Another wonderful love note from a sweet customer. Thank you Becki for taking the time to write!
I ordered a nesting egg from you last fall to go with the nesting pillow I was using to nurse my baby. I just found the postcard you included with my order and thought I would finally write to tell you how much I have loved your products over the past 13 months. I have used my nesting pillow almost every single day since Bennett was born over a year ago (the exceptions being the days I have traveled out of town - which is why I ordered the egg to bring on the trips I took!). It is a fabulous nursing pillow. Never have I had a hard time getting him situated and he has always been very comfortable and secure laying on it. My sister used a different nursing pillow and has already given that away (her boy is 21 months old) and has emphatically said that should she have another child, she will definitely be getting a nesting pillow. (Actually, I know she will, since the second I find out she's pregnant, I'm getting her one!)
Just wanted you to know how very much I have and still am enjoying your products. Best, Becky
Oh, my! We've had so many wonderful reviews...press with so much love wrapped around the words describing our Nesting Pillows that our hearts can hardly contain it. The nurturing that we receive from YOU is unbelievable. Then, we get another love note in our (e) mail box. A customer, a joy giver, has blessed us once again.
Meet Beckie. She is one beautiful new momma to sweet baby Evelyn. (love... the name. My baby Sophie's middle name is Evelyn ...sqeee)
Beckie purchased a Nesting Pillow then took the time to write a review after giving birth. All during the season of having "mommy brain" which is really no different then pregnancy brain...
( I should know, 7 years after giving birth, I still have mommy brain!)
Becki says:
"Of all the items that we would be purchasing for Mini, the nursing pillow was one that I knew would have alot of baby time. This lead me to look into organic, health friendly options. Boppy offers an organic pillow cover. As one reviewer pointed out: the cover may be organic but the pillow is still filled with the sort of chemicals that you're most likely trying to avoid in purchasing an organic cover.
And so the search continued. I don't remember how I stumbled onto the Blessed Nest web site. It was probably the fateful result of a google search. After about 15 minutes on the site, I knew this was the pillow for me."
This is the single most useful baby product we own. It has been used multiple times a day, every day, since E made her way out into the world. I can see this becoming a snuggle buddy for E when she's bigger. Love love love it.
We love you to the moon and back Beckie! Thank you for taking the time to tell us how much you love your Nesting Pillow!
Have you ever wanted to meet Heather (our CEO at Blessed Nest)? She would love to invite you into her garden for an outdoor concert! If you live in the Kansas City area, or want to fly in for a weekend getaway, head on over.
Your invitation from Heather:
I'm SO excited about what July in Lawrence has in store... great neighbors, friends, outdoor movies, lightening bugs, locally grown food, thunderstorms and MUSIC!!! Susan Enan concert this coming Monday, July 5th in my very own garden and Rocky Votolato with Timbre on July 15 (tickets still available for both!) This might be heaven :...)
Tickets available for the Susan Enan Concert in Heathers garden for $12.00 click here!
Below is a clip from Susan Enan- a look at the vision and plan for her "Bring on the Song" house tour. More of her music here
This post has been a long time coming. I've been meaning to post a little guide for expectant twin mamas (and any other curious folk) on breastfeeding twins, complete with discrete photos. So here it is. I talk to so many people that find it absolutely amazing that I am able to nurse two babies, and a lot of expectant twin mommies I've talked to are very sceptical in their abilities to do it themselves.
I have worked hard, through trial and error, to find a good nursing system that works for me. Granted, it may not work for you, but I hope that in some way it helps and encourages you to nurse your twins (or singleton). Also, I've got to say that I have not figured this out all on my own. I've talked to a couple different lactation consultants, my LLLI leaders, lots of mamas on thebump.com'seco friendly family forum (check us out, we are a lovely bunch of people), and most significantly-another local twin mama that has become a great friend and mentor. Ashley, thank-you for your help and I am so glad that I am getting to know you.
First of all I find it immensely helpful to gather anything that I might need ahead of time, because once I get the babies latched on, I am not getting up for anything. On my list of things to keep near me while nursing are a glass of water, a small snack, and my pillows. Notice that I did not include remote controls or the phone. I actually try to remember to turn off my phones while I nurse, as I find it incredibly distracting to myself and the babies. I don't watch t.v. while I nurse because it is also distracting and I like to limit the noise level. I have also gotten in the habit of putting a sign on the front door when I am nursing them or when they are napping, that says "Shh, babies are sleeping. Please do not knock, ring, or call. Try us again later."
Now I am ready to nurse. I have four pillows that I use: two nesting pillows from blessednest.com, one nest egg from blessednest.com, and one throw pillow that goes behind my back. I grab both babies and hold them against myself as I plop down on the couch. Hugging both of them against me with one arm, I wedge the throw pillow behind me in a way that gives me comfortable back support. Now, I place one nesting pillow on my right side and one on the left slightly over lapping in the center. I find it more comfortable to keep their heads elevated, so I shove a nest egg underneath both pillows, where they overlap. I really love the pillows from blessednest.com because they are filled with buckwheat hulls and you can adjust them to get the firmness where you want it. (think bean bag chair) I usually make it firmer under their heads and arrange for less hulls near their bum, which puts them in a great position.
Once my pillows are in place I put one baby on my right side and adjust him to a comfy position, playing with the firmness of the pillows until he seems to be in a good place. I latch him on. I repeat this with the other baby on the left side. They are head to head, kind of like two football holds, only supported with pillows. This position works best for us and keeps both babies happy. I have tried having them overlap or lay in the same direction against each other, but as they are getting older and more aware, they seem to become more easily bothered and distracted by each other. In my position they do grab at each others hands, but at least they aren't kicking each other. If you have problems with them grabbing at each other, I've heard the swaddling them so that their arms are tight against their bodies will help.
I highly suggest getting yourself a couple of blessed nest pillows. The two that I have pictured in this post are organic, and available for $87 Here. Mine are Pacific Grove and Key Lime. They are very very handy for nursing twins, or a singleton for that matter. I find them indispensable. Here is how I use the pillow if for some reason I am only nursing one baby.
My boys are seven months old now and are still nursing every two to three hours. When one twin is hungry, I feed them both, whether or not the other twin was acting hungry. I have a better let down this way and can give my "failure to thrive twin" a little boost of easy flowing milk. Another benefit of nursing them at the same time, is that it takes a lot less time overall. For months I was nursing them separately and it seemed like all I had time for was nursing. Now I have some extra time to devote to B Bear.
One other thing that I want to mention is that I have gotten myself used to nursing in public. I realized that if I want to be able to leave the house, I have to be able to nurse them. I bought a used ring sling from a friend of mine and take it with me everywhere. If you run into me out and about, you are likely to see me carrying or nursing one baby in the sling. To do this, I loosen the sling, and put in on with the rings on the opposite side from the breast I want to nurse on. Next, place the baby in the sling so that his bottom is cradled in the sling. Lean the baby so that his head is near your breast and tighten the sling. Then I latch him on. His feet stick out the other side and really the only thing the sling is holding are his bum and thighs. I never do this hands-free. Baby's head is cradled by my arm and we are tummy to tummy.
Good luck with nursing. You can do it, and it is so so good for your baby(ies). Remember that what works for me may not be the right arrangement for you. Play around with it and see what works for you and your babies. I hope that this was in some way helpful and that you are inspired to nurse away!
Note: I was not paid in any way other than being sent merchandise to review and mention the nesting pillows from the blessed nest. Their pillows are fabulous and that is my very own honest opinion.
Today's post written by Holly~ Writer for our Perch in the area of breastfeeding and wellness
The quality of your breast milk is affected by what you put in your body- but who has time to figure out exactly what to consume when you're overwhelmed with caring for your new baby? We've all been given plenty of advice from mothers and friends about what you should eat and what to avoid while breastfeeding. I'd like to offer a few ideas that maybe you haven't heard, that will boost your supply, make your milk healthier, and may even create a smarter baby! The best part is, they're all very easy to implement.
Here is a list of some specific foods to focus on while you're nursing:
Coconuts. Every bit of them...the meat, the milk, the oil, the water. Coconuts contain lauric acid which the human body converts to monolaurin- the building block of the immune system. Monolaurin is antiviral and antibacterial- so to keep your baby healthy, drink coconut water, cook with coconut oil, make Thai inspired coconut soups, even eat macaroons! Walnuts. Have you ever pondered the shape of the walnut? It looks just like a brain- nature's way of telling us what body part it benefits. So as you're munching away on a handful of raw walnuts, not only are you helping your baby's brain develop and grow, but you are also keeping your own mind sharp. A definite necessity in the face of sleepless nights and pregnancy/breastfeeding brain! Beans. If you're caring for a gassy or colicky baby, avoid all beans. The proteins can pass into your breast milk and are hard for baby to digest. Be sure to look for sneaky sources of beans- such as those in soy milk or your morning coffee. (Remember, those are beans too!) Coffee should be avoided for two reasons- the caffeine that passes into breast milk takes longer for baby to metabolize, and it can make your baby gassy from the beans; a recipe for a wide-awake, super fussy baby. That's reason enough for me to skip my morning java. Fish. Aim for up to 12 ounces of fish per week, and both you and your baby will reap the rewards. Fish is a great source of protein and full of omega 3 fatty acids which aid in the healthy development of your baby's eyes, heart and brain. Fish is also high in Vitamin D which is good for your baby's bones and strengthens the immune system. It might even lower your baby's risk of developing asthma. Fish oil has been shown to decrease levels of postpartum depression in new moms, so if you choose to take a daily supplement, look for one that is third party tested and pharmaceutical grade. Eggs. Breakfast is especially important, especially in the early weeks and months when you're nursing all night. Opt for whole eggs cooked in coconut oil or real butter. Egg yolks contain choline which is necessary for milk production, and in your baby it affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory function and lifelong learning ability. The cholesterol in eggs is needed to build nerve tissue and brain cells. In fact, cholesterol is one of the most important ingredients in breast milk! Please don't be afraid of the healthy fats- You and your baby both need them. After all, it's a proven fact that nursing a baby requires more energy than pregnancy.
Are you hungry yet? I am, and I just had breakfast...I think I'll go make myself another omelet.
Monday, October 11, 2010 at 11:25PM 
Another wonderful love note from a sweet customer. Thank you Becki for taking the time to write!
