Teething Jewellery

We have a new range of Teething Jewellery available.  We used to stock the Dr Blooms range, but have shifted to the “smart mums” range because I prefer to deal directly with a NZ based company rather than getting product from overseas.  These are Jewellery for mum to wear, which baby can then chew on when they need to!

So what’s the deal with teething Jewellery?  Why bother?

I was sitting in a café with a friend once who had a 5 month old baby in a sling.  We’d been sitting there for a while and her baby was getting a bit grizzly. So she just took of her bangle and her baby was mesmerized by it.  Actually, her baby wanted it even before she took the bangle off her wrist.  Her baby was happy to play, suck and chew on it.  And it was perfectly safe, and was designed specifically from teething rubber that all the other baby teething toys are made from.  But this mum just kept it on her wrist and it looked perfectly normal.  The necklaces are also good to wear so that baby can look (i.e be mesmerized) and touch while breastfeeding.

Happy baby = happy mum who can enjoy her coffee.

You can see our new range and great colours of Teething Necklace pendants, and bangles at our store here:  Teething Bangles and Teething Necklaces

 

Organic Nappy Balm

Organic Nappy Balm now in store – we are super proud to stock the Mothers Little Helper nappy balm.  I’ve been using for my son Lochie and I love it.

You can check it out here:  Organic Balm

Its made from natural ingredients, and no nasty petrochemicals.   J

 

 

 

HOTmilk Lingerie on the catwalk

skinny models were the standard catwalk models that were available at the Sydney Lingerie show. HOTmilk usually have pregnant models in their shots. The pushchair in the background was the only way they could indicate they were baby related.

Breastfeeding Naturally - Sonia Gray

HOTmilk models are really pregnant

I just answered a couple of common questions about HOTmilk lingerie and the marketing images.

Sexy pregnant models….!

You can read the article here  HOTmilk Lingerie Models

Oh Baby Magazine

Had my first article published in a magazine today. Oh Baby mag!!! Two pages!!!!

 

You can read what I wrote here:  Breastfeeding Tips  hope you like it!

 

 

Annah Stretton

Yesterday I missed an opportunity to meet one of my mentors.  Well, I walked past her in real life, but didn’t think faster to say hello.

I have a bad case of shoulda, woulda, coulda – but Didn’t.

 I still sent her an email, but gutted that I didn’t think faster and actually shake her hand!

 

She did reply to my email though which is very cool!

 

 

Thanks for the feedback Frances,  you should have said hi …..

 Merry Christmas !

 Annah

 

Editor and Publisher
HER, PINK & WHO'S WHO magazines
Stretton Publishing Company Ltd
Cnr Thames and Marshall Streets

P O Box 65
Morrinsville 3340
 
P   07 889 4053

F   07 889 4058

 

      

 

funny gift card message

This is the funniest comment box I’ve ever had with a customer’s order:

 

How Did you Hear about Breastmates? “By accident while searching for porn.   Kidding.  Can't remember sorry, it was ages ago. I get the newsletter and joined the Facebook group, so it's one of the first places I think of for maternity/nursing paraphernalia”

Message for Gift Card: “Dear [name removed]  Please treat yourself a gorgeous HotMilk nursing bra. Email Frances (Breastmates) if you need any advice, she's VERY helpful!!   Lots of love, [names removed]”

 

The funny thing about the gift card message, is that I have to write that myself.  I’m Frances and I’ll be writing a recommendation for myself on this present!!

Processing this order made me laugh.

Introductory Video

It was a bit of historical moment when this film crew came over and took this video of me.  It was done back in March 2009, so it has dated a bit now and my son has grown a lot bigger.

Now you can see the face behind the webpages!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPjIpKSR610

HOT Milk History

HOTmilk pictorial history of all the gorgeous maternity bras and underwear I’ve been selling for the past few years.  I should write a blog about all the gift card messages too, so funny!!

You can see this HOTmilk summary here

Copy Safe

School holidays have started, so it’s a change for me to have a child home while I am working.  When my business first started, I was a Work-at-home-Mum but that was five years ago.  I’ve grown a lot since then, and although it was a tough decision I know that putting my children into childcare was the right decision. 

My eldest started school in October, and so now he is home for 7 weeks for the holidays.  Its cool having my buddy here with me.  I’ve set up a “special desk” for him in my office, and he is doing work.

Yesterday he did a picture plan, and wrote a sentence “I am working with my Mummy”.  Cute.

This morning we played schools, I’m Mrs Broughton his teacher.  I watched while he drew a picture of Spiderman and wrote a story about it.  Then he did a © symbol in the corner.

I laughed!!!  He said “its so no one can copy my work”. 

I didn’t teach him this.  Even though all MY Breastmates work and my pictures are protected by Copy Safe.  (Its on the bottom corner of my website).

How adorable that my son knows this!!

I LOVE IT!!

 

PS> And before you judge his pictures and writing, it’s a miracle that he’ll even sit down with a pen.  This is the boy that likes being outside playing.

 

 

Nappy Change Mat and Wallet

Great new product is the “B.Box” brand of nappy change mat.  Combined with your wipes and clean nappy, the change mat folds up into its own funky container.

These are super cool for gadget mums!

You can order here:  B.Box Nappy Change Mat

HOTmilk Confidence is Radiance

HOTmilk Lingerie style in the Confidence is Radiance style has now sold out.  We have a few pairs of knickers left, but the nursing bras have sold out.

This was a particularly favourite style of mine, it was funky and a little different in terms of the pattern.  I loved the styling and the confident bold pose of the model.  That’s why I had used the image in a lot of my marketing ads.

We have had a HOTmilk sale with up to 60% off to clear out these styles, making way for the new ones… which are just as gorgeous!  The new HOTmilk lingerie styles are in the “ever after” series and the themed photos have fairy tale settings.

Just in time for Christmas

Our new summer stock of HOTmilk has arrived - just in time for Christmas.  Santa knows you've been a good girl, so just send hubby a hint of what you would like and your size.

I've got 100,000 metres of christmas gift wrap to get through too, so everything is going to be gift wrapped by default.

This was our first shipment of these styles, so stocks are LIMITED until the next shipment arrives next year.

Shop here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/maternity-lingerie.html

Summer PJs and Boxers

 

Baby Crying Leads to Movie

I just wrote an article about how one of my youtube videos has lead to a small role in an animated movie!!

Read here

Portable High Chair

We now have the versatile Snazzy Baby Deluxe Travel chair in stock.  It’s a fabric highchair with straps, that folds up small and can be used on any chair! So a perfect portable high chair.  See here

This is a great addition to our Starting Solids store section.

New HOTmilk in time for Christmas

The newest style of HOTmilk lingerie arrived today, and it is exquisite.  I don’t think the pictures are showing the full gorgeousness.  This is a hard one to photograph!

Just in time for Christmas

Order yours here

I've had a boob job

This is the Boob Job product that I’ve been trialing over the past few days.  Ideal for mums that have finished breastfeeding, and just feel like having a bit of lift and more oomph!!

I’m just a measly 10A myself, and I like the extra volume that these silicone inserts provide.  They mould to your shape, and lift, boost and va va voom. I would happily recommend them to other mothers.

Better Boob Job Takeouts 

 

Up to 50% off Mumcho Ponchos

We have a great range of Mumcho Breastfeeding Ponchos in lurvely fabrics!!  Grab a bargain as these are on sale for 5 days only.

 

Shop Here

 

Small Size Bras - Limited Edition

Our current range of HOTmilk lingerie (2009) catered for the smaller cup /body sizes.  These included 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8DD, 8E, 8F, 10A, 12A, 14A, 16A, 16B

Though unfortunately I have the official word that HOTmilk won’t be including these smaller sizes in the new garments that are coming next week  View HOTmilk New Styles 2010

HOTmilk say "We will be starting from size 10B from now on. The demand just isn't there to warrant us doing size 8's or A cups for the minimums we have to commit to for manufacturing.”

So if you are a smaller cup size – I suggest you grab what you can while we still have it.    Go to our store and use the Search By Bra size to see what we have for you:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/

Her Desire was Dangerous

She Embraced the Moment

Cherry Bomb Chic

YES HOTmilk bras can also be worn by women that are neither pregnant or feeding  - they make gorgeous soft cup bras, and I know it can often be difficult to find these in the smaller sizes.  I’m speaking from experience here as I am personally a measly 10A.

BNZ Global Plus

Dear customers

Please note that if you are a BNZ or Global Plus credit card holder, many websites will now require you to use the Verified by Visa system.  This is an additional security measure that the banks have in place for your security.  When you are on a shopping cart, after you enter your credit card number on the secure page, then the Verified by Visa picture may come up on your screen (such as the picture attached).

Though remember, if you are ever shopping on any website and you don’t feel comfortable with credit card options etc, then PHONE the company before you place the order. 

Online businesses such as Breastmates can process the transaction manually if you read out your card number over the phone.  This is the safest way if you are ever concerned about anything.

And just so you know about me, I actually enter the numbers while you are on the phone with me, I don’t even write them down on my note pad.

Now I just wish the banks would tell their customers that they have these security facilities active on the customers credit card!!

Breastmates Website

I got this wonderful email from a customer at 8.45pm tonight.  The only reason that I’m sharing it here is because at 9.10pm I got a phone call from someone that shook me up a bit.  But as @dom_sutton on twitter told me afterwards “u r learning that we can't get anywhere without pissing off some people & often it has little to do with you.”

 

So here are the nice words to finish on for today:

 

Kate R said “I will definitely be telling other people about your site, I wish I had known about it earlier!! It's easily the most simple, user friendly site I've come across for all things "mummy". The photos and videos of your products are great - really make you feel confident buying them online. I'm sure I will be back to buy more in the future too.”

 

So I can do something right after all!!

 

Happy Customer

And I also wanted to thank you for the nursing t-shirts and HOTmilk Nursing Bra, all of which I have used already. I honestly don't know why I didn't get them sooner. I went to playcentre on Friday and fed my baby in front of a group of people and I think it was the first time that I didn't feel self conscious. When I had my first son  I thought all the breastfeeding stuff was a bit frivolous, but it really makes a difference to how you feel I reckon. So anyway, just wanted to say thanks......these t-shirts will probably be worn to shreds and may have to look at getting more. I have a wedding in a few weeks, so might look at something for that.

 

Read more

 

 

HOTmilk Lingerie....

A preview of HOTmilk Lingerie styles that will be arriving shortly……

Pigeon Breast Pads

Pigeon Breast Pads now available online at Breastmates.  Number 1 voted breast pad!!

International Bra Sizes

I just made a new webpage that lists all international bra sizes, and has quick links so you can see what stock we have of HOTmilk lingerie in EU, FR, UK, USA, Asia, AU sizes!  It gets confusing!!

Spread the Mummy Love

Have you heard about Mums On Top?  It’s a great community for mums, and a very nice place to hang out online.  I've made some great contacts, both for business and personal.

Join up and please mention that Franny from Breastmates referred you  http://www.mumsontop.co.nz

Home Business

Here are some photos that my 5 year old son took, of me working at Breastmates

 

Glamourmom Extra Long Tanks - Coloured

Preorders now open Glamourmom Nursing Tanks

 

 

Haba

I was at the Parent and Child show over the weekend.  I wasn’t focused on selling product this year, I just wanted to take the time to talk to customers and introduce me and my brand. The good thing about writing this blog is that I can type it – I have absolutely no voice left!!!

I felt so proud having a stand and have really come full circle over the past 5 years, here is how:

• Year 1 – I visited the show with my friend Anna and we left our babies at home with their dads
• Year 2 – I visited the show with friend Anna, and put pamphlets on windscreens in the carpark (naughty and very tacky!!)
• Year 3- I had a small stand and tried to sell too many products.  My mum was a helper
• Year 4 – I had a small stand and tried to sell PJs and Nighties.  It was a rushed and chaotic experience and I couldn’t give customers the time they needed.
• Year 5 – Had a larger stand.  Did Christchurch and Auckland shows.  No products to sell just an online sale for 2 weeks after.  Friend Anna was a paid helper, (along with Kelly, Margo, and Jacquie).  Just have come full circle with Anna after we had visited the show together as spectators.

 It was also a great time to meet up with other business owners, it’s the closest thing that I have to a “work do”.

My neighbour at the stand was Lisa from www.bebabo.co.nz, it was a delight to meet her and share a few ideas.

She was kind enough to also give me a wooden Haba baby rattle, which I said I would put up on Facebook to do as a prize.  (so there you go, I’m sourcing new prizes for ya!!  More to come….)

Please do check out Lisa’s website and she has a store in Newmarket up near the warehouse.

First Day at School

Written at 9.12am

 

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

We dropped Lochie off at preschool as per normal, and then Angus ran through his old room at Treetown and said hi to all his friends.  It was a zooming run through visit because we didn’t want to be late for his first day at real school. 

 

So my boy and I drove together to primary school.  We were going to play on the monkey bars before the bell rang (as one of the preschool teachers had told me it would be a good idea to get to school early and play beforehand to get rid of a lot of his energy!).  But the bars were wet so we went into the classroom together and looked at all the children’s artwork.

Teacher started a morning song for Mat Time, and about 2 minutes later I went up to Angus who was sitting on the edge of the mat and said “I’m going to go now”.  He said “okay bye mum”

 

Gave him a wave through the window, he had a great big grin.

 

We now have a school boy.

 

I thought it was going to be a lot more difficult than that, he is a sensitive wee chap but is obviously ready for this change

 

They have to be picked up today at 2pm cos of some teacher meeting, so lucky I have flexible work hours!

 

Avent Sale

Breast pump and sterliser set, just about giving it away.

 

http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/Breast-Pumps/Manual-Breast-Pumps/Natural_Beginnings_Gift_Set.html

 

Breastfeeding & Ministry of Health

I’m involved with the Ministry of Health’s “Breastfeeding Campaign” in New Zealand.  You might have seen some of the adverts on TV and in magazines.

 

The next phase of their project is using social media, and creating a 2-way communication with NZ mothers.  The emphasis is that breastfeeding is a normal part of life.

 

It would be fantastic if you could please spread the word to your contacts, and come and join yourself. 

 

The page has just started (after weeks of discussion and approvals!)  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breastfeeding-NZ/193386893968

 

(Its nothing commercial though)

HOTmilk Free Promo

HOTmilk and Breastmates have a great promo starting on the 15^th of October.

If you buy two bras and two knickers (from the HOTmilk range) you can choose from a FREE maternity nightie or a FREE Camisole Set . 

For more information on our free HOTmilk promo check our webpage here;  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/press_releases/HOTmilk_Promo.html

HOTmilk New Styles Soon

HOTmilk sold out in your size? .... That's because we have some gorgeous new styles coming soon.  Expected Due Date is late November or early December.

HOTmilk introduce new styles each season, and they are limited in number.  The styles are never repeated!  So whatever you buy will be special.

The new season lingerie is just yum yum yum!  The photograph themes are Fairytales, and here is a sample of a very sexy Little Red Riding Hood.  This is a deep purple bra with so much design in the support!!

There will be 4 new maternity bra styles, a new nightie, and a new maternity PJ set.

Make sure that you Join Up to our newsletter to be notified when this new stock is ready for purchase. 

 

Philips Baby Monitor on Sale

We have the Philips Avent Dect baby monitors on sale.  Usually $250, now $170.  this is thanks to a great discount that we are passing on directly from the supplier.

These are of course fab baby monitors, no interference, adjustable volume, and a compact listening unit so that you can take it with you around the house and garden etc.

You can order here:  Baby Monitor

Interesting Day

Well its been a whirlwind few days since I found out that I won the Supreme Small Business Award (details here)

I drove up to Auckland and had a very interesting 2 hour meeting at the airport with some people that had flown up from Wellington to meet me.  It was so nice and refreshing driving 90 minutes each way in a car with no children, and no children’s music. 

  V.v.v Exciting.  More details to follow shortly.  I will be needing your help

Real Mothers Talk about Breastfeeding

My new goal of running my Breastmates website is to prepare people with the truth – and not unrealistically high expectations.  And to provide support for whichever way they choose to feed their baby.

I just hope people can find the information they need, and I’m trying to get the support for them!

The following is a list of stories that real mothers have shared with us.  I have only removed their names and have not edited any other information.

If you would like to share a couple of paragraphs about anything baby related, please email me. 

 

Ad: Your Story Wanted Please
Are my Breasts Still Making Milk?
Auckland Lactation Consultant
Baby Friendly NZ or Tokyo
Baby not getting enough
Baby not getting enough
Bottle Feeding Tips
Breastfeeding a Baby in Hospital
Breastfeeding is a B i t c h
Breastfeeding Shouldnt Hurt
Breastfeeding Through Mental Illness
Breastfeeding Tips from Lydia
Clicking while feeding
Cluster Feeding
Constipated on Formula
Demand Feeding
Drink Lots of Water to Make Milk
Get a Lactation Consultant
Get Baby Used to a Bottle
Hard to Start
Honest Breastfeeding Tips
Lactation Consultant
Mastitis and Probiotics
Milk brings on reflux and colic
Negative Feeding Experiences
Newborn and Toddler
Nursing with Large Breasts
Postnatal Depression
Raynauds Syndrome
Stressful Breastfeeding to Start With
Switching to Formula
Tongue Tie
When to Start a Bottle

Newborn Baby Questions

I’ve been writing a few little articles about life with a newborn baby.  Just a dollop of good honest sound advice!

Baby Layette
Baby Poo
Best Way to Help with New Baby
Birth Control
Coming Home with a New Baby
Essential Baby Buys
Feeding Baby with a Cold
How to Swaddle Baby
Nappies
Post Natal Depression
Sounds of Hungry Baby
Starting Solids
Tummy Time
What to Pack in your Nappy Bag

 

Buying a Breast Pump

Here is a recent list of articles that I’ve been writing about breast pumps, and buying breast pumps online NZ

Avent Uno Trouble Shooting
Basic Expressing Instructions
Breast Pumps & Bottle Choices
Breastfeeding and Working
Breastmilk Storage
Expressing Breast Milk
Flush out Breast Pump
How to Express Breast Milk
Medela Pump Trouble Shooting
Noises of Breast Pumps
Rental Breast Pumps
Returning to Work
Swing Breast Pump Recommendation
Swing vs Uno
Which Breast Pump to Buy?

 

Breastfeeding Artciles

This is a summary of recent articles that I’ve been writing about Breastfeeding.  Just a dollop of good sound advice!

Baby Biting while Breastfeeding
Baby Rejecting Breast
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding After C-Section
Breastfeeding Rights
Breastfeeding Tips
Breastfeeding Video
How long does breastfeeding take?
How Much Milk Does Baby Drink?
Latching for Breastfeeding
Leaking Boobs
Learning how to Breastfeed
Signs of Mastitis

HOTmilk

Here are a few recent posts that I’ve written about our gorgeous range of HOTmilk nursing bras and lingerie.  You can buy them online!
Bra Fitting Problems
Bra Size Calculator
Bra Sizes for Different Countries
Bra Sizes What the Numbers Mean
HOTmilk Bras
HOTmilk Saucy Video
How Many Maternity Bras
Man's HOTmilk Buying Guide
When to get a Maternity Bra
Why wear a Maternity Bra?

 

Small Business Winner

Just found out this morning that I won the Small Business Prize  (The David Awards)

 

I was the joint winner in the Innovated Use of Marketing Section

 

But then I also  won the overall Supreme Award out of all the other section winners.  So happy!!!!   

 

There are a few videos from the judges here, you have to choose the section you want to view on the right hand side.  The last one on the list is the Supreme winner announcement.   http://thedavidawards.co.nz/winners2009.html