My Breastfeeding Essentials

After my daughter and I have stopped nursing, I will have spent over 2 years of my life breastfeeding.  The relationship and bond that develop as a result of breastfeeding is indescribable.  Some of the sweetest moments are at 2 or 3 am when our daughter, who’s nestled against me starts to stir.  She really never fully wakes up because I’m right there ready to nurse her.  There really isn’t a lot that a mom and babe require to be successful at breastfeeding.  But there are definitely some products I’ve found to be useful…to make the experience more comfortable…

1.  A Nursing Cover

You may remember that I’m still not entirely comfortable nursing in public.  But I do it.  And what helps is a well-made nursing cover (bonus points for those with cute prints). Both of my babies did not like to be covered, but fared better when they could see me.  I highly recommend a nursing cover with a rigid neckline and plenty of fabric (my babies also like to kick the covers off!) like those offered by Bebe Au Lait.

2.  A Supportive Nursing Bra

When I first had my son, I struggled to find a bra that fit well (I have odd measurements).  The only bra I found that gave me the support and comfort I needed (without looking like something my grandmother would wear) was by Bravado.  In fact, the very first nursing bra I purchased was the Supreme Nursing Bra (which I still have today).  These days I actually prefer The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.  It looks and feels like a conventional bra while offering the support and comfort required during nursing.  The Sublime Bra is one of their newer bras which helps nursing moms reclaim their femininity.  Lace accents and thinner straps make it look like a beautiful lingerie piece…instead of what it is…a nursing bra. And if you’re looking for all of the comfort, style, and support of Bravado’s Nursing Bras at a fraction of the cost, check out their Basics line which launched recently at Target stores nationwide.

3.  A Nursing Top

When I was pregnant with my son, one of my good friends (who has much more mommy experience than I d0) encouraged me to invest in a few nursing tops.  After investing in a maternity wardrobe, I was ready to get back into my “regular” clothes.  Wishful thinking right?  After realizing both times that fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothes wasn’t something I could anticipate in the near future, I opted for a few nursing tanks.  If you’ve ever tried to nurse in a conventional top, then you know that it’s nearly impossible to maintain discretion, even with a nursing cover.  The Essential Nursing Bra Tank by Bravado has a built-in bra and nursing clips, so you don’t have to wear a bra with it (although I do find it to be just a bit low-cut).  It’s available in five colors and great for use as a transitional piece.

4.  Nursing Pads

I STILL wear nursing pads, and I’m 3 months postpartum.  There is nothing as an embarrassing as the entire world keen to the fact that you’re breastfeeding (I’ve been known to let down in unexpected places).  I’ve tried several brands…none of which offer the appropriate amount of dryness protection as Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads.  They’re highly absorbent but still thin enough to be discrete.  Best of all they actually stay put.

5.  A Nursing Pillow

The first time I nursed my son, I couldn’t go anywhere without my nursing pillow.  I carried it in the car with me when we went out.  This time around, I’m not as reliant on it, but I still find that My Brest Friend helps keep my daughter and I properly positioned while avoiding the “hunch” I seem to gravitate towards while I’m nursing.  What makes this pillow unique is it’s wrap around design and built-in back rest.  The pillow is actually somewhat firm, which prevents a baby from rolling down into  it (which occurs with softer pillows).  To be honest, it takes a bit of practice.  But with a foot stool and this pillow, you’ll find that your posture is much improved which makes the entire experience more comfortable.

6.  Nipple Cream

I am not a fan of Lanolin, mostly because it’s ridiculously sticky and stains everything.  I do, however, LOVE Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Natural Nipple Butter.  It’s moisturizing, odorless, and not sticky! In fact, I like Earth Mama Angel Baby’s entire line of breastfeeding products.  You can read more about what I thought here.

7. A Breast Pump

Some may disagree, but I could not get by without a breast pump.  With my son, I had too much milk.  With my daughter, it’s almost not enough.  In both instances, it’s the breast pump that allowed and has continued to allow me to give my children breast milk exclusively.  I’ve tried several different pumps.  My favorite, hands-down is the Medela Pump In Style Advanced breast pump I received at my very first baby shower.  It’s lightweight (for a pump) and quickly expresses breast milk.  Pumping is never comfortable and I won’t say that this pump is any different in that sense.  However, it features a two-phase expression that allows me to express the maximum amount of milk.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  However, as a brand ambassador for the company, I receive information and product samples.  Product samples were also received from My Brest Friend, Earth Mama Angel Baby and Bebe Au Lait.

Breastfeeding Your Baby in Public

You’d think after nursing my son for 15 months, I’d be a pro at nursing in public.  In all honesty, I still find breastfeeding in public to be challenging.  I was at church a few weeks ago…we were at our couple’s small group.  Our daughter needed to nurse.  The room was filled with young couples…most who have children.  I left our table and went to the back of the room.  I had a nursing cover.  I still managed to get flustered and ended up going to the car.  Why?  Why does something that we’re biologically programmed to do cause women around the world to feel awkward…uncomfortable.  Why are we constantly apologizing for nursing our babies in public?

I was skimming through a parenting magazine recently.  I happened upon an old picture…it was black and white.  It was a picture of a woman nursing her baby at a table…uncovered.  It was so natural.  Everyone was eating at the table…including her baby.  I so wish our society viewed nursing this way.

This week’s breastfeeding article was written by Kimberly Seals Allers.  Kimberly is a leading authority on issues relating to modern, mothers of color, author of The Mocha Manual™ series of books and editor in chief of MochaManual.com, the fast growing web-based publication and lifestyle destination for today’s African American moms and moms-to-be. She is also a featured blogger for MomLogic.com and Babycenter.com.

Breastfeeding Your Baby in Public

So you are finally comfortable with the rhythm of feeding your new baby at home… Wonderful! But, who wants to stay home all the time? Some new moms might feel a little hesitation when it’s time to take the show on the road. This is quite natural, and also quite easy to overcome!

Some amount of public breastfeeding is inevitable. According to a recent Bravado Breastfeeding Information Council report, where, when and how to feed your baby away from home is a source of concern for many new breastfeeding moms. Up to 30% state that having to breastfeed in public creates anxiety for themselves and their spouses. Over 85% of breastfeeding moms surveyed by the BBIC stated they would go out of their way to frequent establishments that were comfortable and friendly to breast feed in. We asked BBIC board member Kimberly Seals Allers for some advice about how to find your public “comfort zone”.

Q: When planning trips out and about with your baby, how can you find a place that is breastfeeding friendly to stop for a feeding? What types of places should new/expectant moms be on the lookout for?

A: Moms just rave about the lounges at Nordstrom, but hotel lobbies and fitting rooms are also great and I heard of one woman who slipped into a dark pew in the back of a church! If public places like a park bench aren’t available, there’s always the passenger seat of your car. When in doubt, ask a local breastfeeding friend. There’s a fair chance that they have “been there and done that” in the same public places. They will likely have suggestions about comfortable places to stop for a feeding.

Q: Is it appropriate to call ahead to an establishment you will be visiting for the first time? What should you say?

A: It’s a great idea to call ahead. But don’t place an establishment on the spot, by demanding to know if they are “breastfeeding friendly”. Many people don’t know what exactly that means, and it means different things to different people. When you call, you should be specific about your needs. Do you need a quiet room with a door that locks? Access to a refrigerator? A place to plug in a breast pump? Your needs are probably very simple and once the establishment hears them, they may happily come to realize that they are indeed “breastfeeding friendly”.

Q: Are there any tools, tricks, or accessories that breastfeeding moms can keep in mind, to make it easier & more comfortable to breastfeed in public?

A: It’s always a good idea to carry a scarf. It can be used in so many ways; to keep warm, for privacy, etc. Slings are a great accessory for breastfeeding moms. They allow you to carry your baby hands free, and with a little practice, you can nurse your baby in them. It’s possible to breastfeed a baby in public in a sling, even while grocery shopping, without anyone noticing. However, the most important accessory for a breastfeeding mother who is planning on nursing her baby wherever she goes, is confidence. Don’t be focused on others. Focus on your baby!

Quick Tips:

* Ask a breastfeeding friend about local places they have found comfortable to stop and feed their baby
* When in doubt, call ahead and be specific about your needs and requirements
* Carry a scarf and/or a sling to make yourself and your baby more comfortable when nursing in public.
* If you are out of great options, retreat to the passenger seat of your car.
* Don’t leave home without it: Confidence!

Want to learn more? Just visit Bravado!

This information is courtesy of Bravado Designs, the brand synonymous with nursing women and their success for eighteen years.

Postpartum Comfort From Earth Mama Angel Baby

Having a baby is unlike any other experience.  Nothing else on earth compares to the overwhelming joy and intense love that overcomes you.  However, the physical act of delivering a baby, regardless of the method, is awkward, painful, and messy.  If it weren’t for complete and utter amnesia, I may not have endeavored to repeat the experience.

When my son was born, I knew my incision would be painful.  I knew that my body would shed what had been stored up for over 9 months.  But I was not prepared for the discomfort I would experience in the early days of breastfeeding.  There were nights where I would cry because the pain of latching my son was so severe.  I struggled with engorgement, plugged ducts, and multiple bouts of mastitis.

While I’ve yet to experience plugged ducts or mastitis, I have had my share of discomfort while nursing my daughter.  Earth Mama Angel Baby offers a line of all-natural breastfeeding products to help ease some of the discomfort.  Regardless of how easily a baby latches, I believe that some discomfort is inevitable.  Since I don’t like the sticky nature of lanolin, I usually dont use anything to ease the soreness.  Earth Mama Angel Baby offers a Natural Nipple Butter that feels nothing like lanolin and works just as well (if not better).  The company offers the first organic, all-natural, plant-based balm, designed to soothe sore nipples.  It’s made with organic calendula, cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter and feels incredibly rich and smooth (unilke lanolin which is very sticky).  It’s safe for moms and babies so it doesn’t have to be washed off before nursing.

I really like the texture.  It’s not sticky and rubs in very well.   The Natural Nipple Butter does a great job of providing relief for sore, irritated nipples.  It doesn’t have an odor and my daughter never even noticed I had it on (I’m not currently using it any more because I’m no longer experiencing soreness).  Right now I’m using it on her body after baths for massage.

I am so glad I have yet to experience a plugged duct or an episode of mastitis this time around.  I had an oversupply of milk with my son, which I believe was the result of excessive pumping.  This time around I did things differently.  While the first several I experienced a lot of discomfort from engorgement, my body has finally started to regulate itself and I’m no longer waking up engorged.

Earth Mama Angel Baby offers Booby Tubes, natural gel-free breast packs made with a 100% organic cotton shell and filled with all-natural flax seed.  They can be used warm or cold, but I always prefer heat when I’m engorged.  They’re easy to use (either put them in the freezer or the microwave) and effective at relieving engorgement when heated (I have never used them cold).  Heat can help maintain open milk ducts, encourage milk to flow, promote let-down and provide comfort during episodes of engorgement or mastitis.  I like to use them several minutes before I nurse or pump.  When used cold, they can help reduce swelling and tenderness associated with engorgement.

Earth Mama Angel Baby also offers Bosom Buddies, designed to ease the symptoms of engorgement, clogged milk ducts, and sore, cracked nipples.  I haven not tried this yet, but I would definitely consider it if warranted.

Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Postpartum Recovery line includes products designed for women who have had either a natural or casearean delivery.  Their C-Mama Healing Salve is amazing.  My incision became infected this time around and I ended up on antibiotics to clear it up.  I used the salve at the same time and felt like it helped ease the external discomfort at the incision site.  The C-Mama Healing Salve includes Vitamin C, essential fatty acids and amino acids to help with wound repair.  I’m actually still using this since it can be used on wounds, scars, stretch marks, rashes, and burns.  Be sure to check out the company’s entire Postpartum Recovery line for product designed to ease the discomfort from a natural birth.

Earth Mama Angel Baby recently introduced their Happy Mama Body Wash.  Stay tuned for my review coming soon!  Now through March 16th, you’ll receive a bottle free with the purchase of their Mama’s Pregnancy Essentials Kit.

Earth Mama Angel Baby is unique in many ways.  The company “uses the highest-quality, certified-organic or organically grown herbs and oils for [their] teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils.”   Their products are “100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes.”  I appreciate their transparency with regards to the ingredients in their products and their view on pregnancy as a life stage (as opposed to an illness) aligns with my own.  Earth Mama Angel Baby is also green on the inside and the outside.  Their packaging is derived from eco-friendly recyclable or reused/resuseable materials.

For more information, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

Guest Post: How Long Should a Feeding Take?

As a mom, nurse, and lactation educator, I have a significant amount of breastfeeding experience and education.  And yet, with both of my children, I have had different experiences and different challenges, particularly in the early weeks.  For many women, breastfeeding comes naturally.  Some women, however, need a bit of support.  I sought out lactation assistance with both of my children, most recently with my daughter.  In both instances, it was a lactation consultant that helped me succeed and encouraged me not to give up.

As a Bravado Mama Ambassador, I have the privilege of bringing you informative articles from lactation experts.  Today’s articles is from Heather Kelly, a Lactation Consultant and specialist for Bravado Designs. Heather is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in NYC since 2001.

Today’s article focuses on a question that should have a simple answer.  But from personal experience with my daughter, it’s one that isn’t always clear. My daughter was not nursing long enough a few weeks ago.  I thought she was simply eating very quickly.  It turns out that I was not giving her enough time to nurse and she was not gaining weight as she should.  After meeting with a lactation consultant, we developed a feeding plan that is working.

How long should a feeding take?

How long a feeding should take, is one of the most common questions of women who are new to breastfeeding. When you are just starting out you may not know what to expect, and how long to plan for a feeding. Having a little bit of information at your disposal will give you confidence. The first thing you should know is that there is no one “set” amount of time for a feeding. Every baby is different, including your own, from day to day. However, there are guidelines for what to expect.

In general, in the first several weeks of your baby’s life, a feeding at the breast should take anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. This includes time for gently waking a sleepy baby, burping and diaper changes.

If the feedings you and your baby are having are shorter, your baby may not be getting filled up. This means you’ll probably be feeding your baby again, very shortly. This happens most frequently with newborns that fall asleep too early into the feeding before they’re actually full.

Some of your feedings may also take longer than an hour. Many newborns nurse for a while and then have some ‘awake’ time where they stop feeding, hiccup and look around. This alert time is when your baby gets to look around and get a look at you! Most likely they’ll need another five minutes or so of feeding afterward, to fully fill them up, as well as transition from waking time to sleeping time. It’s not unusual to spend an hour and a half feeding and bonding with your baby on these occasions.

While 20-50 minutes per feeding is a guideline, always make sure your baby has had a good, complete feeding. Check to make sure that he is swallowing regularly throughout and not just sucking.

In the first few weeks of your baby’s life, expect to feed your baby 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. This averages out to feeding every 2-3 hours (including at night). But remember – newborns cannot tell time. Some feedings may be closer together and some may have a bigger break in between. The important thing is to feed your baby when they are hungry – they’ll let you know!

Tips to success:

* Newborns feed for an average of 20-50 minutes per feeding.
* Try not to time the feeding; rather look for signs that your baby has had a good, filling meal.
* Some feedings may take as long as 1½ hours as they include your newborn’s alert time, enjoy this time together!

Want to learn more? Just visit Bravado!

This information is courtesy of Bravado Designs, the brand synonymous with nursing women and their success for eighteen years.

Simplisse Breast Pump and Breast Care Products *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Wendy (#49)!

Disclaimer:  This post contains information about breastfeeding.

I will be completely honest in admitting that when I was offered the opportunity to review a manual breast pump, I was hesitant.  After all, I use a double electric breast pump…how could it compare?  Would it be fast enough?  (I have an impatient 2 1/2 year old who doesn’t like when mommy pumps).  Would it empty like the electric breast pump? (I have a lot of milk…so much I could donate it)  Would I get tired of squeezing that little handle?  (I have some residual pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome).  There were just some of the many questions I had about the pump.

A few weeks ago we drove to San Diego for an event.  We were running late and I decided to pump in the car.  I blew the fuse (and of course didn’t have batteries).  It was in that moment I wished that I had a pump that didn’t require batteries or electricity.  So I decided to give Simplisse’s Manual Breastfeeding Companion a try.

A little about the company behind the pump:

Simplisse is a line of breast pumps and breast care products designed to do let moms express breastmilk comfortably in order to provide milk for their babies for the longest period of time possible.

The most impressive aspect of the company (in my opinion) is the fact that the products were developed through a partnership between industry-leading lactation consultants and moms. Lactation consultants have the knowledge and expertise, while moms have the personal experience of breastfeeding and expressing milk for their baby.  The goal was to provide a comfortable, efficient way to express milk.  The result is the Manual Breastfeeding Companion.

I’ve yet to meet a woman who enjoys using a breast pump.  Some pumps hurt, pinch, and/or tug (believe me…I know!). The Manual Breastfeeding Companion was designed with patented compression technology and a super soft flexible breastcup to ensure comfort.  The pump works by naturally eliciting milk expression (as opposed to extracting milk via a suck-and-release action found in most breast pumps).  It was designed to emulate a baby’s suckling motions and feeding pressure.

To be honest, I had a bit of trouble with the pump initially.  I am one that always attempts to figure a product out without consulting the user manual, to see how far I can get.  I didn’t get very far this time around.  There are a number of pieces (10 to be exact) and if they’re not put together in just the right way, the pump doesn’t work.  Initially I couldn’t get it to express milk.  Then I read that the parts “should be dry, assembled correctly, and snugly fit.”  So I took it apart and re assembled it.  The next time I used the pump, milk was collecting in the bottle…and on my pants.  So I re assembled it again.  It turns out I had not attached and sealed two of the parts properly.  So I would recommend that you read the instructions AND watch their videos on assembling and disassembling the pump.

Once I got the pump to work, I was very impressed with it’s ability to express milk (remember that I’m using a double electric breast pump as my only comparison).  When I started using it, I thought it was going to take a long time because I couldn’t really feel anything.  I seriously thought nothing was happening, but then I looked down I already had an ounce.  It didn’t take any longer to express millk than it does with my electric pump (except that the Manual Breastfeeding Companion is a single pump).  It’s very comfortable because it has a soft, flexible breastcup that conforms and moves naturally with the breast.  The pump doesn’t pinch, pull, or hurt at all…in fact…it doesn’t feel like much (perhaps I’m desensitized by my double electric pump).  The only things I’d change about the pump are the assembly process (although once you learn it, you likely won’t have difficulty) and an option for double pumping.

If you’ve ever nursed a baby, then you know that there are a lot of products that make the process easier.  Breast pads keep you dry and help avoid embarrassing let-down moments, nipple cream eases discomfort (particularly in those first few weeks), and storage bags provide a convenient way to keep milk over a long period of time.  Simplisse offers an entire line of nursing accessories to help you be successful and comfortable.  Here is a summary of some of their most popular products:

Disposable Breast Pads: Features an ultra-absorbant micro-layer prevents leakage and contours to mom so no adhesive is required.  They’re super thin, but have to be changed often.

Breastmilk Storage Bags: Features an extra-durable design with double zip seals to protect precious breastmilk.  Using bags is a much wiser use of precious freezer space.  These are the only bags I know of  that stand upright.

Lanolin-Free Nipple Cream: Features a nutritive formula that nourishes the skin to help heal nipples.  If you don’t like lanolin (like me!) this is a safe, all-natural alternative.  It’s not sticky and doesn’t have to be washed off before nursing or pumping.

Essential Lactation Supplements: These essential nutrients enhance the health of breastfeeding moms.  They contain a special vitamin and mineral combination for the unique needs of breastfeeding moms.

You can purchase Simplisse’s entire line of breast care accessories at Babies R Us and select online retailers.

Win It! One of you will win a fabulous gift pack which includes the Manual Breastfeeding Companion, Essential Lactation Supplements, Disposable Breast Pads, Lanolin-Free Nipple Cream and Breastmilk Storage Bags (ARV $100).  Simply visit the site.  Then come back and leave me a comment with something you learned or a product you’d like to try out and why.  Comments will close on March 15, 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.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

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.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

When You Need or Want to Pump (Giveaway Added!)

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Simone.  Congrats!

FYI:  This post contains information about breastfeeding.

I’m mentally preparing for baby number 2.  My thoughts are too often consumed by whether this little one is a “he” or a “she,”  when really I should just be enjoying every moment. I’m thinking about my maternity leave and preparing our son’s room to eventually accommodate another child.  I’m thinking about my upcoming surgical delivery and who will be with my son while I’m in the hospital.  I’m thinking about my sister-in-laws upcoming wedding and how I won’t be able to attend…and how my husband will be gone when our little one is less than a month old.  All of this consumes my thoughts at any given time.  But do you know what I don’t worry about?  Nursing.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week.  And I thought that this would be a perfect time to share with you about a product I recently received, courtesy of Pumpin’ Pal.  My son received breast milk for almost 15 months. One of my fondest memories of my son’s first year + of life was the time we spent nursing.  But to be honest, it wasn’t easy in the beginning.  I struggled for weeks getting the latch right.  I battled with soreness and engorgement and plugged ducts and mastitis.  As a lactation educator and nurse with almost 10 years experience working with moms and babies in Obstetric and Neonatal environments, I thought breastfeeding was the LAST thing I’d have to worry about.  I was so wrong.  Ironically, teaching and doing are not the same thing.  If it wasn’t for my extremely supportive and patient husband, a dear friend and lactation consultant whom I had worked with, and my commitment to nurse my son, I may have given up.  It really was that difficult.  But, with support, and a very handy pump, we persevered.  My son is so healthy and smart, and I have to attribute some of that to nursing.

I knew I’d have to go to work at some point (which will be the case with baby number 2 as well).  So I bought a pump in preparation for my eventual return to work.  Never did I imagine I would be using it within the first month of my son’s life.  I pumped all the way until I weaned, at approximately 15 months.  For some women, they shudder at the thought of using a breast pump.  I had a different perspective.  That breast pump was what helped me through my bouts with mastitis and engorgement and what ultimately allowed for my son to receive breast milk for as long as he did.

There are numerous pumps on the market (and perhaps one day I’ll write a post about my thoughts on this).  There are also numerous products to help make pumping as painless as possible.  One of the things I did not have with my son until the very end was a device to help me pump hands-free.  Can you imagine all the things I could have gotten done, had I been able to pump hands free?

Pumpin’ Pal International is a company “dedicated to improving the breast pumping experience by making it as comfortable and productive as possible with Pumpin’ Pal accessories for pumping moms.”  Pumping is inconvenient.  It’s time consuming.  It feels unnatural.  It separates you from your baby.  But, like I said earlier, my perspective had to change.  I had to look at all the positives…all the benefits of pumping.  I had to realize that pumping allowed my husband to give my son a bottle (a bonding experience that he may have missed out on), allowed me to go back to work and help provide for our family, and allowed my husband and I to have the occasional date night.

I received a Hands-Free Pumping Strap and various sized angled pumping flanges, courtesy of the company.  The first thing I noticed (after the fact that the products are BPA-free) was their affordable pricing.  The Hands-Free Pumping Strap is actually very easy to use (yes, I tried it on, but no, I’m not lactating yet!).  I like that it’s compatible with most breast pumps (and mine in particular).  It can be used by most women, regardless of their size or shape (something that cannot be said for other hands-free devices).  It’s also easy to use (just watch the demo video).  The only thing I cannot attest to is whether or not milk spillage occurs (a problem I’ve had with other hands-free devices).  I will be sure to let you know my thoughts on this one aspect as soon as the little one arrives.

The other product I received was a set of angled pumping flanges in various sizes.  I’m really impressed with the design of these flanges.  I’ve yet to see angled flanges but this makes sense.  I remember having to sit hunched over, while pumping to ensure I didn’t waste or lose a drop of milk.  They’re available in 3 sizes and I thank the company for recognizing that women are diverse in their anatomy. Some of the benefits of angled flanges include the following (from the site):

• Eliminates constriction of milk ducts caused by traditional flanges
• Promotes better flow
• Reduces irritation to the nipple area
• Helps users to sit back in a more comfortable, natural position while pumping
• Considerably more comfortable than traditional flanges
• Can be used with hands-free systems for the ultimate in relaxed and productive pumping
• Especially effective for new moms and C-section moms
• Aids in the prevention of mastitis and other breast infections caused by plugged ducts

While I did try these for comfort, I did not try to pump with them (I’m pregnant and that’s not a good idea at this point).  I can’t wait until our little one arrives.  I’m most looking forward to eliminating the shoulder pain I had when I pumped for my son.

Win It! One of you will win a set of your own!  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with something you liked or learned on the site.  Comments will close on August 29, 2009 at 10 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.

Spread the word about this giveaway. I’ll let you decide what you want to do!  : )

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

Mamas…Get Your Glow On!

When I was pregnant with my son, I remember all of the do’s and don’ts particularly when it came to eating. When my son was born I thought…finally…I can eat and drink whatever I want. Except that I nursed my son for 13 months. While nursing gave me more freedom than pregnancy, I still felt the weight of unwritten restrictions.

I can barely go a day without tea and coffee but caffeine and babies, regardless of whether they are in or outside of the womb, don’t mix. With recent research linking high fructose corn syrup to obesity and diabetes, it’s prudent for all mamas, pregnant or not, to stay away from it. So what does that leave? Water, juice, and Glow Mama!

Glow Mama is a healthy, low-calorie drink designed by a mom for pregnant and nursing moms. It’s a light and refreshing blend of kiwi and white grape juices. It’s not too sweet and at only 70 calories you’ll feel good about the nutrients it provides. Glow Mama is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, preservatives, and caffeine and contains calcium, rolate, B and C vitamins, and fiber. Glow Mama complements your prenatal vitamin so don’t forget to keep taking it! I recommend refrigerating it because it tastes wonderful chilled. If you’re finding it difficult to consume your 8-10 glasses of water every day, why not try Glow Mama?

What I find impressive about Glow Mama is that the American Pregnancy Association endorses it. Head on over to Glow Mama for more information including some very cool recipes for mommy mocktails!

Get It Now! Use the promotion code “rockinmama” and you’ll save 15% off your next order!

Profuse thanks to Glow Mama and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity!