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Nursing Moms…You Can Go Out Tonight *Giveaway*

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This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Jaina’s Mom.  Congrats!

I am one of those moms that has had to pump with both children.  My son didn’t take a bottle until he was six months old and my daughter has taken less than a handful of bottles in her 2 months of life.  But with both children, I started pumping within the first week of their births to ensure I established a sufficient supply for that day in the future when I would go back to work.  I don’t like pumping.  I don’t know many women who do.  But…it is what allowed my son to receive breast milk for 15 months of his life.

I could write several posts on the subject of pumping.  But one of the most important initial steps is to find a pump that allows you to express milk comfortably and efficiently.  Here are some questions that will get you started on the path to finding that pump that “fits.”

What is the reason for pumping?  If you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby, an expensive pump isn’t necessary for the occasional bottle when you’re away.  On the contrary, if you work outside of the home and you’re pumping to give your baby breast milk while you’re away, you’ll want a quality, efficient pump. Your reason for pumping will also influence whether or not you require a single or a double pump, manual or electric.

If you’re still uncertain as the type of pump that would work best for you and your baby, you can take this online quiz.

As a first time mom, I had a lot of anxiety about leaving my son for the occasional night out with my husband or my girlfriends.  As I mentioned above, my son didn’t take a bottle until he was 6 months old…and that was because he didn’t have a choice.  I was so concerned about him preferring a bottle to nursing, that I waited too late to introduce a bottle.  For many women, expressing milk gives them the freedom to have just a little time to themselves (something I greatly cherish…as rare as it is).  Last weekend my husband and I went out on our first date night and we celebrated Valentine’s Day last night sans children.  Over the next few weeks I have a spa night scheduled and a girl’s night out.  I’m able to do this because my daughter drinks expressed breast milk from a bottle.

I recently had an opportunity to test out Evenflo’s Comfort Select Performance Dual Auto-Cycling Beast Pump.  This lightweight and compact dual electric breast pump, designed for occasional use, is comfortable and easy to use.   If you’ve ever shopped for breast pump, then you know that they range in price from approximately $30 upwards to nearly $400.  This double pump retails for $69.99 and I found it on Amazon for approximately $45!  Before I talk about my experience with the pump, here are the specs (from the site):

  • All components, including milk storage bottles are BPA-free and contain less than 0.01% phthalates.
  • Improved breast pump cycle time for more effective milk expression.
  • Improved vacuum performance at all settings between minimum and maximum.
  • Regulated power adapter ensures consistency in breast pump performance.
  • Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings.

    • I like to try to see how far I can get before reading a manual when I’m testing out products.  It gives me an initial sense of how easy or difficult the process is.  While it feels like there are a lot of parts, it’s very easy to set up (after I sterilized everything).  Two things with regards to set up are worth mentioning.  First, the soft horns that the pump comes with are for smaller women and provide a custom fit.  I started using them but quickly realized that it was uncomfortable to use them.  I would love this option for larger women.  Second, make sure the overflow valve is in correctly.  I noticed that when I was pumping, one side had decreased suction.  I quickly figured out that I had installed it incorrectly on one side.

    I was very impressed with the performance of the pump.  Here are some of the things I like about it:

    • I was able to express about 6 ounces (combined) of milk in 15 minutes (impressive).
    • It really is “comfortable.” The interesting thing about the pump is that I couldn’t really feel it like I can with other pumps I’ve used.
    • I like how compact and lightweight the pump is.  It comes with a small black tote which houses the pump, the parts, and ice packs.  No one would ever know there was a breast pump housed inside.
    • It’s extremely affordable.  I don’t think you could get a more affordable double-pump for the price.
    • There is an option to use batteries (when you don’t have access to an outlet)
    • I can single or double pump
    • The vacuum is adjustable to simulate your baby’s suckling pressure

    There are a few things I think could be improved with the pump:

    • It’s louder than I’m accustomed to.
    • The motors attach to each pump unit which makes them a bit heavy for my hands, particularly since a pumping session can last 15-20 minutes.
    • I have not figured out how to get the pump units to pump simultaneously.  Each unit has it’s own power button and I haven’t been coordinated to turn them both on at the same time.
    • There are a lot of parts to keep track of.
    • I’m not certain if there is a hands-free option.
    • The pump only uses a single phase technology which makes it difficult to initiate that first milk let-down.

    Overall, I’m very impressed Evenflo’s Comfort Select Breast Pump.  It’s an affordable option for moms who want the flexibility to provide milk for their babies while they are away.

    Today is Valentine’s Day.  Here are some tips from Evenflo on securing some “me” time:

    ·         Make a date with Dad or a night-on-the town with the girls

    ·         Schedule some time for yoga, a massage, or a pedicure to reconnect with yourself

    ·         Look for ways to engage in the holidays, from a community tree lighting to attending a cookie exchange

    ·         Schedule a solo holiday shopping trip

    Win It! One of you will win the exact same breast pump.  Simply leave me a comment with your Valentine’s Day plans and a feature from the pump that you like.  Comments will close on March 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

    Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

    Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

    Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

    Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

    I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

    Caryn Bailey
    Latest posts by Caryn Bailey (see all)

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    119 Responses to Nursing Moms…You Can Go Out Tonight *Giveaway*

    1. My hubby plan ogoing to dinner and a movie for Valentine’s Day.
      I like the feature of Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings.

      Reply

    5. We went out as a family and then spent the rest of the day relaxing at home.

      My favorite feature is it is BPA free.

      Reply

    7. we went over to a cousins house and had a valentines day party and dinner. I like the Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings

      Reply

    12. I went out with my husband to see the movie Valentines Day, and then we went candle pin bowling!!!!! We had a blast by ourselves while our 4 yr old and 11 month old were with Grandma and Grandpa!!!!

      I like how this is light weight. I have used pumps in the past and they are very heavy to cart around. This one sounds great!!!

      sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

      Reply

    15. We didn’ t go out for Valentines, but I did make pink heart shaped pancakes!
      This pump has a lot of nice features, and I like that you can plug it in or use batteries.

      Reply

    23. We usually go out to dinner at a local thai restaurant but this year we decided to stay home.

      I like that it has Improved breast pump cycle time for more effective milk expression.

      Reply

    25. I plan on making Chili in the crockpot, and watching the hockey game.
      I am impressed with the dual settings between minimum and maximum
      and the ability to use batteries if necessary.

      Reply

    27. My hubby and I went out to eat and then went to the movie, “Valentine’s Day”. I love that this pump has dual motors that you can control separately. This would really help when you get the very uncomfortable knot in one breast!

      Reply

    38. i like that it is easy to transport…light and compact.

      no big VD festivities this year…low key dinner and a fire.

      Reply

    42. Ooops! Forgot to add the second requirement! Can you delete that last one for me? I’m so sorry!

      We didn’t make any plans for Valentine’s Day. The kids made some cards, but we adults just kind of ignored it.

      I love that it’s BPA-free!

      Reply

    46. For Valentine’s Day, we stayed home and had a home made dinner for FOUR! 🙂

      I like that the Evenflo has a regulated power adapter which ensures consistency in breast pump performance.

      Reply

    48. Well Valentine’s Day is over but it was wonderful none the less. My Valentine’s Day gift started out with DH letting me sleep while he soothed our newborn son. That in itself was enough to make my heart flutter. The rest of our present to each other was a day of being unplugged. We abstained from Facebook, Twitter, Emails, Blogs and all things that suck us into the great abyss. Instead we chatted, made over our son and watched a movie. It was fantastic!

      My favorite feature on the pump is the “More stable bottle stands to prevent possible spillage.” It’s such a bummer when you spend all that time pumping just to have it spill out! Grrrrr!

      Reply

    51. Well, even though valentine’s day is over, we basically took a lovely day trip out of town to Tucson and hiked around the beautiful landscapes there, afterwards retiring to dinner and our hotel rooms for the evening 😉

      Reply

    52. Oh, I forgot to mention that I like that you can either do single or double pumping with the pump 🙂 If you could please at this to my original comment, I’d appreciate it.

      Reply

    56. We had a very low key Valentine’s but our daughter made cards for Daddy and I got a box of chocolates, just nice to spend time with the family. I love how everything is BPA-free.

      Reply

    62. We watched Valentine’s Day the day before Valentine’s and then hung out at home and ordered take out on Valentine’s. It was great spending time as a family.
      I would love to win this for my best friend who is expecting in May!

      Reply

    64. for this year’s v day, i got my husband a beer gift basket to shy away from the more traditional potted plant. i like that the pump has an improved breast pump cycle time for more effective milk expression.

      Reply

    65. I like how compact the pump is.

      I made a special Valentine’s brunch for my family. Next time I’d like for them to play something for me! 🙂

      Reply

    68. I really like that this pump is BPA free and is lightweight.
      H4L and I do not really celebrate valentines amongst each other. Instead we showered our daughter in love and tons of affection for a solid 24 hours! She is the pure definition of love, to be honored on Valentines.

      Reply

    73. We celebrated a friends birthday on Valentines day. A feature I like about the pump is it includes 2 additional overflow valves for additional convenience.

      Reply

    75. Well considering I was home sick on valentines day. My hubby brought home a nice dinner and we snuggled and watched a movie.
      This will be our last valentines day (alone) we are having identical twin girls!!

      I like that the Comfort Select Performance™ Dual Auto-Cycling Breast Pump simulates the baby’s sucking to express the maximum amount of milk and would love to win one because I am expecting twins and need all the help I can get to maximize my milk production, thanks!

      My email is [email protected]
      Thanks

      Reply

    78. I like how fast the pump expresses. We definitely could use one of these and I thank you for the chance to win. We had some ill babies on Valentine’s Day, so we stayed home and had a family fun night.

      Reply

    79. Well me and my bf went on valentines day because it was also are anniversary. So we had a nice time. I just really like this pump because you pump out so much in such a short time. Breastmilk is just so important n right now I have a cheap one the wic office gave me. So winning this would be fantastic for both of us .

      Reply

    80. We were supposed to be visiting a friend in Memphis on Valentines day but our flights were cancelled, so we had a romantic night out on the town instead! What I like about the breast pump is that it is a dual one, this is a great feature!

      Reply

    81. I like that this pump has a regulated power adapter ensures consistency in breast pump performance make it more efficient to use.
      For Valentine’s Day this year we stayed home and ate a great steak dinner and watched movies since I was 38 weeks pregnant.
      Thanks
      lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

      Reply

    87. I really like the fact that it pumps fast. I will be pumping at work. I’m a teacher and I have very little time. I also want to say that I love that your review gives the pros and cons.

      As for our Valentine’s Day…well…we went to dinner a few nights before. Nothing too exciting.

      Reply

    93. For Valentine’s Day my hubby and I went out to eat and then shared a movie at home. I love that the pump can take batteries for on the go.

      Reply

    95. We usually don’t do anything for Valentine’s Day. I like that the pump is a duo – meaning that you can pump both sides at once. Very handy timesaver.

      Reply

    99. my bf and I went out to red lobster’s yumm! Then took some photos. I like that the pump can be run on batteries!

      Reply

    102. I worked, but I made heart cupcakes when I came home, and we watched rented movies like the Ugly truth, and the Proposal.

      Reply

    103. My plans would be to go see a movie and dinner out. That would be fun and romantic!
      I like that it is electric because mine is manual which I don’t like!

      Reply

    107. Valentine’s Day was Chinese New Year this year so we had a big family dinner at home. A feature of the pump I like is that it’s BPA-free

      Reply

    109. my hubby made me a pot roast dinner and a heart shaped cake 🙂

      and i like the Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings and the More stable bottle stands to prevent possible spillage.

      Reply

    113. I didn’t do anything special for Valentine’s Day. My daughter and I made some pink cupcakes though! I like that there’s an improved breast pump cycle time!

      Reply

    115. I didn’t do anything for Valentine’s Day because my husband was out of town. I like that the pump is BPA free.

      Reply

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