Stephs Cheers and Jeers received samples mentioned in this post in exchange for being featured on our site.
Baby Guide: Welcoming Thomas Bjorn
Thomas Bjorn made his appearance via C-section on May, 19th! My labor wasn’t too bad and my midwives were phenomenal! However, after almost 4 hours of pushing and little man not wanting to make his appearance, I opted for a c-section. Overall the experience wasn’t as unpleasant as I expected. My Midwives were incredibly supportive and I felt in control the entire time. We really had an amazing team taking care of us and my husband was incredibly supportive and by my side cheering me on through the entire thing.
Thomas is almost a month old and settling in very well. However, I am on strict bed rest as I was stubborn and overdid it during my first few days of healing. The midwife wants me on bed rest for at least another week and I am going stir crazy but otherwise, I am LOVING motherhood.
A BIG thank you to all of the companies who sent items and well wishes. I feel so blessed and am loving motherhood!
Kiinde Twist Gift Set
The Kiinde Twist Gift Set has been one of my favorite items! This system allows you to pump directly into the bags and then feed using the same bags which means no milk transfers, no milk loss, and no exposure to germs. This set features everything you need including the following:
- 20 – 6oz Twist Pouches, Direct-Pump, Recyclable Breastmilk Storage Pouches
- 14 – Twist Direct-Pump™ Adapters (compatible with ALL major pump brands)
- 1 – Twist Keeper™ Breastmilk Storage Bag Holder
- 1 – Kozii® Breastmilk and Bottle Warmer
- 2 – Twist Squeeze™ Natural Feeding Bottles
- Slow-Flow Twist Active Latch® Nipple with Case
- Medium-Flow Twist Active Latch® Nipple with Case
- Fast-Flow Twist Active Latch® Nipple with Case
- 2 – Nipple Cleaning Brushes
- FREE GIFT – the Foodii™ Squeeze Snack™ Filling and Feeding System
My Thoughts:
I am obsessed with the Kiinde bags because of their locking lids which are great for on the go. I don’t always pump directly into the bags either. The storage bag holder has been a great space saver in our fridge and it does fit other breastmilk bag brands which is great because I received tons of free samples at the hospital.
I also love that I can warm milk directly in the pouches using the warmer. The Kozii breastmilk warmer uses STEAM-FREE Safeheat® technology which uses a bath of warm water to safely and quickly warm the breastmilk while preserving the delicate nutrients and proteins in your breast milk. It also features a water reservoir and an auto timer shut off which means no risk of overheating.
The Twist Squeeze™ Natural Feeding Bottle, eliminating the need to transfer milk from bottles to bags and back again! Just snap the pouch directly into the Twist Squeeze™ Natural Feeding Bottle, squeeze the air out of the pouch, and pop a Twist Active-Latch® Nipple on top!
You can purchase the Kiinde Twist Gift Set for $99.99
DadWare Bondaroo Skin to Skin Shirt
This as seen on Shark Tank product is a kangaroo care shirt. For those unfamiliar with the term “kangaroo care,” it is another name for infant skin-to-skin practice that takes its name from how marsupials carry their babies. The Bondaroo by DadWare is made using Luxurious French Terry Fabric and features seamless circle velcro which means no corners on a flap that opens up for easy skin-to-skin access.
The Bondaroo is available in both a short and long sleeve version and comes in sizes Small-XXL. My husband is seen wearing the medium and fits him well. DadWare suggests consulting their sizing chart to ensure a proper fit.
Songs For Little Love Bugs by Cynthia Butler
Songs for Little Love Bugs is a colorful book and original song collection that creates a memorable experience with your children. The book features STUNNING artwork and with each purchase, you receive a code to download all the songs to accompany the book. I think it’s just beautiful and I can’t wait to experience it with Thomas when he gets older.
You can purchase a signed copy of the book for $15 directly through the artist but it is also available through Target, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Amazon.
CustomEnvy
CustomEnvy is a one-stop shop for all things custom! They have everything from custom phone cases to towels and more. While I was still pregnant, I had one of their custom 20oz insulated tumblers made with pictures, including one of our ultrasound pictures. The tumbler is heavy duty and one of the things I really like about CustomEnvy is their lifetime warranty and the fact that they guarantee their product because of the high-quality printing process which means their products won’t scratch, peel, crack, etc. If you are not happy with your order they will replace or refund you!
CustomEnvy really has a lot to offer so don’t hesitate to check out their website!
ILADO Pregnancy Necklace
The Mother-Baby Bonding Box by ILADO is such a unique gift for pregnant moms. Before I got pregnant I heard of the concept of maternity jewelry but never understood the full benefits until becoming pregnant. The concept of ILADO was inspired by traditionally worn in the Mayan culture. When rolled gently, it emits a soothing and harmonious crystalline sound; it was nicknamed “Angel Caller” because according to legend, it has the power to summon a guardian angel.
The benefits include:
- The soft vibrations are calming to the mother-to-be
- Promotes prenatal bonding
- Reassures your newborn
The Mother-Baby Bonding Box includes a maternity necklace of your choice as well as angel lovely in which you place the pendant after birth and a maternity necklace guide that describes the different gestures you can perform.
You can purchase The Mother-Baby Bonding Box starting at $129.
Orchid Baby Wear
The Olive Green Knotted Baby Gown by Orchid Baby Wear is made from a blend of rayon and spandex which is stretchy, breathable, and super soft. I LOVE the tie bottom which makes diaper changing super easy and the stretchy neck makes it easy to put on and the fold-over cuffs make it easy to keep your baby’s hands warm.
The outfit fits Newborn-3 months and sizes 5lbs-15lbs and sells for $17.99.
La Petite Creme
La Petite Creme is a french inspired all-natural cleanser and lotion that is a replacement for baby wipes and diaper creme. This product is certified organic with no harmful ingredients or chemicals which means it’s perfectly safe for your little one’s bum. I love the fact that it cleans up messes, moisturizes, and protects all in one wipe. I have used La Petite Creme on the worst of diaper blowouts and I will say it makes them so much easier to deal with than standard wipes. The company is very transparent and about the ingredients in their product and this is something I like from companies.
Their Starter Pack contains 1 8oz bottle with a pump, 1 2 oz travel lotion, 1 travel size diaper balm, and 50 extra-large cotton disposable pads.
You can purchase the Starter Pack for $24.99.
Teal Trunk
I am pumping so I knew I was going to be in the market for a GOOD bottle brush. I actually came across this product on The Grommet and was instantly drawn in by the design as well as the price point. The design is unlike other bottle brushes I have seen on the market and after washing a few bottles I realized just how awesome this brush is. The handle is super comfortable and the design cleans well but I noticed also doesn’t splash me with soapy water like other brushes on the market. I also had a chance to try out their silicone sponge and scrubber which caused me to totally stop using traditional sponges.
You can purchase their products on
Amazon, thegrommet.com, walmart.com, knowtheorigin.com, and martinservices.ie.
Travel On 2-in-1 Compact Playard with Bassinet by Century
I am OBSESSED with the Travel On 2-in-1 Compact Playard with Bassinet by century. We visit my mom’s often and this Playard makes our lives so much easier. I love the lightweight design as well as the fact that it’s incredibly easy to set up.
It has a two-wheel design that makes it easy to move and I was even able to easily move it while recovering from a c-section.
What I find unique about this particular product is that the fabrics are made using recycled materials as part of their Do More™ promise to Recycle, Reimagine, and Give Back. They even include a sheet that makes for easy clean up which is a $10 value.
You can purchase this product at BuyBuyBaby, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and MyNavyExchange for $99.99.