We are trying to change the way breastfeeding is viewed around
the world. We would like it to be seen as normal, and for this
reason our website products are things for you to carry on your
normal way of life, while being a mum and breastfeeding too.
We are breastfeeding advocates, but also remember that the main
thing is that mum & baby are happy, and you do what suits you
best. So our website tries to provide a balance.
Our Press
Page and Facebook page have also been a great way of
getting good support for mothers, and raising awareness about
breast and bottle feeding.
Here are some comments from our supporters and customers.
~~~~~
I would have to say I love that you now have a range of items
suitable for all mums - I also think the 'sleepwear for
formula feeding mums' is a great way to include those of us who
aren't or are no longer breastfeeding. In a country that does (not
always intentionally) put you on the outside for not breastfeeding
it is refreshing and very appreciated.
Wow thanks for having info on bottlefeeding on your
website-who would have thought!! The only reason I came on here was
through a forum on a website that said you had good info on bottle
feeding. It was a difficult descision for me to bottle feed my
daughter, but its good to know there are useful tips on here and
non judgemental.
I am just writing to thank you so much for establishing your
business, website and Facebook page. I feel like you have been along
for the journey with me. I battled in the beginning and had
mastitis 4 times with my first baby. I first purchased one of your
bras in November 2006 ( first baby was born in October 2006),
following a recommendation from a friend and have since purchased
all my bras from Breastmates. I have read the advice on
your page in times of need and it has helped put things into
perspective for me and changed the way in which I did/do
things. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will
continue to watch with intrigue the comments on Facebook. I will
also continue to support your business anyway I can and will
continue to forward your information onto friends and family.
Hey Franny, I remember when you started Breastmates,
then you got in Hot Milk, holy moly! Sexy maternity
underwear arrived in NZ! You gave me unbiased breastfeeding
support and didnt make me feel guilty that I couldnt feed #1 I
was so determined to feed #2 and your unbiased support helped me
feel relaxed im my decision, you know my story with breastfeeding
#2 through mental illness, separation and a new pregnancy. What you
may not know is that I fed baby till she was 2.4 years, she self
weaned, at 5 mths pregnant my milk dried up, but our bond is so
strong. I love coming to chat to you every year at the Parent and
Child show and for you to know who I am when I only see you then
makes me feel so welcome. Franny you have always been more than
just another online store to me. You have always been unbiased
support from one mother to another. Baby #3 is 8 months old now,
and im proud to say still breastfed. I spend a lot of time reading
through the stories on your website. I love them, they are stories
of love, courage and passion for our children. Stories of going
against all odds and stories of hope. What im trying to say Fran is
that none of this would be here if it wasnt for you starting a
teeny business a few years ago about something you're passionate
about. I thank you for breastmates and I thank you for you.
Cx
I have just spent a nice half an hour looking at your site and I
think it is great! I loved the ethos of your site - I bottle fed
one and breast fed the other (for 9 months as she point blank
refused a bottle!) and I am a big supporter of doing what works for
you without judgement.
I just wanted to let you know how useful the information
on your website about the personal fit breast
shields was for me. After being unsuccesful at breastfeeding
but not comfortable with putting my baby on formula I have been
expressing milk for each of his feeds for the last 3 months.
Unfortunately I continually ended up with significant trauma to one
nipple, to the point where I could no longer use the expressor on
this breast. I consequently resorted to hand expressing, which is
not very efficient (although I did get quite good at this!). After
reading the info on your website I realised I needed a different
size breast shield for this breast, and since this arrived I have
been happily expressing 1200-1300 mls/day pain free.
It's very refreshing having such a mother friendly site that has
someone behind the scenes that cares as much as the website says.
:)
What's GREAT about this site is their advice for bottle
feeding. Mums too plus sleeping advice, feeding - its just so
helpful - every time I go on there I get some more
help.
I wanted to mention what an awesome job you are doing with your
site and marketing. You create interesting discussion starters (on
the Facebook page) and your website is a true credit to you. Love
how you can click on the articles you have featured in to read them
fully. Shows you are very proud of your site/business too and that
reflects as a good honest salesperson. Loved the Facebook Treasure
Hunt you ran yesterday even if it did use up all my afternoon as I
tried to work it out amongst caring for my bubby.
You are doing an awesome job of providing a well
rounded, broad selection of products and resources as well as
unbiased advice so that women can make informed decisions. (All
within the constraints of the WHO code and ensuring that you are PC
and non-offensive!) May you have the strength to stay true to
yourself and take comfort in the knowledge that you're providing a
valuable service to ALL mothers and babies.
I've really enjoyed shopping on your website, and appreciate the
balanced range of advice you have posted as well.
You rock with what you are doing for Mums. If only
it was around when I was bf!
I think that your website is fabulous. All credit to you for the
wonderful resource that you have put together and also for being so
completely approachable about the subject of feeding.
Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for your
site, I have just come across it for the first time. My kids are
now 5 and nearly 3, but I still have plenty of friends having their
'firsts' and see the stress and guilt they go through, and it
reminds me of my first time round. Well done to you for your
website. I can see from a quick browse that it is more focused on
breastfeeding, and that's as it should be. But I love the practical
information that is on there about bottle feeding, and the fact that it is
non-judgmental.
"Frances you have accomplished so much with your business which
is now becoming a fantastic resource for women everywhere. What a
great role model you are"
"Frances really knows her stuff and has relaunched her
site to include info pages. The site is lovely and her range of
products is great. She is really really kind and helpful and very
supportive - if you need non-judgemental advice, give her an email
or call and see what she says."
Breastmates - you guys Rock ...obviously!!! You have created an
environment where we can find information and products that are
sensible, cost effective, and just plain fabulous!!! We love you
guys!
Hey Frannie. You're the best, and I love your site and
your service and what you do and how you do it. That's why I shop
with you. Will look forward to my parcel (I love
parcels! My husband thinks this is most amusing!)
Kudos to those gr8 breastfeeders, breast is best whenever
possible & thanks to peeps like u with such wonderful sites to
inspire & supply us!
I love your maternity store, your service and your
practical and lovely range, so thank you for bringing breast
feeding to the masses!
Thank you so much. You have made everything so much easier and
gave me awesome advice unlike the another shop I won't mention.
I've told lots of people about your fabulous website and
the wonderful customer service you give. It's a cool being able to
recommend a website to people who you know will genuinely get an
excellent experience from using.
PS Your site is a great idea! Kiwi women need all the
encouragement they can get to breastfeed. Being able to get
lingerie that doesn't make you feel like a nana helps!
Hi Frances. I love your site and commend you on getting
it up 'n running. I will certainly recommend it far 'n wide. rgds,
Debi
Feeding is such a dominant aspect of the time spent between
mother and baby and it is so important both mother and baby are as
content and happy as possible, I agree with you that it so hard to
find good information and I think your site fills an important need
especially with the new factual information and real life
experiences that you have included. Well done Fran, I think
the work that you do is fantastic! (and I love getting your
updates!)
As a mum of a 24 weeker who could not breast feed i
appreciate your stance on Breast or Bottle. I get really sick of
the breastfeeding Nazis they can actually make people feel very
inadequate . So yay you. Behind you 100%.
I love the new web site Franny!!! Congratulations! its heaps
easyer to find things!! now i think i just need to have another
baby so i can get back to buying 4me :) :) but in the mean time im
enjoying your advice pages it all looks realy good,
above and beyond just an online store.