pumps, Amaryll does not "let go" of your nipple for added comfort and effectiveness.  Includes three breast shell/flange sizes (26mm, 28mm, 31mm) plus the Optiflow (26mm) soft silicone breast massage insert.

One $50 gift certificate to GlamourMom. The original expert in full support nursing bras built into stylish tanks and tops.

One Ayla All In One Nursing and Handsfree Pumping Bra from Dairy Fairy.  A lacy, supportive and comfortable bra for nursing and handsfree pumping. We make ingenious intimates for mama's milk. 

One Pump&Nurse Set from Rumina, which includes: 1 Pump&Nurse Tank and 1 Pump&Nurse Bra - style, color and size of winner's choice.  Rumina's Pump&Nurse bras and tank tops makes nursing and pumping, Simple, Comfortable and Convenient.

One $50 gift certificate for Lactation Granola Bars from Oat Mama.  Undeniably delicious and packed with brewer's yeast and healthy fats from nuts and seeds, Oat Mama lactation granola bars are lovingly crafted by breastfeeding mamas for breastfeeding mamas.

One Bamboobies Breastfeeding Bundle, which includes a pack of reusable nursing pads, a jar of organic nipple balm, and our new nursing yoga brahhh.

One Milk-Saver. One Milk Tray, one Nursing Blend, one Nursing Time Tea, one Softies Nursing Pads, and  one Nipple Nurture Balm all from Fairhaven Health. Milkies by Fairhaven Health is a line of innovative breastfeeding products to help moms reach their breastfeeding goals! Products include breast milk collection and storage solutions to help moms returning to work, as well as supplements, teas, nipple balm, nursing pads, and much more!

One $50 gift certificate from Momzelle.  Momzelle's mission is to help mothers feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding in public by designing high quality, affordable and super cute nursing wear.

One $100 gift certificate from Vida Leche Amor. Vida Leche Amor is a collection of fashionable tops and dresses designed to be worn during the full-term breastfeeding relationship and beyond.

Freemie Deluxe Cup Set with Expanded Compatibility Kit (works with all compatible pumps) Pump with your shirt on—anytime, anywhere, with Freemie!

One Large size NuzzleHUG.  The NuzzleHUG by Nuzzle soothes a nursing mother's lactation discomfort with warm and cool breast, neck and body therapy.

One Milk It Kit and a set of 120 waterproof breastmilk labels from Milk It. This set will help mom organize and label her milk and go back to work without worry of pumping session walk-ins or shared fridge milk mishaps!

One Chic Cowl Nursing Top in Purple from Udderly Hot Mama.  You'll feel so stylish and enjoy the quick access to nursing so much that you'll want to wear this shirt all year round. The patent-pending inside flap, included in every Udderly Hot Mama® nursing garment, provides extra privacy during a feeding. When baby's weaned, you can easily remove it and add your top to your everyday wardrobe.

One Breastfeeding/Nursing Necklace from Wee Kings.  Wee Kings nursing necklaces are the perfect distraction for baby's hands while being fed, and are a stylish, practical accessory for mom to wear.

LatchPal Breastfeeding Clip and Little Zip Pocket Blanket from Happy Fig.  LatchPal is the only breastfeeding clip of its kind; the one-handed, patented, quick fastening method makes it easy for postpartum and pumping mothers to secure their shirts and nurse in comfort.  It also doubles as a nursing reminder clip!  Little Zip Pocket Blanket is a fashionable and functional blanket that can be used for cuddling, nursing, and carrying your parenting necessities. This innovative blanket has a hidden zipper pocket that stores diapers, wipes, breastfeeding accessories, and more.

One $75 gift certificate from Milk Nursingwear.  Milk Nursingwear designs chic nursing tops, nursing dresses and nursing sleepwear that feature hidden openings making breastfeeding anywhere, anytime both convenient and discreet

One Prenatal Bundle from Rumina Naturals.  Our Prenatal bundle includes three of our best selling products.  Our Womb to Grow complete prenatal vitamin,with Methylated folate, will nourish mom and baby from the inside out while our Totally Tallow skin cream will provide soothing moisture to a growing, glorious belly! Our Baby Rump Rub is a must-have for all new Mommas to help heal and protect those tiny bums from diaper rash right from the start.

Our Interview with Abby (THE Badass Breastfeeder!)

A few weeks ago, I serendipitously stumbled upon the e-mail course called "Becoming a Badass Public Breastfeeder in 7 Days."  For those of you who have been following our blog since January 2013, you are already well aware that I am in the process of creating a San Diego Nursing in Public Task Force to assist mothers who have dealt with nursing in public harassment.  In this process, I have been combing the Internet to find websites to include in our resource list.  Well, as always, Abby (The Badass Breastfeeder) has outdone herself by creating something that is fresh, pertinent, and totally relatable for breastfeeding mothers.  I was dying to 'meet' her, as well as ask her a few questions about her email course, and she enthusiastically agreed to an interview.  So, here's Abby telling a little about herself and sharing her fantastic resource, Becoming a Badass Public Breastfeeder in 7 Days! 

Tell us a little about yourself.  When and why did you start The Badass Breastfeeder?

Ok, well, I can be a bit chatty so I might tell you more than you ever really wanted to know about me! I was born in Cincinnati, OH. I have lived in Columbus, OH; Racine, WI; Abcoude and Amsterdam, Holland; Brooklyn and Queens, NY; and Chicago, IL. I am 36 years old. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology/Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC in 2001 (yes, I was there during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That sucked). My now husband and I moved from NYC to Chicago, IL in 2003. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work in 2009. I spent 14 years working with adolescents and their families involved in the criminal justice system and the child welfare system.

It all came to a sudden stop when my son, Jack, was born on July 30, 2011. I suddenly knew nothing about children. Everything that I had believed and thought was thrown into question when I met my son. There was not one aspect of parenting that I planned for that fit with how I felt about my new life. I started completely over and basically read so much that I got another Master’s degree, but this time in gentle parenting. I didn’t really get another degree, but I immersed myself in information about breastfeeding, babywearing, cosleeping, etc. I struggled big time with getting started with breastfeeding. I felt totally alone and afraid. I felt like a failure every time it was time to nurse Jack. He seemed to hate it. He cried, struggled and popped on and off. We supplemented with formula and my breastfeeding relationship with my son was close to ending every day. I was devastated. Then we decided to kick the formula. The more I read the more empowered I felt. I fought really hard to get him exclusively breastfeeding. I stayed up all day and all night reading everything under the sun. By 2 month we were exclusively breastfeeding. I felt so powerful! I started to feel like my old self again, but better. I had learned so much about myself and we were now on an exciting journey to gentle parenting and Jack would be in charge of weaning. I was so excited. I had so much to say and share. Then one day I was harassed by some moms in a private Facebook group for posting a photo of me breastfeeding in a park. The next day in March 2012 I started a Facebook page to share these pictures publicly because I wanted moms to have a place to celebrate breastfeeding where they would be free from harassment. I started a blog for my friends where I shared the details of my parenting journey. And then I have no idea what happened! It just got really big really fast. I started channeling my passion for advocacy from my social career into sharing information with other moms and challenging what we were hearing from the mainstream and providing support where it was majorly lacking. It grew and grew and grew! I have tried to let moms guide me and show me what they need.

What inspired you to create the email course: Becoming a Badass Breastfeeder?

It became clear from running the Facebook page that our culture sees breasts as sexual and nothing else. Women are afraid of being harassed when they breastfeed in public. Women are being devalued as mothers and nurturers. Women choose not to breastfeed at all sometimes because of discomfort with their bodies or having never been around it. Women get the message that their bodies are to be hidden away for the sexual use by the partners. We have become so disconnected from our natural purpose and power. Some women become mothers and never see breastfeeding at all until they are breastfeeding their own babies. I got so much feedback from women who said that they were afraid to breastfeed in public. This motivated me to take all of my thoughts about breastfeeding in public, all of the support and advice I had given on the Facebook page and my blog, and put it into one place. In November 2012 I created the e-mail course “Become a Badass Public Breastfeeder in 7 Days.” The e-course is a great method because people can get small bits of information allowing them to think about it and digest it before moving onto another topic. I worked harder on it than I thought I would and through writing it I became even more passionate about the topic. I feel like it solidified for me my niche as The Badass Breastfeeder.

What resources does a mother receive when she signs up for the course and where can she sign up?

In the e-course, a mother will receive tips for exuding confidence while nursing in public, tips for dealing with staring (which is the number 1 fear I heard from women), ideas about clothing and finding comfy spots in public, tutorials on how to breastfeed while babywearing, detailed advice on engaging unsupportive family and friends in a conversation about nursing in public, comebacks for negative comments from the public, and a summary of the laws that protect breastfeeding in public. I focus on empowerment through rethinking about our bodies and providing information. You can sign up at www.badasspublicbreastfeeding.com. I have also created a workbook version that goes into much greater detail and engages the mother in a journey of self-reflection designed to empower her on all levels of motherhood. I created this doe to the demand from many women who wanted to do the course with their friends and for professionals interested in running groups on the topic. More information on this can be found at http://www.gentleparentinfo.com/UltimateNIPGuide.html.

Have you received any feedback about this course?

It has gotten great reviews! I get e-mails from women, on a daily basis, who say that they no longer feel afraid, that they nurse in public regularly and feel empowered as a mother. I am quite happy! It’s more than I ever expected. I feel if breastfeeding in public can be normalized then more babies will be breastfed. And that is the entire point.

What are your top five tips for Becoming a Badass Breastfeeder?

1. Change your thinking about your body. We can become so focused on our insecurities, but when we reframe our thinking it actually changes the way we feel about ourselves and the way we act.

2. Engage fully with your baby. This will help take the focus off of others so you won’t be as concerned about what they are thinking or where they are looking.

3. Get into babywearing! It makes it so much easier when you are out and about. I know breastfeeding while babywearing can be difficult to figure out, but the course can help.

4. Learn how the breastfeeding laws in your state protect you. You can print them out and carry them around. You might be surprised by how much more confidence this gives you.

5. Create a support network of family and friends. It’s almost impossible to be successful at anything when the people in our lives are unsupportive. The largest section of the course is about engaging family and friends to be more supportive and finding like-minded moms to meet face to face. Moms are so good at supporting moms!