Favorite Things | Breastfeeding & Pumping

Last weekend I attended a baby shower where we discussed the pros and cons of various breastfeeding-related products, and I then had a conversation with my Mom's best friend whose daughter is struggling with nursing her newborn and was looking for advice. I have been meaning to post about my favorite breastfeeding and pumping essentials while it is still (somewhat) fresh in my mind, and this was the perfect reminder.

Breastfeeding is not as easy as it seems...at least not during the first few weeks (or months). It is a different experience for everyone, and it may not work out as planned. Both of my kids have upper lip ties, so I faced difficulties in nursing both of them, but in different ways.

With Ava, the lip tie meant that she had a terrible latch, which resulted in lots of pain on my end as well as cracked nipples, mastitis, and her getting thrush as a result of my antibiotics. So we only breastfeed for two weeks before I started exclusively pumping. At the same time, I had a terrible cold and took Sudafed without realizing that it would dry up my supply. This meant that I could only pump half of what Ava needed a day, so we went with a half-formula/half-breast milk route until I returned to work. I was so disappointed that breastfeeding hadn't worked out as planned, but I was proud of the pumped breast milk she did get. I was also determined to make it work with our second child.

I did more research on breastfeeding before having Rylan (I highly recommend the KellyMom site and the "Timeline of a Breastfed Baby"), and set a goal to breastfeed for six months.

Despite our initial struggles while he was in the NICU, Ry finally figured out a good latch. Other than a little discomfort, I didn't experience any pain this time around. However, Rylan's lip tie caused issues with his ability to efficiently extract milk. As a result, his feedings lasted forever and his slow weight gain was a big concern. We eventually hit our stride, survived the three-day marathon nursing session at the six-week mark, and breastfed exclusively until I went back to work at three months. I am not able to pump a ton of milk, so we had to supplement with at least one bottle of formula at daycare. But Rylan didn't seem to mind and went effortlessly back and forth between the breast and bottle (our first sign that he is not a picky eater). Pumping that much is no freaking joke, and the further we got from exclusive breastfeeding, the less milk I was able to produce and the more my bottomless-pit-of-a-child needed to eat. But…we met my six-month goal and it was such a wonderful experience.

In addition to self-determination (fueled by my inner hippie plus working-mom desire to "do it all") and the support of family and friends, the products below truly helped make my breastfeeding journey successful the second time around.

1. Organic Cotton Nursing Pads. These nursing pads are so soft and absorbent. I also love that they are machine washable.

2. My Breast Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow. I truly feel like I lived in this thing while on maternity leave. I am definitely team My Breast Friend. It was way more comfortable than the Boppy, the pocket came in very handy, and I loved the stability due to the buckle strap. I could multi-task like a boss while nursing in that thing. But the Boppy came in handy for other things…

3. Motherlove Nipple Cream. Such simple ingredients; such magical healing powers. Bonus: it works fabulously as lip balm once you are done breastfeeding.

4. Cake Lingerie Nursing Bras. These nursing bras are pricey, but they are so unbelievably comfortable and supportive. I may or may not still wear mine sometimes. They also make nursing tanks.

5. Milkscreen Alcohol Breastmilk Testers. Because after going nearly a year without wine, these come in very handy.

6. Baby Scale. One of the disadvantages of breastfeeding is that you don't know exactly how much your baby is eating on a daily basis. However, as long as they are gaining about an ounce a day, then you are good. Normally, I wouldn't have worried about it, but due to Rylan's slow weight gain initially (and my polite refusal to not follow the doctor's suggestion to start supplementing with formula), I knew it would put me at ease to keep track of his weight at home. A sweet friend let us borrow her scale, and it made me feel so much better to see those little ounces adding up.

7. Milkies Milk-Saver. I ordered this on a whim a couple months into breastfeeding, and my only regret is that I didn't get it sooner! You place it on the non-nursing boob, and the little contraption catches the milk that escapes during let-down/throughout the feeding. It didn't capture a ton, but I would much rather save that 1/4 an ounce each feeding than have it soak up a nursing pad. Evidently you also catch a lot more during the early weeks when your boobs haven't quite got their act together yet.

8. Trader Joe's Frozen Steelcut Oatmeal. Oatmeal is supposed to increase milk supply, and it doesn't get much better than steelcut oatmeal that re-heats in just minutes. I'm sure all that oatmeal I consumed totally balanced out the tubs of TJ's Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies. 

9. Serial Podcast. Listening to this addicting true crime podcast got me through many a late-night feedings. I especially liked that it kept me awake while I could still rest my eyes. (Note that I did have some crazy dreams after going back to sleep).

10. Fenugreek Capsules. While it made my pee smell like maple syrup (there are worse things), the fenugreek really helped with my milk production when I needed a little boost.

11. Medela Breast Milk Storage Set. I was lucky enough to get lots of hand-me-down bottles and storage containers from my sister-in-law, so I only had to purchase the freezer storage bags. However, this set would be a good purchase if you are starting from scratch. (Note that I just used these bottles for pumping/storage as I prefer Dr. Brown's bottles.)

12. Medela Easy Expression Bustier. The picture on the cover of this packaging kills me, but a bra like this is essential for pumping. I have friends who have just cut holes in old sports bras, but I needed something that was easier to get on and off at work. Since these are strapless and zip up in the front, they fit the bill perfectly.

13. Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags. These bags are great for cleaning all those pump parts (as well as pacifiers, bottle parts, etc.).

14. PackIt Freezable Carryall Bag. I used a boring soft-sided cooler with ice packs, but this bag would have been perfect. The entire bag freezes and stays cold for 10 hours, which is key for the trips between  fridges at work and home as well as when you are pumping on the go.

15. Medela Freestyle Breast Pump. With Ava, I used the Medela Pump In Style Advanced (another hand-me-down…thanks Tori!). It worked great, but I was worried that the motor was slowing a bit since it had been used for many years by the time Rylan was born. Thanks to Obamacare, I was able to get a new pump for free! The free option is a very basic version, but it did the trick. (And I was able to have a pump both at home and at work, which was amazing!) However, if I had my pick, it would totally be this Medela Freestyle pump due to the compact size and portability.

Other Things To Have On Hand:

• Nursing tanks. I wasn't a big fan of nursing cover-ups and found it easier to wear nursing tanks under shirts that were easy to pull up or down. This gave me enough coverage to feel comfortable without the hassle of dealing with a cover. I stuck to the cheap ones (mainly from Target).

• A comfortable neck pillow. After dealing with lots of neck/upper back pain early on, I found that using a neck pillow during the longer nursing sessions really helped. My ideal night-time nursing set-up was: in the recliner, feet up, the My Breast Friend pillow for Rylan, neck pillow for me, and the aforementioned podcast in my headphones. I had it down to a science.

• Something to elevate your feet. While one of those fancy stools would have been nice, our old law school textbooks came in very handy. This really helps with your posture/positioning during the early weeks. Once you get in a groove, you can nurse anywhere in pretty much any position. 

• A bag big enough to fit cooler bag, pump, bottles/storage bags, and pumping bra. I felt like a Sherpa taking all this stuff to work every day. It did get easier once I got my Obamacare pump and was able to leave a pump in my office. 

• Gallon-sized Ziploc bags. One of the best pumping tips I found was to store your pump parts in the fridge with the milk during the day at work. Because the milk residue stays cold, you don't have to clean the parts in between pumping sessions...which saves you a lot of time when you have to pump 3-4 times every day at work! I kept them in a ziploc bag to keep the inside of my cooler bag clean.  

And with that, I will conclude this novel of a post. Happy nursing, mamas. 

Favorite Things: Kidecals

With Ava in preschool and Rylan in daycare, I have frantically been trying to figure out the best way to keep all their "school supplies" organized. (How is it possible that such tiny humans require so much stuff?!) And with two kids in school now, having everything labeled is one of the keys to my sanity staying intact. 

That is where Kidecals comes in to play. They offer a variety of waterproof labels that are perfect for labeling the multitude of things that your kids have to bring to school/daycare every day. 

Just as their tagline describes, the labels are both versatile and durable. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles, and the labels are also dishwasher and washing machine safe. Another bonus…shipping is always free! 

The labels are also super easy to customize with various designs, colors, and options.

I ordered "Mega Sets" of the Purple and Orange Chevron and Navy Chevron styles. For $28, a set comes with 24 two-inch labels and 48 one-inch labels. 

I was so excited when our package of labels arrived. They looked fantastic!

Once I was done admiring the pretty labels, it was time to get organized. 

They are wonderful for sippy cups, bottles, and water bottles. And because the labels hold up so well in the dishwasher, I also plan on using them for Rylan's baby food containers in a few months. 

Ry's swaddle blankets and WubbaNub are also ready to go. 

And because Ava now has to pack tennis shoes every day for PE class, I slapped some labels on those bad boys as well. They are perfect for the shoes and haven't budged!

In addition to the personalized name labels, Kidecals also offers allergy alert labels! 

Not only are Kidecals' labels super useful for school and daycare, they would also come in very handy for camps and extracurricular activities. In fact, I know one little ballerina who could use some on her shoes :). 

**I received these labels for free in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I truly think my readers would enjoy/find helpful, and the opinions in this post are completely my own.** 

Favorite Things: Grandma's Humus

Earlier this year, my Mom introduced me to Grandma's Humus, and there was no going back. The hummus is made by The Mediterranean Chef, an Austin-based company, and it is so unbelievably good.

I have found it both at Central Market and Whole Foods. It has now become a staple in our house, and a tub can pretty much always be found in the fridge.  

In addition to the overall garlickyness, one of the best parts about the hummus is the spicy olive oil topping. 

The hummus is also suuuper creamy.

I seriously love this stuff. And I'm not the only one. Josh told me that it is the best hummus he's ever had, and often refers to it as "hummus crack." 

Ava is also a huge fan, spiciness and all...

Do yourself a favor and go pick up a tub of this wonderful stuff today. Or pick some up for your next party and pass it off as your own. I won't tell anyone. 

Favorite Things: Chip'ins

A few months ago, I discovered the fabulous "Chip'ins" made by Popcorn, Indiana. They are popcorn chips, which I love because they have the taste of popcorn with the crispyness of chips. 

My favorite flavor is white cheddar. Josh likes the jalepeno ranch flavor as well, but it is a little too spicy for my taste.

See...they smooosh the popcorn, cut it into chip-size pieces, and make it all crispy and stuff. 

And they really do taste like cheesy popcorn.

 I seriously love these chips. They are my new snack of choice. 

And they are also gluten-free if you are into that sort of thing. 

Favorite Things: Trumpette Socks

 There is something magical about baby socks. They are so cute and so very, very tiny. 

The problem with those cute and tiny baby socks is that they usually don't stay on very well. Except for Trumpette socks. It's like they have some sort of ninja power or something. 

On top of that, they are super cute.

The company also recently came out with toddler sizes, and I am kind of in love with the Olivia and Lucy styles. 

And these sizes are also great for younger babies with big feet. Because, let's be honest, if her mom wears size 9.5 and her dad wears size 14, the poor child is going to have really big feet. Completely hypothetically of course :). 

Favorite Things: Primo EuroBath

I have had a few people ask for baby bathtub recommendations, and my response is always the same...I absolutely love the Primo EuroBath. 

This wasn't the first baby bathtub we purchased for Ava. For the first few months, we used this bathtub made by Safety 1st...

However, Ava quickly grew out of the tub and didn't have room to splash her legs...her favorite bath activity at the time. Since we have a taller-than-average baby, I searched for a replacement tub that would last us for a while (and I really wish I had done this when registering for a tub). 

My research led me to the Primo EuroBath. According to the company's website, they offer the "largest baby bath available." Additionally, the tubs are made in the USA, BPA and Phthalate free, and can be used from birth to two-years old. They are also super easy to clean. Win, win, win. 

Before your baby can sit unsupported, you use the infant side of the bathtub. The infant side includes a contoured ramp that is both comfortable and safe because it keeps the baby from slipping down into the water.  

And once your baby is older, they can sit up on the toddler side of the tub. However, I still usually sit Ava up on the infant side so I can lean her back to wash her hair. This makes hair washing much easier!

As you can tell, Ava really likes her bathtub :). 

(And yes, someday she is going to be so embarrassed that I posted these pictures.)

Favorite Things: Green Toys

I would obviously love any toy that strikes Ava's fancy (and allows me to go to the bathroom in peace, eat a few uninterrupted bites of food, etc.), but toys that are Ava-approved as well as environmentally friendly, BPA-free, made in the USA, and reasonably priced are even better. Which is exactly why I was so excited to discover Green Toys. 

My Mom bought the Stacking Cups for Ava on a whim during a shopping trip at Whole Food's. 

Once I realized how much Ava liked them, I looked into the company. I soon discovered that, among other good attributes, all Green Toys are made from recycled plastic milk cartons right here in the good ole USA (and thus are subject to higher safety standards). 

According to the company website, every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves enough electricity to power a laptop for a month. How cool is that?! 

I think someone may be getting the pink race car for her birthday :). 

Favorite Things: Rex-Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon

We all know that I have a love-love relationship with red wine. And a good bottle of cheap red wine is one of my favorite finds. 

Our most recent find is Rex-Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Since it is so cheap, Josh picked up a bottle thinking that we could use it to make sangria. However, after being pleasantly surprised with how good it was, I ended up drinking it all before we could make any sangria. 

The website describes the award-winning wine as "Dark and intense in color. Hints of cedar and oak, with layers of raspberry, plum, mocha, and currant. Smooth tannins with big fruit flavors lead to a lengthy and persistent finish." And the following is from the label: "At the turn of the century, HRM (His Royal Majesty) Rex Goliath was a treasured circus attraction. Weighing in at 47lbs, Rex was billed as the 'World's Largest Rooster.' Our wines are a tribute to Rex's larger than life personality with big, fruit-forward flavors sure to please. Our hearty Cabernet is dark and intense - it's long on fruit and short on attitude." Love it. 

It is definitely a solid bottle of red wine. I'm not saying it's the best Cab ever, but it's only $5.99 a bottle (at Kroger)...$5.99!

[Don't judge me for drinking it out of a juice glass. It's Tuesday.]

I want to try the Rex-Goliath Pinot Noir next. Whole Foods recently had it on display as one of their "Top Ten" picks...and it was two bottles for $12 something. Score. 

Favorite Things: Häagen-Dazs Bananas Foster Ice Cream

One of the perks of working in the same building as the 7-Eleven headquarters is that the company tries out fun new products in the store downstairs (but I still refuse to try the hot dog-flavored chips), and their vendors also often give out free samples. 

For example, Häagen-Dazs gave out free ice cream cone pens (which unfortunately ran out before I got there) as well as containers of various flavors of ice cream today. One of the flavors was Bananas Foster, and it will be sold exclusively at 7-Eleven stores. 

I clearly had to try it...and I'm so glad I did!

It. Was. Ridiculously. Delicious. 

And I'm not even a huge ice cream fan...so that is saying a lot. 

It is made up of banana ice cream and brown sugar swirl. According to the Häagen-Dazs website, "hints of cinnamon and nutmeg with lingering notes of caramel and brown sugar enhance our flavorful banana ice cream." 

Basically, it tastes a little like delicious, warm banana bread with rum-flavored caramel drizzled on top (in ice cream form). It is very rich, so I could only eat about 10 bites...but each one was worth every calorie. 

If only it was lit on fire like the actual dessert. 

Favorite Things: Fisher-Price Playtime Guide

In searching for age-appropriate toys/activities for Ava, I recently stumbled upon the "Playtime Guide" on the Fisher-Price website. You can search by your child's age, and the site provides a list of suggested toys listed by type of play (of course, they are all Fisher-Price toys, but you could always find similar toys elsewhere). And perhaps even more helpful is the fact that the guide also provides play tips to "help your baby learn more" as they use the toys. 

In addition to advice regarding age-appropriate toys, the site also provides a plethora of "play & learn activities," which are also searchable by age. For each activity, they list the materials needed, detailed instructions, and safety precautions. 

This is a very helpful (and free) resource that I definitely plan on checking on a regular basis! 

Favorite Things: Chewbeads

I recently discovered the coolest thing...Chewbeads. 

As the website says, it is "nontoxic jewelry for moms, safe for baby to tug, touch, and chew." The beads are made out of silicone just like pacifiers and bottle nipples, and they sell both necklaces and bracelets in a variety of colors and styles. They are BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and have a breakaway clasp. 

It is definitely one of those things that makes you think "why on earth didn't I think of this first?"! 

I got one in pink...and I need a couple more colors...are you listening, Santa? I love that I can even wear it to work. (I know it seems weird that I am wearing a sweater in the middle of August...but it is freaking freezing in my office.)

It is also Ava-approved :). 

Definitely keep these in mind for upcoming baby shower gifts.

Favorite Things: Dr. Brown's Bottles

I first discovered Dr. Brown's bottles when Ava was having some serious issues with gas after she switched from breastfeeding to bottles. The poor thing was in so much pain that she would arch her back and scream...and I think it was almost as painful for us to watch. We tried gas drops, which helped a little but didn't completely solve the problem. 

Looking for a better solution, I bought a couple Dr. Brown's bottles, and they were fantastic! They are BPA free and the key is that they have two extra pieces which make up the "vent system." 

According to the company's website, "the Dr. Brown's baby bottle features a patented internal vent system not found in any other bottle. Our bottle is fully-vented for vacuum-free feeding. We call this positive-pressure flow, similar to breastfeeding, which allows babies to feed at their own pace. As the baby feeds, air is channeled from the nipple collar (not the silicone nipple) through the vent system, to the back of the bottle. Air bypasses the breastmilk or formula which means no oxidation of nutrients."

I know that sounds complicated, but all you need to worry about is the fact that it works! After switching to these bottles, Ava's gas pains went away completely. I was a believer.

We started with the wide-neck bottles because they were similar to the Medela nipples she was used to (note that these are also good to use if you are still breastfeeding because they help prevent the dreaded "nipple confusion"). 

And eventually switched her to the standard bottles, which she preferred. 

The only drawback is the fact that there are two extra pieces to wash. But to me, it is completely worth it...both for Ava's comfort and my sanity :). 

On a side note, I am glad these bottles worked out, because I was not brave enough to try "The Windi" (despite how much I love the NoseFrida). If you have not heard of this lovely gadget before, please read the product description. Although it seems like something that would be featured on an SNL commercial, it is not a joke....although it is pretty darn hilarious.

Favorite Things: H.M.S. Victorious Chenin Blanc

Those of you who know me well know that I love me some wine! I normally prefer red wine, but I occasionally like to enjoy a nice cold glass of white wine...especially during the middle of a hot, Texas summer. However, I find most white wines to either be too fruity or too oaky. But I tried a new white wine the other day that was really, really good. 

It is a Chenin Blanc from South Africa called H.M.S. Victorious. 

It was the first Chenin Blanc as well as the first wine from South Africa that I had ever tried. Central Market had it on their special display a couple weeks ago, and it is described as follows: "A delicious and exuberantly fruity Chenin Blanc. Fresh, floral scents and clean tropical fruit flavors, showing hints of sweet pineapple, guava, and passion fruit balanced with a delicate apple crispness.  Rich, full-bodied mouthfeel followed by a lively, juicy finish." While this is fairly accurate, the wine is not as fruity as the description makes it seem. It is a crisp, clean white wine that isn't too dry and isn't too sweet. Which in my book makes it pretty perfect. As a bonus, I don't remember exactly how much it cost, but it was definitely under $15.

If you are a white wine fan, I highly recommend it!