Free Sample of Episencial Sunscreen & Lotion

Click here to request your free samples from Episencial.  They will send you their Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35, Better Body Butter, and Soothing Cream.  

They are the official sunscreen provider for Stroller Strides... and their products are newborn-safe!

Free Beech-Nut Starter Kit

Click here to sign up for Beech-Nut's free monthly e-newsletter... and get your FREE Beech-Nut Starter Kit by mail.  The starter kit includes coupons for one FREE box of cereal and two FREE jars of baby food!  I buy Beech-Nut a lot for my little one, so I'm super excited about this one!

Free Honeysuckle Breast Milk Storage Bag Sample

Click here to 'like' their page and fill out the short form to get your free Honeysuckle Breast Milk Storage Bag.

Free Sample Kirkland Signature Supreme Diapers

Click here for your free sample of Kirkland Signature Supreme Diapers from Costco.

Free Nursery Water Bag

Click here to get your free bag from Nursery Water.  This goes live daily at 12-noon EST and goes very quickly!  Go ahead an register on the site (its free) so you can snag yours quickly when it goes live.  

It took me a few days of trying before I was able to get mine due to how quickly they go, but it is worth checking back for!

Free Sample of Huggies Diapers

Click here to sign up for your free sample of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers from Target.  

You can choose size 3, 4, or 5.

Create Your Free Online Baby Book

Create your online baby book at Totsites!  With this site, you can make a fun, personalized baby website in just minutes - its simple too.  There are 80+ cute designs to choose from.

This allows friends and family everywhere can enjoy your latest photos, videos, milestones, and more!  It is private and secure.

Sign Up for Free Baby Stuff

Are you expecting?  Do you have a baby under a year old?  Do you know someone who is expecting a baby?  


Go here to register yourself or someone you know to receive free baby stuff from Baby To Bee!

This site has wonderful information for all stages - planning for baby, pregnancy, and the first year!  It has great articles that are a must read. Join their 'Hive' to stay informed!

Your Baby... The Breast is Best!

I am a firm believer that breastfeeding is the best and healthiest option for you and your baby.  Thanks to mommy's milk, I have a healthy happy five month old who weighs 16 lbs!  I will admit, it was hard the first few weeks... but I'm so glad I stuck with it.  I figured out that breastfeeding is something that both mom and baby have to learn.  At times it can be exasperating, wondering if its ever going to get easier.  For me, having a strong support system to encourage me through those times was so important.

The benefits to breastfeeding are endless.  Studies have actually shown that breastfed babies have higher IQs.  Since a mother's milk is full of nutrients and antibodies, breastfed babies also have higher immune systems.  This leads to healthier babies with less sick time.  

The bond that a mother creates with her new baby through breastfeeding is amazing in itself.  A mother's body actually releases oxytocin while breastfeeding, which is a bonding hormone and a stress relieving chemical too!  What new mom doesn't need a little stress relief?  For me, I feel good knowing that I can give my baby the nutrients she needs - that I can give her something no one else can.  The time spent nursing her is quiet time for just the two of us.

Another wonderful plus to breastfeeding is not having to fix bottles at all hours of the night.  Any new mom will agree that ease and convenience goes a long way in those first few months when sleep deprivation is rampant.  My daughter also co-sleeps with me, so I have the added bonus that neither of us even has to get up for those late night feedings.  I have 'ready made' bottles whenever and wherever we are - and always the perfect temperature for baby.  I couldn't imagine having to fix and clean a million bottles all the time!

Here are some great resources for breastfeeding:

Dr. Sears

La Leche - 24-Hour U.S. Helpline 877-4-LALECHE (877-452-5324) - breastfeeding help is available toll-free in the US from the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline

Breastfeeding.com - from The Bump

Breastfeeding Basics

If you participate in the WIC program, they offer some great help in this area too.  WIC will provide you with a manual breast pump at no charge to you.  They also have Peer Counselors who will be happy to answer any questions you may have - they even make house calls.

May all the mommy's who choose breastfeeding for their babies be blessed with the experience...

TAGS: breastfeeding, moms, babies, pregnancy, bonding

A Whole New You... Becoming a Mom

I'm a first time mom to the most amazing little girl in the world!  Prior to having her, I couldn't have imagined the all consuming love I would feel for her.  For those of you who don't already know, being a mom is a full time job.  My daughter became my whole world the moment she was born.  I love being a mom.  I am slowly learning that it is okay to retain your prior identity in adition to your 'mommy' identity.  This one takes some work...

One of the major ways I feel like I've lost my identity is physically.  I gained over 100 lbs with my pregnancy and it wreaked havoc on my once thin body.  The weight is slowly going away, but there are still lasting reminders of the changes my body went through.  I am trying to take a fresh perspective at the silver stretch marks that now decorate my body - a more positive one than the shame I have been feeling.  I actually read an article today in American Baby magazine that discussed coming up with a more pleasant name than stretch marks.  It had some cute ones that had been submitted.  Some new names women came up with include 'baby stripes', 'medal of motherhood', 'blessed reminders', 'love lines', and 'baby's first artwork'.  After reading that, I had to smile to myself.  I have no reason to avoid the mirror and feel shame for how my post-baby body looks.  Those are my battle scars from the journey to womanhood... the journey of growing and nourishing my baby.  How amazing is it that a woman's body can grow and nourish a new life.  We should feel proud and hold our heads up high.

I've also been realizing the importance of taking a few moments for myself each day.  Even if its only ten minutes to sit on the porch and drink my coffee, its essential to my serenity.  Now don't get me wrong, I adore my baby girl and she rarely ever leaves my side.  I am learning that having a trusted someone play with her for a few minutes is okay though and I don't have to feel guilty about it.  That it is okay to take a little 'me' time.  I love that it leaves me feeling refreshed and renewed, so I can be the best mommy I can be.

My hope is that I can continue to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy motherhood and retain my own identity.  What do you like to do for your 'me' time?