back buddy® media kit 2015

2015

© Copyright 2015 Mom’s Essentials, LLC | Use only as intended. | U.S. Patent Number 8,261,386

Meet Mom’s Essentials, LLC

Mom’s Essentials was founded in 2011 by Laura Kardos, a mother of three,

a certified natural childbirth educator, and breastfeeding advocate. Her

experience after the birth of her twins, and again after the birth of her third

child, prompted her to create the Back Buddy® - a simple solution to a very

common problem. With the help of her husband, a Chiropractor, she created an

innovative solution to one of the most common discomforts associated with

pregnancy and postpartum.

Laura earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Magna Cum Laude)

from Western Michigan University in 2001. She practiced in the Insurance and

Financial Services industry for several years as a partner with a well-known

retirement planning firm in Michigan, before deciding to stay home with her

children. She is now a full-time stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur, and uses

her business experience and the support of the people around her to run her

steadily growing company from her office in Michigan, while also overseeing

production in Indianapolis, IN and Los Angeles, CA.

The “Joys” of Pregnancy

Pregnancy has many joys, as well as discomforts, during the intricate

process of growing a baby. Back pain is one of the most common

complaints during pregnancy, and can be attributed to a number of

factors including: weight gain, change in posture, increased stress on

the joints, compromised abdominal muscles (muscle separation), and

hormones that relax the joints and ligaments throughout the body

(including the back). Unfortunately, these problems don’t go away

overnight. Back pain can extend well into postpartum, and can inter-

fere with breastfeeding as well.

MOM'S ESSENTIALS, LLC

Back Buddy®

Maternity and Feeding Support Pillow

Laura Kardos with her husband and their three daughters

Back pain is one of the most common discomforts during pregnancy

and postpartum, and can be attributed to a number of factors,

including:

• Weight gain

• Expanding uterus

• Change in posture

• Increased stress on joints

• Compromised abdominal

muscles

• Hormones that relax the

joints and ligaments through-

out the body

• More women having babies

in their 30s and 40s

• Stress and fatigue

Mom’s Essentials, LLC Grosse Ile, Michigan

(734) 231-1600 back-buddy.com

“It is estimated that between 50%

and 80% of women experience

some form of back pain during

pregnancy.” (http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/pregnancy-

and-back-pain/types-back-pain-pregnancy)


Most Moms Want to Breastfeed

Research has shown that 85% of moms intend to breastfeed exclusively for 3 months

or longer, but only 32% achieve their goal. (Pediatrics, 2012) Breastfeeding requires

a tremendous amount of support – both physical and emotional. The World Health

Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies

breastfeed exclusively for a minimum of 6 months, and continue breastfeeding for 1

year, but the benefits of breastfeeding continue well beyond the first few months of life.

The Rising Cesarean Rate

The rate of c-sections in the United States has risen from 4.5% when it was first

measured in 1965, to 32.7% in 2013 (according to the CDC). Approximately 1 out of

3 women in the United States now give birth by cesarean section. What does this mean

for postpartum and breastfeeding? A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery and

has the potential for more adverse side effects, as well as longer recovery time. This

often makes sitting more difficult for new mothers and causes the abdominal muscles

to take longer to heal. Compromised abdominal integrity and lack of strength in the

core often causes back muscles to over-compensate, causing tension and pain in the

lower back.

Countless Hours Feeding Baby

How many hours do new mothers really spend feeding a baby? On average, new babies

nurse every 2-3 hours (8 to 12 feedings per day) and feedings can last between

30-40 minutes (15-20 minutes per side). That means that it is possible for new moms

to be nursing up to 8 hours per day! Even parents who bottle-feed must spend a

generous amount of time holding and feeding a baby. The extra weight of holding a

baby can put added strain on the back, which can be especially painful when recovering

from pregnancy and childbirth.

The World Health Organization and

the American Academy of Pediatrics

recommend that babies breastfeed

for 12 months, exclusively for a

minimum of 6 months.

Other Reasons for Back Pain

Of course pregnancy, cesarean surgery, and added weight from holding a baby can

put a tremendous amount of strain on the back. Bed rest is also becoming more

common during pregnancy, more women are having multiples, and an increasing

number of women are having babies later in life. Stress and fatigue also play a role

in the development of back pain both during and after pregnancy.

It isn’t just new moms who are suffering with back pain, however – people of all

ages experience back pain, and good support is important during any stage of life.

Many people find that they experience back pain while working on a computer,

reading, watching television, sewing, etc. and these activities require the proper

amount of support as well. Finding the right support is important not only during

pregnancy and nursing, but will continue to be important for many years to come.


Back Buddy® Support Pillow

The Back Buddy is a maternity and feeding support pillow designed by a Chiropractor

and a nursing mother. This award-winning support pillow provides lumbar (lower back)

support, lateral (side) support, upper-back support, and arm support, to allow a comfort-

able position for holding or feeding a baby (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding). It allevi-

ates common back pain during and after pregnancy, and encourages proper position,

which is essential for successful breastfeeding.

The Back Buddy Support Pillow:

• Promotes proper alignment of the spine

• Provides support for lower back, mid-back, upper-back, and arms

• Alleviates common back pain during and after pregnancy

• Provides comfort and support for holding or feeding a baby

• Encourages proper position for breastfeeding

• May be used in a chair, couch, bed, hospital bed, or nursery rocking chair

The Back Buddy was specifically designed by a Chiropractor and a nursing mother,

as an innovative solution to a very common problem. The Back Buddy eliminates the

need to stack bulky pillows behind the back and under the arms in order to achieve a

comfortable position. It was especially created to meet the specific needs of new

mothers, and provides support and comfort during this important time. The Back Buddy

is a necessity for every new parent, and can be used during pregnancy, postpartum, and

even beyond.

Back Buddy Support Pillows are made in the USA from high quality structural foam,

which is certified to be made WITHOUT harmful PBDE flame retardants, phthalates,

CFC’s, ozone depleters, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, and is

tested for performance, durability, and emissions. The 100% cotton base cover is not

removable, and removable slipcovers are sold separately.

The Back Buddy®

The Back Buddy® promotes

proper alignment of the spine,

provides comfort and support,

and alleviates common back pain

during and after pregnancy.

Back Buddy® Removable Slipcovers

Back Buddy Removable Slipcovers come in a variety of plush fabrics and beautiful

designs to match any décor. Pockets on the sides keep necessities within reach., and

the handle on top allows for easy, one-handed portability. The dual-zipper enclosure

allows covers to be easily removed for washing. Back Buddy Removable Slipcovers

may be machine-washed and dried for easy care and maintenance.

Handle on top for easy handling and portability

Pockets on sides keep necessities within reach


• Machine washable

• Pockets on sides to keep necessities

within reach

• Handle on top for easy handling and

portability

• Dual-zipper enclosure for easy changing

• Variety of plush fabrics and beautiful

designs to match any decor

Designed by a Chiropractor and a Nursing Mother

The Back Buddy® was designed especially for new parents by a Chiropractor and a

nursing mother. Years of experience, as well as a tremendous amount of thought and

determination, went into creating a product that provided just the right amount of

support for pregnant and nursing moms. Back Buddy is a patented

back support pillow (U.S. Patent Number 8,261,386) whose spe-

cialized back support cannot be found in any other product.

Mom’s Choice, Top Choice of the Year, and Family Choice Award

Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly

media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes educators, media and other experts as well as par-

ents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, and scientists.

The Baby Maternity Awards Program is unique in that all products are reviewed by moms and moms-to-be. Each year a

2-day event is held in Nevada where over a hundred moms and educators are asked to review products in different cate-

gories. Award winners are chosen based on the scores and comments they receive from these moms. Only one Top

Choice of the Year Award is given per category, and Back Buddy has received the honor of being named winner of the

Top Choice of the Year Award in its category for both 2013 and 2014.

The Family Choice Award, now in it’s 19th year, is one of the most coveted, family friendly consumer awards program

in the nation and recognizes the finest products and services that enrich the lifestyles of children and families. We are

honored to be chosen as a winner of each of these awards.

Commitment to Quality

As parents ourselves, we are committed to providing the highest

quality products for our customers. Back Buddy Support Pillows

are made from high-quality structural foam, which is certified to

be made WITHOUT harmful PBDE’S, phthalates, CFC’s, formal-

dehyde, mercury, lead, or other heavy metals. Our foam is made in

the USA using environmentally innovative manufacturing proc-

esses and is tested for performance, durability, and emissions.

The Back Buddy® is a patented back

support pillow whose specialized back

support cannot be found in any other

product.

Comments From Our Customers

“I just want you to know how much I LOVE my back buddy! I have chronic back pain and have suffered for

about 4 years now. I knew being pregnant would be a challenge and possibly make it worse. Well the Back Buddy

has provided relief and I am feeling better now than I did even before my pregnancy!

Thank you so much for the wonderful invention!”

~ Rachel ~

“I got the Back Buddy today... I love it! It's EXACTLY what I need, even before baby arrives I need the support this

pregnant! Thank you SO much. ”

~ Marisa Coughlan, Actress ~ More on the next page


“We (aka Baby and I) love the Back Buddy and use it all the time!!! ”

~ Stephanie Lemelin, Actress ~

“So I’m in the middle of nursing [my son] for the night, and my back is killing me! Hmmm, why is my back

hurting so much all of a sudden? Oh wait, I’m not using my pillow! Holy cow does this pillow work!!

I’m very impressed and just wanted to let you know!”

~ Lia ~

“I just have to rave about my Back Buddy. [My son] refuses to sleep at night unless I am holding him.

That being said, I use my Back Buddy every night, all night long. I went without it a few times and woke up

terribly sore. Thank you Back Buddy for making my long nights comfortable!”

~ Robin ~

“It is beautiful, comfortable, and very supportive. Wish I had one when I was nursing!”

~ Laura D. ~

“I love love love your pillow!!!! Not only is it the best support I have had but it’s beautiful as well!”

~ Debra ~

“My friends at work got me this and it’s the best thing I have for my back. I’m not a nursing mom. I’m over 50 and

my back hurts if I sit on the couch for too long. I love reading, and with this Back Buddy I can read for hours. I would

recommend this to anyone who has back problems. Thanks to everyone who helped in the process of making this.”

~ Denise ~

“I love my pillow. I put away the numerous pillows used trying to obtain comfort. I was instantly relaxed and

did not feel any pain in my lower back. This comfortable pillow is much more than a welcome relief,

it is peace of mind and body.”

~ Debbie ~

“Not too hard, not too soft and contoured just right. The cover was surprisingly easy to put on. I’ve gotten so used to

wrestling with various nursing pillows to get their respective covers on. But this slipped on well, thanks to the shape

of the pillow vs the opening in the cover, the dual zippers and the smooth pillow texture.

Thanks for a great product and terrific customer service.”

~ Rebecca ~

“After using this Back Buddy for a few weeks, I must say I have never been more comfortable sitting

on my couch or bed! I can’t believe how well it works! It has the firmness you need, and is shaped perfectly

in all the right places to relieve back pain while you are sitting. This is definitely a great product for expecting mothers

that get uncomfortable while sitting. Don’t just think it’s for expecting moms though. My husband used it

whenever I wasn’t sitting and loves it! I give the Back Buddy two thumbs up! :)”

P.O. Box 724 | Grosse Ile, Michigan 48138

(734) 231-1600 | toll-free (888) 543-4582

[email protected]

back-buddy.com | facebook.com/backbuddy | twitter.com/back_buddy


Back Buddy® in the News

Back Buddy® is a favorite among celebrities! When

interviewed by Celebrity Baby Scoop, celebrities were able

to share their favorite baby products from the the exclusive

Pre-Golden Globes Celebrity Boom Boom Room. The

Back Buddy was mentioned as a favorite by both actress Kelly Stables (Two and a Half Men) and singer Nikka Costa.

http://www.celebritybabyscoop.com/2013/01/23/celebrities-share-must-have-items-from-boom-boom-room

Back Buddy® Support Pillow was listed on Buzzfeed as one of the 35 Genius Parent-

ing Inventions. Back Buddy was named among some of the greatest parenting inven-

tions such as Velcro, tear-free baby shampoos, forehead thermometers, portable breast

pumps, and Amazon Mom. http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/35-genius-

parenting-inventions-c9mr

Back Buddy® has been featured on the

Welcome Home TV Show, which airs on the

Time Warner Life Network. Welcome Home

attended the ABC Kids Expo in search of new

and innovative products in the Baby and Chil-

dren’s Industry. You can view the segment

online at http://youtu.be/c4VaLLYX3jY which

was filmed at the 2013 ABC Kids Expo.

Other celebrities that have used the

Back Buddy include Erin and Ian

Ziering (of 90210), Samantha Harris

(of Dancing With the Stars, Entertain-

ment Tonight), Lisa Ling (Our Amer-

ica), Marisa Coughlan (Bones, Bos-

ton Legal), Jamie Anne Allman (The

Notebook), Stephanie Lemelin

(AOL’s Playdate), Nicole Sullivan

(Cougar Town, King of Queens), Cree

Summer (voiceover actress and star of

A Different World), Kelley and Scott

Wolf (Party of Five, NCIS) and

model/actress Ali Landry.


Back Buddy® in the News (Continued)

Back Buddy was chosen as one of the Best & Hottest Products From Pregnancy

To Preschool™ by Metroplex Baby & Kids/MetroMoms. The products for this

signature event include the latest technology, toys and gear that are unique and/

or make parents' lives easier.

Back Buddy was featured in Pregnancy Magazine’s Buyers’Guide for 2014.

The magazine was distributed online and in stores, including Barnes & Noble

Booksellers.

Back Buddy has been featured in several other

publications as well, including Pregnancy &

Newborn, Baby & Children’s Product News,

Baby & Kids Magazine, Baby Maternity Re-

tailer, and Maternity & Newborn Magazine.

Coverage includes being chosen as one of the

“New & Noteworthy” products in the Spring/

Summer 2014 and 2015 Buying Guides for

Maternity & Newborn, one of the Hot Products

at the ABC Kids Expo, in the Nursing Shawls

& Pillows section and the Stars’ Favorite Baby

Products in Baby & Kids Magazine.

Back Buddy has received excellent reviews including this one from Baby Elan {Daily}:

“When my daughter was 11 months old I ended up in physical therapy for my back. All during my pregnancy, I had back issues and when I was

breastfeeding I had even more. Luckily with baby boy I didn’t have as much pain and towards the end of my pregnancy when it started to get worse,

I had the amazing Back Buddy to help offer support! I took the Back Buddy with me to a lactation appointment and the consultant couldn’t stop

raving over the pillow! … It was incredibly comfortable while I was pregnant and helped support my back while I was working at my desk. I’m

never sitting on my couch without my Back Buddy and it goes with me everywhere.”

http://babyelandaily.com/2012/12/11/back-buddy-review/

Back Buddy was featured on Good Morning

Arizona for Mother’s Day 2014. Back Buddy

was presented as one of the best gifts to give

mom, alongside other products that moms

love. You can watch the entire segment at

http://youtu.be/Rr13J73OF60

Mom’s Essentials, LLC | Grosse Ile, Michigan | 48138 (734) 231-1600 | toll-free (888) 543-4582 | [email protected]


back buddy® media kit 2015

Documents

llc moms essentials

fatigue moms essentials

meet moms essentials

joys of pregnancy pregnancy

common discomforts

number of factors

patent number

breastfeeding advocate