It can sometimes be hard to put into words exactly what these last two years have meant to me. During the start of 2022, I was a mom with an infant son, working a few days a week and formula feeding. I never could have imagined the scenario to come. When I first realized how critical the infant formula shortage would become, it was not until I myself could not find formula. My son was 9 months old the first time we could not find his formula on the Shelf. the recall itself had actually already been going on for nearly 2 months. and it was only to get worse…
I like to say that I fell into Baby Food and Fun. Because I did. I did not set out to develop a business, and in fact at the time I was not even working in infant nutrition. But when I saw how major this crisis actually was… I knew I had to do something. I initially started making videos and stories on my personal Instagram, mostly to debunk the myths and scary suggestions floating around on social media. This fairly quickly turned into developing a space dedicated to talking about this topic. AKA Baby Food and Fun. When I made the Instagram account for baby food and fun I did it on a complete whim. I was standing in my kitchen, about to walk out the door to head to the school carpool pickup line, when I decided now was the time. I logged into Instagram, randomly came up with baby food and fun in my head at that moment, checked if it was available and it was, and the rest was history.
Around the same time, I was featured on a local news story discussing the formula shortage and not long after that I was connected with a donation of infant formula. specifically Nutramigen and other specialty formulas that were very difficult to find at the time. I was blessed to connect 15 families with infant formula that month. that has been one of my favorite memories and moments in this journey. the month of May and June of 2022 almost seem like a blur to me. I learned so many things that had been hidden under rugs, and I knew so much more was about to come from this scenario. it turns out I was probably right, as it is now may of 2024 and we are still dealing with repercussions from this crisis.
The last two years have been really remarkable though. I have learned SO MUCH and connected with amazing professionals, mom's and parents, friends… it's beyond words really. I feel incredibly blessed to be in “the right place, at the right time”… or maybe “the wrong place, at the wrong time”… however you see it. But this journey has definitely been one that just makes sense and I feel very excited and hopeful about that. As I move into my second year as Baby Food & Fun, I am extremely excited to announce that starting June 2024, I will be focusing on Baby Food & Fun exclusively! This will allow me to have more time and focus to help YOU!
*Might as well be literally me cuz this is how I'm feeling lol
Who Am I and Why Am I Here?
In case you aren't as familiar with who I am and why I am Baby Food and Fun, here is my quick overview!
I’ve been a Dietitian (RD, LD) for almost 10 years now! 🥳🍎 (June marks 10 years!!)
I have just over 2 years of previous NICU experience.
During my time in NICU, I also completed my Infant Feeding Technician Certificate. This means I’ve had specific training when it comes to infant formula, formula safety, formula preparation, etc. 🍼❤️🍼
Currently, I work PRN (as needed) in an adult inpatient hospital system 🚑
I often cover for my coworkers days off or vacation days, which means I get to cover a variety of areas in the medical world. I especially love covering critical care/ICU. I used to work 3 days/week, but I have cut down to weekends and once/month. This is the position I'll be leaving so I can focus entirely on Baby Food and Fun and this amazing community!--- My last day is May 30th!!
I have a 2 year old son (34 months)👶🏻
& a 7 year old daughter who is finishing up second grade this month!👧🏼📚
I have breastfed, bottlefed, formulafed, combo fed 🍼
Bought pureed foods
Made pureed foods
Practiced baby led weaning.
Served those purees via spoon.
Calculated tube feedings for infants.
& IV nutrition for adults.
Basically, I’ve fed in every single way, nearly.👌🏼
Every single way has it’s own challenges & advantages.
I hope to support YOU in whatever feeding is best for you and your baby ❤️🍼👶🏻
And I am so excited for where this journey leads us all!
Giveaways!!
Stay Tuned! On 5/7-5/15 - catch my IG for a chance to win a Giveaway full of goodies!!
As a huge thank you for 2 extraordinary years, I'm running 2 GIVEAWAYS!! Check them out below! Register to Win according to instructions for each below!!!
Giveaway #1
Let’s check what’s included!⤵️
• @a2milkusa @a2nutritionusa Cow Keychain! 🐄
• @nubyusa bib
• ‘Aesops Stories for Little Children’ (@usborne_books) + ‘Animal touch & feel’ books + ‘Be Good To Yourself’ book
• “Brew Got This!” Magnet☕️🫖
•”Egg-celent Day” + flower sticker
• 1 Custom Tie-Dye Baby Robe (size 12 months; tie dyed by my daughter🫶🏼) + washcloth + strawberry sponge
• 2 “Make Cronobacter Sakazakii reportable” shirts from @billmarler @food_safety_news & personally tie dyed by myself & friends😜😍🤩🥳
• Bottle Cleaning Brush
• Pen & Stress Ball (boob😜) from @free.to.feed 💚
•Pens from @mynutritionandme + @nutrition.counseling.academy
•Flower photos + string lights
•Coffee cup
• @myserenitykids snacks
•crochet ‘Winnie the Pooh’ hat and booties
•& more!!🤩
Want something even MORE?!
Let’s include a digital course from @free.to.feed OR @babyfoodandfun - for FREE 😍🎉🙌🏼🥳😍 (Your choice based on your needs!)
Enter To WIN: Click on the Instagram Post below and follow instructions!
How To Enter:
• Like This Post
• Tag 2 friends who would love to get these goodies! ❤️
• Follow @babyfoodandfun
Want some Extra Entries to give you an edge in winning?! Each of these actions will give you an extra 2!😜🫶🏼❤️
• Share to your story! (Make sure to tag @babyfoodandfun or it won’t count!)
• Tag extra friends who would love these goodies!❤️
Entry Deadline:
Wednesday, May 15 at 11:59pm EST
Valid for U.S. residents only
Tap Up There!!!
Giveaway #2
&& As an extra special Giveaway!
Seen first HERE!
2 moms / parents will receive:
4 cans of a Domestic, Standard Infant Formula (Bobbie / Baby's Only)
Formula Feeding Storage Magnet
PDF resources for formula and bottle feeding
5% Discount on Masterclass courses
Availability of Referral Services and additional discounts
PDF Starting Solids Shopping Checklist (3 part document!)
Fun goodies!
Wanna Win?! Fill Out This Quick Form Below!!
& make sure you are following Baby Food and Fun on Instagram!! @babyfoodandfun
****Please note: this giveaway is being conducted solely by Baby Food and Fun and is not specifically affiliated with Bobbie or Baby's Only Formula. Baby Food and Fun, L.L.C. was provided cans of both Bobbie and Baby's Only Infant Formula from their respective companies to use as desired (samples, showcase, share, etc.!). As I am first posting this now (5/9/2024 at noon EST), both entities are completely unaware of this giveaway as it is solely hosted by Baby Food and Fun, L.L.C I am incredibly grateful to be able to share!.****
❤❤
Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3
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Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)
Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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