SassyFrazz CyberBaby Shower Winner

In honor of the new little edition Sarah of SassyFrazz is expecting, Happy Panda hosted a cyber shower and we gave away a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow to one lucky shower guest.

Congratulations to Michelle from TX who blogs at Our Full House.

Thanks everyone who stopped by for the party!!!

Cushie Pushie Winner on A Daycare Life

A Daycare Life hosted a giveaway of our Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow on their blog as part of their big baby shower giveaway.

Congratulations to Kari from CA who won!!!!

Vote in Support of a Mother Who Helps Support Mothers: Local Mompreneur Runs for 2008 Startup Nation Home-Based Top 100

Lois Whittaker is one mother who realizes how important it is for mothers to help support each other. To this effort, she has invented the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow for Nursing Moms. The breastfeeding pillow was designed to help support a woman’s breast for easier breastfeeding. Now, Lois is looking for other mothers to help support her as she runs to be named one of the 2008 Startup Nation Home-Based Top 100 Businesses.

The Cushie Pushie Company and the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow have been nominated in the Most Innovative and Wackiest Categories.

The second annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Contest is a ranking of outstanding home-based businesses and the people behind them. Sponsored by Microsoft Office Live and FedEx Office, thousands of entries have been received for this year’s ranking. Now it is time to vote for the favorites to influence the judges’ decisions on who will be selected as the 100 winners. Throughout October, people can vote each day for their favorites. The ranking results will be published in mid-November.

It is estimated that approximately 74.2% of mothers breastfeed their babies at birth. However, these number drops significantly to 43.1% at 3 months and only 21.4% at 6 months (the pediatrician recommended breastfeeding period). More than 4.3 million babies were born this year, and the easier breastfeeding is the more likely a mother is to continue for a longer period of time. The Cushie Pushie Company feels that by helping make breastfeeding less challenging for new mothers and support them in their effort, they can help be part of the solution to raise these percentages, and ultimately assist in meeting the Healthy People 2010 Objectives for Breastfeeding Duration And Exclusivity, a description of the nation’s health priorities. (Source: Vital Statistics of the United States, 2008)

About StartupNation
Founded by Jeff and Rich Sloan, StartupNation (www.startupnation.com) provides entrepreneurial advice via a nationally-syndicated radio program and through online content for entrepreneurs who want to start a business.

About Cushie Pushie Company
The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM. With a goal to make breastfeeding easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide a quality product at a reasonable cost. Lois also blogs about products, giveaways, and articles for moms and babies at Goodies for Mom.

For more information, visit www.cushiepushie.com.
For additional press information, visit www.cushiepushie.com/press.htm.

Cushie Pushie Company Nominated in StartupNation Home-Based 100 Contest

The second annual 2008 StartupNation Home-Based 100 will once again rank the best performing home-based businesses across America in ten distinct categories. The Cushie Pushie Company and the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow has been nominated in the Most Innovative and Wackiest Categories.

They have received thousands of entries for this year’s ranking and now it’s time for you to vote for favorites to influence the judges’ decisions on who will be selected as the 100 winners. Throughout October, you can vote each day for your favorites.

The ranking results will be published in mid-November.

[Please stop over and vote for us each day this month!!!]

Cushie Pushie Company Helps in the Fight against Breast Cancer

Pink Ribbon Cushie Pushie^TM Sales Benefit
Race for a Cure and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization

For Immediate Release

Lawrenceville, NJ (October 6, 2008) – The Cushie Pushie Company is helping the fight against breast cancer this month with the introduction of its Pink Ribbon Cushie PushieTM Breast Support Pillow. The Pink Ribbon Cushie Pushie is not only helping raise awareness for this important cause, but during the month of October, 20 percent of all sales of the Pink Ribbon pillow will be donated to the Koman Race for a Cure.

The Komen Race for the Cure is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It is the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. The event benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (http://www.komen.org/) organization whose mission is to fight to cure breast cancer at every stage. To date, they have invested $1 billion in research, education, and health services.

In 2008, it is estimated that 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States, and approximately 40,480 women will die from breast cancer. It is also not exclusively a feminine disease. Approximately 1,990 men will be diagnosed and 450 men will die of breast cancer during 2008. (Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2008)

The donation will be made in honor of Diane Oberkrom, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently receiving treatment. Mrs. Oberkrom is the mother of Kathie Eberle. Kathie is a dear friend of Lois Whittaker, owner and inventor of the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow.

“Kathie is always doing for others, and this is our chance to honor someone very special to her,” states Lois. “Too many people we’ve know have been touched by some form of cancer either personally or through a family member, and the Cushie Pushie Company wants to help in the fight to find a cure.”

What is a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow?
The cushiony pillow pushes the breast upward in order to allow easy latching on by the nursing child, while maintaining correct breast positioning throughout the feeding. By keeping the breast pushed up, it also frees one hand from continually supporting the breast while nursing. It allows one-handed breastfeeding for busy moms who are continually multi-tasking, even while nursing. This product is particular helpful for larger breasted moms or moms whose breast lack the elasticity they once had, and can also be used when pumping.

About Cushie Pushie Company
The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM. With a goal to make breastfeeding easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide a quality product at a reasonable cost.

For more information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com/.
For additional press information, visit www.cushiepushie.com/press.htm.

Tori Spellings’ Receives a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow as one of Celebrity Chitts’ A-list approved clients

"For the sweet feeding moments, Tori has a blazing blue Cushie Pushie. The latest in breastfeeding accessories, the Cushie Pushie is a breastfeeding support pillow, created for moms by a mom. The pillow is the only one of its kind and provides a nice lift for the breast while maintaining proper nursing technique. Cushie Pushie is Made in the USA, machine washable and available in organic material also," according to Celebrity Chitt's recent release.

[Read more]

New Dad Toolkit Featured on A Cowboy's Wife

We are very excited about the great feature we got on A Cowboy's Wife about our New Dad Toolkit.

"...think about them when you know of a new daddy to be because I’m sure he’ll like his own manly shower gift just like we moms dom," says A Cowboy's Wife.

[View the A Cowboy's Wife post now.]
[Learn more about the New Dad Toolkit now.]

Blogging for Blood Cancer Event

The Cushie Pushie Company recently sponsored a prize for the "Blogging for Blood Cancer" event held on Goodies for Mom. This successful event helped raise awareness for blood cancer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

[Read more about the event.]

Blogging for Blood Cancer Event - August 11-18

Please consider joining our “Blogging for Blood Cancer” Event. The first annual “Blogging for Blood Cancer” event will take place from August 11-18, 2008. This first time event will bring bloggers from across the United States together to raise awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

For more information on the event and a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, visit: http://goodiesformom.blogspot.com/2008/07/blogging-for-blood-cancer-event.html.

Win A BabyWearing Stash from Along for the Ride

Win your own "BabyWearing Stash" in the Along for the Ride's Summer 2008 Contest. Just enter by midnight, July 31 by completing their form with a babywearing tip. (Get an extra chance for blogging about the contest.)

The winner will receive the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride. The essential babywearing stash includes one Gypsy Mama Wrap, one Hotslings pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Beco Butterfly, and one ZoloWear Ring Sling - in their choice of any in-stock colors or patterns.

The winner will be announced by email to all entrants on or before August 10, 2008.

For those not familiar with babywearer, check out The BabyWearer. It's a great site to learn more about it and meet a lot of great ladies!

[Go to Along for the Ride to enter now to win your own stash.]

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

Cyber Shower for Candace of Mamanista.com

Happy Panda and lots of her friends, including the Cushie Pushie Company and Goodies for Mom are giving Candace of Mamanista.com a cyber baby shower to celebrate the upcoming birth of her little boy. The party is going on July 7-July 17th and you are invited.

There are lots of prizes to be won, including a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow and New Mom Goody Bags so make sure to stop over and join in the fun.

All party guests who leave a comment (with a way to contact them) on our Goodies for Mom blog will get a Virtual Goody Bag containing coupon codes, innovative mom-owned companies, and helpful articles electronically at the end of the shower.

[Check out the fun now.] (Link will be live on July 7th at 8:30 EST)

Here are some of the great prizes being offered that I'd love to win:

• The Diaper Clutch will give one free diaper clutch of the winners choice. (I so need this!!!)
• Happy Panda is offering three $35 gift certificates to spend in their online store.
• Ju Ju Beane Boutique will give three winners a gift code for $25.00 each.
• N-Style Mom…For Moms that Travel N-Style is offering a $25.00 gift certificate to their store.

NYC Walking with Dinosaur Giveaway and Discount

Walking with Dinosaurs-The Live Experience is coming to Madison Square Garden from July 30- August 3, 2008. Goodies for Mom has the opportunity to offer their readers a chance to win a family four-pack and a 10% discount.

Go to NYC Walking with Dinosaur Giveaway and Discount

Scholastic Book Giveaway and Summer Reading Program

In honor of Scholastic's launch of their Summer Reading Buzz web site, they are giving ten (10) lucky Goodies for Mom readers the opportunity to win a book custom selected just for their child by Scholastic.

[Enter Now at Goodies for Mom.]

Sassy Pink Cupcake Bath Bomb Giveaway

Sassy Pink Boutique is giving away a Signature Sassy Pink Cupcake Bath Bomb to one lucky Goodies for Mom reader.

[Learn how to win.]

Publicity for your Blog or Website

If you are looking for some free publicity for your blog or website, Entrecards can be a great tool. Just sign up for an account, put their widget on your site then visit other sites in the network and drop virtual "cards" on the sites you visit to earn points to buy ad spaces on popular sites in the network. It's a little confusing at first but they have a great e-book to help you get started: http://entrecard.com/static/entrecard_official_ebook.pdf

Now, you can also add all your blogs to Entrecard simply by going to your Dashboard and clicking "Linked Blogs" in your Dashboard navigation. You will be able to choose whether to link your account with another EXISTING account, or to register a NEW BLOG with Entrecard, and automatically link it to your account.

It does take some time to earn points, but its fun visiting new sites, gaining credit for ads and sharing your site with others.

Check the right hand bar for our Entrecards widget and "drop a card" with us and we'll return the favor :)

[Learn more]

Win A Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow

Visit our sister site, Goodies for Mom for a chance to win a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow as part of the Gigantic Bloggy Giveway Carnival.

[Enter now.]

Goodies for Mom Celebrates Earth Day; Bringing Green to Everyday People

In honor of Earth Day, Goodies for Mom will be hosting an Earth Day Celebration starting on April 16, 2008 and running through Earth Day, April 22, 2008. The goal of the event is to help bring “green” to everyday people.

The event will feature articles on how to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle, easy tips for being more earth friendly that anyone can do, green product reviews and highlights, helpful eco-friendly links, and hundreds of dollars worth of eco-conscious product giveaways.

Guest bloggers will be sharing their knowledge and experience from popular eco-friendly, and parenting sites, including Green Mom Finds, The Daily Green, Green and Clean Mom, Real Working Mom, Silicon Valley Moms, and many others. Some of the articles to be featured include “10 Things Any Family Can Do To Live Greener, Even Yours,” “Green Mom Offers Tips for Buying Produce,” “Before Cleaning Up After Baby, Re-Think ‘Clean’,” and “Organic Cotton: For Our Children And Our Planet,” just to name a few.

Readers visiting the Goodies for Mom site will also have the opportunity to vote for the “Goodies for Mom Green Product of the Year,” which will be announced on April 22. In addition, readers are also invited to share their tips, experiences, blog posts, and Earth Day resolutions during the weeklong event.

Participants in the event will get chances to win eco-friendly products by visiting prize sponsors starting April 16.

The prizes include:
Natural Baby Starter Kit, courtesy of Seventh Generation
Cuddle Sleeve (Organic)
BornFree BPA Free Gift Set, courtesy of Newborn Free
Germ Off Disinfecting Wipes from Shaklee, courtesy of Green and Clean Mom
Happy Green Bee Outfit
HAPPYBABY Baby Food Gift Set
YoBaby/YoMommy Yogurt $50 Gift Certificate, courtesy of Stonyfield
Organic Breastfeeding Gift Basket, courtesy of The Cushie Pushie Company and Earth Mama Angel Baby
Logo Organic Tote Bag, courtesy of Green Path Company
Tree in a Box, courtesy of Recycle Your Day
Bummis SWIMMI, courtesy of Go Green Baby Shop
Sprout Bamboo Mommy Tee
Be great™ body wash and crème, courtesy of Chillessence
Earth Friendly Gift Tote Bag, courtesy of Susan Murphy, Inc.
Sand Play Set, courtesy of Green Toys
And more still being added

About Goodies for Mom

A division of the Cushie Pushie Company, Goodies for Mom is a site providing product reviews and news, articles, and contest/giveaway information on the baby industry for moms. For more information, visit http://www.goodiesformom.com/.

About Cushie Pushie Company

The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM Breast Support Pillow. With a goal to make motherhood easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide quality products at a reasonable cost. For more information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com/.

Mom-Owned Businesses Offering Goody Bags to New Moms - Goody Bags Are Not Just For Kids Anymore

Mom-Owned Businesses Offering Goody Bags to New Moms
Goody Bags Are Not Just For Kids Anymore

For Immediate Release

Media Relations Contact:
Lois Whittaker
lois@goodiesformom.com

Lawrenceville, NJ (March 1, 2008) – Remember at the end of a party as a kid how much fun it was to receive a goody bag full of treats. Well, now there is a goody bag available for new moms. Goodies for Mom is offering new moms a bag of treats to celebrate the birth of their new babies.

The goody bags include product samples, coupons, safety tips, brochures on innovative new products, and helpful tools for new moms. There is a congratulatory letter, information on breastfeeding and baby wearing, a SIDS safety guide, and the “Mommy’s Little Helper” chart for breastfeeding moms to help track their nursing schedule and wet diapers. The samples include lollipops for pregnant moms, Mothering magazine, lanolin cream, and organic baby care products. The goody bags are all tied up in a gift bag with a pretty ribbon, a real treat. The bags are available at healthcare offices throughout the Central New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania area.

“As a mother of two boys, I am still always looking for new products and ways to make my life easier,” states Lois Whittaker, developer of the New Mom Goody Bag program and inventor of the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow. “We developed these bags to give new moms a jumpstart in their journey into motherhood.”

The goody bags are also a way to promote mom-owned, baby-friendly businesses and products. The following companies are currently participating in the program:

Companies with a local connection
Creative Memories (Debbi Vogel Radlinsky, Local Consultant, Lawrenceville, NJ - http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/debbiradlinsky)
Cushie Pushie™ Breast Support Pillow and Breastfeeding Gift Items (Cushie Pushie Company, Lawrenceville, NJ – http://www.cushiepushie.com/)
QuirkyBaby (Princeton, NJ - http://www.quirkybaby.com/)
Shower Hug™ (Belmama and Cherub, Princeton, NJ - http://www.belmamaandcherub.com/)

Other companies participating from throughout the United States
BabyOrganics Natural Cleaning Products (Healthy Home Products - http://www.babyganics.com/)
First Impressions Maternity (http://www.firstimpressionsbaby.com/)
Happy Panda (http://www.happypandababy.com)
Lansinoh® Lanolin (Lansinoh Laboratories - http://www.lansinoh.com/)
Mere’ Minerals Mineral Makeup (http://mereminerals.org/)
Mothering Natural Family Living Magazine (http://www.mothering.com/)
Nature's Baby Organics (http://www.naturesbabyproducts.com/)
Pretty Posh Princess (http://www.prettyposhprincess.com/)
Swaddle Me ® (Kiddopotamus & Company - http://www.kiddopotamus.com/)
Wordsies™ (http://www.wordsies.com/)

About Goodies for Mom
A division of the Cushie Pushie Company, Goodies for Mom is a site providing product reviews and news, articles, and contest/giveaway information on the baby industry for moms. For more information, visit http://www.goodiesformom.com/.

About Cushie Pushie Company
The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM Breast Support Pillow. With a goal to make motherhood easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide quality products at a reasonable cost. For more information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com/.

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Help Goodies for Mom Celebrate Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, which is less than a month away, Goodies for Mom is starting their hunt for eco-friendly family products. Moreover, who better to help than the families using them? Goodies for Mom is compiling a list of your favorite environmental friendly products to share during our Earth Day Celebration starting on April 16, 2008 and running through April 22, 2008. The goal is to help bring “green” to everyday people.

The event will feature articles on how to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle, easy tips for being more earth friendly that anyone can do, green product highlights and reviews, tips of the day, guest bloggers, and eco-conscious giveaways. It will culminate with the announcement of the “Goodies for Mom Green Product of the Year,” which will be voted on by the readers of Goodies for Mom.

About Goodies for Mom
A division of the Cushie Pushie Company, Goodies for Mom is a site providing product reviews and news, articles, and contest/giveaway information on the baby industry for moms. For more information, visit http://www.goodiesformom.com/.

Cushie Pushie on Ultimate Blog Party

We were excited to participate in the Ultimate Blog Party on 5 Minutes for Mom. Over 1500 bloggers participated in the event and it was a lot of fun. I'm still working my way through all the blogs and meeting lots of amazing women.

The Cushie Pushie Company gave away a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow to Tabetha of Rhode Island. Our sister site, Goodies for Mom also gave away ten New Mom Goody Bags and virtual goody bags for participants.

Jennifer Lopez Receives Gift of a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow

Jennifer Lopez was sent a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow in Flannel Flowers as a gift in honor of the birth of her twins, Max and Emme.

The Cushie Pushie Company wishes Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Max, and Emme a lifetime of happiness and all the best for their new little family.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 Website Features Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow and Gift Items

The Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow, probreastfeeding apparel, gift items, and breastfeeding gift baskets are featured on the Jon & Kate Plus 8 website as one of their favorite businesses. Just in time for their appearance on Oprah too.

Jon and Kate Plus 8 is the incredibly famous, fun family who star in their own reality tv show, their life with a set of twins and sextuplets. Yes that's right, they have eight little ones running around the house and TLC follows them through their daily activities. The half-hour show airs Monday nights at 9:00PM EST on The Learning Channel.

Check it out at http://www.sixgosselins.com/Cushie_Pushie.html

Press Release: Cushie Pushie Company Gives Away Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow in Giant Blog Giveaway

The Cushie Pushie Company participated in a huge blog giveaway hosted by Bloggy Giveaways as part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. The company gave away a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow for Nursing Moms during the week long event on its sister site, Goodies for Mom. The winner of the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow was Laura Williams of Laura Williams Musings.

The Bloggy Giveaways Carnival ran the week of January 28, 2008 and brought together more than 890 bloggers from across the United States. Each blog hosted its own giveaway with a link to the site hosting the list of participating blogs. Prizes ranged from gift cards to homemade items to books to baby products. The majority of the blogs that participated were created by moms with family themes.

About the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow

The soft pillow pushes the breast upward in order to allow easy latching on by the nursing child, while maintaining correct breast positioning throughout the feeding. By keeping the breast pushed up, it also frees one hand from continually supporting the breast while nursing. It allows one-handed breastfeeding for busy moms who are continually multi-tasking, even while nursing. This product is particular helpful for larger breasted moms or moms whose breast lack the elasticity they once had.

About Goodies for Mom

A division of the Cushie Pushie Company, Goodies for Mom is a site providing product reviews and news, articles, and contest/giveaway information on the baby industry for moms. For more information, visit http://www.goodiesformom.com.

About Cushie Pushie Company

The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM. With a goal to make breastfeeding easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide a quality product at a reasonable cost.

For more information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com.
For additional press information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com/press.htm.

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Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow Giveaway on Goodies for Mom

In honor of the gigantic Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, the Cushie Pushie Company is giving away a Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow to one lucky winner on our sister site, Goodies for Mom.



Just visit our site, to view the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow, then come to to Goodies for Mom to post a comment with the your favorite fabric and the size you'd like if you win. Deadline is February 1st at 9:00pm EST.

Don't forget to check out the site while you are here then head back over to Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, to join in the fun. There are tons of prices to be won!!!!!!

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.

Cushie Pushie Highlighted on Popular Baby Products

Popular Baby Products posted a really nice blog entry on the Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow today.

Check it out at http://www.popularbabyproducts.com/.

Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

by Katie Rose
Breastfeeding can be confusing the first time a new mother attempts it. Although it is one of the most natural things in the world and many mothers feel like they should be born knowing how to effectively nurse a child at the breast, it can be hard to know exactly what to do or how to do it. Here are some essential breastfeeding tips to discuss with your doctor or midwife.

Put the baby to the breast as early as possible - It is good to have your first breastfeeding session within an hour after giving birth, if possible. This is the time that the baby is alert after the activity and work of being born and the sucking instinct is strong. You will not be producing milk this early but your breasts contain colostrum, which is a thin milky fluid that contains important antibodies to disease. It is a perfect first food for your new sweetheart.

Offer frequent feedings - It is a good idea to try nursing your baby every two to three hours. This can help keep your breasts soft and aid in the prevention of engorgement. Pay close attention to your baby for signs of hunger - changes in facial expressions, sucking sounds or lip movements are usually good clues that he is getting hungry. By keeping an eye out for these signs you can learn the cues to help anticipate your baby’s hunger so you can start nursing before he is too hungry. A hungry baby can be too impatient to latch on correctly and if your breasts are engorged from waiting too long between feedings you may be sensitive to his touch. Breastfeeding on cue will actually help stimulate your breasts to produce more milk - the breasts make more milk based on the stimulation received by breastfeeding. Carrying your baby in a baby sling can help foster more frequent and convenient feeding as well as give a wonderful closeness for both mom and baby.

Practice good positioning - Having the right positioning for breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects in avoiding nipple soreness. You should use your hand to support the infant’s neck. His mouth should be open wide with the lips puckered out, not folded in. Your nipple should go back as far into his or her mouth as possible. Many hospitals provide lactation consultants to mothers who choose to breast feed. If you do not take advantage of this in the hospital, or need a refresher once you get home, you can get help finding proper positioning by asking a nurse, midwife, lactation consultant or other experienced mother for some help breastfeeding. La Leche League is a nationwide network for breastfeeding support and is in many communities.

Nipple relief - Some women get sore nipples when they first begin breastfeeding and others have no problems at all. Most of the times the discomfort can be remedied by better positioning. If your nipples start to become very sore try this - after each time you nurse, rub a small amount of breast milk on and around each nipple and allow it to air dry. This can help prevent cracking (which can lead to infection). In cases where your nipples do crack, coat them with breast milk, vitamin E oil, or lanolin to help them heal. The lanolins sold for breastfeeding are usually fine to leave on with no concerns for the baby at the next feeding - but be aware that some babies can have allergic reactions to certain moisturizing agents, so ask a doctor or lactation consultant what is best. Proper positioning is the number one factor in avoiding sore nipples.

Be on the lookout for breast infections - If you experience a fever or painful lumps and redness in your breasts, you should seek medical attention immediately. Abscesses can develop quickly and need medical treatment.

Postpone using artificial nipples - Some experts say that if you are going to be breastfeeding your baby you should avoid introducing pacifiers or other artificial nipples too early. Artificial nipples require the baby to use a different sucking action than human nipples do and may hinder breastfeeding efforts - often referred to as “nipple confusion.” It is usually best to try to wait until after about two weeks of successful breastfeeding before introducing any pacifier or bottles.

Supplements are not needed - Unless your doctor says otherwise, there is usually no need to supplement breastfeeding with sugar water or formula. Breast milk is made especially for babies and is a perfect source of nutrition - it is also full of helpful antibodies. Although there have been many advances in formulas, they do not have the same nutritional complexity of your breast milk and may interfere with the baby’s appetite for breastfeeding and lead to a diminished milk supply. If you worry that you are not making enough milk, breastfeeding your baby more often will cause you to produce more milk. If you think your baby is not getting enough to eat or is losing weight, consult your doctor for advice on whether supplementation is necessary and to ensure that there are no other problems.

Avoid engorgement - When breastfeeding first begins you will be producing a lot of milk. This can make you breasts large, swollen, hard and painful. You can help to ease this engorgement by breastfeeding frequently or expressing some milk with a hand pump or electric pump until your body adjusts to produce only as much as your baby needs. You can also help relieve the pain by applying warm, wet compresses or taking warm baths. Some over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult your doctor before taking any sort of drug, since it may be passed through your milk to the baby.

Stay healthy - A breastfeeding mom needs to eat a healthy diet in order to produce nutritional milk. Ask your doctor about increased calorie intake to ensure that both you and baby get all of the nutrition you need. Most likely you will need an extra 500 calories a day. It is very important to drink enough water and clear fluids when breastfeeding so you do not get dehydrated. Avoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine and smoke.

With support and persistence, breastfeeding can be a simple and pleasurable way to feed your child. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from your doctor, nurse, lactation consultant or midwife - successful breastfeeding depends heavily on education and practice.

©2005 Katie Rose Kids Clothing Toys and Unique Keepsake Gifts

About the author:
Katie Rose is the owner of Katie Rose Kids at http://www.katierosekids.com - an online boutique for clothing, toys and unique gifts for preemies, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and moms too. They have Diaper Cakes, a very popular baby shower gift, as well as bath accessories, baby slings, books, decor, educational toys and personalized clothes, blankets and keepsake gifts.

Short Takes Mentions Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow

The Cushie Pushie got a very nice mention in the Short Takes Blog produced by the Nielson Company. Check it out at http://shorttakesblog.brandweek.com/2008/01/find-a-need-and.html

Technorati Profile

First Organic Cotton Breast Support Pillow Now Available for Eco-conscious Breastfeeding Moms

A unique organic cotton breast support pillow is now available for eco-conscious breastfeeding moms whose New Year’s Resolution is to “Go Green.” The Cushie PushieTM Organic is produced from 100% organic cotton flannel and 100% organic cotton batting. This is the first product of its kind to provide breast support for breastfeeding mothers made from organic materials.

What is a Cushie Pushie Organic Breast Support Pillow?
The soft, eco-friendly pillow pushes the breast upward in order to allow easy latching on by the nursing child, while maintaining correct breast positioning throughout the feeding. By keeping the breast pushed up, it also frees one hand from continually supporting the breast while nursing. It allows one-handed breastfeeding for busy moms who are continually multi-tasking, even while nursing. This product is particular helpful for larger breasted moms or moms whose breast lack the elasticity they once had. It is a toxin free, natural, safe, healthy alternative for breastfeeding moms who need some extra support. According to the Mama Speaks website, “Mama's with a little "more" to offer will appreciate this little lifter.”

The rich natural heavy 8 oz. organic cotton flannel and soft cotton batting are produced without the use of pesticides and fertilizers in the USA. Many of the most expensive pillows produced are made in part from organic cotton.

What Are Mothers Saying About The Cushie Pushie Breast Support Pillow?
According to a Kentucky mother of three, “My Cushie Pushie Breast Pillow has been a life saver! It really makes breastfeeding SO much easier these days! I wish it had been around with my first two babies! I love the fact that it is completely washable...I would say this is a must have product for any breastfeeding moms who have larger breasts.”

Another breastfeeding mother from Illinois says, “I've just found the best nursing support pillow around. It positions you so that you can actually nurse using just one hand.”

In addition, a new mom from Canada states, “The breast pillow is actually quite cool to use...The pillow takes up that extra room between your elbow and the baby's head so that you can comfortably hold the baby firmly to your breast with only one arm.”

About Cushie Pushie Company
The Cushie Pushie Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, NJ. A working mother of two, Lois Whittaker is the owner of the company and inventor of the Cushie PushieTM. With a goal to make breastfeeding easier for new as well as experience moms, the Cushie Pushie Company aims to provide a quality product at a reasonable cost.

For more information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com.
For additional press information, visit http://www.cushiepushie.com/press.htm.