Breastfeeding in a Toilet

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

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 1^st 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

 

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!

 

 

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

 

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!

 

 

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!

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.

 

 

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

 

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

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 great 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

 

 

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!

 

 

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 15^th 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

 

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

 

 

 

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

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.

 

 

Breastfeeding Wraps 50% Off

Mumcho Breastfeeding Ponchos are 50% off during March, while stocks last.

Six styles to choose from.  Functional, versatile, and gorg!

Click to get to our webstore

Breast Pump - Free Gift

Buy any Avent Breast Pump (either manual or single electric) during March, and get a free gift. Get a free box of Avent disposable breast pads with the Manual Pump, or a free nappy bag worth $70 when you by the Electric Pump!

While stocks last

 

Avent Manual Breast Pump Free Gift

Electric Breast Pump with Gift

 

PJ Pants Popular

These are some HOTmilk PJ Pants that we have on special, to clear out the warehouse.

Although all the matching camisole tops have sold out (except for size XL which are available here)  these jarmie pants are really nice for slouching and lounging around.  I always tell new mothers to stay in their PJs as long as possible when at home with a new baby.  Then there is less rush, less pressure to get out and do things, just stay at home with your baby and enjoy

You can order the PJs at our store

 

A nice review

Just had to share, a customer sent this kind review about a product.

If you want to write a review (good or bad) about anything that we sell at our store, just go onto the product page and at the very bottom there is a place for you to click “Add Review”.   You can write whatever you want, (there is no way for me to edit) just nothing abusive, swearing, or competitor links.

---

From: Nobody [mailto:nobody@kowhai.websiteservices.co.nz]
Sent: Tuesday, 23 February 2010 10:30 a.m.

Hi, You have received a Review in your site.
Here is the review details
Product link : HOTmilk Bra She Embraced
Review Details :
Star : 5 Star
Title : Life Saver
Reviewer's Name: Alana
Description : I can not say enough good things about this company. as i am a very small girl with what is now a huge chest it has been impossible to get a bra that fits properly. Let alone a bra that doesnt look like it belongs on a geriatric. And now i have both. I also have alot of larger pregnant friends who are having simmilar problems. i have turned them all onto this site. i could not be happier. The Bras in particular are extremley solid and durable not to mention very soft and comfy.And its a bonus that they look adorable. And to top it off the item i returnd to order yesterday afternoon arrived THIS MORNING! (and it came wrapped like a little gift). That added personal touch makes it twice as good.! Thanks guys

Please be sure that you are logged in to the site before using the following links
Delete this	Approve this

HOTmilk for Ireland

A recent email from a customer in Ireland who had purchased some HOTmilk Lingerie online.

 

---

From: C S  [mailto:detail removed @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 10:54 a.m.
To: Breastmates - Frances McInnes
Subject: Re: order

 

Hi Frances,

I'm not sure if you have seen the Irish prices, but to give you an idea, I priced my order in sterling online as the same range isn't available on Irish websites. Pound for dollar, it was almost an identical number... saving that one pound is worth almost $2.30! Incidentially, they also had a sale on the same items you had. So it was some saving to buy and have shipped, even if I do meet the customs man :)

HOTmilk PJs Return

A popular style of HOTmilk PJs have arrived back in stock!  A bit of luck that’s for sure J

They are heavily reduced in price, so grab a HOTmilk bargain!  Strictly limited

Shop for maternity PJs here

Dear Twitter

Dear Twitter followers

For some reason I cant seem to access my Twitter account.  Things are still linking from my blog and Facebook, so there will still be updates.  I’m not ignoring any replies, I just haven’t been able to see them.

Frances x

 www.twitter.com/breastmates

 

Valentines Promotion for February

We have a new HOTmilk promotion that is running for February 2010.  First prize is $1500 worth of Jewellery for first prize

 

Read the full HOTmilk Promo here

 

 

 

Be a Guest Product Reviewer

Introducing a new feature on our store, which will benefit all customers.  But I need your help to make this work. Each product on the Store now has an "Add Review" link at the bottom of the page.  When reviews have been written they will display at the bottom of each product page,  with the ability for more to be added. Invitation  I would love for you to come and add some reviews about any products.    Whatever comments you write are displayed - there is no way for me to edit them.  (It works very similar to blog post comments).  The only control that I have to is to Accept or Reject.   If I accept, then it's displayed on the page exactly how you typed it, including your spelling mistakes. If I reject then its not displayed.  Generally your comment would be visible after the site is reloaded overnight.  The benefit of these reviews is that they are YOUR honest comments, to help other shoppers.  This is all part of my Open and Honest way to conduct business.  If you didn't love something, you get to say so.  Here is a little guideline etiquette I won't publish any reviews that are abusive, have swearing or harassment I won't publish any reviews that mention other stores, spam, or weblinks If you purchased a product from another store, but it happens to be a product that I also sell, you are welcome to still review the product. Feel free to add comments about my service too If you purchased a bra, it may also be helpful to other shoppers if you mention what size you purchased. If you have a bad review, I hope that you would have given me the opportunity to rectify it before hand, if able. There is no way for me to contact you after you have written the review The "Add Review Page" does ask for your name, but you can use a nickname.  I'm not collecting personal info. Reviews won't show instantly, they'll display after the site is reloaded within 24-48 hours.   So Go Forth and start adding reviews.  Go to the STORE to find the products that you loved.

 

Feedback from Russia

A customer in Russia sent me this feedback today, what a great way to start the day!

 

Hello Frances,

Also, I did drop by at your facebook page and your youtube. They are both very informative and interactive.

It's seldom we meet people who are more like friends and less like a person doing her daily job. It's apparent that you enjoy what you do a whole lot.

I gather that the items you sell are of commendable quality and with reasonable prices. I would definitely mention your website at every opportunity.

Please let me know if there are any other padded bras on sale.

Thanks again  NR

Customer Email

It’s so lovely when a customer takes the time to email me some feedback.  This lady sent me a wonderful email, with a quote that I could use on my website too.  

 

I got two lovely packages this morning - so prettily wrapped! You are amazing, you know that? Your attention to detail, fast service and wanting to help each customer makes you such a wonderful business!!

 "I have just tried on my order and my 2yo walked in and said, 'pretty mummy' so I guess thats approval from her - and they have approval from me too! Hotmilk lingerie is so gorgeous and Breastmates superfast delivery and easy ordering, combined with the wonderful advice and support from Frances makes purchasing a breeze and a pleasure! The suprise gift-wrapping is like sprinkles on the cupcake.... and the whole experience is as sweet and delightful as an icing covered cake too!"

   

HEHE - you can use that bit above on your site :-)

 The pjs are gorgeous - thank you thank you!! I absoutely love that set, I think Ill be holding onto it for years to come. My poor cami is faded and stretched from washing and pregnancy but the winter pjs will be well looked after and treasured every night I put them on - they are beautiful. I have tried to get away with wearing the L/S top during the day too - it really is stunning!!

 

Mumcho Ponchos

We have some new Mumcho Ponchos in stock, in some gorgeous new fabrics.

These ponchos are great for pregnancy and breastfeeding to allow for a little privacy.

You can see the full colour range of the Chiffon poncho's here Mumcho Ponchos, and we do also have some in merino and cotton at different prices.

 

 

Win a New House!!!

Win a House worth over $1 million dollars

WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?!

Murray and Michelle Smith decided to give away their home because they wanted to find a way to help provide much needed funds for the building of a church and community centre right in the heart of one of the most picturesque small towns in New Zealand — "Cambridge - the town of Trees and Champions".

The Smiths are passionate about making a positive difference to Cambridge and beyond... and that's why they're giving away their MILLION DOLLAR house!

Because they're so passionate about their community they're taking a piece of NZ to the world and want you to be a part of it. apieceofnz.co.nz is a not-for-profit brand that they have established to showcase to the world how great New Zealand is and why New Zealand communities are a great place to live and work.  All profits from the sale of apieceofnz.co.nz merchandise are channeled directly back into New Zealand and overseas community projects, starting with the church and community centre in Cambridge.

Every $25 purchase of six photographs becomes your "piece of NZ" to use on your computer as desktop wallpaper, screensavers, clipart... whatever! PLUS it automatically places you in the draw to be the new owner of the Smith's fantastic family home overlooking Lake Karapiro, with a market valuation of over ONE MILLION dollars.

Please have a look at their website, and spend $25 on set of images which then gives you a chance to win this house. 

Then we could almost be neighbours, I live in Cambridge too!!

http://www.apieceofnz.co.nz

Maternity Fashion

Just as we have recently launched our website section with maternity clothing, I’ve found out about this new site.

 

“www.maternityfashion.co.nz A new site for finding maternity wear, pregnancy clothing, nursing and breastfeeding fashion. Saving you money as they also list all the latest sales.

 

www.KidsfashioNZ.co.nz Kids Fashion Directory is the place to find stylish, designer kids clothing online, for your children. Over 500 online stores, the latest sales, fashion news and a weekly newsletter with giveaways.”

HOTmilk Videos

So you can see the colour and detail of HOTmilk bras in natural sunlight, I’ve made some videos on a beautiful sunny day J

 

http://www.breastmates.co.nz/hotmilk_lingerie/Demo_Videos_for_new_Lingerie.html

HOTmilk new styles

New arrivals of HOTmilk Lingerie are now unpacked and available online.  Sizes are limited until April, when our second shipment arrives.  That’s also when the FF and G cups will be arriving up to 20 body size.

Snow White  Full figure maternity bra

Princess and the Pea Maternity PJ top – which has matching boxers, camisole top, or long PJ Pants

Sleeping Beauty maternity nightie

 

 

Maternity Tops

Maternity Tops are now available online at our NZ website, this is the start of our collection:

Maternity Tunic
 $79.00  NZD

Maternity Top Sleeveless
 $69.00  NZD

Maternity Top Crossover
 $46.00  NZD

Maternity Top Scoop Neck
 $46.00  NZD

Maternity Top High Neck
 $69.00  NZD

Maternity Top Long Sleeve
 $75.00  NZD

Belly Band
 $39.90  NZD

Breastfeeding Wrap Merino
 $149.00  NZD