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HeartString Baby’s Companion evolved from a simple concept: Babies like to tug and chew on anything they can touch. In a world full of hazards (keys, metal jewelry, glasses, watches etc.), HeartString is touchable, tuggable product for your baby and a wearable accessory for you. It can be used as a breastfeeding and parenting aid that includes Dad, siblings and grandparents! Children and teens can have their versions that is more suitable for their special needs.
I have 3 children and I breastfed each for over 18mo each. My 1st daughter was a perfect, engaged, breastfed baby.
The story was different with my 2nd. She was born at 30wks and had health issues. I was determined to breastfeed. Then, she drank small amounts every hour all day, for over 18 months. I had her ON ME all the time. It was hard. She has overcome this and other issues and is a healthy 6 year old now.In many way she is the inspiration for Baby and Kid's Companion.
With my 3rd, wanted something to amuse her or distract her, mostly while in Public. I didn't want her to be covered under a nursing cover all the time either. Something safer than random jewellery or car keys, or more appropriate than a pacifier, a falling toy or what I found as generic “beaded nursing necklaces” and those that are so pliable that they can obstruct airways.
For a background, I am a jeweller by trade and I attended The University of Ottawa for 5 years in Health Sciences, Human Kinetics. My growing 2nd daughter had inspired me to find an innovative solution to some of her special needs and my new baby had unique needs herself.
Along the way I thought up the HeartString Companion, but... I needed it to be many things, including safe, effective and socially responsible. The hunt was on. With the support of my husband, my babysitting mom (a retired elementary school teacher) and a few key interested individuals, my business partner, Danica, and I developed a two-part pendant and a custom breakaway clasp. This process took a while. We called it the HeartString Companion.
Since our products are developed for infant use, we use strict quality control and have extensively researched our materials. They are sourced in North America, reducing our carbon footprint and are recyclable, biodegradable or from recycled sources. We have followed ASTM standards and have passed the new CPSIA 3rd party testing for small parts. We have our 3rd Party Certificate. Moreover, when you buy a HeartString Baby's Companion (HeartString BC) you can also be assured that your packaging is from post-consumer waste and is recyclable. It uses NO glue and has a fully compliant barcode with our complete company details and product data.
We’ve overcome many issues. We’ve held our commitment to sourcing in North America and to support fair wages. Timing constraints and financing problems have hit us a few times and we have rewritten our business plan a lot. If nothing else, we have learned a lot. From injection molding, to lab testing, to exporting and distribution channels... logistics, FDA and marketing. Our business skills are becoming toned and our knowledge of the maternity/paternity and infant market is increasing daily. With the many legal and marketing loopholes we encounter, we see how important it is, that companies like ours press on with their values. That is a whole other story...
Personally, I believe that the relationship between parent and child is priceless and the bonding and health benefits of breastfeeding are unduplicated. HeartString B.C. is not meant to replace any parenting engagement. HeartString BC is an aid, a way to enhance this relationship AND to help share it with Dad and siblings. I look forward to the challenges ahead and to new ideas.
So there is my story. From a need to get help while breastfeeding a needy baby in 2003 through all these years with no financial return, tons of research and a serious commitment to sourcing non-toxic, socially responsible materials in North America.
Thank you,
Pierrette A. d’Entremont
Management
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Pierrette d’Entremont: President, project leader, manager, mother of three and partner. Pierrette attended The University of Ottawa in the Health Sciences, Human Kinetics program. Pierrette is also a jewellery designer and Accredited Jewelry Professional. For the past eight years she has run her own company, Bijoux Pierrette d’Entremont. |
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Danica Surrette: Vice-President, mother of two and wife. Danica attended NSCC and is a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). Combining 8 years of nursing practice with excellent research skills, Danica was a perfect fit for the Pida project. |
Pida and the HeartString Baby's Companion was recognized recently by being awarded 2nd place in an I-3 Technology start-up competition (Idea - Innovation - Implementation).
