When I first announced I was pregnant with baby #1, I was so excited to join my first "mom group" online. I yearned for the advice. I sought it out, I researched, I asked questions. Tons of questions. Overall, it's been a good experience -- I learned a lot and found ways to dig through the constructive comments and pass aside the negative ones. I began to contribute in my own ways, answering other moms' questions and posting my opinions or suggestions. I still visit these forums, and my newborn advice has grown as my children have.
In fact, while I was on maternity leave, I started Simply Suppa as a way to share and guide readers with information or products I found worthy. There's something reassuring when a fellow mom (who you may or may not know) offers an honest or unbiased account -- and that's why I'm here.
I've recently partnered with Parent Tested Parent Approved, a local (Vaughan and beyond) company that allows moms and dads to test and review products. They award products and services a PTPA Seal, which tells moms (and dads) that it has a seal of approval from fellow parents. It's like unspoken advice, right there on the box.
I'm happy to announce that Medela Canada is the recipient of
Before I start -- disclaimer: by now, you know my story with breastfeeding and pumping. If you don't, read my Plan to Pump. I'm not here to tell you to pump, or nurse or whatever. Chances are, you'll get a LOT of unwanted and unwarranted advice without my help. If there's one thing I've learned in all the mom groups online, it's to be respectful of moms' decisions. You do what's best for you and your baby.
If you are planning on breastfeeding and/or breast pumping, there are lots of goodies below. So without further adieu.....drumroll.....the Medela Canada Award Winning Trio.
Medela Freestyle:
Last month, I introduced you to the Medela Freestyle double electric breast pump. Here's my first piece of mom advice: if you're going to buy a breast pump, buy a double electric. Hands down. The freestyle is the most popular Medela breast pump on the market and is designed for daily use. If you're new to pumping, pump for 15 minutes or so, or until your breasts have completely stopped dripping (a nurse once told me to wait two full minutes after your breasts have emptied). If the pumping hurts, check the size of your flanges (cones), as well as the tension on the pump. Play with different levels until you're comfortable and producing an adequate level of milk.The Freestyle is portable, easy to use, has the potential for battery power in addition to electric. It comes with a little cooler for storage on the go.
MyMedela Award-winning app:
After you pump, track. I was never good at this, and often forgot. Ooh, maybe because I didn't have the MyMedela app! The MyMedela app not only gives you LOTS of really great advice (which you can get any time of day or night), it's free and conveniently tracks all kinds of info about you and your baby. Note when you pumped, how much, if you fed via breast, bottle, both. You can jot down baby milestones, height and weight. You can even track sleeping, diapers, developmental charts. This would be super helpful for well baby check ups or visits with your doc. It's available in English and French. I love that it's like 3 apps in one -- one for mom, one for baby and one for advice. And you can track while you nurse in the middle of the night. (I'm not the only mom who was on her phone during feedings, right!?)
Calma:
When you breastfeed AND bottle feed, there's always an underlying fear that the baby won't be able to go back and forth. The baby will be able to go back and forth. They do know the difference; they are smart little beings. There are really great products on the market, though, that will help facilitate the breastfeeding relationship if you choose to bottle feed in addition to nurse. We bottle fed both of our daughters regularly and certain bottles don't allow baby to work the same way as she would on the breast. See, breast feeding isn't super simple for baby. It involves a strong suck. Many bottles don't require baby to suck at all, but milk is poured into their little mouths. This can make a lazy sucker. The Calma allows baby to suck the same way on the bottle as she would on the breast.
OK -- if you've seen or held this nipple, you may think I'm nuts. This nipple may look a bit strange at first, but it is designed for baby in mind. Especially the baby who bounces back and forth from breast to bottle. It's a firm nipple, and it's long. It's difficult to suck -- I know, I've tried it. But the Calma nipple really encourages baby to suck, the same way she would on the breast. Unlike a traditional bottle nipple that is quite soft and milk is extracted much easier, baby controls the feeding session with the Calma, and can pause and stop just like she would on the breast. It may take some getting used to, but give it a go. And the Calma nipple fits directly on the bottles that come with the Freestyle pump, so it's very easy to pump and feed!I am so unbelievably PUMPED to share this final piece of advice to you today -- enter my contest below. Why? Because you could win a Medela Canada Freestyle Double Electric Breast Pump, valued at $495 CAN. If you are expecting, or know someone who is, now's the time to get your hands (and boobs!) on this excellent piece of equipment that will make your breastfeeding/pumping experience so much easier. Take it from me.
See? Mom Advice can be really great!
Medela #MedelaCanada Freestyle Double Breast Pump Giveaway
Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Medela Canada and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
I pumped with my son and it was the best thing ever because it gave me a bit of freedom and allowed my husband to bond with my son as well best decision very. I am now pregnant with my second and am looking for a new pump because I only bought the swing! This would be Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about Medela Pump. It's always been my front runner. Really hoping to win!!!!!
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