Taming my Wild Octopus - Alphabet Soup Nursing Necklace Review

Nugget is nuts.  There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it, he is high energy and constantly moving.  I love reminiscing of the days I use to be able to swiftly nurse while out.  Nugget would be at the boob and I could eat dinner, play on my phone, or enjoy the scenery.  Those days are done.  If I am not on constant nipple watch, the public will get a great show.  My solution to this?  Nursing Necklaces.  I love these things and have tried several of them out.  Today we are giving the Canadian made Alphabet Soup Busy Beads a shot at taming the octopus.

This is the first set of wooden beads that I have tried.  In addition to the wood, they add in some crocheted beads and different textures within the necklace.  The concept seems so simple but the moment I add a nursing necklace into the mix, Nugget stops what he is doing, latches on, and ferociously plays with the necklaces.  Below is the progression of what I am faced with every time we nurse.  

I'll take it though, better than nipple lash and the end result is a fed baby.  The nursing necklaces I like the best, don't scream baby toy.  This necklace is very neutral and and can be worn as an accessory with or without your baby in tow.

The only downfall I could find with the wooden beads versus the silicone that I am use to is: The label contained a warning for the baby to not use a teething device.  This is pretty hard with an 8 month old who turns everything into a teether.  Like Alphabet Soup on Facebook to see all of their designs!  Head over to their website to get your own Busy Beads!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

We are still doing THAT at 7 months

I breastfeed a 7 month old baby who has teeth.  When I write this, it doesn't seem weird to me, but the statistical truth is that I am the minority.  The U.S has a breastfeeding rate at six months of 47% and at 12 months of 25%.  These numbers are on the rise and I think that is just spectacular but they just do not compare to other countries.  The power of breast milk is more than I think any of us even know, as it is the perfect substance for our little ones.  I mention teeth because everyone likes to bring them up when you talk breastfeeding.  Babies get teeth early and it is no reason to wean.  There was just a news story where the baby was born with teeth.  This does not mean that you should not breastfeed your child.  Has Nugget bit me?  Yes! He bit me before he had teeth, too.  So, what is it like to breastfeed not only a 7 month old baby, but also one that is off the charts large?

Nugget weighs in the range of 20lbs and is about 30 inches long.  I will admit in my perception of what breastfeeding looked like, me breastfeeding Nugget is humorous.  Before we stopped swaddling, it was like nursing a humongous burrito.  Being that he is 7 months old, Nugget is far more distracted than when he was a newborn.  Nursing necklaces are my friend and luckily keep him on the task at hand for now. There is more fighting and more wrangling and sometimes I feel like I am actually trying to feed an angry octopus.

We have started solids and have said to goodbye to that easy to deal with EBF poo.  Nugget still wants to nurse, although he is losing interest in taking milk from Dufda during the day.  I know there will come a point where he will wean, but hopefully that is far from now.  It is a struggle because I would like to keep and maintain my same pumping schedule at work, which translates into porn star size boobs while home because Nugget doesn't eat every two and half hours anymore.

Nursing in public is a whole other ball game with a 7 month old.  I have pretty much master what I need to wear to discreetly and quickly feed Nugget.  This usually translates into me wearing the same shirt in different colors everyday of the week.  Nipple Lash.  Have you heard of it?  It will happen to you.  You will seek out the most quiet area and there will still be someone or something that will distract your baby causing this very unpleasant tug of your nipple.  People also expect that you stop breastfeeding within this time frame so you get a lot of: "Your still doing that?" "That must hurt." "I bet he would love a cheeseburger."

Being that Nugget is older we have laid the foundation for a successful and hopefully smooth sailing breastfeeding relationship that will go until he is at least 12 months old.  I know his cues now, I know how to solve a problem if it arises, I am very comfortable with my decision.  If you would have asked me a 7 weeks how long I would breastfeed, I may have told you 12 months still but I would have been very unsure of that decision.

If you are debating quitting, my advice for you is don't!  To commit to breastfeed for a year is such a small sacrifice in terms of the the benefits that breast milk provides.  There will be times where you long to not "have" to feed him this way.  You may get touched out that you are about to lose your mind.  It will be difficult to do weekend trips with your girl friends.  If you do go away you will be attached to a pump.  Are these things inconvenient, maybe, but they are necessary so that we breastfeed in our children and in turn hopefully our children will maintain this practice and breastfeed their children.

Hygeia Pump Giveaway

Rachel's Giveawaysand Lehan Drugs are giving away this Hygeia Enjoye Double Electric Breast Pump (RV $339) to one lucky winner!

Lehan Drugs, a family-owned pharmacy and medical equipment supplier, recognizes the importance of breastfeeding and can work with your insurance company to provide you with a free breast pump.  A quality, efficient pump is valuable to any breastfeeding mom, but especially if you return to work or must pump exclusively. The Hygeia double electric pump will save you time and can help you maintain your milk supply.

Rachel at Rachel's Giveaways had the opportunity to review this pump, and you can read her full review HERE.

Some of the Hygeia's great features include:

CARE Button records your baby’s cry or other sounds for playback during pumping to help with letdown

Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery provides 4 hours of pump time when fully charged

Independently Adjustable Speed & Suction Controls to mimic baby's sucking

Allows For Double & Single Pumping

Pump weight is approximately 4 pounds

3 year warranty

The only pump endorsed by La Leche League International

Closed system allows you to safely & hygienically share or sell this pump

One lucky person is going to win a Hygeia Enjoye LBI Double Electric Pump with Deluxe Tote

Open to the US only, ages 18 and up.  Ends 10/25/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Win It: Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  The first mandatory entry is a freebie; the other entries are optional but greatly increase your odds of winning.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway.  Lehan Drugs provided a free pump for review purposes and is sponsoring the giveaway prize.  The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. This is a group giveaway hosted on multiple blogs and the winner will be chosen and notified by the administrator, Rachel at RachelsGiveaways.com.

Scrub-a-dub-dub...Fighting the Battle against Bottles

Disclosure: I am a Nuby Mommy Blogger.  I receive Nuby products in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Raise your hand if you hate to wash bottles.  I should see everyone's hand flying off their mouse...well unless you are luxury to the convenience of a dishwasher.  I obviously do not possess one of these magical machines.  Due to the lack off upscale appliance within my kitchen, I must hand wash bottle after bottle after bottle.  

How does one little being use so many bottles?  This is how:  Every morning I pump at 8am, that requires 2 bottles and flanges.  Every day I pump at work 3 times.  This mean that I need at least four bottles, with lids.  I then have two flanges that I use with my machine.  The flange breaks down into three separate pieces.  When I come home I have to prepare the milk to be fed to Nugget for the next day.  I take those three bottles and prepare 5 - 2.5oz bottles and cap them all off with a lid.  The  milk is then transferred into a bottle that Nugget prefers to eat out of.  Let's say he goes through 3 bottles because Dufda doesn't feel like washing the bottle between feedings.  Lost yet?  It is a lot of bottles.

 With all that washing, you go through a ton of soap and lots of your time is just wasted.  The real solution to this would be for Dufda to go buy and install a dishwasher into our kitchen(hint, hint Hubs...our anniversary is next month.)  Since I won't be holding my breath for that to happen, I went a little easier route and got the Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base. 

This brush stores your favorite soap in the handle and will dispense just the right amount while washing your bottles.  It has the suction base, which I love, so that it doesn't lay in your sink or by your sink and get all wet and gross.  The brush head fits perfect in both my standard opening bottles and my wide mouth bottles.  The brush has a texture handle for a comfortable grip and, of course, is BPA free.

My bottle cleaning routine before was to line up all bottles and squirt soap in each then wash.  With the Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base I just grap the bottle, wash and rinse while saving myself time and soap.  Would you like to pick up a Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush with Suction Base? 

It is available at these retailers:

• www.buybabydirect.com
• Sam’s Club

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Disclosure: I have received the Easy Clean™ Soap Dispensing Bottle Brush  through the Nuby Mommy Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Every Drop Counts - Preemie Awareness

 Did you know?:

• One in nine babies in the U.S is born prematurely - more than in most developed countries.
• Premature birth is the number one contributor to infant mortality
• Human milk acts much like medicine to preemie who are vulnerable to potentially fatal diseases.

We all know that breast milk is borderline magical.  It cures a slew of issues that arise in newborns and babies, as well as establishes a great digestive system for your little one.  Breast milk is even more important for those babies that are born premature.

Medela recognizes the importance of raising awareness of the importance of breast milk and preemie health.  They are asking NICUs to submit their success stories in supporting human milk consumption.  Winners will be chosen and announced in November, National Prematurity Awareness Month.  The first place winner will receive $10,000 in Medela products, with the runner up receiving $5,000.  So please encourage your NICU to enter.

The deadline for submissions for Medela's NICU Awareness Program is October 18th.  For more information on how to enter, please visit www.Medelapreemieawareness.com.

This post was inspired by Medela.

Bamboobies Review

Disclosure: I have received this product in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

After you have a baby you are literally leaking out of everywhere.  The new one to most of us is leaking out of your boobies.  I remember when I first brought Nugget home, I was so frustrated that I couldn't figure out what to wear to sleep because I would be soaking wet when I woke up.  We went to the store and I bought a box of disposable nursing pads...then I bought another box...and another box.  I thought to myself, If I am using cloth diapers on my baby's bum, why I am not using cloth for myself?  I had heard really great things about Bamboobies and was just waiting to give them a try.  The breaking point was when I was packing to go on a vacation to Jordan for 2 weeks.  How many nursing pads would I need?  The thought of bringing boxes and boxes with me drove me to the store to get some Bamboobies.

When I examined their style of breast pad, I was sure that it wouldn't contain the geyser my boobs had become.  I gave it a try anyway, but still packed some disposables...just in case.  Not only did they contain the leaks for a 14 hour flight, they were perfect to pack since we were line drying everything in Jordan.  They dried very quickly and didn't take up much space.

After you open up your new pack of Bamboobies, throw them right in the washer and dryer.  They come out sooo soft.  The heart shape are made for day time use and the circles are for night time.  Let's start with the day timers first.

Their day time nursing pad is made of three layers.  The layer that is closest to your skin is a combination of cotton and organic bamboo, next is where the milk is absorb and that is made out of cotton and hemp, then the layer that keeps you dry it the outer layer.  The pads are cut into a heart shape to give you a clean look under your clothes.  I prefer to wear mine with the point up, but you can put them in any way you like.

The overnight pads have the same make up, but have more layers to absorb.  They are equally as comfortable and I am still able to wear them during the day if I have to.

In addition to the light pink, you are able to get them in black and hot pink.  Just like black underwear, black nursing pads are about as sexy as nursing pads come so I put these in when I am feeling fancy.  I would say in all I have about 12 pair of day time and 6 pair of night time.  I keep back up in my purse and car in case of emergencies and change them out when wet.  Once you go to Bamboobies you won't go back to your disposables.  

You are able to buy Bamboobies here!  Use coupon code MJN20 for 20% of your purchase!  My Jordanian Nugget will also being giving away a $25.00 store credit!

My complete list of must haves and a chance to win some is right here!

Tell us your favorite thing about breastfeeding!

Disclosure: I have recieved this product in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Simple Wishes Pumping Bra Review

Disclosure: I have received a Simple Wishes pumping Bra in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Do you pump at work?  Maybe you pump on the go in your car?  Or just pumping at home.  Let's face it, no one is raving about how fun pumping is, but there are ways to make it more enjoyable and easier.  When I first started to pump I couldn't figure out how I was going to hold both of the bottles the entire time I had to sit there.  I obviously would like to do something else while pumping to kill time as well.  That is when I found the Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra!

The Simple Wishes Bra holds your flanges in place securely due to the design of the opening.  There are four pieces of fabric that "grab" the flange and stop it from moving.  By not having to hold the flanges, I can relax and scroll through Facebook or whatever I find interesting for the day.  I assume if you had to work while pumping that you would be able to to do that as well.  I have even heard that people use these and drive while pumping.  Just don't speed, that would make for one interesting traffic stop.

This bra does all kinds of adjusting to make it fit just right.  The panel in the back is adjustable based on your bust size.  They also include an expander that seperates the flange holes 2in wider.  

You are able to add straps or wear it strapless, as well.  With all these options, there is definitely a fit for everyone.

The zipper down the front makes it quick and easy to get on and off.  This is important since we do not have all the time in the world to pump when we have to.   I would probably throw in towel if the closure was something similar to a real bra.

I do have on complaint.  This thing takes forever to dry!  This make me very thankful that I have two.  Being that it is bound to get milk on it, you will start to have that wonderful aroma of breastmilk.  If you remember to wash this the night before you work, it will still be wet in the morning.  I suggest if you are working full time, get two and save yourself the headache.

You are able to pick up your own Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra here, or you can check out my complete list of must haves and a chance to win some is right here!

What do you like to do with your two free hands while pumping with the Hands Free Bra?

Disclosure: I have received a Simple Wishes pumping Bra in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Breaastfeeding Relief from Lansinoh

Disclosure: I received these products from Lansinoh in exchange for a review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Breastfeeding is hard.  I have yet to come across a mother who says otherwise.  The reason why most of us stick it out is because it does get easier.  I was so unprepared to start breastfeeding in terms of supplies.  I had no idea what I was going to be experiencing or what I was going to be feeling.

Dufda and I took Nugget out on day #2 because I needed to find myself some relief for my sore nips.  We headed to Target and I bought, what felt like, the whole breastfeeding section.  I will tell you I needed all of it to make Nugget and I's relationship better.  When we left Target I had in my bag, Lansinoh 3-in-1 Therapearl Breast Therapy, Soothies Gel Pads by Lansinoh,and  Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads

Most mother's do not know that when you bring home your baby, you will not be producing milk yet.  You will only be expressing colostrum.  This means that your baby is consuming small amounts of colostrum pretty frequently.  It is all they need in those early days, because their tummies are so tiny.  This made my nipples very sore.  I heard over and over again that if I was in pain I was doing something wrong.  This wasn't the case.  Nugget's latch was just fine.  My nipples were not use to strong suck that Nugget was subjecting me too.  My favorite cure for this was the  Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads.  I placed these in the fridge before I wore them and it was instant relief when I put them on.  Unlike a nursing pad, these provided relief to my nipples.  The gel is good for about 72 hours or until it gets filled with milk.

The moment your milk comes in, around about day 3 for me, you are super engorged and sore.  This may also leave you with some clogged ducts, which causes even more pain.  The best relief for this was heat for me.  It loosened up all the milk and would free the clogs.  I applied the Lansinoh 3 in 1 TheraPearls and it was just what I needed.  The 3 in 1 is referring to the fact that you can get relief in 3 ways:  From heat for mastitis; cold for engorgement and you can also use them around your breast pump flanges to make pumping quicker.  There were several days in the beginning that I walked around the house with these in my nursing bra for relief.

When your milk starts to come in, your supply will not be regulated yet.  This can cause some extreme boob leakage and you need something to absorb it.  Leaking is different for everyone, I was and still am a heavy leaker.  I cannot go anywhere or do anything without breast pads.   

Interruption for why you should always wear breast pads if you are a leaker:  I was in a good friends wedding on March 30th, 2013.  This was just 29 days after I had Nugget.  I had rented, yes rented a pretty awesome breastfeeding friendly bridesmaid dress.  I had my manual pump on hand and a baby that would be able to nurse after all the pomp and circumstance was done.  At this time in my mom career I had not yet figured out the supply and demand of my boobs.  I was also a pretty big disaster trying to get ready for the event.  It was the first time I had blown dry my hair since the baby was born and I was so flustered about getting ready.  So I get all dolled up and feel pretty good about myself.  We are dancing down the aisle to the bride's awesome music and I realize at that moment I HAVE FORGOTTEN TO WEAR NURSING PADS!  If you are breastfeeding your baby you know that the last thing you want to think about when you aren't around your baby is breastfeeding your baby.  This automatically triggers a let down and you become soaked.  Well since I forgot my breast pads, all I could think about was how I was going to leak right through my dress causing me to leak even more than I would have.  I had two breastmilk stains on my dress through the whole reception.  It had soaked through a serious padded bra too!  Moral of the story: Wear your nursing pads!

 I like to have both disposables and cloth on hand.  The disposables that I chose were the Lansinoh Nursing Pads.  They are great because you can attach them to your bra or clothes with the adhesive strips.  I have never had one of these leak on me and I have definitely given them a run for their money.

The last thing to round out your breastfeeding essentials, Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags.  You will not need these right away if you are exclusively breastfeeding.  They are just important when you start to pump, so you store your milk.  I have these on auto delivery from Amazon because we go through so many.  I like to store my milk in 2.5oz increments (this is how big of a bottle Nugget takes), I then lay them flat to freeze and move to a box in our deep freezer.  I have never had an issue with leaking or freezer burn in these bags.  They have a double seal that seems to really keep everything in.  When I move them to the deep freezer I organize them by date to always pull the oldest first.  

These are just a couple of my favorite products for breastfeeding.  In celebration of My Jordanian Nugget's One Year Anniversary I am compiling a list of everything you need for baby from birth to 6 months and giving away some of my favorites.  My complete list of must haves and a chance to win some is right here!!
Disclosure: I received these products from Lansinoh in exchange for a review.  The opinions are 100% my own.

Breastfeeding Myths Debunked w/ $50 Giveaway!

As many of you know...I am obsessed with breastfeeding.  I would love to shout from the rooftops all that I have learned in my short breastfeeding career.  So, in honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2013 I teamed with 3 other bloggers to bring you a giveaway to celebrate a wonderful week.

The girls at The Baloney Bug, Granolaish, and Thank You Ma'am have not only teamed with me to bring you this giveaway, but they have also been part of my support group that I turn to when having any issue breastfeeding my son.  We all have charm babies, born between March 1 and March 30.  It has been amazing to be able to share my journey with them.  In our discussions we have come across some things that it seems everyone will try to lead you to believe about breastfeeding that just aren't true.  So here it goes, when you hear these just close your ears and smile because they are all myths!

Pumping tells you how much milk you are making:  If I had a quarter for every time I heard, "Well I only pump one ounce I must not be making enough milk."  Your baby is far more efficient than a machine.  Your pumping output is not correlated in anyway to the amount of milk your baby is getting.  You may just not respond well to the pump.  It is a plastic device that isn't cute and doesn't coo or cry at you, so this is understandable.

Newborns need supplemented with formula:  Here is another one I here all the time.  My milk didn't come in right away so we needed to give the baby formula.  Your milk won't come in right away.  Your baby needs that super nutritious colostrum that your body is making.  A newborn's stomach is about the size of a large marble, they do not need a lot but this fact has been lost on many people, medical professionals alike.  Keep your baby at the breast, it will only urge your milk to come in sooner.

You cannot work full time and breastfeed:  Working and breastfeeding is a commitment but it can totally be done.  You cannot let your supply tank by eliminating pumps at work.  Exercise your rights as a breastfeeding mother and demand time to pump.  Pay close attention to the amount your care provider is feeding your baby.  Breastfed babies only need 1-1.5 oz per hour of separation   The older they get, your milk adjust to their needs so no reason to increase volume.

Nursing your baby to sleep will spoil them:  Repeat after me: You cannot spoil a baby.  They do not have the mental capacity for manipulation...yet.  Breastmilk has some amazing properties within it that support brain development.  Your baby's brain does a lot of its growing at night.  Why deprive them of these nutrients because so and so told you not to rock, nurse, or do any other act to get your baby to sleep.

You should prep your breast for feeding:  I was definitely told I should rough off my nipples prior to my baby coming.  Why this is a crazy myth; Nipple stimulation causes preterm labor, that is a fact.  Don't risk carrying your baby to term because of this wonderful piece of advice.

Breast is Best:  What's that you say, this is a myth.  Yes.  Breast is in fact best, except for when its not.  There are plenty of people to provide support and encouragement if you want to breastfeed.  There are also situations when another option would be better.  Maybe you need to be on medicine for post-partum depression that doesn't jive with breastfeeding, don't be hard on your self, happy mommy equals happy baby.  Maybe you are unable to breastfeed due to breast trauma earlier in life.  Maybe you are also one of the women who truly does not make enough milk.  There are situations out there that breast is not best and we, as mothers need to understand that.  There are alternatives.  You can feed donor milk through bottle or SNS system if you still want the breastfeeding experience.  Don't beat yourself up a fed baby is a happy baby, no matter how they are fed.

Breastfeeding is free:  Breastfeeding isn't free...well it could be but you are most likely going to have to buy some things.  Nursing bras, tops, breast pads, breastmilk storage bags, nipple cream, breast pump...it goes on and on.  Definitely cheaper than formula but not free.  Well we are here to help.  Scroll down and enter our $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway.  Not only will this help with breastfeeding supplies, but I promise during your late night nursing sessions you will find yourself buying random stuff on Amazon for your baby.

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Gia Angled Pillow Review for World Breastfeeding Week

Disclosure: I have received the Gia Angled Breastfeeding Pillow from Dr. Brown in exchange for a review of the product.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Today marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding week.  The theme that they have picked for the week is Close to Mothers.  Mothers need the people around them to support their decision to breastfeed.  It is even better that they encourage and cheer them on while doing so.   Along with my family I also seek support online.  There is no better way to connect with lots of different mothers at once than through an online forum.  I have leaned of these women for so many different issues.

Any other breastfeeding mother loves to give advice to the new mothers, be it whether the new mother wants to hear it or not.  Here are my Top five tips for successful breastfeeding:

5.  Establish a support group:  Mine came in the form of a weekly check in for all breastfeeding mothers in my Birth Month group on Facebook.  We talked about struggles and triumphs and bounced questions off of one another.  I gave birth in a Birth Center that also had a lactation consultant call me weekly.  If I had any questions she would be able to help me right away.  The combination of these two things were essential to my success.

4.  Don't Stress:  Stress isn't good for milk production.  There is no need to do weighted feeds and be at the pump all day if your baby is doing fine.  Don't stress when your milk hasn't come in.  Keep the baby at the breast and that little one will get all they need.  Don't stress about how much milk you are making.  Your body is magical and works on supply and demand and knows just what your baby needs.

3.  Month 2 feels a lot different than month 1:  My baby had a great latch and was gaining weight like crazy.  That didn't mean that breastfeeding was easy for me.  It was actually the opposite.  I cried several nights because I didn't know when I would ever get a break.  It lasted 4 weeks...just 4 weeks out of your babies whole life to give them something so important.  I had pain in the beginning even with a correct latch, that pain went away in the second month.  I know when you are in that first month you are dead tired and you think you won't make it through one more feeding...you will get past it.  I am in month five, I pump all day at work and breastfeed on night and weekends and it is easy peasy.

2.  Invest in clothes that give you easy access:  I didn't want to spend the money at first.  When I finally bought breastfeeding friendly clothes, I was much happier.  It was much easier to nurse in public and they were much more flattering on my post baby bod.  Get fitted for a really good nursing bra and make sure to have something that is comfortable, yet accessible to sleep in. 

1.  Get comfortable: When you start breastfeeding you may need some support.  Make sure you are able to have a space where you can relax and just feed your baby.  This will correlate into easier nursing sessions in public.  If you are comfortable you will probably have a better chance at getting a good latch as well.  One of my favorite breastfeeding items was my support pillow.  You have lots of options to chose from when picking a pillow to feed with.  The Gia by Dr. Brown is unique in the way that it is angled.  The pillow provides more support up top by your baby's head and tapers off towards their feet.

 This angle helps to reduce reflux and puts your nurslings in a better position to make breastfeeding more comfortable for mom and baby.  The pillow wraps around your body and provide a great deal of surface space for baby to lay on.  

The wider part is for the head and the small part for the feet.  This pillow really does grow with your baby.  When others seem to be useless after 2 months, the Gia was able to support my 5 month old with no problem.  He also enjoys lounging with the pillow in all kinds of positions.

The Gia is made with 100% cotton that is anti-bacterial and stain resistant.  You are able to use it with or without a cover.  I think the cover makes it more cuddly and cute so that is what I prefer.  

You can buy the Gia Angled Breastfeeding pillow here.  We are also giving FIVE away to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week.

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Disclosure: I have received the Gia Angled Breastfeeding Pillow from Dr. Brown in exchange for a review of the product.  The opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Pump, Pump, Pump It Out

Fears of returning to work:

• Leaving my baby with my husband
• Turning into a dairy cow

After I got over the fact that I would be leaving my baby all day because I had to return to work, I started to focus on what I will need to do to feed my baby while I am gone.  Exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) my baby was a huge commitment...pumping all day would be an even bigger commitment and I am determined to make it to at least a year on breast milk alone.  Here is what I have figured out from the two months where I pump the day away and nurse the night away.

Getting the Right Equipment:

I had to wait close to 10 weeks to have my personal pump come in from the insurance.  I went with the Hygeia Enjoye and I have been happy with this so far.  It is super light for transport and the customer service at the company is great.  Before I had that pump, I rented a hospital grade one that worked wonders to get every last drop of milk.  I use a hands free nursing bra every time I pump so I can do other things to pass the time away.

Building up a stash:

Before I returned to work I wanted to have some milk stored for those first couple of days because I had no idea how it would go.  When you EBF it makes it very hard to fit in a pump session but I was able to store up at 50 oz before I went to work.  This caused a lot of stress because this was only about two full days of milk, so if I didn't' respond well to the pump I would have no reserve, but at least we had something to start with.

Creating a system:

What milk do I feed on Monday?  How much do I need to pump and when?  How many bottles should I leave?  How should I freeze the milk?  How long is it good for?  I had so many questions so I will walk you through how I pump everyday.

I started pumping and placing right into storage bags, but I found that it was time consuming to measure out amounts while at work and I was wasting a lot of bags.  I switched over to bottles for storage for less to waste.  Every mornings I pack 4 bottles and 3 lids.  This will change based on if you yield more than what one bottle holds per pump session.  I store these bottles in a personal cooler to avoid having them in the employee fridge.  I just rinse my pump parts in between and really do not stress about sanitizing them...lets be honest, do you sanitize your boob before your baby eats?

My pump schedule is as follows:  I pump right before I leave for work at 8am, I pump at work at 10:30, 1:15 and 3:45 and then my final pump is after Nugget goes to bed at 10 pm.  The way I figured out my work pumping schedule was using a feeding app on my phone to see how often Nugget was eating.  I also could make enough milk with fewer pumps but it is really important to me to maintain my supply so I keep pumping.

Monday feeds:  So I was really confused on where I would get milk for Monday since the day before you wouldn't be pumping all day.  At the beginning I would feed frozen on Monday, which works if you do not want to pump on the weekend.  Now I combine the 10pm pump from Friday, Saturday and Sunday to make Monday's bottles.  This way we only have to pull frozen if I leave unexpectedly, which has never happened.

How much should my baby be eating:  We follow the EBF baby feeding guidelines of 1-1.5 oz per hour of separation.  I leave five 2.5 oz bottles for Dufda to feed, then I will nurse Nugget as soon as I get home. Remember that breast milk changes over time to accommodate your baby.  Just because your baby is getting bigger doesn't mean he needs more milk.

Storing left over milk:  After I prepare bottles for the next day, I freeze any extra milk in increments of 2.5 oz so that we are able to pull out a bag for each bottle that we need.  I freeze them flat so they are easy to organize and then sort them buy date to pull the oldest milk first.

How long is my milk good for:  If you have your milk in the refrigerator, you can go between 3-8 days before you feed it.  You should never reheat breast milk after you have already fed a portion of it.  I usually stick with the 3 day rule because then I know for sure it is good.  The longest would be the Friday milk I feed on Monday.  Storing in the freezer keeps your milk  edible much longer.  As for how long you can freeze for, this will depend on whether you freeze in a deep freezer or your regular freezer.  An important fact is that you should only feed dethawed breast milk within 24 hours of dethawing.

Some additional tips:  When prepping an EBF baby to be bottlefed it is important to make the experience as similar to breastfeeding as possible as to not make him prefer the bottle.  Think about it;  with a bottle your baby doesn't have to wait for a let down, there is a constant stream of liquid coming and the suck in much different.  If Nugget seems to not be feeding as well we switch from a regular nipple to the Calma nipple by Medela and he gets right on track.  

Never forget you breast pads if you leak.  There is nothing more awkward then being at work with two damp circles on your boobs.

I always throw a dish towel in my bag to help with drying of pump parts and keeping any dampness away from my pump.

I stressed over going back to work far more than was needed.  Pumping sucks but I wouldn't have it any other way to make sure that my baby is fed only the best.

Toot You Horn Tuesday 6/25/13

Hi All! Today I am starting Toot Your Horn Tuesday.  Cheesy? Yes!  But since I have become a new mom I have realized that sometimes the mom gets forgotten in the whole mess of laundry, diapers, and babyness (new word right there).  I want all of us to be able to tell the world what we accomplished this week.  It can be something as small as cooking dinner for your family or something as big as reaching your breastfeeding goal.  It could be baby, family or the best you related, doesn't matter. Write a post with pictures and link it up.  Then go visit everyone else's post and spread some love because you know we all need it.  

When I was thinking about going back to work I was naturally very nervous.  With an exclusively breastfed baby I had to make sure that there was enough milk to feed him while I was gone.  The week before I went back I had about 20oz in the freezer which is the equivalent of nothing.  I was in a wedding and I wasn't even sure that I could feed him for the two days that I would be gone about 6 hours each day.

I will have been back to work for a month on Thursday and I now have close to 200 oz save up!  This takes a huge burden off of me.  If I need to go shopping for sec, Dufda can feed Nugget.  If something happens and I can't get home, there is extra milk in the freezer.  It is a really great feeling.

Join in on Toot Your Horn Tuesday on your blog!  Link up below.

What? They didn't tell you you would go bald?

This new gig that we all entered into, some willingly, some mistakenly it will change us.  It also is our ticket into the mom club where all these moms new this bad stuff happens to you, but no one wants to tell anyone. Why? You ask.  Because some of the stuff that happens to you as a new mom is just ridiculous and down right cruel.  I told you about my lovely experience as a pregnant lady here. Now it's time to dive into  postpartum.

So you just gave birth.  Everyone wants to see this wonderful bundle of joy.  No doubt, people will come over unannounced, unless you are like us and put the lock down on visitors.  Why did I say no visitors?  You have just handed me a stranger that is suppose to live with us....for the next 18 years+ and we have no idea what he likes yet.  Give us a sec to get things in order before you come knocking on my door with vegetarian lasagna so you can "help" us.  Second, I have now added maxi pads the size of Montana to my wardrobe, that paired with the fact that I need to be near naked to feed my baby just doesn't really make for an inviting scene for guests.

Ahhhh, feeding your baby.  How many times have you heard that if it hurts you are doing it wrong.  I swear this is what they tell first time mothers to try to increase the people who try breast feeding.  I romanticized my breastfeeding relationship with my baby.  It was all I wanted to do the moment he came out.  I was so happy that he latched right on.  Flash forward 27 hours later and I am screaming for a pacifier, the same pacifier I swore I wouldn't give my child because the same people who told me that breastfeeding didn't hurt scared the living day lights out of me that if I gave a paci or a bottle my baby would never latch on again.  I think, no I know that the people who created nipple confusion were men, the same men who do not want to give a bottle or have to figure out why their baby is fussing...just give them to person with the nipples.  Well, you may be o.k with being a human pacifier but I say Soothies all around.

Another great thing that comes along with the wonders of breastfeeding...breast milk...everywhere.  I smelled like breast milk mostly because I only had 2 nursing tanks and couldn't motivate myself to leave the house to purchase more.  My bed smelled like breast milk because breastfeeding is a messy dance at first and your nipples have turned into Old Faithful.

 I remember snuggling with Dufda and realizing that he, too, smelled like breast milk.  EVERYTHING SMELLED LIKE BREASTMILK.  It went great with the lingering smell of amniotic fluid from having my water break all over the kitchen.  

Motherhood is messy.  I never really feel clean anymore.  The second I get out of the shower, Nugget will want to nurse and rub his slimy little hands all over me and there went my cleanliness.   There is also the joy of having your baby spit up right down your shirt just so that is pulls in your cleavage.  I know this has happened to you.  Or when you have your baby flying like an airplane over your head and they spit up right in your mouth.  You know you are a mom if going bra less/nursing pad less is a daring feat.  I do this and I know I will wake up being one sticky breastmilk covered mess.  Naked...that's really the only way to stay clean.  And naked is what you need to be when you fall asleep after having a baby because those night sweats are no joke.  When I stood up, it looked like a crime scene with my body print left in the bed.

Let's talk about that bed.  Do you have some fancy schmancy bed set that you got for your wedding.  Put it away now.  Babies and down feathers don't mix.  You need about ten sets of sheets and a waterproof mattress cover to contain the mess these little ones make.  You may have all these sheets to change them out, but you know that there have been times when you baby has peed/spit on your bed and you have covered it up/moved over and continued sleeping.  It's gross but we all do it.

Another wonderful thing to be scared about as a mom - Sneezing in Walmart.  When I feel that sneeze coming on, my stomach sinks and I say to myself, "Please don't pee yourself, Please don't pee yourself."  You stop concentrate real hard and let that sneeze out, yep life is wonderful being 27 and not knowing when you will pee yourself next.

Now onto that new matronly motherly bod you have.  I made it my whole pregnancy without any stretch marks.  I didn't slather myself in oil or rub lotion on my belly everyday.  I thought I was super human, not only was I making a baby but my skin was super elastic as well.  Two days post partum...what do you know, stretch marks everywhere!  Don't brag that you don't have them because they will come and get you and make sure that you never wear a bikini again.

Nugget is now 3 months old and I am going bald. That is right...bald.  What no one told you that along with that extra 20lbs you can't lose, the giant maxi pads that you are wearing, the fact that you may pee your pants at any moment that you will also go bald.  Post partum hair loss is no joke.  If I don't brush my hair 10 times a day I start to mat like my Great Pyrenees when she is shedding her winter coat.  I like to call this time frame - I Think There Is a Bug on Me.  I am constantly swatting at my arm to kill said bug only to find out it is another strand of hair.

I am sure there are many more great things that new motherhood will bring, but for now I totally accept that I may never be clean again and my little Nugget has completely changed my life...for the better obviously.