Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Breastfeeding Tunic

Spotted in the summer issue of Oh Baby magazine, our stylie breastfeeding tunic

 

More info here

 

You can order Breastfeeding Clothes at our store here

Monday, December 20, 2010

For 24 hours only, we have 30% off the new styles of HOTmilk sleepwear.  PJs with camisole top or a nursing PJ top, boxers, or pants.  Delicious camisole with matching knickers.  And a pretty nightie.

 

This offer is only open to Facebook, Twitter, and Blog readers who see this special code.  Its not advertised on our main site.  To redeem your 30% on these styles of HOTmilk, when you get to the shopping cart “Gift Voucher Code” box, use the code 24hour

 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Here’s a link to a Youtube clip where I was interviewed about my involvement with the Ministry of Health’s BreastfeedingNZ Facebook campaign. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVYiBZqG31g  They recruited me based on my experience running http://www.facebook.com/breastmates.

 

There was so much more I could have said about social media!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Breastfeeding from One Side Only

We did a giveaway the other day for a breastfeeding bra, on our Facebook page.  It turned into a discussion about Hardworking Lefty or Mighty Righty.

 

Turns out lots of women breastfeed from one side only.  Read the full comments here

 

 

 

Oh Baby Awards

We’re a finalist in the Oh Baby Awards, and will be judged against some other BIG brands!

 

More details….

 

 

Breast

 

Monday, November 29, 2010

FYI Women's Sleepwear Online

FYI:  new styles of women’s sleepwear.  Not for pregnancy, not for breastfeeding.  Check them out!

 

Women’s Sleepwear

Maternity Shorts

Just in time for summer – Maternity Shorts.  Short style with roll up cuffs that you can adjust the length.  These also have a maternity waistband that you can have above or below your belly, and we’ve taken some shots to show you.  Nice fabric too

 

Monday, November 15, 2010

Waikato Business Awards

Latest web update: Waikato Business Awards

 

A superb event put on by the Chamber of Commerce, their website is: www.waikatochamber.co.nz

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Oversupply of Breastmilk

We recently received a plea for help from a mum that had an oversupply of breast milk, and fast flow.

 

So we asked our Lactation Consultant for help. 

 

You can read it here

 

 

 

Friday, November 5, 2010

5 Tips for Bottle Feeding

I’ve had a few enquires this week about bottle feeding, so have written an article about the basics.

 

5 Tips for Bottle Feeding

 

 

 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Top Shop Awards (Winner)

We won the Top Shop award for Online Retailing!!

 

You can read about it here

Cabbage Leaves for Sore Boobs

Read how to use cabbage leaves to make a soothing breast compress here:  Cabbage Leaves

 

Sounds weird doesn’t it!  Or you can also use ice packs.  The sore, heavy, full, engorged feeling only lasts for a few days when you are establishing breastfeeding.

World of Wearable Art

Here’s a photo of the costume that we made for the World of Wearable Art – a nursing bra made from baby formula scoops.  Which we entitled “maMADONNA nursing bra”

 

This was a finalist in the W.O.W show

 

 

Thursday, September 30, 2010

FW: World of Wearable Art (Bizarre Bra Section Finalist)

FOR MEDIA RELEASE

 

Bizarre Bra busts into Wearable Art Awards…..  A nursing bra made from formula scoops.   Full story is here – you are welcome to share this on your blog etc

 

Like this bra?  Show your support by voting for us in the People's Choice Awards and you could win a huge prize from The Dominion Post & WOW.

Text WOW with a space and then Mamadonna Nursing Bra to 3100. Each text costs 20 cents

 

Monday, September 27, 2010

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Swisspers Breast Milk Bags

 

New pre-sterilized breast milk storage bags

1/3 the price of other brands.

BPA free

Fantastic handy product for mums that express breast milk

Swisspers Breast Milk Bags

 

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nominated as Specialist Online Retailer of the Year

I've been nominated for an award that Kids Fashion Review are running, but need some votes.
You do need to register to join Kids Fashion Review in order to vote - but you could also win $10,000 in prizes.  Plus Kids Fashion Review  is a pretty cool website to belong to anyway.
Breastmates is nominated in section 13: Specialist Online Retailer of the Year
Would you vote for us please?   Vote Here

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Undeis Half Off

Nothing dodgy. We've got 50% off all HOTmilk knickers until 31st July. Add a matching bra to your order and you'll be all set for Breastfeeding Week which is 1st to 7th August.

  • Plus orders over $100 will have free shipping until 31st July.


Saturday, July 17, 2010

Meconium Baby Poo

Meconium - Baby's First Poo  an article with photos.  Caution!!

 

Hope I haven’t crossed the line writing about this and showing gross photos!  I just wrote this article because I was so surprised about meconium when my children were born.  Maybe you want to see for yourself.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Breastfeeding Older Babies Taboo

Media Release for the survey we conducted with The Neilson Company

 

View  here

 

You are welcome to re-publish this article!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Womama Nighties

Just unloaded our latest new arrival – Womama Nursing Nighty   
Super cute, with built in shelf bra and nursing clips, and a decent length for a night dress. 

Oooh I wish you had a textile-screen because the fabric is slinky and comfy.  The inner shelf bra has organic lining - LOVE!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Midwives and Lactation Consultants

Are you a Midwife, Lactation Consultant or other professional that deals with pregnancy, new borns, and mothers?

 

Please complete this form and we’ll create a FREE advertorial page for you on Breastmates website.

 

http://www.breastmates.co.nz/forms/Midwife_Resource_Packs.html

 

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Breastfeeding in a Toilet

In response to Better Home and Garden’s faux par about breastfeeding in a toilet…… my response Breastfeeding Anywhere

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Breastfeeding Casual Tshirt

We have two new colours in the casual style of nursing tops on our website.  A bright turquoise and grey marle.

These are a basic top in our collection of nursing wear, but are always popular.  They are a good style to pack in your hospital bag and for early newborn days, as you can easily open the zip while you get breastfeeding sorted, but without showing too much skin.

Have a look at this Nursing Wear style

HOTmilk Discount

Until the 1st of June 2010, we are having a promo on this Hotmilk nightie “Her Enchanted Dreams” which the one with the Sleeping Beauty setting.  So the promo is – buy any nursing bra from the “Ever After” fairy tale series, the new styles, and you can then get a 20% discount on the nightie.  Bonus!

Have a look here:  HOTmilk Nightie

Latest Giveaway

We have a very nice prize on offer at the moment, thanks to mahu Mother and Baby Skincare.

You can enter to win here

 

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Breastfeeding in NZ

Breastfeeding New Zealand, Naturally!

Mums across New Zealand are giving their babies the best start in life. And now they’re showing it on YouTube here, featuring photos of mums breastfeeding their babies in public against a backdrop of Kiwi landmarks.

The stunning shots of mums doing what comes naturally were all entrants in the national breastfeeding campaign’s photo competition held during the summer of 2009/2010.

Check out all the entries on the Facebook group that I'm involved with at http://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingnz.

Now do your part in giving Kiwi babies a great future by sharing this link with your friends and families. Let’s put breastfeeding on the map!

Please spread the word!

 

 

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Free Pants with Purchase

While stocks last we have a free pair of HOTmilk PJ pants when you purchase  HOTmilk lingerie set from our store.  (Excludes sale items, and your HOTmilk purchase must be a minimum spend of $79.90).

For more information, and to order, check out this page:  Free Gift with Purchase

 

Friday, April 30, 2010

Motherhood Positivity

I'm so excited today, its Launch Day! And it's nothing to do with sales, competitions, giveaways, or gimmicks. 

 

Today the Greatest Mum Awards open for everyone. Being told that you are a great mum is so rewarding and uplifting! This is about positive energy, encouragement for days that are not perfect, and for telling each mum that she is doing such a fabulous and important job!

 

Maybe you have a few friends that would benefit as well, and your own mother.  

 

There’s more information and a free certificate to download via a new page here  

 

Print it out and stick on your fridge!

 

 

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

HOTmilk Campaign

Here is a sneak peak of the new campaign that HOTmilk will be using later this year.  Official release is not until August, but we can share this information with you.  Here at Breastmates we will be amongst the first to receive all these styles etc, so you can trust us on that.  (or sign up to our newsletter and Facebook page so we can let you know when they are here)

Worn by real women, loved by real women, made for real women, and recommended by real women!  HOTmilk always reveal the sexy women inside the loving mother.  Revel in life, love and laughter.  Revel in change and the anticipation of things to come.

All HOTmilk styles are available online directly here:
This is a campaign that will be used from August, so you are getting an advanced screening.
Cool shot though ay!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Hydrogel Breast Discs

Essential item to pack in your hospital bag, when your new baby is arriving. Hydrogel Breast Discs

Received two emails of feedback about these today, and also a product spot in Littlies magazine.

 

 

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Nursing Covers

Two new fabric choices arrived this morning, in our Nursing Covers.

Just yummy!!

These can be used as a nursing cover of course, but I’ve also seen them used as a buggy shade cover too.

View the entire range here:  Breastfeeding Covers

 

Friday, March 26, 2010

Chocolate Free Bunnies

We are having a sale on these gorgeous Maud’n’Lil organic bunny toys.

And if you order and pay by Tuesday, I’ll ensure that NZ customers receive this in time for Easter.

Makes  a gorgeous wee gift keepsake.

 

N.B. This is not actually edible.

 

You can order them here:  Organic Bunny Toy

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Breastfeeding Sports Bra

Just sent some emails to a customer that was enquiring about Breastfeeding Sports bras.

 

She said “do you know if there is a breast feeding sports bra on the market?”

I said “Breastfeeding sports bras are something that we are looking into. The ones that I’ve seen already (samples from America) were terrible and have all had really bad reviews when I’ve digged deepers.  So its taking a while to find something I like.”

She replied and I laughed about this “Thanks, Think I’ll just have to buy a good sports bra in my xtra cup size for now. Bit of a pain when you get to a café at the end though eh!  (breast feeding not getting rid of my arse!! Second thought maybe it’s the café at the end of the walk that’s not helping! haha)

 

Womama Birth Wrap

We have the Womama Birthing Wraps on our website.  These are designed to wear during labour rather than a dull hospital gown, but they are also Womama Birth Wrapgreat to wear afterwards, particularly when you are recovering and have visitors to see your new baby and need some modesty.  They can also be worn as a nightie, and a wrap dress over pants during pregnancy. Very versatile! They are online at our store here >>  Birth Wrap

 

 

Monday, March 15, 2010

Nappy Bags - new styles

Just a quick update, we have new styles of GR8X nappy bags in stock

There is a new hobo deluxe bag, and also the backpack duo has new fabrics.

 

 

Hotmilk Awards

Congrats to the team at HOTmilk for their recent awards!

 

They were Highly Commended in the Maternity Lingerie and Best Designer Maternity Lingerie sections of the Prima Baby & Pregnancy Fashion Awards.

 

The team at HOTmilk say “we spend a huge amount of time researching and developing our designs, making sure that each and every style is comfortable, practical, and above all sexy and gorgeous.  Testing the samples on real, pregnant women ensures these bases are covered but the awards a real seal of approval.”

 

I am very proud to be a stockist of HOTmilk, and you may know that I am very loyal to this brand.  I love being involved, and spreading HOTmilk to my customers who write back and tell me how much they love their bras!

 

 

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Medela Gift With Purchase

Free gift when you purchase any medela 2-phase breast pump from Breastmates,  while stocks last.   Our supplier has notified us of this great offer which starts on Monday 15th March.

Purchase any Medela breast pump with the 2-phase function, and get a free Cooler Bag!  This cooler bag comes with 4 breastmilk bottles and a cooling element.  Ideal for storing, cooling and transporting breast pump.

Whats a 2-phase pump?  This is referring to the way the breast pump works.  The pumps with 2-phase start of pumping fast and short, to stimulate milk let down.  Then when that happens, and your milk starts to squirt into the bottle, push a button and it goes into the longer slower motion.  This more closely resembles how a baby breast feeds, so it can be quicker than other models of pumps.  (The other models of breast pump simply turn on or off).

 

The following Medela breast pumps have the 2-phase method, and the free gift bag.
Medela Harmony Breast Pump
Medela Swing Breast Pump
Medela Pump In Style
Medela FreeStyle Breast Pump

You can access our website store here:  http://www.breastmates.co.nz/store/Breast-Pumps.html

 

Friday, March 12, 2010

Breastfeeding Cardigan

We have a whole new range of breastfeeding tops for winter, they are arriving in early April.

 

Here is just a sample shot of one item.

·         A long line cardigan.

·          Suitable for maternity, breastfeeding, and after

·         It is sold as a set of 2 separate pieces – the outer is the longline cardi. The inner is a tank top with breastfeeding openings.

·         Fabric is bamboo spandex

·         Sizes S- XXL

·         RRP $129

 

 

 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Bras for Africa Update

Bras for Africa Update

Over 100,000 pairs of knickers and bras sent to Africa by HOTmilk, New Zealand based international maternity and nursing lingerie label, have arrived and been distributed to women living in villages in Zimbabwe to help them avoid being sexually abused.

When the company discovered that undergarments elevated a Zimbabwaen womens prestige, meaning they are less likely to be sexually assaulted, they immediately donated close to 12,000 HOTmilk items and organised HOTmilk stockists across the globe to gather quality secondhand bras and unworn underwear to ship to Africa.

One of their stockists that really got on board with the campaign was Frances McInnes, from Breastmates. Frances managed to extend the PR request through her database of mothers, and the story was publicised in many regional newspapers asking women to mail their donations to Breastmates. Frances's efforts resulted in 16,000 being collected at her Royal Oak and Cambridge branches.  < and interview on Sunrise TV here>

"Distributing the bras and knickers has been a very enjoyable task,” said former Zimbabwaen Morag Roy, who ensured that the boxes of donations cleared customs and made their way to those who most needed them.

“Most of the bras have been given out in Samkele, Lupane and Bulawayo areas,” says Roy. “The women love them and there is always great excitement and joy when they are received!” she says.

“We really are grateful to everyone around the world who put in such an amazing effort to make these donations possible - but extend a very special thanks to HOTMilk, their stockists, Express Logistics, those who donated warehouse space and everyone in New Zealand who contributed to the campaign for their generosity, especially in light of the major obstacles they overcame to get so many items here safely!”

 NOTE we are not collecting any more bras

 You can read about our 2009 appeal here

Hotmilk Knickers for Africa Update
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Press Release: HOTmilk via Breastmates

Thursday, March 4, 2010

HOTmilk Sale

I received this email from a customer tonight.  It sums it up perfectly.  Mums are the glue of the family so need to look after themselves.  Mums need to love themselves before they can love anyone else.


From: Denise (name removed)
Sent: Thursday, 4 March 2010 8:06 p.m.
Subject: Thanks heaps!

 

Hi Frances

I am a facebook fan and I managed to buy a bra in the recent sale you had - I got it two days later - and it feels for the first time in three years that I have the correct size, and it is the most supportive maternity/nursing bra I have ever had. Not only that, but it didn't cost an arm and a leg AND it's so pretty too - I feel a million dollars and that makes me feel like a real 'yummy mummy'. I had two pregnancies in two years (my youngest is now 15 months) and had gained a lot of weight because of comfort eating and tiredness, and ended up feeling a total frump. Since I started to put myself first and realise that Mums are important too, I have sorted out my eating and exercise habits and I have lost 20kg since October last year. So it was time for a new bra - while I had been correct in my back size, the cup size was out by 2 sizes - and had been for two pregnancies! So thanks to a fortunate time, an impulsive look on Facebook and your lucky sale, I now feel like a mum that can be proud of her body; lumps, bumps, sags (or not so much anymore) and all!

 

Warm regards

Denise M

Hitwise Top 10 Award Winner!

Received this message today:

Congratulations! Hitwise is pleased to announce that www.breastmates.co.nz is a Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for the period July - December 2009.