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Simplisse Breast Pump and Breast Care Products *Giveaway*

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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.

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

Caryn Bailey
Latest posts by Caryn Bailey (see all)

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85 Responses to Simplisse Breast Pump and Breast Care Products *Giveaway*

  4. i’d like to try the essential lactation vitamins and minerals once i get to the breast feeding stage. i’m due in july and i want to learn more about the proper supplements for that period.

    Reply

  7. I’d like to try the washable pads as well – it would be great to have something reusable rather than disposable! 🙂

    Reply

  9. I learned that There’s a good reason why breast milk is often described as “the perfect food for infants” and why breastfeeding is recognized as the best way to feed and nurture your baby. Why? Your breast milk is uniquely designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of your baby. While the main components of human milk are relatively similar, each woman’s breast milk is slightly different and can vary with the time of the day, the time of year, baby’s eating pattern, baby’s health and growth, and mom’s diet and nutritional health

    Reply

  14. stress can release hormones that can inhibit milk flow, which may have contributed to why my milk supply diminished so quickly.

    Reply

  18. I would like to try the breast shells. I like that it allows nipple to breath and recover, especially between breastfeeding sessions.

    Reply

  21. I watched the demo on their site and I’d love to try the manual breasfeeding companion. I’ve tried another manual pump and was so frustrated I haven’t sucessfully pumped at all. I plan to nurse (my 5mo old) for a long time still, but would love the flexibility to occasionall pump/express milk for him when we’re apart. Taking him everywhere with me won’t work forever!! The cups and ‘sucking’ action on this product look like they could really work.

    Reply

  26. I didn’t realize that pain during lactation can produce hormones that inhibit milk from being produced, as the site says. Could be part of my problem…

    Reply

  31. i learned that their product is a more natural way of pumping milk and it collects it better then most which would make pumping easier

    Reply

  33. I’d love to try the washable breast pads since the pads are so expensive and washing them would save so much money.

    Reply

  35. im so impressed by the baby face fit! as an exclusively pumping mom due to working…this would be a great help!

    Reply

  46. I’d love to try the washable breast pads.They can be so expensive and washing them would save so much money.

    Reply

  51. I learned that the best way to keep your milk supply at peak levels is to breastfeed your baby as often as he or she demands it 😀

    Reply

  56. I would try the Nipple Shields. My daughter had a huge problem latching on and I ended up formula feeding her. I am actually entering this contest for a friend who is due in July. I think she would love this little pack of products. Thanks.

    Reply

  66. I never thought of taking minerals while breastfeeding, what a great idea that they made a formula just for nursing moms.

    Reply

  75. I would love to try the disposable breast pads. They contain No SAPs (chemical polymers), and all materials biodegradable.

    Reply

  80. I like the Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes! I didn’t know these existed..it’s always a hassle to clean all the parts of the pump so this would be handy to have!

    Reply

  82. I learned that stress from pain or discomfort while breastfeeding releases hormones that can inhibit milk flow as well as decrease the breastmilk’s natural infection-fighting nutrients

    Reply

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