Mom Spotlight: Elizabeth DuBois
Elizabeth DuBois of Brittingham Stitching Co. shares the highs and lows of breastfeeding her two little boys as well as her favorite nursing tips & tricks!
Be sure to follow her on Instagram to stay up-to-date on her family and all of her amazing embroidery creations!
Photo by Emily Jane Creative
What is one of your favorite things about being a mom?
I’d have to say it’s being able to see the world through their little eyes! I have 2 boys who are 20 months apart, Hayes (4) and Ford (2). They have the funniest personalities and genuinely make me laugh every day. They play hard (and wrestle hard) but they also love hard. I love being able to nurture them and support them in all their interests, which are ever-changing!
What inspired you to create Brittingham Stitching Co.?
Ever since we had our first baby in 2018, I fell in love with all of the adorable baby clothes out there. Dressing a baby is so special, especially considering that they are only little for such a little while! As my hand embroidery skills advanced over the years, I understood I had the opportunity and ability to add a personal touch, even in a tiny way, to my children’s clothes. I began hand embroidering items for my own children as well as gifts for friends. Over time, and since earning the trust of fellow moms to design and hand embroider on their clothes, Brittingham Stitching Co. was born!
What started as a hobby has turned into a very fulfilling service for many other mothers and grandmothers. My goal is to provide meaningful and timeless work on every item I embroider for families to create special memories in.
Can you briefly share your breastfeeding experience(s) so far?
I breastfed Hayes for 15 months. I was working full-time up to the day I gave birth and went back to working full-time 8 weeks later. I pumped twice a day at work and usually got to drive home to breastfeed him directly on my lunch breaks.
I breastfed Ford for just over 13 months. Pretty similar experiences between both boys except for at around 6 months old, Ford started biting. I got mastitis for the first time and it was terrible. That’s probably the worst I’ve ever felt! I thought I had it all figured out since I’d done it before, and I was dealing with a whole new experience with round 2!
Photo by Emily Jane Creative
What or who has impacted the success of your breastfeeding experience the most?
First and mainly, my husband. He would feed me and give me water while I had to use both my hands to get Hayes situated on the breast in those first few days until I got the hang of it. Once I went back to work, he would have my pump parts cleaned AND packed up for me to take to work. I don’t think I could have done it without him. For me, pumping was so much harder due to all the preparation and cleaning required!
Second, the lactation consultant in the hospital. My first born, Hayes, was sick when he was born which resulted in a 9-day NICU stay for us. Even though that was so hard , the silver lining was that our hospital issued us our own room and we got to stay there with him the entire time. This meant I had unlimited access to the lactation consultant that entire time! I called her in whenever I had questions and probably bothered her so much, but she was beyond helpful, and she’s a major factor in my successful breastfeeding journey. She made herself available to me after we left and answered my hundreds of questions for months to come which was beyond kind and helpful.
Third, nursing pads and a few good nursing bras. The kindred bravely bra with the pumping holes already in them saved me so much time at work when I had to go pump!
If you could give one piece of advice to an expecting mom, what would it be?
I always tell expecting moms (and brand-new moms especially) that you WILL adjust to your new life. I promise. Also, due to my own experience, I always tell expecting moms who want to breastfeed to please take advantage of the lactation consultants and to not be afraid to ask for help!
What is your favorite thing to do for yourself when you're kid free?
This would have to be a tie between two totally different things! I love to sit on the couch and watch good movies and shows, usually while I am embroidering, OR I love to go for a run alone! I am completely recharged when I’m able to have that time to myself.
Photo by Haint Blue Collective
Elizabeth’s relatable nursing tips and tid-bits!
I haven’t breastfed in over a year but my boobs still leak. If I hear the sound of a whirring pump, I swear I can feel a let down happening.
With my first born, Hayes, I had to use a nipple shield for the first 4 months or so. I slowly weaned him off and thankfully we both adjusted! I carried that shield around in its little case everywhere I went! I didn’t need a shield my second time around with Ford, but I brought it to the hospital just in case.
I still wear my nursing bras most of the time. I can’t wear normal ones anymore after breastfeeding for so long!
3 of the months that I breastfed Hayes, I was pregnant with Ford (one of which I was unaware).
I’m so sentimental, I still have bags of frozen breast milk in my freezer. Thankfully, you’ve shared the ways I can still use if I need them!
While a blessing, I had an oversupply of milk. I had to put a towel down anytime I fed my boys in those first few weeks because milk would go everywhere. I don’t like to complain about that one because I really am thankful I had the milk.
The boppy pillow also was extremely helpful to me with my first born Hayes since I have larger breasts. It freed up a hand for me to be able to hold the breast for him. I recommend to all big breasted ladies out there.
Brittingham Stitching Co. Stitch Kits
Completed Stitch Kit
How did the Stitch Kits begin?
Over the last year, I've seen a big interest in hand embroidery and I've received many requests for lessons. Since I am in a busy season of motherhood to two young toddlers, the idea for the Brittingham Stitch Kit came to me while watching a movie with my sons! The Stitch Kit is designed to be a cherished keepsake upon completion for anyone who wants to take a shot at hand embroidery. Customers have the option to completely personalize what they'd like to stitch, whether it be their child's name or their wedding crest. I will draw out a stencil, hoop it up, and provide the tools needed to complete the project! They are designed to either stay in the provided hoop or can be moved to a frame to be displayed. I've completed many myself and have them displayed in my own sons' rooms. My goal is to spread the joy and fun of hand embroidering to as many moms as I can!
The plan is to release restocks a few times a month! More are coming this month, and they'll be available at www.brittinghamstitchingco.com/stitchkits. In the meantime, I'm still embroidering custom commissions for other mama's like I've always done since I started this business!
We are so thankful for Elizabeth and her willingness to share a piece of her life with us and all of you! If you would like to see more of her work and life as a mom to two boys you can follow along with her here.
