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A year after the publication of the original bilingual book, Platypus Media released a stroller-bag sized edition for all of you families on the go! Babies—whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms—are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. Stunning images and gentle verse will capture the curiosity of even the youngest readers as they see how animal mothers tend to their cubs, pups, calves, and chicks. Beautiful images introduce the reader to attachment in the natural world. Watching mothers lend a paw, wing, flipper, or hand to care for their young fosters empathy, kindness, and compassion. Supplemental back matter and a free Teacher's Guide helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively describe caretaking, while introducing a range of early science concepts. Cuddled and Carried / Consentido y cargado Size: 6 x 8 | Page count: 32 | Age range: 0-4 Paperback: $8.95 | eBook: $7.99 ​ Paperback ISBN: 978-1-93-077565-7 | eBook ISBN: 978-1-93-077566-4 ​ View the Press Release . ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ Also available in a larger format in both paperback and hardback. "makes cuddling during story time that much sweeter" Shop Now what the experts say... “Cuddled and Carried is one of those books children will ask to be read over and over. The illustrations make you want to cuddle and carry the book itself. The amazing lifelike illustrations show nurturing relationships of a variety of animals and their babies [who] share the meaning of love. Simple sentences promote a child self-reading from the artwork, even if they don’t know the words. Cuddled and Carried is a fun and educational resource. Highly recommended!” ​ —Reader's Favorite ☆☆☆☆☆ review “What a gentle book! It nurtures a child’s empathy for others and opens their eyes to the world of nature. Very sweet and educational.” ​ —Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block “A beautifully and realistically illustrated book that briefly introduces how animals care for their young. Young children will enjoy seeing care-taking by familiar animals and learning about new ones. A good choice for first graders to meet NGSS performance expectation 1-LS1-2 to read to ‘determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.’ The book places humans squarely in the Animalia kingdom, rather than setting us apart from all others, inviting comparisons between species.” ​ —Peggy Ashbrook, early childhood science educator and author of Science Learning in the Early Years “Captivating images, beautiful but simple poetry and a great information resource for teachers make Cuddled and Carried a must-have in any home and school classroom library. My 5 and 6 year olds were captivated by the message and beautiful images. I strongly recommend this book!” ​ —José Avilés, Head of School, Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School, Wilmington, Delaware. Read all the Reveiws About the Author Dia L. Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science and parenting writer who has authored or edited over a dozen books for both children and adults. While her topics include science and math books for middle grade students, her passion is promoting attachment parenting and supporting breastfeeding. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Dutch, and Hebrew. A popular speaker, she lectures frequently at conferences, universities, libraries, and schools around the country. The mother of three grown children, she lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with four cats and a dog. She can be reached at Dia@PlatypusMedia.com . and Illustrator Mike Speiser ’s artwork has been featured on the covers of Wild Animal Baby magazine and on fundraising products for science organizations. His paintings have been displayed at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. He is involved with efforts to protect the natural world for future generations. He lives next to the Black Hills of South Dakota. He can be reached at Mike@PlatypusMedia.com .

This bilingual favorite is coming soon in Bengali! Babies—whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms—are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. Stunning images and gentle verse, translated by Shahnoor Islam, will capture the curiosity of even the youngest readers as they see how animal mothers tend to their cubs, pups, calves, and chicks. Beautiful images introduce the reader to attachment in the natural world. Watching mothers lend a paw, wing, flipper, or hand to care for their young fosters empathy, kindness, and compassion. Supplemental back matter and a free Teacher's Guide helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively describe care-taking, while introducing a range of early science concepts. Cuddled and Carried / আদরে ও আলিঙ্গনে Coming July 2021 Size: 6 x 8 | Page count: 32 | Age range: 0-4 Paperback: $8.95 | eBook: $7.99 ​ Paperback ISBN: 978-1-951995-01-0 | eBook ISBN: 978-1-951995-06-5 ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ English and Bilingual (Spanish) versions also available in both paperback and hardback. Preorder and Press Release Coming Soon! what the experts say... “A simple and direct reflection of the role of a mother in raising a child. Whether human or animal, a mother always wants her child to grow up with the utmost care, attention, and safety. There will be a remnant of a mother’s affection and deep feelings for the child forever.” —Monirul Islam, Art Educator, New York City Department of Education About the Author Author Dia L. Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science and parenting writer who is committed to promoting attachment parenting. She has authored or edited over a dozen books for both children and adults. She can be reached at Dia@PlatypusMedia.com . and Illustrator Ilustrator Mike Speiser ’s artwork has been featured on the covers of Wild Animal Baby magazine and in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. He is involved with efforts to protect the natural world for future generations. He can be reached at Mike@PlatypusMedia.com . and Translator Translator Shahnoor Islam is a Bangladeshi-American who has worked for Queens Public Library since 2005. She is the Supervising Librarian/Cataloger at Metadata Services, TSD. Shahnoor lives in Queens, NY with her husband and two children, Ariana and Arshan. This is her first book translation. She can be reached at ShahnoorSIslam@gmail.com . Shop the entire Beginnings collection! NEW RELEASE Quick View How Cats Say I Love You / Cómo los gatos dicen te quiero Regular Price $14.95 Sale Price $13.95 Quick View How Cats Say I Love You Price $16.95 Quick View Nurtured and Nuzzled / Criados y acariciados Stroller-bag Set Price $16.95 Quick View Babies Nurse / Asi se alimentan los bebes: Stroller-bag Edition Price $8.95 Quick View Bilingual Look What I See! Where Can I Be? With My Animal Friends Price $8.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried / আদরে ও আলিঙ্গনে Price $8.95 Quick View Así crezco Price $12.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried / ?umngaming galopaya ?ida gahamuyo-kida Price $8.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried / Karese'm Epi Pote'm Price $8.95 Quick View This Is How I Grow Price $12.95 Quick View Si mi mamá fuera un ornitorrinco: Los bebés mamíferos y sus madres Price $12.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried Price $9.95

We are always seeking interns to help us out in the office and provide opportunities for young people to expand their knowledge of the publishing industry. ​ Our interns assist in all aspects of a small publishing house including manuscript evaluation, editorial, marketing, sales, inventory management, and administration. ​ Duties may include, but are not limited to: Reading and critiquing manuscript and art submissions Editing manuscripts in production and creating marketing materials Supporting the launch of new titles Assisting with arranging author appearances and events Supporting trade show endeavors Maintaining various media resources, customer records, and other lists Researching new media and sales outlets Customer follow up and sales Packing orders Helping support the work of the office ​ We mentor 2-4 interns in all aspects of the publishing business each semester and during the summer. Interns are expected to work 12-20 hrs/wk during the semester and 20-30 hrs/wk during the summer. Our internships are unpaid, but we do reimburse local travel expenses up to $7.00/day. ​ We are located in Washington, DC, near the U.S. Capitol (at the Union Station Metro stop). ​ For summer internships, please apply by April 1. For fall internships, please apply by August 1. For spring internships, please apply by November 1. ​ To apply, send a resume, writing sample, 2 references and availability to: Ali Trujillo Ali.Trujillo@PlatypusMedia.com 202-546-1674

About Platypus Media Founded in 2000 by owner and publisher Dia L. Michels, an award-winning author of books in women’s health and early childhood education. Our authors are respected experts in their fields, regularly quoted in international media and print publications, and are sought-after speakers at conferences worldwide. Platypus Media currently offers a selection of award-winning books, booklets, CDs, DVDs, videos, and other products, many of which have garnered widespread praise. Our products have reached a global audience, with translations in Spanish, Italian, Slovenian, Dutch, Turkish, and Hebrew. ​ Recognition and Honors: Featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Recognized by major book competitions Reviewed by School Library Journal and Booklist ​ Endorsements from Prominent Organizations: American Association of Birth Centers La Leche League International National Science Teachers Association ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dr. William Sears American Pediatrician and Author Platypus Media's Mission: Educate grown-ups and children about the world around them. Our books foster warmth, closeness, literacy, curiosity, and an openness to other cultures. We bring products to the market that parents love, children enjoy, teachers appreciate, and parenting professionals value - and do so in a way that is commercially viable. Commitment to Breastfeeding: We donate six percent (6%) of our profits to breastfeeding organizations and adhere to the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Reader Satisfaction: We are proud of our products. If unsatisfied, return the merchandise for a refund, credit, or exchange. Your enjoyment is our priority. Platypus Media’s books not only promote literacy, they promote families! Meet the Team Dia L. Michels Owner / Publisher Ali Trujillo Operations and Finance Manager Hannah Thelen Editorial and Production Director Meet the Full Team Want more children's books? Check out our STEM education imprint. Go Sparking Curiosity Through Reading

Coming January 2020 In the world of pediatric care, sleep safety guidelines are controversial and often misguided. Health professionals broadly discourage all forms of cosleeping, which, along with the potentially devastating consequences, makes deciding how and where your baby should sleep both confusing and frightening. Parents who cherish the closeness, security, and warmth of cosleeping are finding themselves conflicted, concerned, and exhausted. Cosleeping, a term which encompasses sleeping in the same room or on the same bed as your infant, is a common parental instinct driven by physiology and seen throughout human history. Despite mainstream opposition, thousands of parents continue the practice, whether intentionally, accidentally, or out of necessity. Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions Preorder Now So, why do current medical guidelines insist that cosleeping is unsafe? What is the difference between SIDS and SUID, and are they related to cosleeping? What should parents do to make a safe sleep space for their infant? If a family chooses to cosleep, how should they respond to reproach from friends, family, or medical professionals? In Safe Infant Sleep , the world’s authority on cosleeping breaks down the complicated political and social aspects of sleep safety, exposes common misconceptions, and compares current recommendations to hard science. With the latest information on the abundant scientific benefits of cosleeping, Dr. James J. Mckenna informs readers about the dangers of following over-simplified recommendations against the age-old practice, and encourages parents to trust their knowledge and instincts about what is and is not safe for their baby. This book offers a range of options and safety tips for your family’s ideal cosleeping arrangement. These include variations of roomsharing and bedsharing, and introduce the concept of “breastsleeping.” This term, coined by Dr. McKenna himself, is based on the inherent biological connection between breastfeeding and infant sleep, and provides readers with everything they need to know about safely sharing a bed with their baby. Complete with resource listings for both parents and professionals, this book teaches you how to confidently choose a safe sleeping arrangement as unique as your family. By James J. McKenna, Ph.D. | Forewords by William Sears, M.D. and Meredith Small, Ph.D. Paperback: 978-1-930775-76-3 | 288 pages | 5.5” x 8.5” | $14.95 eBook: 978-1-930775-77-0 | $13.99 Spanish: 978-1-930775-68-8 (Coming Oct. 2020) Audiobook available soon on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes Safe Infant Sleep press kit click on the icons below to open the corresponding document introducing: breastsleeping Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions is the first book to foreground Dr. James McKenna's concept of "breastsleeping". Drawing on the historic anthropological relationship between breastfeeding and infant sleep, breastsleeping refers to the phenomenon of breastfeeding mothers bedsharing with their nursing child. Here are the basics: ​ With easy access to the breast, babies will night feed without waking their mother, or even fully waking themselves, meaning both mother and child get more sleep. ​ Bedsharing increases the frequency of night feedings and has been known to extend breastfeeding duration. ​ Worried about safety? Breastfeeding moms are physiologically attuned to their babies, and are likely to sleep more lightly, rousing if their babies are in danger. Further reading: Acta Pædiatrica article ScaryMommy.com Notre Dame News About the Author Dr. James J. McKenna directed the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame for 22 years. He received his undergraduate degree in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, his Master's Degree from San Diego State University, and in 1975 earned his Ph.D. in biological anthropology from the University of Oregon, Eugene. He pioneered the world’s first studies of the physiology and behavior of cosleeping mothers and infants, and has published over 140 scientific articles in medical and anthropological journals on the topics of cosleeping, breastfeeding, evolutionary medicine, and SIDS. He has also authored several books, including Ancestral Landscapes in Human Evolution , Evolutionary Medicine , Sleeping With Your Baby , and Researching the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: The Role of Ideology in Biomedical Science . A leading authority on breastfeeding in relationship to SIDS and bedsharing safety, Dr. McKenna is a sought-after speaker at medical, parenting, and policy conferences around the world. About the Illustrator Alison Kreckmann is a graduate of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she received Bachelor of Art degrees in English and Graphic Design. Alison lives in Washington, D.C., where she works as an Editorial Assistant in scholarly publishing, and spends her spare time drawing.

Look What I See! Where Can I Be? With My Animal Friends ¡Mira lo que veo! ¿Dónde crees que estoy? Coming November 2021 ​ Paperback ISBN: 978-1-951995-03-4 ​ 32 pages • Size: 8 x 8"• $8.95 Grades: 0–2 • Ages: 2–7 ​ eBook ($7.99) ISBN: 978-1-951995-05-8 Also available in English: Hardback ($9.95) ISBN: 978-1-930775-07-7 eBook ($8.99) ISBN: 978-1-930775-29-9 ​ Read More: Press Release Coming Soon! Project backed by a generous grant from The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation’s Red Backpack Fund. Con mis amigos los animales This beloved title from the Look What I See, Where Can I Be? series is now bilingual, in English and Spanish! ​ A charming baby dozes during each of her family’s outings. Awakened by the sounds and smells of the places where different animals reside, she opens her eyes and sees a lively detail—an eye, an ear, a hoof, a head. Help Baby solve the mysteries of this guessing-game book. Where would she see a dolphin’s face? Where would she see the furry ears of a German shepherd pup? Turn the page, and colorful photographs reveal the entire scene. Celebrate the fun of exploring new places, the excitement of seeing real animals, and the joy of bringing home a new pet. Shop the English Hardcover! Preorder is Coming Soon! Available to literacy and non-profit organizations, in quantities of 500+, for just $1.96 each! Contact Marlee@PlatypusMedia.com for more information. Help Young Readers... ​ Learn about community helpers Explore their surroundings Appreciate animal life Be curious! “This book is ideal for starting discussions with young children, talking about days of the week, and cultivating observation and reasoning skills. And, best yet, children from every background can relate to it!” “Este libro es ideal para iniciar conversaciones con niños pequeños, hablar de los días de la semana y cultivar la capacidad de observación y razonamiento. Y, lo que es mejor, ¡niños de todos los orígenes pueden identificarse con él!” ​ — Maria Salvadore, author, Books Your Kids Will Talk About About the Author Dia L. Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science and parenting writer who is committed to promoting attachment parenting. She has authored or edited over a dozen books for both children and adults, and her books have been translated into a variety of languages. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Washington D.C. with five cats and a dog. & the Photographer Michael J. N. Bowles is a critically acclaimed, award-winning photographer with a special interest in portraiture. His photographs have been exhibited and published around the world. He grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, and moved to the U.S. with his family in 1980. He is an enthusiastic traveler, but has a home in Virginia with his wife and two children. Shop the full Look What I See! Collection: Quick View Look What I See! / ¡Mira lo que veo! Book Set Price $16.95 Quick View Bilingual Look What I See! Where Can I Be? In the Neighborhood Price $8.95 Quick View Bilingual Look What I See! Where Can I Be? With My Animal Friends Price $8.95 Quick View Look What I See! Where Can I Be? At the Synagogue Price $9.95 Gift Idea for Families! Quick View Look What I See! Where Can I Be? In the Neighborhood Price $9.95 Quick View Look What I See! Where Can I Be? At Home Price $9.95 Quick View Look What I See! Where Can I Be? In China Price $9.95 Quick View Look What I See! Series Set Price $34.95 Quick View Look What I See! Where Can I Be? With My Animal Friends Price $9.95

This beautiful collaboration between a children’s librarian and an NBA- player-turned-watercolor-artist introducing the most natural and loving act—mothers nursing their young, is now available in our convenient stroller bag size! Winner of a Parents’ Favorite Products Award, the book’s luminous illustrations and lyrical text give children a glimpse into the worlds of 13 different mammal babies. Compelling childhood facts also broaden the reader’s knowledge about each animal. The book’s overarching theme of breastfeeding inspires conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and more, making this book an engaging choice for young children as well as elementary school readers. ​ Coming September 2021 in bilingual 6 X 8 Read the Press Release Here Size: 6 x 8 | Page count: 32 | Age Range: 4-7 | Grade Range: preschool-2nd grade ​ Paperback: $9.95 | ISBN: 978-1-951995-08-9 ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ Also available in 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 English and bilingual (English /Spanish ) editions. A portion of all sales of this book will be donated to La Leche League International what the experts say... “Animal mothers of all shapes and sizes lavish their little ones with love and affection in a series of sweet poems celebrating nature, wildlife, and the special bond forged through nursing. Tigers, seals, dolphins, pandas, and other mammals softly take shape in peaceful watercolor portraits. Perfect for reading aloud to find out which mamas nurse their babies in the snow, underwater, on the beach, or upside down. ” ​ —Foreword Reviews , 2018 “What a gentle book! It nurtures a child’s empathy for others and opens their eyes to the world of nature. Very sweet and educational.” —Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block “Simple, rhyming, bilingual text and gentle, quiet illustrations introduce the very youngest reader and listener to that most natural and loving of activities—mothers nursing their offspring. Mothers and babies of the fields, jungles, air, and water are all portrayed, demonstrating that all mammal babies are nourished in the same way. This book will be invaluable in presenting nursing as something completely natural, normal, loving, and good for both babies and mothers.” ​ —Wendy Watson, author and/or illustrator of over 60 books for children, Phoenix, Arizona “The illustrations are lovely. The beautiful colors and fluid lines allow the reader to see the babies nurse softly and naturally. This beautiful book is a perfect gift for every new baby.” —Alejandrina Vostrejs, Certified Birthing From Within Mentor and Doula “This beautiful book magnificently demonstrates the natural and instinctual connection between a mother and her offspring. Breastfeeding is the first step in cultivating a healthy mind, gut and spirit for both mommy and her little ones. As a pediatrician and mother, I appreciate the simple text paired with the lovely illustrations. Brilliant and inspiring!” —Kristin Struble, M.D., author of How to Be a “Poop” Detective Read all the Reviews About the Author and Illustrator Elementary school librarian, children’s book author, and mother of three, Phoebe Fox wrote Babies Nurse to show children that all mammals provide milk for their babies. Fox sought to emphasize the warmth and beauty of nursing while demonstrating that all mammals share certain approaches to feeding, protecting, and teaching their young. With degrees in Early Childhood Development and Curriculum Instruction, Phoebe was particularly well positioned to present this information in a way that young readers will respond to. Drawing on her own experiences as a breastfeeding mother, and wanting to present clear and accurate information about this “natural art,” she consulted zoologists and pediatricians to put together this deceptively simple introduction. She is also the author of Starry’s Haircut , Starry Gets Lost , and Up Up Up (winner of the 2015 First Edition Children’s Book Contest). Visit her at mamafoxbooks.com . Fox lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and their three sons. She can be reached at PFox@PlatypusMedia.com . When it came time to find an illustrator for the book, Phoebe asked her father-in-law, Jim Fox , if he would accept the task. Retired from the NBA where he played for the Phoenix Suns, Jim was himself a recipient of plenty of his own mother’s milk and says the benefits are obvious: he is 6’ 10”, healthy, and has produced wonderful kids and grandkids. The grandfather of five believes that nursing is a child’s best start in life. Jim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Mary Alice. This is his first book. He can be reached at JFox@PlatypusMedia.com . line drawings by Wesley Davies A New England-based artist, Wesley (23) specializes in digital illustration and design. He graduated from Kenyon College in 2017 and spends his time working as a freelance illustrator, writing his ongoing comic The Ecliptic Age , and adding to his ever-growing indoor garden of houseplants. He has been drawing animals from a young age, inspired by the many books and nature documentaries that excited his passion for biology and anthropology, and is always happy when he can combine his interests in illustration. He can be reached at Wesley@PlatypusMedia.com .

Breastfeeding Facts for Fathers The many faces of Choosing to support breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a father can make. Breastfeeding Facts for Fathers helps new dads understand the pivotal role they play in raising a healthy, thriving child. This fact-packed, fun-filled booklet for new dads answers questions about breastfeeding and becoming a parent. We offer multiple editions to meet the unique demands of different market segments. The different options are detailed below: Standard Booklet Shop Bestseller! ​ This saddle-stitched booklet presents information that helps fathers understand and feel comfortable with breastfeeding. ​ 40 pages Full color cover; Black and white interior Price*: $5.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-12-1 Product code: BFFF-2 Distributed by: Platypus Media and NBN** abridged Booklet Booklet with half the length and one-quarter of the content of the standard booklet. Designed for low-literacy readers. ​ 16 pages Full color cover and interior Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-51-0 Product code: BFFF-A Distributed by: Platypus Media In spanish available Shop ISBN: 978-1-930775-54-1 Product code: BFFF-AS Shop Hospital Edition Shop Same as the standard booklet, but all references to cosleeping have been removed. ​ ​ 40 pages Full color cover; Black and white interior Price*: $5.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-28-2 Product code: BFFF-H Distributed by: Platypus Media Gift Booklet Shop This edition has the same cover and content as the booklet, but is printed in a nicer book format with a spine . ​ ​ 44 pages Full color cover; Black and white interior Price*: $7.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-49-7 Product code: BFFF-G Distributed by: Platypus Media and NBN** * Bulk discounts are available: 10+ books - 40% 50+ books - 50% 100+ books - 55% 250+ books - 60% ** National Book Network, www.nbnbooks.com , 800-462-6420

Breastfeeding Resources Breastfeeding helps give your baby its best start in life: Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for at least the first six months of his life and continues to be the most important part of his diet throughout the first year. The unique components in breastmilk contribute to optimal development for your child's brain, eyesight, speech, and jaw. Plus, breastfeeding provides ample opportunity for mother and baby to bond and form a secure attachment. ​ However, we know that breastfeeding isn't always easy. The resources on this page will help you troubleshoot common breastfeeding problems, make well informed decisions about your infant's health, and show children and other adults that breastfeeding is normal and natural. ​ All the resources are available here at no charge. Our Breastfeeding Educational Module identifies strategies that parents, librarians, educators, health care providers, and community members can use to educate children about this important form of sustenance. It includes a number of activities to normalize breastfeeding, help kids understand how breastfeeding works, and teach about breastfeeding in non-human mammals. Download here. Breastfeeding has long-reaching benefits for babies, mothers, families, and communities. However, most children do not have adequate exposure to this normal and natural act of parenting. Teaching children about breastfeeding familiarizes them with how important breastmilk is to infant development, promotes a better understanding of how mothers provide for their babies, and encourages healthy life choices. Download this handout for books, games, songs, and strategies to talk with children about breastfeeding. Children's books are a powerful tool for normalizing breastfeeding for children. Read this article on the ALSC blog from Platypus Media author and librarian Phoebe Fox about how libraries can support breastfeeding in their community: "Through a diverse collection, libraries can help expose children to the universal nature and beauty of the act." Click to Read Breastfeeding Help Lactation consultants are professional breastfeeding specialists trained to teach mothers how to feed their baby. They help women experiencing breastfeeding problems, such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production. Click on the image to find one near you! When it comes to a baby’s health, parents need fast answers they can trust. A Pacify membership provides on-demand access to a nationwide network of Lactation Consultants and nurses, available for virtual consultation in English and Spanish 24/7. ​ Pacify is available to purchase nationwide. Click to download: ​ Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not always come naturally. La Leche League USA helps parents, families, and communities to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies through parent-to-parent support. They encourage, inform, educate, support, and promote the use of human milk and the intimate relationship and development that comes from nursing a child for as long as mutually desired. ​ Click here to find a meeting near you. This easy-to-read publication from the U.S.'s Office on Women's Health has how-to info and support to help you breastfeed. ​ OWH is raising awareness of the importance of breastfeeding to help mothers give their babies the best start possible in life. In addition to this guide, OWH offers online content at www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding and www.womenshealth.gov/itsonlynatural . OWH also runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 800-994-9662.

Gifts for New Families We have the perfect holiday gifts for new parents! These books make great stocking stuffers too! Breastfeeding Facts for Fathers Choosing to support breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a father can make. Breastfeeding Facts for Fathers helps new dads understand the pivotal role they play in raising a healthy, thriving child. ​ This fact-packed, fun-filled booklet for new dads answers questions about breastfeeding and becoming a parent. Click to View Breastfeeding Facts for Fathers (Gift Edition) The Gift Paperback Book has the same cover and content as the booklet listed above, but is printed in a nicer book format with a spine (booklet has self-cover, saddle-stitch binding). Click to View Sleeping with Your Baby Sleeping with your baby has been the norm for almost all cultures for almost all ages. Yet, in our modern world, the practice is fraught with questions and guilt. With organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stating that a child should never sleep in an adult bed, parents who cherish the closeness, security, and warmth of cosleeping are finding their hearts at odds with their brains. This book educates, informs, reassures, and defends the potential benefits of cosleeping and how to do it safely. Click to View

Meet the Team Dia L. Michels Founder and Publisher Dia L. Michels founded Platypus Media in 2000 with the goal of creating books that focus on attachment parenting and community. She loves working with the authors and selecting illustrators, and really enjoys developing and licensing world language editions of the books Platypus Media publishes. In addition to editing and publishing manuscripts, she has written or coauthored over a dozen books for children and adults. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Dutch, Bengali, Hebrew, Haitian Creole, and Washoe. A popular speaker, Dia presents at healthcare, parenting, and education conferences across the country. She is the mother of three grown children, who still keep her busy with their crazy lives. She also has several cats, and her partner in crime is a sassy corgi named Izzi, who loves to take naps under her desk. Favorite Children's Book: Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee Tommy at the Grocery Store by Bill Grossman Ali Trujillo Operations and Finance Manager Ali keeps Platypus Media running by managing day-to-day operations and logistics. He works with the publisher to implement systems to streamline operations and finances. Ali also works on production coordination, proofreading, and translating Spanish titles. ​ Prior to joining Platypus Media, Ali worked at World Wildlife Fund as senior assistant for the food waste program where he managed contract processes for private sector consultants. At WWF Ali also collaborated in admin meetings with clients and colleagues on conservation efforts. He also worked at R Street Institute, a DC-based think tank as a finance and operations associate. Previously he was a production coordinator at Asia Pacific Offset, an international print management company. ​ Ali lives in Washington, DC. Favorite Children's Book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Hannah Thelen Editorial and Production Director Hannah just likes to be included, whether it's in the development, editing, and design of books, the translation of manuscripts, or the creation of sweet, sweet workflow spreadsheets. She received her BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University, where she also minored in print design and technology (and dance). Hannah currently lives in Washington, DC, with a hyperactive rescue kitten named after a pizza restaurant. Favorite Children's Books: The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields Caitlin Burnham Managing Editor and Marketing Director Caitlin loves all things books, which makes having a hand in the editorial, design, licensing, and marketing phases of book development a dream come true. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English, and a minor in studio art. Caitlin lives in Washington, DC, where she's constantly visiting her neighborhood's Little Free Libraries and working on new sticker designs for her Etsy shop. Favorite Children's Books: Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Violet Antonick Associate Editor and Outreach Coordinator Violet traveled extensively in search of metamorphosis, stories, and inspiration, culminating in an honors degree in English from the University of Vermont. Shaping her path, she transitioned from roles as an indie bookseller and digital marketer to elevating her expertise at the Columbia Publishing Course in Oxford. At present, she expertly intertwines her deep passion for literature and editorial work with strategic outreach initiatives for Platypus Media. Her commitment to transforming the literary landscape is evident in her multifaceted dedication to writing, reading, and promoting literacy. Violet's narrative is not merely a personal odyssey but a testament to her unwavering commitment to enriching the literary world. Favorite Children's Books: The Barnabus Project by the Fan Brothers The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey by Jason Chin Paradise Sands: A Story of Enchantment By Levi Pinfold Sofía Ramírez Administrative Assistant / Order Fulfillment Specialist Sofía, a graduate in Political Science and Economics from FAU, effortlessly combines their academic expertise with a strong dedication to children's education at Platypus Media. Not limited to traditional classrooms, they actively nurture curiosity and a love for reading in young minds. This commitment extends to Sofía's home, a cozy apartment brimming with books and stationary. Their passion for knowledge goes beyond academia, involving engagement with various art forms, creating an environment where every interaction becomes a chance for personal growth. Believing in continuous learning, Sofía encourages adults to approach education with the same enthusiasm as children, recognizing that the journey of learning is ongoing. Sofía's journey is characterized by the intersection of academic excellence, a sincere connection to fostering young minds, and an enduring love for education. Favorite Children 's Book s: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery La Edad de Oro by José Martí Der Prinz und die Blume by Ingrid Mylo ​ Darwin Castillo Information and Technology Coordinator Darwin has many talents that keep the company afloat, like building and repairing computers, troubleshooting technical difficulties, designing and building storage solutions, and generally fixing everyone's problems. He also has experience in graphic design and home renovation. In his free time, Darwin enjoys mountaineering across the US. Favorite Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Sienna Sullivan Social Media Marketing Associate Sienna is a rising senior at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia studying professional writing and psychology. In the office, you can find her editing and proofreading copy, collaborating on concept development, dabbling in website design, and creating killer one-liners. When she's not at work, you can find Sienna innocently ignoring her lengthy TBR list at a newly discovered book store. Favorite Children's Books: The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald Izzi Michels Head of Security Izzi is Platypus Media's floofiest team member. As the head of security, she spends her time alternating between napping in various positions under Dia's desk and barking at any potential security threats. Outside of the office, Izzi enjoys even more long naps, eating treats, and rolling in the adoration of anyone who stops to pet her on the street. Interested in joining our team? Learn more about our Editorial and Marketing Internship Program here.