Thank you to all who entered our Moby Wrap Giveaway.  We have a winner!   The winner is #122 – Jennifer.  Congratulations Jennifer, I will be contacting you via email so that I can send your Moby Wrap out to you ASAP!

As a thank you to everyone else, we are offering one free pair of BabyLegs with the purchase of each Moby Wrap.  Just add the Moby Wrap to the cart and upon checkout leave a note indicating which pair of BabyLegs you would like included in your order.  You can get one free pair of BabyLegs for each Moby Wrap you purchase.  If the pair of BabyLegs you requested is not in stock, I will contact you to ask about your second choice.   BabyLegs are the perfect addition to your Moby Wrap to keep baby’s legs covered and warm!  Hurry offer expires 2/17/10.

Kourtney Kardashian is toning her postpartum tummy with her new Limited Edition Belly Bandit.  She has even been tweeting about it!

The 30-year-old reality star gave birth to son Mason last month and revealed that she’s teamed up with Belly Bandit to shift her extra pregnancy pounds.

She wrote on her blog: “I’m so excited to announce my collaboration with Belly Bandit.   I designed a limited-edition Belly Bandit that I have been using successfully since giving birth.

“One of the first things my friends with kids told me when I got pregnant was ‘buy a Belly Bandit!’ so I was thrilled to team up with them and actually get to design one so that it is sexy, stylish and actually helps tighten and shrink your belly after giving birth.

“It also totally helped support my back and all the changes my body is going through getting back to normal.   It helps you lose inches faster and I definitely notice a change in my tummy every time I take it off.”

She later Twittered: “didnt have my belly bandit on all day bc ive been sick in bed, putting it back on now.i swear its totally helped tightenandstrenghten my tummy.”

Kourtney Kardashian isn’t the only celebrity giving the product rave reviews.   Minnie Driver, Poppy Montgomery, Diane Farr, Cynthia Daniels, Angelina Jolie, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Kidman, and Halle Berry are all among the list of celebrity moms that have purchased the Belly Bandit.

The Kourtney Kardahian Limted Edition Belly Bandit is available at Madre Gear and retails for $65.95.

Source:  AssociatedContent.com, CelebrityNewsNow.com

Here is your chance to win a Moby Wrap Baby Carrier!   This soft baby wrap is perfect for newborns to babies up to 35 pounds.   The material from the Moby Wrap Baby Carrier wraps around your torso and shoulders so that the baby’s weight is evenly distributed and your back, neck and shoulders don’t get fatigued.  I used the Moby Wrap with my youngest son and I loved it.  This is such a soft baby wrap and is perfect if you prefer an unstructured baby wrap.  In fact, I used to put it on before I even got in the car (of course, without the baby in it!) so that when we arrived at our destination we would be good to go and I would not have to wrap it onto me  in the parking lot.  I would drive with it on because it is not bulky at all.   When we arrived,  I would take the baby from his car seat, secure him in the Moby Wrap and go!  I loved it and so did my son.  Twin mamas, be sure you get in on this too as the Moby Wrap Baby Carrier can be used with twins and is a great baby carrier to keep twins snuggled up and secure.  The Moby Wrap retails for $39.95 at Madre Gear.

The winner gets to choose the color of their choice provided it is in stock.  Here’s more about the Moby Wrap Baby Carrier:

The design of the Moby Wrap uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby. Unlike other carriers, which have narrow straps or go across one shoulder, the Moby Wrap is a wide piece of fabric that is wrapped over both shoulders. It is amazingly comfortable and easy to wear. There are no buckles, snaps or other fasteners. It is easy to adjust the fit of your Moby Wrap by varying how tightly you wrap yourself and your baby.

The Moby Wrap comes with an easy to follow instructional guide.  With the single stretch cotton and the width of the Moby Wrap, your baby is wrapped close and tight, ensuring a secure hold. Your baby’s head can also be secured under the stretchy cotton fabric for added safety. You can finally have both hands free and know your baby is safe and secure.

There is not a lot of extra material or bulky padding between you and your baby. Your baby can hear your heartbeat and finds comfort in the warmth of your body,and sound of your heartbeat within the cuddly confines of the Moby Wrap.

Be comfortable
The design of the Moby Wrap uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby. Unlike other carriers, which have narrow straps or go across one shoulder, the Moby™Wrap is a wide piece of fabric that is wrapped over both shoulders. It is amazingly comfortable and easy to wear. There are no buckles, snaps or other fasteners. It is easy to adjust the fit of your Moby™ Wrap by varying how tightly you wrap yourself and your baby.

Be secure
The Moby Wrap comes with an easy to follow instructional guide.  With the single stretch cotton and the width of the Moby Wrap, your baby is wrapped close and tight, ensuring a secure hold. Your baby’s head can also be secured under the stretchy cotton fabric for added safety. You can finally have both hands free and know your baby is safe and secure.

Be uniquely close to your baby
There is not a lot of extra material or bulky padding between you and your baby. Your baby can hear your heartbeat and finds comfort in the warmth of your body,and sound of your heartbeat within the cuddly confines of the Moby Wrap.

Preemie to 35 lbs.
The Moby Wrap is an optimal baby carrier for premature infants. Preemies are often prescribed to practice “kangaroo care” and this skin-to-skin practice used to increase birth weight can be easily achieved while wearing the Moby Wrap. The Moby Wrap is long enough to adapt to your growing baby. The fabric can hold up to 45 lbs, and most people feel comfortable carrying up to 35 lbs.

Soothes fussy babies
It is amazing how quickly a baby will settle down once wrapped in the Moby Wrap. Experts like Dr. Sears, stress the importance of holding your baby often and close. The Moby Wrap allows you to do this with ease. The style of the wrap insures your baby is uniquely close, while providing ultimate comfort and support. No more aching backs or tired arms! Now your baby can be kept close and happy for as long as he or she desires.

Versatile
There are many ways to wear your Moby Wrap. Your can wear your baby facing you, facing the world, sideways or on your back. When not being used as a carrier, the Moby can be used as blanket, pillow or anything else that comes to mind.

Machine washable
The Moby Wrap is easy to clean. You can machine wash your Moby in cold water and tumble dry low. Slight shrinkage after washing may occur. Once you start wearing your Moby again, it will stretch out.

To Enter:

Please leave me a comment here telling me which Moby Wrap color is your favorite or which color you would like to win.  As always, but completely optional, gain more entries by:

following me on Twitter

subscribing to the Madre Gear newsletter

subscribing to the blog via RSS or email

becoming a fan on our Facebook page

Please leave additional comments letting me know you have subscribed to add your extra entries – leave a comment for each entry.  Also, those of you who are already subscribed please leave your additional comments letting me know that you are a subscriber and you are commenting for your extra entries.

You may also gain three additional entries by tweeting about the giveaway on Twitter, just use @MadreGear in your update and let me know about your tweet.

The giveaway deadline is February 9, 2010 at 11:59 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced on February 10, 2009.  The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away!  I have put together this quick guide to some of our hot maternity products to gift the expectant Mom with this Valentine’s Day.   These great gifts will make her feel so special and very loved.

Maternity Due Date Necklace by Circle of Sentiments – This gorgeous necklace is a perfect gift for the expectant mom.  This necklace is hand made and hand stamped with the month that mom is due in.  The maternity necklace also has a dangling bead that corresponds with the month that the expectant mother is due.  After the birth of the baby, the necklace becomes a keepsake to pass down to baby. $65

Majamas Lace Sleep Set – This maternity sleep set does double duty since this set will carry mom through pregnancy and then nursing.  The top opens for easy access for the nursing mother.  Comfortable items are a must during pregnancy and these maternity pajamas are a great item for bringing to the hospital so that mom has something pretty and comfortable to wear when guests visit in the hospital.  The robe is included in this great sleep set and the raspberry color makes me think of Valentine’s Day!  $82

Belly Cast Kit -  The belly cast kit is a great way to preserve the memory of your pregnant form.  This belly cast kit comes with everything you need to create a beautiful, lasting keepsake.  All you need to bring is your imagination, as you can paint and embellish the finished cast any way you choose.  $29.99

Maternity Pillow by Moonlight Slumber – Mom to be loves nothing more than her sleep right now, so what better to gift her with than the Serenity Star Maternity Pillow.  This pillow can be used for the entire pregnancy and then goes to work as a nursing pillow.  You can also use it for your child’s bed later on as the pillow comes apart and features separate bolsters.  Mom will thank you for a great night of sleep! $99

I (heart) my [Bump] Maternity Tee – This cute maternity tee is perfect for the expectant mom on Valentine’s Day.  She loves her bump so much and wants to announce it to everyone.  This maternity tee is light blue and features a pink heart and the writing “I (heart) my [Bump]” right across the belly.  Very cute, but for moms seeking a little more bling, we offer the exact bump maternity tee shirt with the heart made of ruby swarovski crystals. $42-$54

Amoralia Nougatine Nursing Bra and Knickers – This gorgeous bra by Amoralia will make any mom-to-be feel great.  The bra can be used during pregnancy and for nursing.  The matching knickers (sold separately) are sexy and comfy and so pretty.  The bra features stretchable material and the cups are lined with bamboo to wick away moisture.  This nursing bra also features lots of pretty lace.  $60 for the bra, $35 for the knickers

Stayed tuned for more Valentine’s Day ideas and specials!

Here is a stretch mark oil recipe for all you DIY’ers.  I have yet to try it but it sounds great and simple enough.  Here is the homemade recipe for banishing those stretch marks:

In a blender, combine: 1/2 cup virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup aloe vera gel and six capsules vitamin E oil (opened). Keep this oil refrigerated and massage into areas with stretch marks at least once a day. (You may want to sit this jar in warm water to take off the chill before applying.)

Of course, Madre Gear also offers plenty of stretch mark butters and oils already made and ready.  combat stretch marks and keep your skin soft and supple, check out Mambino Organics Belly Butter ($30.00), Earth Mama Angel Baby Stretch Oil (4oz for $24.00).

If you decide to make your own stretch mark oil, please let me know how you like it!  Also, what did you use to combat stretch marks?  Please leave your secret tips for getting rid of stretch marks here, I’d love to hear what you did to keep stretch marks at bay.

You have made it to the home stretch of your pregnancy and you are almost ready to meet your baby.  Got the car seat?  Check.  Washed the baby’s new clothes?  Check.  Here is a list that I have put together of some great items that should make the trip with you to Labor and Delivery.  You won’t want to be without some of these.

1.  Lip Balm – All the huffing and puffing of labor can leave your lips feeling dry and chapped.  Be sure to pack yourself a good lip balm.  I personally love Kiehl’s Lip Balm No. 1 and I have also started using Mambino Organics Kissable Lips Lip Balm recently since I ordered some for Madre Gear.  I hate when lip balm feels waxy or makes your lips addicted or dependent but neither Kiehl’s nor Mambino have this effect, and instead leave you lips feeling hydrated and smooth.  Mambino Organics also takes it a step further by making all of its products, including this lip balm totally vegan and eco-friendly, even their packaging is environmentally friendly.  Mambino Lip Balm also has a great, light orange scent.  You’ll love it!

2.  Nursing Bra and Nursing Supplies- If you are going to nurse your baby then you will definitely need a nursing bra for easy access.  I think that in the early days you want a comfortable, non-restrictive nursing bra.  You might be leaking as your milk comes in and it is best to have a bra that will allow for a little expansion!  Don’t forget the nursing pads either.  I really love the Lansinoh nursing pads as they are comfortable and don’t leave huge “rings and circles” design through your shirt, indicating to everyone around that you have something in there.  A great choice is the Melinda G Soft Cup Nursing Bra, as it is comfortable and also has a little room to stretch.  The Melinda G Soft Cup Nursing Bra  retails for $36.00.You will also want to pack a soothing nipple balm to get you through those first few days of sore nipples.  I love Lansinoh Nursing Balm and Earth Mama Angel Baby and you might also want to try our Mambino Organics Calendula Nursing Balm.   All three of these nursing balms also go the distance for remedying scrapes and chapped skin later on.   See more nursing bras and accessories in the nursing section at Madre Gear.

3.  Maternity and Nursing Pajamas – While I don’t suggest wearing your own pajamas until after delivery, these are nice to have when visitors come to see you and the new baby.  Sometimes a girl just wants to feel a little pulled together, right?  These pajamas do double duty carrying you through maternity and then breastfeeding.  Madre Gear carries several style and even offers robes if you feel you need an additional cover up for yourself.  Check out Majamas  MJ Maternity and Nursing Pajamas, the Majamas Lace Sleep Set, and Belabumbum Lotus Maternity and Nursing Chemise.

4.  Outfit for Baby – You will also need an outfit for the baby to come home in.  Consider this cute baby onesie by Georgie Tee to bring baby home in.  It reads “Freshly Baked” and is perfect for that new little freshly baked bundle!

5. Outfit for the New Mom – Don’t forget to bring an outfit for you to come home in as well.  Remember, that you will not be back in your pre-pregnancy jeans just yet, so it is best to bring clothes that were suitable for you when you were about six months pregnant.  I know, I know… but, unless you are Heidi Klum, forget it and bring the pregnancy pants with you!   Anyway, some great choices for your postpartum needs include the Belly Bandit, an abdominal compression garment that binds your postpartum belly and helps shrink and flatten your tummy back down to pre-pregnancy size.  If you are nursing, a good choice is the 1 in the Oven Just Baked Nursing Clothes Kit for new moms.  This kit includes soft supima modal cotton pants that are perfect for postpartum, a perfect nursing top, and 2 burp clothes.  It comes packaged in a wicker bassinet and makes a great gift, so put it on your wish list so that someone can surprise you with this one!

Of course, we have just touched on only a few things that you will need for Labor and Delivery.  Some other really important items to bring to the hospital are:

• - Insurance Cards and ID
• - Your Birth Plan
• - A journal to document labor and delivery / Baby’s Book
• - Lip Balm
• - Socks for Labor
• - Massage Oil
• - Items for labor, focal items
• - Music and MP3 player
• - Books and magazines
• - Hair bands to keep hair out of your way
• - Slippers
• - Cameras
• - Sanitary Pads
• - Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste
• - Make Up
• - Nursing Bras
• - Nursing Pads
• - Nursing Pillow
• - Clothes for going home (for Mom)
• - Clothes for going home (for Baby)
• - Car Seat
• - Diaper Bag
• - Blanket
• - Hat for Baby
• For Your Husband or Partner:
• - Change of clothes
• - Reading Material
• - Toothbrush
• - Snacks and drinks

I love the Kardashians.  I watch their show and love their style.  That’s why I am so happy to add the Kourtney Kardashian Limited Edition Belly Bandit to Madre Gear.   The Kourtney Kardashian Belly Bandit is the perfect marriage of style and function.  Here is more info on this stylish postpartum belly binder:

Kourtney Kardashian of “Meet the Kardashians” fame has teamed up with the Banditas at Belly Bandit to bring you the hot, new postpartum Belly Bandit with Kardashian style.  The Kardashians are known for their great style and trendiness and this new Belly Bandit is no exception.  Kourtney has designed this exclusive, limited edition Belly Bandit but it won’t be here for long.

Kourtney Kardashian gets ready to say Bye Bye Baby Bump, hello Bikini Body with her Limited Edition Belly Bandit®

While Kourtney Kardashian prepares for the ultimate gift this holiday season, her baby boy, she is also making big plans to get back to her rocking, pre-baby shape. How does she plan to do this? One way is by using what has been dubbed “genius”, “a miracle worker” and the “must-have accessory” for moms post birth. Kourtney plans to use her very own Limited Edition Belly Bandit®, a belly wrap that has new moms, from celebrities to second-timers, returning to their original forms quicker than ever before.

Kourtney was first introduced to the Belly Bandit® by friends who swore by the product after giving birth. Kourtney saw the amazing results first hand and in true Kardashian fashion she wanted one that was uniquely her own style. She requested to design one that would make her feel sexy and feminine post birth and that is how the Limited Edition Belly Bandit® by Kourtney Kardashian was born. Kourtney’s Limited Edition bandit sets itself apart from the other Belly Bandit’s in that it is a bit edgier and sexier than the other styles. With its beautiful faux lace design printed on the outside, and silky tan inside; this Belly Bandit® looks and feels silky against your skin. Our very first model that can actually be worn over clothing!

“My friends who have had babies swear by the Belly Bandit®. Honestly, I did not even know they had it on it until they told me, that is how well it wears under clothing. This is one fashion accessory I will be wearing everyday after my baby arrives.” Says Kourtney.

The Kourtney Kardashian Belly Bandit retails for $65.95. Visit MadreGear.com to learn more about this Limited Edition Belly Bandit.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our Teething Bling giveaway!  We have a winner…

#47 Angela G.  Congratulations Angela!  I will be sending Angela an email so that she can claim her prize.

For everyone else, please enjoy 10% off of all Teething Bling Teething Jewelry by Smart Moms until 11/18/09.

Win some bling!  This week we are giving away a Teething Bling Pendant by Smart Mom, along with the matching teething bling bangle of your choice.  I must say I love this product!  I have used this with my youngest son and he absolutely loved chewing on the pendant and on the bangle.  They were so popular at my house that I had to give a set to my sister and my daughter, so that they would have their very own Teething Bling for the baby to play with when they were holding him.  I also loved the fact that Teething Bling is made from food safe, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone, so I never had to worry about my son teething on something filled with chemicals.

More about Teething Bling:

Teething Bling was inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry.  It is the original patent-pending teething jewelry.

Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling looks great on Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Caregivers but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew.

Teething Bling  products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp.  CE marking approved.

This is a 2×2 solid colored donut shaped pendant and hangs on a black silk cord with a breakaway clasp.  Dishwasher safe.

Safety-reminder:  These pendants are intended for adults to wear.  Please do not place the pendants ON your child.

Please visit Madre Gear to learn more about Teething Bling and view available Teething Bling colors.

Celebrities love their Teething Bling® too, check out these celebrities sporting their Teething Bling®!

Ali Landry	Ming Na
Chris Noth	Holly Robinson Peete
Angela Bassett	Tori Spelling

To Enter:

Please leave me a comment here telling me which Teething Bling color is your favorite or which color you would like to win.  As always, but  completely optional, gain more entries by:

following me on Twitter

subscribing to the Madre Gear newsletter

subscribing to the blog via RSS or email

becoming a fan on our new Facebook page

Please leave additional comments letting me know you have subscribed to add your extra entries – leave a comment for each entry.  Also, those of you who are already subscribed please leave your additional comments letting me know that you are a subscriber and you are commenting for your extra entries.

You may also gain three additional entries by tweeting about the giveaway on Twitter, just use @MadreGear in your update to let me know about your tweet.

The giveaway deadline is November 10, 2009 at 11:59 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced on November 11, 2009.  The giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada.

As you get further along in your pregnancy, sleep can become elusive.  Tossing and turning becomes part of your night time routine, and the recommendation to sleep on your left side after 20 weeks becomes bothersome and intrudes on falling into that deep, blissful sleep.  While pregnant with my first three kids, I slept with a regular bed pillow between my knees and did all sorts of other tricks to prop myself up and keep myself comfortable.  Although I didn’t have it as tough as some expectant moms, I was uncomfortable and would wake up with the flattened pillow between my knees no longer offering its support.  Sometimes, after being woken up I found it hard to get comfortable again so that I could get back to sleep.

When I got pregnant with my fourth child, my husband bought me one of the best gifts he has ever given me – seriously.  I got pregnant in early December and he bought me the Serenity Star Maternity Pillow by Moonlight Slumber for Christmas.   I had hinted to him that I wanted the best maternity pillow he could find and he researched this one and presented it to me on Christmas.  I ripped open the box, placed it on my bed and I was in absolute heaven for the rest of my pregnancy!   This pillow is amazing and if any expectant mom wanted to know my choice for a maternity pillow, this would be my recommendation.  The Serenity Star Maternity Pillow can be used during pregnancy to keep mom comfortable, then it can be used for support as you nurse you baby, and after nursing you can use this pillow for baby’s playtime or to keep your older child surrounded when sleeping in his or her own bed.  I personally have used my Serenity Star Maternity pillow for all of these purposes.  In fact, I fell so in love with my pillow, that I did not want to sleep without it.  My husband had to beg me to move it to our son’s room.

Designed in three parts, this maternity pillow supports your little dreamer from prenatal to preschool.   All together, it is a great sleep aide for expectant mothers, helping them attain the side sleep position recommended by gynecologists for baby’s health while keeping mom comfortable and cool to help her sleep.  Separately it is a curved pillow with bolsters to grow with your child making the Serenity Star a purchase that your family will use and enjoy well into the future.  This is one item new moms should not have to live without.

• The Serenity Star maternity pillow helps Mom sleep more comfortably through the night during pregnancy by regulating body temperature and assisting with general discomfort.
• The Serenity Star pillow helps mothers attain the side sleeping position recommended by gynecologists that enhances circulation, reduces swollen feet and legs and alleviates back pain.
• The modular design of the Serenity Star extends pillow life and use. Simply unzip the U-shaped pillowcase and the Serenity Star disassembles into three pieces; a curved pillow and two bolsters.
• All three pieces fit into a standard washer and dryer, are completely launder able, and guaranteed never to clump.
• The curved pillow assists with proper positioning for feeding and can be used for elevated tummy time and supporting Baby.
• The curved pillow can also be used for lumbar support while nursing an older baby.
• Bolsters are ideal for youth pillows.   Each one spans the width of a twin-sized bed.   Two pillows together span the width of a king-sized bed.
• Premium synthetic down.   The Serenity Star has a hypoallergenic, odorless, hygienically clean fill offering relief from dust mites – guaranteed for life never to clump even after repeated washings.
• Makes a thoughtful shower gift for expectant mothers.