Pumpspotting Mom Celebration

Back in May, when Rachel and I went to market in NYC, we stumbled upon a giant bus with boobs on it. "Barb" the breast express by pumpspotting saved me from having to pump in another cramped New York bathroom stall - big win for a breastfeeding mama! Fast forward a couple months, and my heroes reached out to tell me they were going to be rolling through town. I had to show them love back, and throw a party to celebrate their pit stop! I pulled in my wonderfully talented friend Angela, owner of Wichita Moms Blog, and we planned a mom appreciation event in a few days.

So what is pumpspotting and why are they driving around a bus for breastfeeding mamas? They are an app! A very helpful community app for mamas.You are able to figure out where to nurse on the go, connect with a similar group of moms, look for encouragement and more. They are driving "Barb" across the country to promote their new app and breastfeeding awareness. Head over to the website to learn more. Special shout out to Crown Uptown for letting them park out front of the theater for a couple hours!

 

Inside the shop, Angela and I worked together to make a special event to celebrate moms. Whatever stage they are in, it was a couple hours about them! The LOC team helped me put together a fun balloon garland backdrop with a mini "Barb" cruising by. Underneath with had yummy treats and drinks. How amazing are the cookies and cupcakes done by shop favorites, Sweet Sugarlicious & September Moon Cupcakery. It's not everyday you get asked to bake with a boob theme in mind.

Thanks to Angela, we were able to treat mamas to some fabulous things! Kendra Scott was there with giveaways, coupons and fun koozies. They are doing amazing things with our community. Salon Brands sent a talented stylist to do dry hair stylists for moms - so many fun braids! As a mom, I feel like I'm lucky if I get to wash my hair, let alone style it. I reached out to my sweet friend Erin, and she came to setup a table with details on her wonderful photography business - Erin Kata Photography. She also captured the event beautifully!

For an activity, I reached out to one of our new fab card lines, Paper Epiphanies. They have a great collection of 4th trimester cards for moms, and they were beyond nice and donated a bunch to our event. Guests were able to fill out a card for us to give to a local breastfeeding center or take one to give to a friend who needed some words of encouragement. When you are going through those first few months with a newborn, some thoughtful and funny words can make a world of difference!

I was so excited to throw together this last minute event, especially once Angela jumped on board, as well as so many other wonderful companies! Truly, I wanted to show this wonderful group of women that started an app for mamas how wonderful our city is. We did that and more! It's amazing how supportive, encouraging and fun our community of moms can be! Thank you to everyone that attended, donated, reached out and sent love. Giant thanks to pumpspotting for deciding to pop in to our town!

Lots of Love,

Baby Hospital Bag

A few weeks ago our lives changed forever, for the better. We welcomed Elizabeth Mae into the world! More details on that little beauty to come. Luckily, I had my hospital bag all ready because little miss decided to make her appearance a week early. I have had a few pregnant friends ask what I ended up packing, so I thought I would share what was useful, what wasn't and what I wish I had...

What I packed for baby:

Layettes - these are great when you aren't sure how long your baby will be, plus easy for diaper changes.

Swaddle - I picked a favorite from my swaddle collection (from Love of Character).

Blanket - a very comfy, warm blanket that ended up being very useful when we had to keep her temperature up (from The Plaid Giraffe).

Hat - Cute if you match with an outfit and important for keeping your new little one warm.

Boppy - Very useful when trying to breastfeed, as well as holding the baby. Love this boppy cover a friend got me from an Etsy shop.

Baby Book - If you want the hospital to put her footprints in your book, make sure to bring it! Also bring a nice pen if you want to start filling it out.

Pacifier/Wubbanub - Not all new babies will use one, but it's handy to have in case you need. We ended up using the second night when she was cluster feeding and needed it for comfort.

Burp Cloths - We carry some very absorbent ones that can be personalized at Love of Character!

What I WISH I had packed for baby:

Outfits with Pant Legs - Elizabeth was a tiny newborn and we had some issues getting her temperature to stay high enough. They recommended putting her in sleepers with legs to keep her warmer. Luckily we live close and Grandma Nanc was able to grab some.

Undershirts - Same reason as above.

Socks - Same reason as above.

Pacifier, Regular - Love our Wubbanubs (pacifier with an attached animal), but they ended up making me nervous when she's sleeping. Better to have a plain, newborn pacifier for sleeping.

What I packed for myself:

Nursing Tank Tops - Purchased a couple from H&M and they were perfect for the hospital and now at home. Ended up ordering more because they are the easiest for quick feedings.

Nursing Bras - Also ordered from H&M. Didn't wear at the hospital, since the tank tops were easier. I have worn them since.

Robe - Easy and comfortable for laying in the hospital bed and it doesn't get in the way when breastfeeding. I found this simple, gray robe from Target and it was very soft.

Large Sweatpants - Make sure you bring a couple pairs that are comfortable and big enough to handle the sexy mesh panties and pads you will be rocking after childbirth!

Flip Flops - To easily slip on when walking around the room and for the shower.

Pillow - Try to put it in a color pillowcase, so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital pillows.

Nipple Balm

Deodorant

Hair Ties

Chapstick

Tooth Brush

Makeup Basics

Prenatal Vitamins

Phone Charger

Water Bottles & Granola Bars - Mainly for the new dad!
Going Home Outfit - Make sure it's easy to throw on and comfortable.

What I WISHED I had packed for myself:

Breast Pads - Good to pickup the disposable and washable kind. Disposable are useful if you leak quite a bit and you can toss. The Bamboobies (washable) are very soft and feel better when you are sore from breastfeeding.

Shampoo & Conditioner - They only have a bar of soap for you. I meant to get travel sized ones to bring, but didn't pick them up in time, so my mother had to bring my regular bottles.

Towel/s - The towels at our hospital were terrible (scratchy & small), which feels horrible on your sore boobs. I would try to avoid bringing white, so they don't get mixed up with hospital towels.

Pillow for New Dad - They're pillows are equally uncomfortable, so make sure they bring one also.

Hair Dryer - Didn't think about this, but if you don't want wet hair, make sure to bring.

What is useful to have waiting for you at home:

Washed tanks, sweatpants, etc.

Hand Sanitizer

Prescriptions - See if you can get at the hospital or have someone pickup for you. You unfortunately have to take your pain killer prescription to the pharmacy in person. Keep that in mind!

Large Pads & Ice Pads - Make sure to take what you can from the hospital, they are happy to send you home with your leftovers/a few extras.

Pump - If you are breastfeeding, I would have your pump waiting for you at home. I ended up needing one day two and had to have a friend come rescue me, since mine hadn't shown up yet.
Velcro Swaddles - so easy to quickly swaddle them up for bed and safer since they can't unbundle themselves.

Obviously bring anything that will make you feel comfortable during your labor and delivery! I kept it pretty simple, but we also live close to our hospital, so family was able to bring what we forgot.

Wishing you a very quick, easy and happy delivery!!!

Lots of Love,