Author: hbn

We first introduced our LaborKit many years ago but so much has changed since then. The growing awareness of toxins in our food, cosmetics and baby products has pushed some big brands to make some changes in order to keep their customers. Moms are more concerned about what they put on their pregnant body and on their newborn baby. Healthier options like organic, GMO-free products are introduced everyday to serve those who are making informed choices about what they eat and who they buy from. This is all good. Our new LaborKit focuses on natural and organic products including biodegradable diapers and a water bottle made of recycled materials and BPA-free. Each LaborKit also includes organic breast pads, a breast milk storage guide, a compact nursing pillow and nipple cream to help new moms get through the first days breast feeding.  Here is a complete list of what EVERY LaborKit contains: Included in your LaborKit™ 1 Beautiful pre-packed duffle bag with room for clothes for mom & baby 1 AxillaPilla™ (great for nursing) 2 Washable Bamboobies Nursing Pads and Nipple Butter 5 Premium natural skin care items (Natural Lip Balm, Organic Shampoo & Body Wash, Organic Washcloth, Natural Stretch Mark Cream, Body Lotion) 3 Eco-friendly, biodegradable diapers 3 Sanitary pads, 2 pair of mesh underwear 2 ice packs and 4 sleeves (for relief of engorgement or for perineal area)...

Until October 31 ONLY, when you order a LaborKit you will receive a Sandra Boynton children’s board book for FREE!!! Did you know you can start reading to your baby as early as 4 months? If you are a parent already you likely have a stack of Sandra Boynton books. If you are mom-to-be, know that these will be some of your child’s favorite books and you will likely read them hundreds of times! As a special thank you to our customers and to help encourage a love of reading we are giving them away–no contest, no need to comment to win. Just simply purchase your Laborkit and the book will arrive in the mail at no additional charge. LaborKit is a prepacked hospital bag that contains natural and organic items that mom needs through labor and recovery. The only requirement is that you place your order at www.laborkit.com on or before October 31. So if you are expecting and plan to pack your hospital bag soon or if you are trying to think of a practical, thoughtful Christmas or baby shower gift, grab it now while we have this special offer. *Note: The Going to Bed Book is pictured but you may receive any of Sandra Boynton’s wonderful...

I support breastfeeding. I admit that when I went to a grocery store recently and the woman in front of me was buying a case of formula it made me a little sad. BUT I am not going to judge and there are many reasons why a mom would use formula so I just waited my turn. Being a breastfeeding advocate doesn’t mean I am anti-formula, nor does it mean I give dirty looks to moms who give their babies bottles. As I am waiting she hands her card to the cashier. The cashier handed it back and said, “Sorry, do you have another card?” and the customer (who was ONLY purchasing formula) tried again and was declined again. Many of us have been there — money is tight, cards have been declined, payday is three days away. It’s a reality of many young families and they are living paycheck to paycheck. Formula is expensive and if formula is the baby’s only source of food — then it is the most necessary and important purchase you make every week. So what came out of my mouth next?… “Let me get that for you” and offered the cashier my card. The mom looked at me and said “No, no, that’s OK” but all I could think about was that she was probably a bit embarrassed and, more importantly, there is...

This subject has been bothering me for a while. BabyCountdown has been very busy lately with babies being born. I do understand there are medical reasons for induction. I also understand we get very anxious the closer we get to our due dates. Only in my opinion though, do I think Pitocin is the most overused and unnecessary drug during labor and delivery. Pitocin was another one of my many reasons to birth at home, far from unnecessary interventions that I was sure because of my age the hospital would have forced on me. What exactly is my problem with Pitocin? Pitocin is the name of a synthetic hormone to replace the hormone our bodies make naturally. Oxytocin, your body’s natural hormone, is secreted in bursts. However, when you are given this synthetic-Pitocin, you are placed on a regulated intravenous pump to regulate the amount of Pitocin to a steady flow. Therefore, Pitocin-induced contractions are different from your body’s natural contractions, in strength and effect. Pitocin alters the induced force of the contraction and may decrease uterine blood flow. This is reducing the oxygen to the baby. Pitocin can be the beginning domino in the domino effect. The IV, the infusion pump, and the continuous monitoring will confine most mothers to bed, decreasing her ability to deal with the contractions naturally. The more painful contractions a mother is more...

As you are running warm water to get your 3-year-old ready for bed, would you use the bubble bath with Dora or Elmo that states clearly on the front: “Mild Formula”, “Dye-Free”,”Hypo-allergenic”, “Paraben Free”, “Pediatrician and Dermatologist Tested”? Maybe. Consider that your child probably spends almost 30 mins soaking in the bath water — did you know their little bodies will absorb some of the toxins that is in that bath water? It appears by the wording on the label that the bubble bath is harmless for children BUT consumers are paying attention and not easily manipulated by label claims. These products are representative of many, many products on the market and are an example of why we need to read beyond the front label. Johnson & Johnson has been the “trusted” brand for baby care and only recently committed to removing toxic chemicals from their baby products by the end of 2013. The greatest concern for me is why they would ever create products for babies that have ingredients that cause cancer. I trust the Sesame Street brand and love that Sesame Street provides educational programming showing cultural diversity and acceptance of everyone. I especially love that the subject of breastfeeding was shared with children as the norm in 1977 as Buffy explains breastfeeding to Big Bird. I might go to products that appear to be “endorsed” by...

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The decision to use cloth diapering can be intimidating. There are many different type and methods to experiment with. How you wash the diapers and where you get them are only a couple of the many questions parents have about cloth diapering. This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of everything you need to get started. Benefits of Cloth Diapering Knowing why you want to use cloth diapers will go a long way in helping you stay committed to your decision. No matter the main draw of cloth diapering, keep it in mind for encouragement while you’re in the learning phase and so that you can explain your reasoning to curious and unconvinced friends, family, and even strangers. Cloth diapering is a choice that is: Eco-friendly Disposable diapers are the 3rd most common product taking up space in landfills Disposable diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose Disposable diapers are a waste of our non-renewable resources. Saves you thousands of dollars According to a report from Consumer Reports, parents will spend approximately $2,000 on disposable diapers. The costs of cloth diapering and laundering are minimal in comparison. Stick to the basics to save even more. You can even register for cloth diapers when you set up your baby gift registry. Healthy and non-toxic for your baby The harmful chemicals in disposable diapers, such as Sodium Polyacrylate...