Support a small business

Posted on 11:00am Wednesday 8th Jun 2022

Supporting a small business - hotMaMa breastfeeding clothes

When was the last time you shopped small?

Well, if you're reading this then perhaps it wasn't so long ago. Whether it was an online purchase or a vising a local bricks and mortar store supporting any small business makes a big difference to the person behind the brand. Since becoming a mum I'verealised just how many small businesses are run by mums just like me, building mini business empires from their kitchen table, juggling parenting and business in between nap times and school runs. But supporting a small business doesn't just mean parting with your hard earned pennies and pounds, there are loads of different ways to support small business that matter just as much:

1. Tell your friends and family about the business

Original old school way to spread the word about a business before the days of social media is just to tell those around you about it. If you love it then chances are they will too!

2. Like their posts on social media

How long do you spend each day scrolling through content on social media? You probably read lots of great content from brands you love. Don't forget to like their posts so that future posts from the brand will stay visible to you...if you don't regularly interact with a small business (through likes, comments or saving posts) you'll find algorithms of social media will stop showing you posts from them and small businesses often end up finding that their posts just aren't getting seen by their audience, a quick like will make sure you stay in the loop with their brand.

3. Comment on their posts

A simple comment can really make someone's day. A lot of small business owners feel nervous about putting themselves out there on social media, putting their face and their work on show for the world to see and possibly judge is incredibly daunting. A simple comment can offer amazing words of encouragement the person behind the brand sometimes needs to keep at it!

4. Get tagging

Have a photo of a product you've bought? If you're uploading it to social media anyway why not tag the brand in to them know you love it? This isn't just great for the brand but for their other customers too. I know with clothing people love to see a top or a dress on people with different colouring and body shapes. It's also a lovely way for you to help generate brand trust for new customers, they see you like and trust this brand so it can encourage them to take the plunge and buy too!

5. Say thanks

You know that feeling you get when someone gives you a compliment on something you've worked really hard on? It makes your day, you smile from inside to out. A quick comment on social media or a private email can feel amazing for a little business – It makes my day when people take the time to drop a quick note of thanks!

6. Subscribe to their newsletter

Small businesses rarely bombard you with emails (unlike so many massive chains!) If they’re anything like me I just don’t have the time to send out endless emails, but when I do it’s something important I really want you to know about and genuinely think you’ll want to know about like a new product, sale or special offer.

Summer collection - Breastfeeding clothes for your summer wardrobe!

Posted on 6:50am Monday 30th May 2022

breastfeeding clothes - summer collection

I'm usually really organised when it comes to planning, designing and getting the ball rolling on production when it comes to new products. This year I've ended up leaving things a bit later, I'm not really sure why really perhaps it's that with covid restrictions lifting this year we've been able to take some more much needed quality family time? Or perhaps I'm just becoming a bit more laid back! Coupled with that along with a more complex process with initial samples going back and forth between myself and my manufacturer several times it's taken longer than usual to get new summer collection on the website. But a long last it's here! Some items are available in the full size range, some are very limited edition and in limited sizes but there are some gorgeous additions for your breastfeeding wardrobe!

Breastfeeding occasion wear

Dress up for a special occasion be it a wedding, christening or day at the races or dress down for every day wear! Our zip access ruffle breastfeeding dresses make stylish breastfeeding easy.

Zip access for breastfeeding carefully concealed under the front ruffle, you'll wear this dress long after you finish feeding!
Lightweight fabric, perfect for summer
Adjustable straps
Machine washable polyester
Midi length (approximately 112cm from shoulder seam to hem)

SHOP BLACK BREASTFEEDING MAXI HERE

SHOP BLUE BREASTFEEDING MAXI HERE

Breastfeeding tops

Add a splash of colour to your breastfeeding wardrobe with our two sunshine inspired newbies. You can't fail to feel happy and summmery when wearing these!

Orange Leopard T-Shirt

Short sleeved breastfeeding and nursing top
Bright leopard print
Easy empire line access for breastfeeding without leaving you feeling exposed.
V-Style underlayer for breastfeeding access
Soft fabric with a lots of stretch.
Machine washable
95% polyester 5% Elastane

SHOP HERE

Sunshine Yellow Breastfeeding Vest

Yellow Breastfeeding Vest

Our basic nursing vest is back in a bright colour perfect for summer. Our vests are much loved by mums and are a must have for your breastfeeding wardrobe: Perfect for a simple classic look or wearing with your pre pregnancy wardrobe to make breastfeeding easy and discrete!

Classic vest style in a bright summery colour
Fitted yet stretchy

Easy empire line access for breastfeeding without leaving you feeling exposed
Vest style underlayer to be pulled down to feed
Machine washable
Length appriximately 74cm depending on size, see size guide below
95% Cotton 5% Elastane

SHOP HERE

Black Breastfeeding T-shirt

Breastfeeding T-shirt

Short sleeved breastfeeding and nursing top
Classic black colour
Easy zip access for breastfeeding. hidden within the garment seam
Machine washable
95% cotton 5% Elastane

SHOP HERE

Breastfeeding Positions

Posted on 11:30am Tuesday 26th Apr 2022

Who knew there were so many different positions for breastfeeding? Proper positioning is essential in helping your newborn latch on the right way, as well as preventing nipple soreness and other breastfeeding problems. With some trial-and-error, you'll find the breastfeeding position that works best for you, have you tried these?

The cradle hold

The classic breastfeeding position! You might find it useful to have baby propped on pillows especially when they're little. This helps you to sit more comfortably and prevents you from hunching over whole breastfeeding which can be tiring for the next and shoulders. Support the baby with the arm on the SAME side you are feeding on. Make sure baby's entire body turns toward you. His or her pelvis should be up against your abdomen, their chest against your chest, and their mouth lined up with your nipple. Bring your baby's mouth to the nipple (rather than the nipple to his mouth) without making him or her turn their head to the side. It is important for your baby's head to be aligned with the rest of his body instead of turned off to the side.

The cross-cradle hold

A variation on the cradle hold, the cross-cradle or crossover hold involves the same positioning as above, the only major difference is that you support your baby on the arm OPPOSITE the breast being used. In this position, your hand supports your baby's neck and upper back, rather than his bottom, and his bottom rests either in the crook of your arm or on the pillow on your lap. Again, rotate your baby's body so it faces you and his mouth is lined up with your nipple. This is a good position for a baby who has difficulty latching on, because you can more easily guide his head into a better position by holding the back of his neck between your thumb and fingers. You may use your hand to support the breast while helping your baby to latch.

The laid-back position

Laid-back breastfeeding positioning takes advantage of the biologic responses that occur when the baby is skin-to-skin with the mother in a prone position. This position is said to be useful for mothers who have an overactive let-down reflex or an overabundant milk supply. Lie on your side and face your baby toward your breast, supporting him or her with one hand. With the other hand, grasp your breast and touch your nipple to your baby's lips. Once your baby latches on, use one arm to support your own head and the other to help support your baby and bring him or her close.

The rugby ball hold AKA the side-sitting position, football hold, clutch hold

Many breastfeeding women find that the side-sitting hold, also known as a clutch hold or football hold, is an easier position to maintain. It's also great if you're recovering from a C-section as the baby is away from your tummy. It may also be useful for mothers of twins since one baby can nurse on each side. In this hold, your baby is held similarly to how you would hold a handbag clutched under your arm or a football clutched close to your body.

To feed your baby in this position, place him or her beside you—on the side of the breast you will use—with baby's head near your breast. Tuck baby's body up against your side, under your arm. Your forearm should support baby's upper back, and your hand and fingers should support his or her shoulders, neck, and head. Your baby's legs will stretch out straight behind you or, if you are in a chair, you can rest their bottom against the back of the chair and angle their legs straight up. Finally, place a pillow under your elbow for support, keep your baby's head level with your breast.

Reclining or lying down

You may find that feeding your baby in a reclining position, rather than sitting, allows for some much needed relaxation. Nursing while lying down helps particularly if you have had a cesarean delivery or otherwise feel tired or unwell in the days post birth. Lie on your side with one or more pillows behind your back and under your head for support. (A pillow placed between your knees may make you more comfortable.) Keep your back and hips in as straight a line as possible. Hold your baby closely on his or her side, facing you with your arm around your baby. You may use your hand to support the breast while helping the baby to latch.

An advantage of this position is you don't have to get up to reposition your baby on your other breast. Simply place a pillow under them to elevate until they are parallel with your upper breast and lean over to bring the upper breast to your baby.

Tips for your first breastfeed in public

Posted on 9:00am Friday 4th Mar 2022

Breastfeeding clothes

Your first breastfeed outside your own home can feel scary. What can you do to make it a little less daunting?

Go somewhere you are familiar with

There's so much more to think about now you have a little one like if there's space for a pram of if a baby carrier would be better or if there is a baby change is. All things you don't want to be stressing about with a hungry baby.

Make sure you can sit down comfortably

Perching precriously on the edge of a wall or having to stand is no good. You'll be uncomfortable and it will have you rushing for the feed to be over. Make sure you can relax so your little one can have time to fill that little tummy and make it a positive experience. Cafes are great at having comfortable chairs for breastfeeding.

Get your clothing right!

You don't want to feel flustered trying to get your boob out, dealing with excessive complicated layers. One of our specially designed breastfeeding tops or dresses will make feeding access a breaze even with just one hand.

Allow enough time

Again, you don't want to feel rushed and you want to make sure your baby is not overly hungry before you're actually positioned and ready to feed.

Take a friend

Arrange to meet or go with a friend one with another baby is a bonus. It's always nice to have someone to talk to and if you're with someone you're comfortable with you'll feel more at ease feeding.

Have a drink with you or get one Breastfeeding is thirsty work mama!

Wear breast pads, just incase you leak!

Last of all, don't worry! Remember that breastfeeding your baby is normal and once you start thinking about it you'll probably spot lots of breastfeeding mamas out and about feeding that you just wouldn't have spotted before. Relax, sit back and enjoy!

One breastfeeding vest, four looks

Posted on 6:00am Monday 14th Feb 2022

Vests are such a staple in any wardrobe, regardless of whether you're breastfeeding. We've taken a classic black breastfeeding vest and shown you four different ways you can wear it - day or night!

#1 Casual

Perfect for baby and toddler groups out black vest and jeans combo makes for a failsafe casual style that's breastfeeding friendly. Thrown on some trainers and a silicone fiddle necklace for a splash of colour and you're good to go. Add a chunky knit for winter and it makes an all year round breastfeeding wardrobe staple.

#2 Dressed Up

Special occasion? KIT day at work? Date night?

A staple classic like a black vest is easy to dress up with smart trousers, heels and a statement bag but still makes last minute breastfeeds or pumping on the go possible. If you're baby free you can even ditch the nappy bag in favour of a swanky handbag and statement earrings.

#3 Workout

Perfect for workouts like yoga pair your vest with jogging bottoms. Perfect even when you've finished feeding!

#4 Pyjamas

Who says your breastfeeding vest is just for daytime? Your vests make great pyjamas and give you a little extra warmth on the chest during night feeds (eyemask optional!)

Breastfeeding vest - styling idea 4, breastfeeding pyjamas

Brand Ambassadors Wanted

Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 1st Feb 2022

Copy of Copy of Copy of BOOBS Theyre pretty important.....

Would you like to join our family?

We're a small family business but looking to add to our team! We would love brand reps who can work with us from now until the the end of June 2022

What you'll get

A substantial personal discount code

A discount code for friends and family

What we need from you

A genuine love for our products

A willingness to support us and engage with us on social media (by liking and/or commenting on our posts)

To take clear photographs of yourself wearing our products and share these on your social media regularly

To allow us to use your photos for our website, social media and marketing

Interested?

Send us an email to [email protected]

Or Comment drop us a comment on our Brand Ambassador search social media posts from 31st January 2022

Let us know your social media handles and why you'd like to work with us. The number of followers you have is not important, we want to work with people who are genuinely interested in supporting a small family business.

Applications will close on Friday the 4th February and successful applicants will be contacted and announced shortly after.

T&C’s

Public accounts only

Brand Reps and discount codes will run to the end of June 2022.

Please only apply if you are not already an ambassador or rep for a similar companies

Entries must be 18 years of age or older.

Not affiliated by Facebook or Instagram in any way.