A Look at Mom-Founded Company Bamboobies: One Mother's Solution to Leaks and Lines

 

An Interview with Kerry Gilmartin, Bamboobies Creator and Founder

Kerry Gilmartin shares a few Bamboobies products at the 2011 ILCA Conference

 

 What makes Bamboobies unique from other products on the market?

Bamboobies are the best breast pads in terms of design and cost. Bamboobies come in two different sizes: Regulars and Overnights. The Bamboobies Regulars are heart-shaped which contours to the breast. The Bamboobies Overnights have are larger for complete coverage. Products on the market are either made with wrinkly and crinkly bleached paper or cotton which doesn't stop all leaks and feels cold when wet, Bamboobies are made with super-soft and super absorbent eco-fabrics . In comparison to disposables, bamboobies are washable and reusable. Bamboobies is a one time purchase which includes one pair of overnight pads, three pairs of regular pads and laundry bag.

Why do nursing mothers love Bamboobies?

Nursing mothers love Bamboobies because they are simply the softest nursing pads on the market. The heart-shaped cup without wrinkling with creates fewer lines and makes the pad less visible. The Bamboobies are super-soft certified organic, the bamboo and cotton velour help sooth chafed nipples. The ultra absorbent hemp core disperses and locks in milk and the milk-proof outer layer prevents leakage.

How did you come up with the idea for your product?

Bamboobies were born out of necessity - 'the mother of invention!'

After breastfeeding for a few months, I was still leaking sometimes... I even leaked through the thick washable cotton pads. I was tired of looking like I had round targets on my chest where the pads showed through my shirt. Disposables also showed wrinkles and just created too much trash. And disposables get very expensive!

So one day I decided, just because it was handy, to stuff a washable diaper wipe into my bra - it felt great, but it looked funny and was far from perfect. It was made of organic bamboo velour so it was deliciously soft and wicked and absorbed like a great pad should. I'd never felt anything so soft!

A year into product development and prototyping with different fabrics and designs, we have settled on a couple of unique breast pad designs that mothers love.

Choosing a Lactation Consultant 

Lactation consultants are specialists in the art and science of breastfeeding.  If you're having trouble breastfeeding, or if you just want to avoid trouble down the road, hiring a lactation consultant can be very helpful.  But how do you know if a particular lactation consultant has the experience and skills to help you?  You can start by asking your physician or midwife for a referral.  Friends and neighbors are great referral sources as well.  Make sure the lactation consultant is actually a lactation consultant!   She should have the letters, IBCLC after her name.  Finally, when choosing a lactation consultant, ask about her experience and approach. Listen carefully when you talk to her about your particular concern.  Be wary of "guarantees" and words like "never" or "always."

Many of my clients come to me after a bad experience with another lactation consultant.   I have compiled a list of statements that clients have heard over and over again.  These are red flags!  If a lactation consultant (or anyone else for that matter) says any of the following, run the other direction!

• Your baby will never breastfeed.
• Your baby is too old to learn to breastfeed.
• You've missed your "window of opportunity" to breastfeed.
• You can exclusively breastfeed, no matter what.
• Your breasts/nipples are too__________ to breastfeed.
• If you eat ________ it will make your baby sick.
• Your milk may not be good enough for your baby.
• Your baby is allergic to your milk.
• You're not successful breastfeeding because you're not trying hard enough.
• Your baby doesn't like/want your breast.
• If you take this herb/medication I promise you'll make more milk.
• If you've had any breast surgery, you will not make enough milk for your baby.
• It's normal to have nipple pain.
• Your nipples need to toughen up.
• Babies always have to eat on both sides each feeding.
• Babies should always have just one breast per feeding.
• Your baby should stay on the breast for _____ minutes.
• Your baby is a lazy nurser.
• Finger feeding is better than bottle feeding.
• Your baby won't want to breastfeed if you give her a bottle.

There are many highly skilled, compassionate lactation consultants who provide their clients with excellent care.  Be discerning and you will find the right person to help you along your breastfeeding journey!