{the mommy cover by joia} review and giveaway!

{{edit: and the winner via random.org is #21 - melanie! you will receive an email from me shortly! thanks to all for participating!}}

being a new mommy has many challenges. one of them is figuring out the art of breastfeeding in public. enter the mommy cover by joia.

joia products was founded in 2007 by mommy of 2, charlie. she sought to combine the two sides of being a momma - "The Mommy - who simply wants something that works well, is easy to use, and is equally easy to maintain; and The Fashionista - who still craves some sense of individuality, confidence, and style."

i was introduced to the mommy cover by my sister who received the cover as a gift when she was pregnant. i loved its chic look. the satin strap up top, the bold pattern print and its reversibility. it looked too good to be true! when i became pregnant, i received a mommy cover of my own and i was so excited to have the baby so i could use it!

MY REVIEW ::

now that baby sophia is 2.5 months old, i've had many chances to use the mommy cover. the mommy cover is beautifully made. there are many wonderful fabric combinations to choose from! i love all the attempts at making this cover functional and easy to use - their innovative reel feature which keeps the cover closed helping to avoid any accidental flashing and the semi-rigid band across the top so i can see baby while she's nursing. their website is extremely helpful, with FAQ's, their story, and even a how-to on using the reel. a gallery shows the mommy cover in use.

i had some challenges with the reel as it pulls the fabric tight across the back and therefore affects the ability to see baby while nursing. i've found it easier to use the cover without closing the reel. additionally, the semi-rigid band at times will break its hold so i have to readjust to maintain eye contact with baby. i like how the cover is wide horizontally. this helps keep me covered when baby is struggling or flailing her arms during a challenging nursing session. i'm still getting the hang of using a cover in public so i think as time passes, it will all go more smoothly. my suggestion would be to have a more rigid band up top as that aids in keeping the cover off baby and would allow for easier use.

this company's customer service is unmatched. when the reel on my mommy cover broke, charlie kindly sent me a new cover. i greatly appreciated the individual attention and care!

THE GIVEAWAY ::
charlie at joia products is generously offering a gift certificate to be used towards one of her lovely mommy covers. thanks charlie! :)

TO ENTER :: {one entry for each. leave a separate comment per entry. make sure to leave your email address so i can reach you if you're the winner!}
1. head over to their website and comment on which mommy cover you want.
2. head over to my etsy shop and tell me what you'd like to see more of.
3. 'like' their FB page.
4. 'like' my FB page.
5. become a follower of my blog.
6. blog about this giveaway on your blog! leave the link in your comment.

the lucky winner will be chosen via random.org on 7/23/10 at 12.00pm.
ready? set? GO!

initiation

i am now a true momma.

life with sophia

sophia is almost 2 and a half months old now! can you believe it? thankfully, we've started to find some sort of rhythm. in the coming weeks and months, sophia should get on a more organized schedule which will be very helpful to me in terms of going outdoors more.

baby is super mellow and that has been such a blessing for me as a new mommy. she's learned the art of breastfeeding rather well, though each week she challenges mommy in one way or another related with the feedings. i've been learning the importance of letting things go, going with the flow of each challenge, and adapting. this is only the beginning and likely, the easiest part! :)

these days baby is cooing, intentionally smiling, grabbing, pulling, holding her head and neck stronger, pushing off her legs, and doing lots of finger sucking. :) baby is also starting to chuckle! she makes the cutest noises at the most random moments. what a true joy and blessing from God. we're so thankful.