Since so many of our partners are behind the scenes, we thought it would be fun to introduce them to you with these interviews. 

Patricia Berg-Drazin, RLC, IBCLC, CST-D is a Lactation Consultant and the President of Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions in the Chicagoland, Illinois area. She was one of the first Lactation Consultants to join our wholesale program, and she has been incredibly nurturing and supportive to us over the years. 

For over 28 years, Patricia has been empowering and caring for nursing mothers. Her website is a wealth of resources and information for women needing support for nursing their babies.

BN: Give a brief description of what your business is, what you do, and whom you serve

PBD: I assistant families in reaching their breastfeeding goals. My role is to provide families with research based information with which to make informed decisions for themselves and their little ones. I also provide support and encouragement as they work towards their goals.

BN: What led you to this career?

PBD: I became an international board certified lactation consultant because I saw too many women not being given information or being allowed to make decisions for themselves. (read more of her story here)

BN: Do you have a particular memory or client whose story has been a lasting encouragement for what you do?

PBD: I helped a woman preparing to adopt to initiate lactation. She was away on vacation and called me to tell me that she was producing milk – this was before the era of the cell phone so I was really honored. The adoption fell through and I was heart broken. When she came to return the pump to me she shared how seeing her body produce milk helped her in healing for her inability to bear children. 

BN: Are you involved in any charities or community outreach groups you’d like to mention?

PBD: I am both on the board and an admin for Breastfeed Chicago - Breastfeed Chicago is a mom-powered, non-profit organization established to support mothers in breastfeeding. We work to build a cohesive and sustainable support network for breastfeeding moms through the connection of resources, cultural normalization, and institutional advocacy. On our Facebook page mothers can share stories, ask for support/ advise/ assistance and information. We are almost 28,000 strong in about 5 years.

BN: What is the best advice you think a new mom should hear about breastfeeding?

PBD: Pain is not normal. Reach out and ask for assistance/ trust your instincts / if you are not getting the help you want/need, go elsewhere until you get the assistance that you need.

BN: How do you hope your clients feel by being served by you?

PBD: I hope they feel supported. I hope they know that I am always available to talk or listen.

Thank you, Patricia, for all you do for moms and their babies, and for being such a good friend to us too.

I am in love with the Nesting Pillow from Blessed Nest. I received it in the second trimester of my pregnancy with Ailia, and it has been used nightly - and now daily - ever since. It's not only a phenomenal nursing pillow, it also provides wonderful support during pregnancy. I decided to share some of our favorite ways to use the Nesting Pillow and Nest Egg (the smaller pillow available from Blessed Nest). Be sure to visit Code Name: Mama, and share your own favorite Nesting Pillow or Nest Egg positions in the comments.

17. Nursing Support (Cradle Hold)

Of course! Use this pillow the same way you'd use any nursing pillow, but this one is even better since you can reposition the pillow thanks to the insides full of buckwheat hulls. Read more at Blessed Nest's website.

16. Knee Relief and Back Support

Tuck the Nesting Pillow behind your back and put the Nest Egg in between your knees for support during pregnancy.

15. Squatting Support

Practice your squats with the Nesting Pillow underneath your tush for support. Why squat? "Squatting stretches the calves of your legs so that getting into a good pushing position will be easier. . . . In contrast to lying on her back, a woman in a squatting position allows gravity to help move the baby through the birth canal." There are many more reasons to practice squatting every day - pregnant or not - read about them at Birthing Naturally, and find out how at Aligned and Well.

14. Nap Time for Baby

We wedge the Nesting Pillow behind Ailia's back during her naps. Like Kieran, Ailia does not like to sleep on her back, she prefers to sleep on her side. This gives her support and lets us tilt her somewhat backwards while lying on her side.

13. Big Pillow

If you're stuck in bed with lots of pillows behind your head, use this one!

12. Massage Support

Prenatal massage is so relaxing, but you'll need plenty of support on either side of your growing belly. Check out Prenatal Massage Techniques for tips, and use the Nesting Pillow for support.

11. Knee Relief

Put the pillow squarely between your knees for back and leg relief.

10. Newborn Nursing

The Nesting Pillow is great to use with newborns, see instructions at the Blessed Nest Perch.

9. Yoga Help

There are several yoga positions you might appreciate some soft support for - this is a picture of me using the Nesting Pillow to help me in Child's Pose.

8. Child Pillow- Nest Egg

The Nest Egg makes a perfect pillow for your little one!

7. Front Support and Knee Relief

If you'd rather have support on your belly side, you can either use the Nesting Pillow between your knees and curve it up in front of your belly, or use the Nest Egg for your knees and the Nesting Pillow for your stomach.

6. Naptime for Baby + Beanbag Prop

Reminder: Never leave a baby unattended with anything loose such as blankets or pillows until they are over the age of two.

When I was a baby, my mama had a frog beanbag that she would slowly set on my back in place of her hand as I drifted off to sleep. With Ailia, if we can manage to lay her on her side, we attempt to slip the Nest Egg against her belly so that she doesn't realize that we're not lying right next to her. Obviously we are careful not to put it near her face, and we're vigilant while she is sleeping that she does not pull it up.

5. Hugs for a Sleeping Child

Give some back support to the big brother or sister by hugging them with the Nesting Pillow during naptime or nighttime.

4. Nursing (Football Hold)

The Nesting Pillow makes nursing in the football hold incredibly easy!

3. Arm Support for Older Sibling

Big brothers and sisters always want to hold baby, but they may need a little help. Use the Nesting Pillow as a way to prop up little arms so that baby heads are held up properly.

2. Co-Sleeping

Ailia, like Kieran, sleeps cuddled up on my chest. In order to keep her up there, I have to prop my arm on a pillow - the Nesting Pillow is ideal!

co-sleeping support

1. Awesome Baby Photo Prop

And my favorite way to use the Nesting Pillow? Well, it's my favorite way for posterity's sake anyway - use the pillow for super sweet baby pictures. Check out Miss Ailia when she was only a week old!

How do you use your Nesting Pillow? _________________________Dionna is a lawyer turned work at home mama of her amazing son, Kieran, and a beautiful new daughter, Ailia. You can normally find Dionna over at Code Name: Mama where she shares information, resources, and her thoughts on natural parenting and life with a little one.