Daphne Oz Partners With Bravado Designs And Medela Inc. To Benefit Baby Buggy® And New Mothers In Need

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Daphne Oz, co-host of ABC's The Chew, and mother of six-month old daughter Philomena has teamed up with nursing apparel leader Bravado Designs and best-selling breastpump manufacturer Medela to donate $128,500 worth of Bravado nursing bras and Medela breastpumps to benefit mothers in need. Oz's philanthropic donation supports the critical work of Baby Buggy, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families in need across the country with essential equipment, products, clothing, and educational services for children aged newborn-14. Founded in 2001 by Jessica Seinfeld, Baby Buggy works with a network of more than 100 community-based organizations to distribute new and gently used essentials: from cribs to strollers to clothing and bottles, all of which are vetted for safety.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this donation, because I have recent knowledge of how important it is to have a great support system when you are a new mother," says Oz. "In addition to that, having the items I needed to foster the breastfeeding process and give me an opportunity to bond with my baby in this way was something that I felt was so important in my life and my experience as a first-time mom.  I love that I am able to play a role in giving that joy and support to the moms we will be helping."

Now in its fourth year, the partnership between Bravado Designs and Baby Buggy has resulted in $1,044,247 in product donations to date. This marks the first year that Medela Inc. joins this successful alliance with their generous contribution of breastpumps to provide additional aid to the at-risk mothers that Baby Buggy serves.  By teaming up with both Bravado and Medela, Oz's donation speaks to the essential role of a strong support system for new mothers by providing the tools needed to make breastfeeding possible—at home, at work, and on the go. Baby Buggy's programs supply specific curricula designed for mothers and fathers, as well as a clear focus on community and peer involvement as a means of empowering women, children, and families. 

"Bravado is extremely proud of the ongoing partnership that we share with Baby Buggy and the incredible, lasting impact they continue to make in the lives of hundreds of thousands of families across the U.S.," says Tom Wolff, President of Bravado Designs.  "We are very excited to work with Daphne Oz and are truly appreciative of her participation and donation to support this important initiative."

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Bravado Designs and to expand our partnership to include Medela as well," said Katherine Snider, Baby Buggy's Executive Director. "We have seen a surge in requests for breastpumps and nursing bras and tanks in recent years. We are so grateful to our partners and Daphne Oz for helping us get these critical items to moms in need."

ABOUT BRAVADO DESIGNS AND MEDELA INC:
Bravado Designs, a Medela company, is a leader in intimate apparel design and innovation with a focus on exceptionally comfortable nursing bras for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Established in 1992, Bravado Designs is committed to helping all new mothers achieve breastfeeding success through a wide range of products, community initiatives, and philanthropic partnerships that support women. Parent company, Medela, founded in Zug, Switzerland in 1961, passionately shares this same dedication to ensuring that expectant and new mothers receive the quality tools they need for a successful breastfeeding experience by providing superior-quality breastpumps and accessories that enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk. To learn more about this donation and products offered by Bravado Designs and Medela, please visit www.bravadodesigns.com and www.medela.com  or follow on Twitter @BravadoDesigns and @Medela_US.

ABOUT BABY BUGGY:          
Baby Buggy®, founded by Jessica Seinfeld in 2001, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families in need with essential equipment, products, clothing, and services for children up to age 14. With an extensive network of community-based organizations across the country, Baby Buggy has donated more than 7.5 million items to thousands of children. Baby Buggy is a Better Business Bureau accredited charity and has been rated a 4-Star charity by Charity Navigator.  In 2013, 91 cents of every dollar donated to Baby Buggy went to programs.  For more information, visit www.babybuggy.org.

ABOUT DAPHNE OZ:
Daphne Oz is a natural foods chef, New York Times best-selling author, and co-host of ABC's hit lifestyle series The Chew. Oz is The Chew's fresh face of clean living and resident practical tipster, sharing helpful information and unique personal insights to make healthy living fun, easy and — above all — delicious! Follow on Twitter @DaphneOz and @ABCTheChew.

Press Contact: Samantha McIntyre, Forty Weeks, [email protected], 240-482-3715

SOURCE Bravado Designs