The role of the co-parent during breastfeeding: an essential pillar
Breastfeeding is much more than just a nourishing act: it is a bond, a mission, a total immersion.
The role of the co-parent during childbirth: presence, support, and shared magic
The presence of a co-parent during childbirth has become a given for many. This intense moment, both physical and emotional, is no longer experienced alone.
What to do with a baby carrier blanket?
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a 3-in-1 carrying cover !Did you know? Even if you bought it to use with your baby carrier, it can be used in many other configurations… some of which are quite unexpected!Here are some ideas? 1 – On a baby carrier Classic, effective… The standard use of a carrying cover is still being able to use it while carrying your baby! We’re not teaching you anything.Universal, it can be used on all types of carriers, regardless of the brand or system! It has adjustable cords that allow you to fit it to your baby’s size so that cold air doesn’t rush inside. Details that matter: polar fleece flaps to slide your little one’s feet inside, and a lined pocket for the parent’s hands, to be able to stroke their back protected from the icy wind.Isn’t it nice to be warm and cozy with your little one cuddled against you, while temperatures drop outside? 2 – In a car seat Quick, keep the warmth chain going by placing your little one and their cover directly in the car seat. A designed opening allows you to pass the strap between their legs, attach it, fold the sides over them, and go! 3 – In a stroller In a 3-point stroller, you can use it like in the car seat, or when they’ve grown enough and their little legs are the size of the cover, you can simply lay it over the child and secure it to the frame with Velcro. They will stay warm and protected from the wind throughout the walk. 4 – A picnic blanket A little picnic or snack outdoors… but the ground is a bit too damp? The cover can help protect you! Its outer layer in water-resistant softshell is an excellent insulator, and even if it gets a bit dirty during use, it’s easy to wash in a 30°C machine.Escape is saved! 5 – A makeshift umbrella Oops, it starts to rain a little and you haven’t planned for an umbrella… Luckily, the cover is large enough to shelter two underneath and serve as a makeshift umbrella!Saved, you won’t arrive at work completely soaked! 6 – A makeshift coat for the toddler A somewhat hasty departure where everyone thought the other had taken miss deuzans's coat, and here you are arriving on the scene... without the famous coat, which stayed at home! It happens even to the best.The blanket as a DIY poncho and off you go for the family outing! 7 – A bag for collecting chestnuts What luck to find all these chestnuts during this little walk in the forest! Pity that you don't have a bag to gather them... Unless you use the blanket?Quick, pull the adjustment cords here and there, and that will do the trick...Yum, the tasty snack! 8 – A superhero costume You probably didn't know, but it's not just a simple carrying blanket... It's primarily a superhero cape allowing your toddler to take on their secret superhero role of masked super-justice warrior!But shhhht!!!! It's a super-secret!!!! Of course, this list is not exhaustive! And you, how did you use your carrying blanket?
Breastfeeding and working: interview with Camille, a seamstress at Néobulle
During this World Breastfeeding Week 2024, breastfeeding is in the spotlight at Néobulle! We invite you to exchange with Camille, our workshop seamstress but especially a mother of a little Hella, 8 months old.Everyday life, logistics, Camille shares everything about her organization and her experience around breastfeeding and returning to work! Hello Camille! How old is your baby? What is her name? Her name is Hella, she is 8 months old How old was she when you returned to work? I returned to work in September, she was 7 months old.Actually, when I was pregnant, I was working at another company, I requested a parental leave which was refused to me (Note: refusal of parental leave by the employer is illegal, an employee affected by this situation can take legal action at the labor court). Not wanting and lacking the energy to go to conflict, I chose to negotiate a mutual termination. I thus decided to take advantage of my pregnancy and spend time with my daughter during her early months of life. It was also an opportunity to reevaluate my personal and especially professional plans. I attended 3 workshops at Néobulle as a mother and learned about their needs for seamstresses... and that’s how I joined the company in September! How did you decide to continue breastfeeding when you returned? (Naturally? Someone told you? Other?) For me it was natural. I talked about it with a very good friend who had done it. I could not see myself stopping my breastfeeding. I did some research to see how to balance breastfeeding and work. Were you encouraged in this project? I discussed it during my very first interview with Néobulle. There were no problems on this subject and measures were put in place to allow me to express my milk.My close ones, however, supported me a bit less. They questioned how the employer or other colleagues might perceive it (it was not out of malice, but more due to misinformation). The remark "Oh, but you’re still breastfeeding at 7 months?" was made to me…Some also worried that it would lead to a lot of fatigue.My partner, on the other hand, was very supportive. How do you organize yourself concretely? I pump my milk with a breast pump that was rented on prescription from the doctor (via the Tire-lait express company). I bring her to the workplace, I express my milk for 20 minutes in the morning and a second time around noon for 10 minutes. I have the company fridge available to store my small jars of milk. During the commute, I put them in a cooler with an ice pack. At home, I freeze some, and the rest goes to the daycare. Is your baby on exclusive breastfeeding? Does she receive other types of milk? Is she diversified? Hella is still nursing at home, and if it’s me, she refuses to take a bottle. However, at daycare, or with other people (if I’m not around!), she accepts the bottle.Level of diversification: it’s a bit delicate. She definitely prefers fruits over vegetables, and she rarely accepts the spoon.She had a tongue-tie issue that complicates things a bit. How do you experience this project on a daily basis? I would do it again without hesitation! For me, it’s really great. My breastfeeding journey required courage because it was difficult to start, but now that we’re in the groove, it’s fantastic. It’s a special bond with my daughter. In summary, I feel really good about it. Things you would like to say to a mother who is hesitant? I wouldn’t be able to influence her to go towards this or that way of doing things. Breastfeeding is very personal. I would share my experience, but afterwards, I would tell her that it depends on her feelings and desires. A big thank you to Camille for sharing her experience!
Anti-lice hairstyles!
You know EVERYTHING about lice. You have already read our previous article about them. You smear your children with protective oil every morning, and you have what it takes to prevent any invasion. What is the next step? What more can you do? We offer you 5 hairstyle ideas to fight lice! Top lice-proof hairstyle idea: a ponytail Level of difficulty: Beginner hairdresser Execution time: Less than 3 minutes Accessible with a simple elastic band, even the most inexperienced can achieve a more than satisfactory result! Anti-lice hairstyle idea number 2: a braid Level of difficulty: Hair apprentice Execution time: 5 minutes A bit more technical than a ponytail, the braid remains accessible to beginners, as long as they can count up to 3! Anti-lice hairstyle idea number 3: pigtails Level of difficulty: Aspiring Hair Artist Execution time: 5 minutes Prerequisite: Knowing how to do a simple ponytail The main difficulty of this hairstyle is to center the parting (the part)... Or fully accept that you don't know where the middle is and deliberately decenter it (and go all out to clearly show that yes, it's done ON PURPOSE)! Anti-lice hairstyle idea number 4: braided buns Level of difficulty: Tangle Padawan Execution time: 10 minutes Prerequisite: - Knowing how to make pigtails - Knowing how to braid Skillful combination of pigtails and braids, braided buns clearly take you to the next level (hair-wise) in the playground comparisons. Much less technical to do than it looks, you too can show off at school pretending you spent a lot of time styling your kids! Anti-lice hairstyle idea number 5: African braids Level of difficulty: Grandmaster of the Frizz Wig Execution time: 30 minutes Prerequisite: - Knowing how to make pigtails - Knowing how to braid - Knowing how to do African braids We include it because it's a bit the Everest for beginner parent-hairdresser, just to be somewhat comprehensive, but let's be clear, we strongly advise against venturing there until you master at least basic hair skills! The big advantage of this hairstyle is that once well done, it can be worn for several days in a row without coming undone, which greatly saves time spent on styling. Plus, it's pretty! That's it, you're ready for the next wave! We're waiting for photos of your wildest experiments, anything goes as long as no hair strand falls in!
The 10 places where a baby carrier is essential!
Because it’s our profession and we are here for that, we tested many situations with our children and compiled a list (not exhaustive!) of the 10 main places where carrying your baby is essential! 1 – Out for a walk in the countryside The stroller bouncing along with the baby on the dirt path, where you end up holding them with one arm while continuing to push the vehicle with the other to avoid too much jostling, is a big no-no. Special mention for mud that gets into the wheels and then redecorates your trunk and apartment. Consider directly a baby carrier, it will be more comfortable for everyone! 2 – In the city The city streets can quickly become a nightmare for young parents: too narrow sidewalks, poorly parked cars, stairs to climb, obstacles are numerous... Having your baby with you guarantees to preserve your daily mobility freedom! 3 – At the market The market and its small bustling alleys are typically places where you appreciate being able to "sneak" through and access stalls without moving all the people in front to keep the stroller beside you. A good opportunity to dust off grandma's shopping cart, which is much more practical than a stroller for storing provisions! 4 – At school Do you have a child to take to school? Know that in many schools, strollers are simply forbidden. Planning a carrying method allows you to both secure the journey with the greatest (easier to manage with your hands free), and to accompany them directly to their classroom without leaving the stroller outside and carrying the car seat (not recommended for your parenthood!). 5 – In public transportation Forget about traveling on public transport during rush hour with a stroller: you simply won’t be able to access the bus already crowded! Access to the metro is also conditioned on the proper functioning of elevators (when there are any!). As for the train, getting on and storing the stroller while managing the baby and luggage is a risky exercise. Bonus: People are less tempted to fiddle with a baby on you than in a stroller where they shouldn’t enter your space and where the temptation to go cooing is strong. 6 – On vacation The beach or the snowy slopes are clearly not the most suitable places to move a wheeled device. With the baby snugly secured on you, you can easily move around in the sand or snow. 7 – Tourist sites Have you noticed how many very touristy places are also paved? Did you also know that many monuments do not allow visits with a stroller that cannot circulate there? Travel with peace of mind by planning to bring a baby carrier that will allow you to go everywhere without constraints (especially when you are not sure about the layout of the place)! 8 – At the bar or restaurant This place is typically one where you might imagine using a stroller to have a drink or eat quietly while the baby is placed nearby. The reality is often less idyllic: after faxing the stroller between two tables with difficulty, once stopped, the baby wakes up and ends up… on your lap. 9 – At the supermarket Pushing and filling your shopping cart calmly without needing to juggle with the car seat (which, as a reminder, is not supposed to be balanced on top due to increased fall risks) and the crying baby asking to be picked up. 10 – At home! The most obvious conclusion: using a baby carrier at home allows you to eat, extend a machine, go to the bathroom (yes, we pass milestones as parents!), or do a few chores without being stuck on the sofa. This is the perfect everyday asset. In short, the baby carrier is the hands-free kit for young parents, ideal for continuing to go about their activities, move around, or go on vacation (almost) without constraints. And you, where have you carried your babies?!
Essential oils, pregnancy, and baby: Tips, precautions, and benefits
Essential oils have been used for centuries for body and mind care. Very active, their use must be supervised to avoid any toxicity. When well-chosen and used under the right conditions, they provide us with all their benefits, naturally. Sensitive individuals should observe precautions for use with essential oils, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 6 years old. It is important to avoid self-medication with essential oils and to consult a knowledgeable specialist, or to use finished products formulated and dosed specifically for this audience. What is an essential oil? Essential oils are obtained from the water distillation of aromatic plants, a process unchanged for millennia. True fragrant concentrates, essential oils are very active and contain more than a hundred compounds. Aromatherapy is a traditional therapeutic method that uses essential oils, involving a deep knowledge of their properties, contraindications, methods of use, and how to combine them. What are the benefits of essential oils? The different active compounds of the plant concentrated in the essential oil work synergistically. They have many diverse properties: antimicrobial, antispasmodic, soothing, insect-repellent, etc. In addition, essential oils provide a mental well-being dimension through olfaction. Essential oils have numerous benefits for our body, health, and well-being: They allow to: Relieve pain: if only one had to be mentioned, it would be lavender essential oil (widely used in Neobulle products) for its healing, antiseptic, or antispasmodic virtues. It is essential for the skin (burns, etc.), or to reduce spasms, muscle pains, etc. Boost energy: citrus essential oils, for example, are suitable for restoring tonus or reducing stress Alleviate mental fatigue: with their direct action on the nervous system and their relaxing virtues, essential oils like marjoram or petitgrain help overcome temporary depression There are countless benefits!!! What precautions should be taken? As you may have read (check if you are following), essential oils are very active. They must be used with caution to avoid toxicity. Powerful, some can be irritating, cause photosensitization, be neurotoxic, or even abortive... Conversely, when rigorously selected and used under proper conditions, essential oils provide us with their wonderful and numerous benefits! Can essential oils be used during pregnancy and in babies? Only a small number of essential oils can be used. The dosage of essential oils is crucial; it must be precise for maximum effectiveness and complete safety. A rigorous selection process for essential oils is essential to guarantee their quality and safety: botanically defined plants, well-identified geographical origin, certified organic cultivation, physicochemical characteristics, and well-defined composition. In summary, "YES" essential oils can be used during pregnancy or to meet the needs of babies, but with precautions, favoring vegetable oil synergies — pre-formulated and ready-to-use essential oils, or consulting an aromatherapist. Neobulle products offer a range of adapted and well-identified aromatherapy products by age for easier use and to benefit from the superpowers of plants!
Which skincare products to choose during pregnancy?
Natural and organic products, essential during pregnancy Nature offers an infinite array of virtues for our skin and our body. But what is a natural product? It is a product obtained from renewable resources: plants, clays, beeswax, etc. Unlike synthetic ingredients derived from petroleum or coal, which can be toxic to humans and the environment, natural products are living products that restore our body's natural balance. As for the label organic, it guarantees the non-use of synthetic pesticides, which pose a particularly high toxic risk during pregnancy and for babies. The presence of labels is often a mark of quality. Claire Morlot's advice, Scientific Manager at Neobulle: “Favor products containing 100% ingredients of natural origin with the highest possible organic content, close to 100%!” Simplicity, a guarantee of safety The list of components largely reveals the quality of a cosmetic product. A long list increases the risk of intolerance or allergy. Leading the list of ingredients to avoid are preservatives such as parabens, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, and methylisothiazolinone or methylchloroisothiazolinone (MIT/MCIT). But there are countless others. Claire Morlot's advice “Choose your care products with as few ingredients as possible.” A range of natural products for pregnancy Can essential oils be used during pregnancy? This is a question worth asking. On one hand, some essential oils are not recommended, especially during the first trimester. While others are permitted. Here, everything depends on the professionalism and expertise of the brands.For this reason, it is essential to carefully read the recommendations before purchasing a care product. It usually indicates from which stage of pregnancy the product can be used. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, babies under 3 months, children under 3 years old… At Neobulle, everything is carefully dosed to be suitable for babies or the whole family, and you can easily identify who the product is for thanks to the icons present on the bottles to guide you. Claire Morlot's advice “Check that the information about the target audience is clearly visible, it guarantees the brand's credibility.” 5 tips for proper use of cosmetics To avoid any problems for your delicate skin and to better protect baby, some precautions are necessary. Here are Claire Morlot's recommendations for peace of mind: Follow the instructions and specific precautions for use Respect the expiration date or PAO. 6M, for example, means that the product can be used for a maximum of 6 months after opening. Close your cosmetic product tightly after use. Store your product in a cool place, away from light. If your skin is rather sensitive, perform a patch test on the inside of your elbow to check for any reaction. Neobulle products: high standards of quality And it's completely natural... Neobulle has been supporting expectant mothers and families for 15 years by offering natural care products. Neobulle care products are validated by independent toxicologists and are subject to a safety assessment specific to the target audience. We have an internal scientific division led by Claire Morlot, a cosmetologist, and we also base our work on: recommendations from the European Council on the use of plants in cosmetics professional recommendations from the IFRA recommendations from the ANSM All of which are evaluated and validated by toxicologists and a doctor.
D-Day: Clever tips for a peaceful childbirth
The big day is approaching, little by little. Here are some tips to keep in mind for the big day, the day of the great meeting with baby. For some moms, labor progresses quickly, for others it takes longer, but in any case, trust in yourself and baby is key. In a (Neo)bubble Create a calm and warm atmosphere where you will feel safe. Soft lighting, intimate ambiance, and gentle music are a good starting point to help steer your thoughts positively and thus reduce stress. By imagining your little wonder soon in your arms and thinking of the joy awaiting you rather than focusing on the pains... It’s not always possible, but whenever it is, take advantage of it. Relax and move your body Moving and walking between contractions will help mobilize your pelvis and speed up the process. Don’t hesitate to move as you feel. Sitting, standing, squatting, hanging, on all fours, or leaning forward... only you will know what is best for baby and you, with the help of the midwife. Whatever your position, the dad, sister, mom, or the person accompanying you can apply pressure on your sacrum, that small bone at the base of the spine. They can also massage your shoulders or neck to help you relax. The benefits of massages To allow your body to gradually let baby descend, the pelvis needs to change. Massages will provide essential flexibility to relax muscles and make space for the little baby who will soon be in your arms. The pleasant sensation of massages helps to focus less on the pain. These moments of calm between contractions will bring you moments of peace to refocus. Under the effect of massages, your body produces endorphins, which are responsible for the production of oxytocin, this hormone that causes contractions and helps guide baby out. Breathing and relaxing your face The muscles of the mouth and those of the perineum are closely linked. The more you clench your teeth, the more you tense up during contractions. Keep in mind to relax your jaws as much as possible to facilitate the work. Baby will move towards the exit more easily, little by little. Breathe deeply and fully. This will help refocus your thoughts on baby and the love you already feel for him. The relaxing oil for NeoBubble’s delivery Severine Martial, a nurse and founder of Neobulle, designed this oil through her contact with mothers who do not want an epidural. The idea came to her after the birth of her first of four babies. She wanted to give birth without an epidural, but since it was very long, she thought of creating a natural remedy to shorten the labor. And the oil was born... a few months after her baby! How to use it? This precious elixir, 100% organic, applied as a massage on the lower back or abdomen, allows you to stay in your bubble, better manage and reduce pain, while increasing the effectiveness of contractions. And if you cannot tolerate being touched, which can happen, it is designed to be inhaled. In this case, place the oil inside your wrists and breathe deeply. After birth Like most Neobulle products, the relaxation oil was designed as a multi-purpose care for your well-being and to accompany you in your life as a mother. You can keep this bottle with multiple benefits to use after birth. Its components with comforting virtues help better manage the arrival of the baby, especially when hormones drop and tears may flow easily.
