Riggbee Origin Story

Recent events and guidance related to COVID-19 have isolation on everyone’s minds. The concept is not foreign to new parents who, after the birth of their babies, must decide when to allow visitors to welcome their new addition in person. But even before that, isolation can be felt by new parents, unintentionally. I had this experience on my first night as a new mom.

I was a week past my due date, watching the 2016 Summer Olympics, and finally, the time came. We went calmly to the hospital and everything up until the two hours of labor was uneventful. Then, I needed oxygen, so, through a mask and pain and willpower, my daughter arrived. My husband and the delivery doctor had to yell at me through “the zone” that she was here and I could stop pushing.

Later that evening, I sent my husband home to get rest. Like many women I know, I have that trait of wanting to shoulder burdens and power through challenges on my own. And I knew it would be helpful the next day to have a well-rested partner. But laying quietly in that hospital bed, feeling my body ache, and looking over at the swaddled, breathing bundle a few feet away, I will never forget that feeling of being alone.  

I had read books and taken classes. But when my daughter cried, I felt like I had no idea what she needed. It became clear she was hungry, yet she would not take to breastfeeding. I spent a couple of hours, trying different techniques I had learned in breastfeeding class. Trying different angles and latches. Holding her differently. Still, met with cries. One of my nurses eventually came in and offered a nipple shield. I had never seen or heard about one, despite my attempts at self-education. The moment I used this thin, clear, silicone cone, my baby took to it instantly, and we started our six-month journey of breastfeeding.

The Case That Started It All

When my baby was finishing that first feeding, the nurse came back with a container for my nipple shield, to keep it safe until the next time or until cleaning. It was a dentures case. A Pepto Bismol colored dentures case. I immediately felt demoralized. “Oh, you tried to learn about feeding your baby and couldn’t figure it out when it finally came down to it? I guess you should know about this nipple shield option.” And “Oh, you need a nipple shield? I guess you can keep it in this dentures case.” It was such an amazing feeling to be able to give my daughter what she needed, but it felt like no one was thinking about what the mom needed. Talk about isolation.

I should clarify, the nurses were very professional, and I do not fault them at all for how this all came about. I expect my healthcare workers to focus on keeping me and my baby safe and healthy, not on hospitality or style. I have the highest regard for nurses and doctors who can do that kind of work. They simply don’t have the time to impart all knowledge or nuance that breastfeeding brings. In retrospect, I wish I had invested in a lactation consultant. Still, even if the nurse or doula or lactation consultant could give me understanding, that leaves the parent’s identity and sense of style still to be served. What could be done about the pink dentures case? It became clear to me in the months that followed, that they simply didn’t have a better option.   

I searched for something that could help me carry my nipple shield without needing a diaper bag or plastic zip pouches or Tupperware container. When I was out and about with Valerie, what could I wear, to hold that small silicone cargo? After days of scouring the Internet and shops, I settled on a yellow plastic credit card holder on a lanyard. Not exactly soft for baby or me, but it wouldn’t leak, it looked decent, and it left my hands free. I could fold and jam the nipple shield inside. I could wash the holder. Still, I felt like I could do with something better.  

A few months later, Valerie was getting to be on the move by herself. I loved this stage. She would hang out for a while on a blanket on the floor, then decide to explore, crawling further and further each time. Sometimes she would have a pacifier clipped to her shirt. As soon as she started her excursions, I would take off the clip to prevent her from dragging it around. I started removing the pacifier and wearing the clip as a bracelet, so it was at hand when needed again. I realized that, in the right fabric, and not the tacky polyester print I was currently donning, this could be something I would actually wear, outside of parenthood, as a kind of cuff bracelet.

Days later I was designing the first ever pacifier clip bracelet. Then I looked over at my yellow credit card case and pink dentures case, and decided I could design something better for myself and for other moms. A necklace satchel, with waterproof fabric and access with one hand. They would look great. They would feel great. They would hold up great. Thus, a parenting accessories line was born. With the help of Carolina Textile District, I decided on the highest quality linen and high tech waterproof liner, and found the most amazing designer to work with to make my vision come to life. We’re finishing up our first prototypes now and once we have testing and production running, you’ll be able to get your own Riggbee products.

Above all, I hope these accessories will convey respect and care to the wearer. I know what it feels like to have everything focused on the baby, losing consideration for yourself. I know the feeling of not being equipped. I know the feeling of not being honored, or at least, not having better options to express a sense of style. I know the resentment and the guilt that follows. But we can do better. We can give a high quality option that celebrates the person within the parent. You can feel good about having those little things your baby needs, and not sacrifice your style. This is for me and you.  

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With some hospitals suspending all visitors due to COVID-19, some moms have had to give birth without their loved ones there. Here is a film that was put together to cheer moms on: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Ziv3YApEJ/

Check out this article from Self magazine, about the loneliness of having a baby during a pandemic: https://www.self.com/story/the-deep-loneliness-of-having-a-baby-in-a-pandemic

But don’t fret… here’s a firsthand account from a third-time mom in Tennessee, delivering during the pandemic, and the unexpected benefits of raising baby quietly at home: https://knoxvillemoms.com/delivering-during-a-pandemic/

Finally, this. This piece completely resonated with me. It is so in line with what I believe about moms and identity. Praise be to the writer and may her cupboards be ever stocked with wine and Goldfish: https://www.charlotteagenda.com/156920/i-love-being-a-mother-and-hate-being-a-mom/

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While our pacifier clip bracelets and necklace satchels are getting the finishing touches, Riggbee has U.S. handmade full grain leather journal covers available now. You’ll use these for life, and they will make your journal entries, list-making, or doodles feel completely honored and special. Visit the collection HERE.