Great Idea! Milkies Milk-Saver for Breastfeeding Moms

What a great idea! Milkies Milk-Saver is a contraption that collects the precious breastmilk that leaks while you're feeding on the opposite side. I had no idea that such a thing existed when I was breastfeeding my son a year ago! Milkies Milk-Saver is BPA free and holds up to 2 ounces of milk--or you can attach it to any milk storage bag. Sure, you could hold a bottle in one hand and try to catch the leaking milk, but this hands-free gizmo seems like a much more awesome solution.

But, here's my question: does it work well? You'll have to help me out mommy friends--have any of you tried the Milk-Saver and loved it?

I was really bad about pumping with Andrew since it was easier just to breastfeed as a stay-at-home mom, but with this next baby I'd like to build up a better supply. I'll definitely be spending the $26.50 to get a Milk-Saver from Amazon just to give it a go. And of course I'll let you know how it works out come next spring!

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British magazine calls breastfeeding "creepy"

I was really annoyed to hear that the deputy editor at Britain's Mother and Baby magazine called breastfeeding "creepy." Kathryn Blundell wrote in a July 10th article that she couldn't stomach the idea of her baby taking over her "fun bags" (her words) and that she just "wanted [her] body back. (And some wine.)" Furthermore, "even the convenience and health benefits couldn't induce [her] to stick [her] nipple into a bawling baby's mouth."

Grrrr. This really bothers me, especially when Blundell has such a wide-reaching platform for her nonsense. Breastfeed or don't breastfeed--its up to you--but how dare she, especially as the editor of a parenting magazine, write something so insensitive and uninformed?

First off, we don't have breasts just for our (or our significant others') sexual pleasure. We have them primarily so that we may feed our babies--how can their natural function be construed as "creepy?"

Secondly, you can certainly enjoy alcohol in moderation while breastfeeding. Or did Blundell intend to get smashed on a regular basis? With a new baby, I would think she had other, more important things to focus on?

Finally, I'm just getting fed up with this new crop of "super cool" mommies who think its really funny to constantly talk about their children as if they are cramping their style. Don't get me wrong--I'm a wise-ass New Yorker and I'll joke around about poop explosions with the best of them--but Blundell seems like one of these ladies who is pissed she has to change diapers instead of going out for cosmos or because she now has to carry a diaper bag instead of her Coach (get a Coach diaper bag lady!)

Yes, we want our bodies back after nine months of pregnancy and, yes, life maybe isn't as raucously booze-filled as it was in our early twenties, but you chose to have a baby (and keep that baby) so get over yourself!

More importantly, even though times get rough (and will get rougher when that baby becomes a teenager), please don't ever talk about your children as if they are anything less than blessing... and, if you have a lapse in judgement, for God's sake don't publish it in a national magazine!

The Sun (UK) has an article about the whole thing HERE (link fixed!) if you're interested in reading more. Although, one of the women interview for the article is almost as bad as Blundell saying "I would never have got my boobs out in front of male relatives, my father-in-law would have had a heart attack!"

Um, nobody's asking you to breastfeed in public if you aren't comfortable with it. How do people get these thoughts in their head?

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Nursing Pad Showdown! Johnson's, Medela, and Washable Pads by MyBellaBaby

You may recall that I had been using Johnson's disposable nursing pads (reviewed HERE) and was thinking of switching to washable pads to save some money. So, I ordered adorable rewashable pads from MyBellaBaby on Etsy to give rewashables a test drive.

The washables I bought are gorgeous, super soft, and easy to wash, but unfortunately they are not a good fit for me. The seaming around the edge of the pads gives them a hard outer border which did not lay flat against my body, making them super visible under my clothes. Sigh. I'm now looking for another use for the pads because they are beautiful (coasters, maybe?)


Before going back to using Johnson's disposables, a friend gave me a pair of Medela disposables to try. The Medela pads are super thin and discreet under clothing, which I liked a lot. They also have a larger circumference than Johnson's pads. The negative: they rustle like a crinkly diaper when touched and--to me at least--feel synthetic, not-so-soft, and sweaty. Also they cost more than Johnson's at my local CVS ($12.50 vs $8.00)
 

And so, I'm back to using Johnson's disposable nursing pads and I have a new appreciation for how soft, countoured, and cheap they are. I just wish they didn't have that darn nipple indent that pokes out of thinner shirts!

I think I'll head over to Johnson's website now and send them some friendly input. Couldn't hurt, right? Here's to the production of a nursing pad that doesn't make your girls stand out (literally!)

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Product Review: Johnson's Disposable Nursing Pads

I use Johnson's Nursing Pads because, frankly, they're the cheaper of the two disposable pads offered in my neighborhood CVS! Around $8.00 for 60 pads (a month's supply) seems quite reasonable for nice disposable nursing pad such as these. They are really soft, hold a lot of leakage, and have an adhesive backing strip if you choose to stick them to your bra. (I tend not to stick them on, though, as they always pop off when I fold my bra down to nurse.)

There are, though, a few negatives: 1) the pads leave fuzz on your nipple which you have to wipe off before feeding baby (annoying) and tend to stick to wounded nipples (painful!) 2) They have a center indent meant to allow breathing room for sore nipples, but which actually makes the pad visible under certain clothing. And, 3) I keep thinking about how I could save myself a little money by just buying reusable pads!

When my current box of disposables runs out, I'm going to try out some super cute washable pads I just purchased from Etsy shop MyBellaBaby (I paid $5.50 for these 4 pads). They are made with flannel, fleece and cotton, so I'm betting they're comfortable, absorbant, and hopefully do not stick to or leave residue on the skin. They're machine washable too for those of you blessed with a washer/drier (like this Queens mama is not!)



I'll be sure to write a review of MyBellaBaby's nursing pads soon! I also purchased these amazingly adorable "soft little washies" from the store and can't wait to try and tell those as well ($7.95 for 5).

 

Oh my, have I started you on an Etsy shopping spree today? :)

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Product Review Revisited: Leading Lady Molded Stretch Pad Nursing Bra

You might remember my glowing review of the Leading Lady Molded Stretch Pad Nursing Bra. I still love this bra for its fit and value, and wear them almost exclusively, but I've just noticed that one of mine is falling apart. Despair!

I guess you could expect this from a $20-ish bra that I have been throwing into a laundromat washer and drier, but I was still sad to see the front of one bra cup separating from the molded pad beneath after 4 months of (heavy-duty) wear. Then again, most bras do fall apart over time--even the fancy $40+ ones from Victoria's Secret that I wore before Andrew commandeered my boobs. So, I'm glad that I didn't spend much on these and can actually afford buying a replacement.

I guess there's a lot of bra hand-washing in my future. One more bra will not be murdered by my laziness!

3/10/13 UPDATE: I've purchased and am wearing a bunch more of these while breastfeeding my second child and--while they are still the most normal looking nursing bra I've found--I've noticed they are prone to having the underwire pop out at the center of the bra as well! No, I haven't been handwashing the bras as promised above. But it seems handwashing really is a must with these. 

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Product Review: Snappies Breast Milk Containers

I got a pair of Snappies breast milk storage containers from my pediatrician's office and I think they're pretty cool. These slender 1 oz and 2.3 oz storage bottles attach directly to your pump, can be attached to a special nipple for feeding, and come with an attached lid, so you're never searching for it. The lid is great as it snaps shut audibly and tightly ensuring a truly leak-proof seal. (I've knocked them over quite a few times so I can attest to that!)

Being attached, the lid is also meant to allow for one-handed opening and closing, but I've spilled milk every time I've tried! Since we all know how much crying is done over spilt breastmilk, you can bet I open my Snappies slowly and carefully to avoid any more tragedies!

The only other downside is that I wish Snappies came in bigger sizes! 1 oz and 2.3 oz meet airline regulations and are great for storing colostrum and for storing milk for premies and newborns, but I need more storage space for my 4-month old. So, I've just been using the 2.3 oz bottles to store milk for making Andrew's cereal and I freeze the rest in bigger bottles/bags. Hopefully Snappies will hear my cry and introduce larger products in the future (one can hope, right?)

Snappies are made of food-grade polypropylene material, which doesn't bind or hold fat during storage. If you're interested in giving them a shot, you can purchase a case of 12 2.3 oz containers for $13.50 or 10 1 oz containters for $8.00 at the Snappies website HERE. The containers are also available in bulk.

Happy pumping! :)

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Product Review: Motherhood Maternity Short Sleeve Lift Up Double Opening Nursing Tee

Finally, a nursing shirt that doesn't stretch out at the neckline to the point of indecency... and its cute too!

I begged my mother for nursing shirts as a birthday gift and she hit the jackpot with this $25 pink Motherhood Maternity number. It is figure flattering (its long and ruched on the sides) and, most importantly, made of a thick, stretchy cotton that doesn't sag at the bust. What's more, the neckline is high enough to cover a full-coverage nursing bra. Hallelujah!

Getting the hang of breastfeeding in this shirt did take me a couple of tries. Contrary to being called a "lift up" shirt, you actually have to pull down the top layer to expose a cropped lower layer. You then pull up the lower layer on one side, unhook your bra and voila.

Of course, doing this with one hand while hanging on to a squirmy, hungry baby with the other can be interesting--but I'm willing to brave that challenge for a shirt that doesn't sag down to my navel by the end of the day. Just remember to pull the lower layer of the tee down when you are finished breastfeeding to avoid bunching.

Motherhood Maternity makes the same exact tee in a more muted grey design for $30 and I'm thinking of getting my hands on one of those as well. Its really been a struggle finding tops that make me feel comfortable both with my larger post-pregnancy body and my breastfeeding needs, so I need to pounce on quality items like this when they cross my path!


Thank you, Motherhood Maternity! I know they can be hit or miss with their products, but this one is totally a hit in my book!

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Product Review: Avent Isis Manual Breast Pump

A cousin of mine lent* me her Medela Pump in Style Advanced double pump and I love it and use it often. But for times when I don't want to travel with the large pump or I want to pump more quietly, I use Avent's Isis Manual Breast Pump. It has a few problems, but overall its a nice little backup pump to have.



My husband picked this pump up for $35 at our local CVS when I was in a lot of pain and thought (wrongly) that my Pump in Style flanges might be too small. At first, when I got the hang of pumping painlessly with the Pump in Style, I was mad that we spent money on another pump. Then I realized there is room in my pumping world for two!

With the Isis, I can pump the same amount of milk and sometimes more than with the electric pump... and in the same amount of time too! Avent attributes this to the design of the soft, removable flange cushion, which features "petals" to massage and encourage a quicker let-down.

The pump is really quiet, so I can pump even with the baby sleeping nearby when I don't feel like pumping in the living room with my husband looking on (oh, the horror of small apartment living). And, its small enough that I can just pop the Isis in my diaper bag when taking a trip. Its also really easy to take apart and clean, which is a huge plus. And the stand, which you see in the picture above, does double duty as the snap-on cover for the flange--cute!

On the negative side, a bit of milk gets trapped between the flange and the flange cover. Its just a bit, but any loss of precious milk makes me upset! Also, I had to work a bit to learn how to get the seal just right. Sometimes there would be no suction and other times the suction was so strong it hurt! The key is to make sure the entire flange is touching your breast and to pump the hand pump gently and just far enough for the suction to be comfortable--you do not need to pump the handle all the way if it causes any pain.

The bottom line: I am pleasantly surprised with my handy dandy manual pump. You would think that hand pumping would be a chore, but I've found it to be a nice convenience at times, especially with such an effective pump as the Avent Isis.

*It is recommended that you do not share breast pumps.

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Product Review: Soothies The First Years Breastflow Baby Bottles

When Andrew was first born and we were struggling getting the hang of breastfeeding, we supplemented with formula and pumped breast milk using Playtex's VentAire bottles. Aside from some leaking if the nipple wasn't sealed fully, the bottles worked well for us--until we began exclusive breastfeeding and Andrew forgot how to drink from a bottle all together!

No matter what and how often I tried, I couldn't get him to latch onto the VentAires again, even though we had the wide bottles that are designed to mimic breastfeeding. It made me nervous to think that I might not be able to leave the baby with a sitter until he started drinking from a sippy cup!

Then my mom saved my life. She gave me a Soothies The First Years Breastflow baby bottle and Andrew is taking to it like a champ! Sure, it takes him a minute to realize that he has to compress the nipple rather than bite it, but he is drinking pumped milk now when necessary--and I'm so happy!


Above: Soothies The First Years Breastlow Starter Set ($18.50 at Amazon.com)

You can see in the pictures below that the Breastflow nipple is a two-part system. The upper part is soft and compresses almost flat like breast tissue does. The bottom (darker blue) part is stiffer and the combination of the two requires the baby to suck and compress, just as he does when breastfeeding.



The nipples come in Stage 1 and Stage 2 slow-flows, to suit your new baby's needs. Just note that when baby is drinking, you will notice milk accumulating in the upper (clear) part of the nipple. This is normal for the nipple design, but you will need to account for the milk left in the nipple when determining how much your baby has eaten.

We haven't experienced any leakage with these bottles and Andrew seems to be happy with them, so I would recommend these for anyone with a bottle-finicky breastfeeder. I'm actually about to order us some more. I just wish I had used Soothies' Breastflow from the very beginning!

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Breastfeeding Booby Traps

I have to share a great post with you from Chatter Scene titled "Breastfeeding Booby Traps." Click HERE.

The poster shares a number of the many reasons why so many women these days are unsuccessful at breastfeeding. I definitely had a hard time at first due to a couple of the reasons she posted, namely having a really terrible lactation consultant at the hospital and experiencing peer pressure to give Andrew a bottle because "maybe I wasn't producing enough milk for him."

I wish I knew what I know now about breastfeeding before I went into the hospital. I'm just so glad we have the hang of it now... and I WILL write a post here one day about all I have learned! It really does help to hear it straight from actual moms and to simply just hear that you can do it!

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Product Review: Old Navy Nursing Tanks

UPDATE: Well, after numerous wears and washes, I need to take back my mostly positive review of this tank top. At this point, by the end of the day, the scoop neck of this top stretches down to my stomach! I can't wear this shirt in public anymore, so it has been downgraded to weekend, lounge-around-the-house wear. Bah!

After buying maternity clothing, I really didn't want to spend money on a whole new breastfeeding wardrobe as well... but the fact is, I am finding it absolutely necessary to buy at least a few pieces! Contrary to what I had hoped, I have only so many button-down shirts that fit my new breastfeeding body (read: humongous boobs) and I'm getting tired of wearing tanks under shirts that need to be pulled up. So... off to OldNavy.com I went!

Old Navy's selection for nursing clothes is REALLY slim, but I did pick up two of their jersey nursing tanks, which I'm happy with. The pink color on the right is one of three colors offered at $12.50. I also picked up a muted blue color for $14.50.

The good: I feel like a human being in this shirt. Its long length covers and slims the parts of me I'm not so happy with post-baby and the layered top is stylish rather than screaming "I breastfeed!" I wear this tank with a hip-skimming jacket, a long necklace and sunglasses and feel like a celebrity mom... without the money, makeup artist and personal trainer of course!

The bad: Like all nursing tops, the tank gets stretched out as the day goes on. My current nursing bras (Leading Lady) are full coverage, so they peek out just a bit at the neckline if my shirt shifts late in the day. A quick readjustment, though--or a sexier nursing bra--and all is well.

The reviews on ON's website lament that the shirt is too long (I disagree) and sized too large (I agree), so go ahead and order a size smaller.

Happy shopping and happy spring!

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Product Review: Leading Lady Molded Stretch Pad Nursing Bra

A while back, I promised I'd review my Leading Lady nursing bras once I had given them a test drive. Well, test drive achieved--they are two of the only three bras that I can wear these days!



I ordered two Leading Lady molded stretch pad nursing bras from Amazon.com for $23.62 each, and, for that price, I am quite pleased. The bra is supportive, not hideous, and looks great under clothing (comparable to my $38 Victoria's Secret bras--ridiculous!). It is very easy to breastfeed in, allowing for one-handed clasping and un-clasping. And, despite some minor fraying around the cup connector clasps, they've help up very well in the dreaded laundromat washer and drier.

On the downside, the bra is full-coverage, which is great for support but not great for remaining hidden under low necklines, and only goes up to DD. Also, the stretchy fabric under the cup (which allows you to pull the molded cup down and still keep your bra on) gets pulled out of shape and tends to play peek-a-boo as well. I also have to re-clasp the cup very slowly so it doesn't make a loud SNAP! and wake my little light sleeper!

And, while the cups are indeed molded, I personally need to wear breast pads for nipple coverage--but I think most nursing mothers are wearing pads for leakage anyway, so this really isn't a negative in my opinion.

Overall, despite some negatives, this is the only type of bra that I wear out of the house. I feel really comfortable in it and I think most nursing mothers would too--just be sure to measure yourself before ordering as I ordered a size too small and need to use a bra-back extender (available cheap at any craft/fabric store.)

Now I just need to find a bra which is more low cut for my sexier outfits and I'll be set... wait, do I even have sexy outfits anymore?? :P

EDIT: I neglected to mention one of my favorite features of this bra: the bra straps are tightened and loosened from the front, rather than the back. Genius! I wish all bras were made this way!

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Product Review: Udder Covers Revisited & Promo Code

Before Andrew was born, I posted a review and some pictures of my Udder Covers nursing cover HERE. At that point, aside from a bit of shoddy sewing, I was pleased with the $8.95 cover. Now that I am actually breastfeeding, I am in LOVE with it!

I use the cover everywhere I have to nurse in public--friends' houses, coffee shops, you name it. The light cotton fabric keeps me and baby covered, while the stiff collar allows me to retain eye contact. Sometimes he does get too hot under there, though, so I uncover his legs and still retain my modesty. (Let's face it though, when you become a breastfeeding mother most modesty goes out the window.) Also, the cover washed great in my laundromat, which is no small feat!

Sure its still a bit strange that they are perpetually sending out offer codes through which you can get the cover for just s&h ($8.95) and a gift set of cover, breastfeeding bracelet, and washable bra pads for $5 plus s&h, but, since I've come to love the cover, I have come to not question a deal that lets me get one for cheap, cheap, cheap!

I actually kind of wish they had more colors to choose from... if they did, I'd definitely buy another one.

If you're interested in buying from Udder Covers with a promotional code, type in PLANNING for the nursing cover and BABIES for the gift set deal.

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Extra 20% Off of Sale Items at Gap.com through March 27

Just passing along a coupon code for an extra 20% sale items at the Gap online this weekend! I'm using this as an opportunity to get out of my maternity clothes and into some nice new nursing tops. And, there's great baby and kids gear on sale too.

Enter L1CMBXQ7VQG1 at checkout and you're good to go!

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Product Review: Udder Covers

Last Monday I posted a promo code which allowed the purchase of an Udder Cover nursing cover for just the cost of shipping and handling ($8.95). My cover arrived exactly a week later and I am happy to provide you with the product review I promised:

The cover I received is actually not terrible given the speculation that the entire Udder Cover enterprise was a scam. The fabric is cute and I love the stiff collar that allows mom to maintain eye-contact with their baby while feeding without feeling exposed. Of course, if someone is standing right over you, staring down your shirt, they'll see baby on your breast, which is true with all nursing covers that allow eye-contact.

The fabric is thin, but not see-through and, while pretty substantial in size, it can be folded up really tiny to fit into your diaper bag. The sewing is a little shoddy, though, which bothers me. (Couldn't the Udder Cover folks stop their frantic sewing just for an instance to fix a simple stitch?) That said, I'm pretty sure that the cover will hold up... unless I'm doing some wild, acrobatic breastfeeding!

So, is the Udder Cover worth the $8.95 ? For me, I think so. I definitely could have sewn a similar cover myself for less money, but I'm SO not in the mood these days to head out to the craft store for all the fabric and hardware. Also, all of the comparable nursing covers I have seen begin at $20 and up, so I'm pretty happy to have paid half price, shoddy sewing and all.

I guess my biggest problem is, however, that Udder Covers offers these "special" codes in perpetuity. (I just received another code in an email today.) I'm certain the "pay S&H only" deal is a great marketing ploy they read about in a book and is indeed bringing them a lot of business--I mean, we all jump on buying something that is "free"--but I think the company would garner more goodwill if they would just sell the darn thing for $6 with $2.95 S&H.

As it stands, we all jump on the deal, realize after the fact that it isn't really special at all, and start suspecting that something fishy is up with the company. Udder Covers, we'd respect you and your product more if you'd just give it to us straight!

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Udder Covers Nursing Cover Discount Code

Udder Covers is once again offering their $32 nursing covers for just $8.95 (the cost of shipping and handling.) Just pop on over to UdderCovers.com, select the design that you like (I picked the very elegant Jones design shown above), enter the code PLANNING in the promo code box at checkout and, voila, almost free nursing cover. The code is also good for $32 off their gift sets.

Udder Cover discount codes tend to fly around The Bump message boards a lot and the reigning opinion is that they are worth the $8.95. I guess it makes sense since comparable covers range from $20 to $40 at Babies R Us. I also like that Udder Covers are 100% cotton and have a rigid top so that you can maintain eye contact with your breastfeeding baby.

I don't have a nursing cover yet, so I'm thinking that I can't go wrong with this deal. I'll be sure to update you as soon as it arrives!

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Product Review: Medela Softcup Nursing Bra

I picked up a Medela Seamless Softcup Nursing Bra in-store at Babies R Us this past weekend because the wires in my bras are starting to dig painfully into my stomach and I must say that I never imagined a wireless bra could be so supportive--and I'm currently a 38 DD! The bra is comfy, cute, looks great under clothing, and I imagine the single handed cup release will make it a joy to wear while nursing.

The two negatives I do see with this bra are the price (around $40 in most stores) and the fact that the bra is unlined. I'm pretty modest about wearing unlined bras, so I will be wearing this bra only under heavier fabrics and in my own home.

For out of house/thinner clothing wear, I will be buying a lined, Leading Lady Nursing Bra from JC Penney. They come highly recommended from a friend of mine--who looks amazing in them--and they're currently on sale from $18. (Visit JC Penney at the Queens Center in Elmhurst or order online.) I'll post more about Leading Lady when I get mine in.

FYI: The Medela Softcup bra runs pretty true to size, so I would recommend purchasing a cup size larger than your current size for wear after your milk comes in.

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