Pump-a-thon 3

Let me begin with my usual warning...if nursing at all weirds you out, do not continue you reading.

In Pump-a-thon 1, we discussed Pumping Supplies.

In Pump-a-thon 2, we discussed the two different Medela electric pumps.

Today, we will discuss a good strategy for pumping at work.  This is where the commitment part of your "marathon" kicks in.  I will not sugar coat this...pumping was exhausting and took a lot of time.  It was definitely my least favorite thing about having a baby, but I hung in there and eventually was on autopilot.

#1  Mental Preparation...Prepare yourself for awkward moments/conversations.  Unfortunately, my office building does not have a designated pumping/nursing room, so I was forced to use the bathroom stall.  Many, many times I had to converse with complete strangers about pumping whenever I was washing all the parts at the bathroom sink.  Women will no doubt ask what that noise is coming from the other stall.  A random man in the hallway once said to me with a wink wink, "We have a bag like that at home." (I was carrying what I thought was the discreet Medela black pump bag) REALLY!!!!  Do you want to stand in the middle of the hall and discuss pumping with me!?!?  I flashed him an awkward smile and rushed into the bathroom.  It might be a good idea to carry a different bag in case you run into a new father who thinks he is "in on it." 

#2 Supplies...Each morning in my bag I would pack my...

Medela pump with electric cord and two Medela bottles

(I would usually have the battery charged from the night before, but always have the cord with you just in case)

A Dish Towel

(Yes, you must wash and dry every pump part and bottle every time you use it)

Dish Soap 

(I used mild dish soap, but Palmolive makes the above baby liquid soap)

Travel Size Container for Dish Soap

(Not necessary, but helped lighten my load each day)

A large container with mL or ounce markers on the side

(Explanation below)

#3 Scheduling...The Medela pump comes with 4 bottles and a cooler that you could potentially use for storing at the office.  I thought keeping up with all of those bottles everyday seemed a little much.  Plus, I could only imagine the awkward questions I might get about "what is in the cooler?" by people at work looking in the refrigerator.

There are two thing I need to explain before I continue...

• I read that breast milk can stay good any where between 6-10 hours at room temperature (Ask your doctor for their recommendations on this)  
• You are not supposed to mix breast milk at different temperatures (Again, refer to your doctor on their recommendations)  

Because of these two things, I decided to use the large measurable container with a pour spout.  I would dump it all in the same container each pump and leave it in my (not so discreet) bag at room temperature at my desk throughout the day.  I got home before the 7-hour mark and could refrigerate it as soon as I walked through the door.  My sitter would use the container the next day to avoid using the freezer supply.  The measurement markers were clutch!  She knew exactly how much to dethaw in the morning based on how much was in the container.

My average pumping schedule went something like this:

5:30am wake up and immediately pump
10:00am second pumping session
2:30pm  third pumping session
4:45 pm placed large container in the fridge and steamed clean all pump parts with Medela Steam bag
6:30pm fourth pumping session
10:00pm fifth pumping session

Definitely don't use this schedule strictly...every one and every baby is different.  When I went back to work, I had to solely pump because L preferred the bottle.  It would have been wonderful if the last two sessions could have been nursing and not pumping, but I did not have that luxury.  I wish you luck!

I hope this helps and please pipe in if you used a different approach.  My schedule was totally exhausting...any suggestions on how to schedule differently?

Pump-a-thon 2

The original Pump-a-thon post has brought up multiple questions.  Someone asked me last weekend to write about the two different types of Medela pumps.  You may have noticed they are priced at $299 and $379.99, but it is hard to tell why one is more expensive.  I struggled finding the difference between the two myself. Here is a comparison of the two from the Medela website.

Pump Comparison

	Choose a Pump Below by Clicking on the Name
	Freestyle® Breastpump Learn More	Pump In Style® Advanced - On-the-go Tote Learn More
Feature
Type of Pump	Personal Use - Single/Double	Personal Use - Single/Double
2-Phase Expression Technology
LED Display
Hands-Free Option
Pumping Session Timer
Pumping Session Memory Button
Removable Pump Motor
Removable work space
Mesh Storage Bags
Accessory
Optional Vehicle Lighter Adapter
Removable Cooler Carrier
PersonalFit Breastshield Compatible
Softfit Breastshields Included
Specifications
AC Adapter Powered
Adjustable Speed/Vacuum
Battery Option	Rechargeable	AA
Daily Use
Weight	< 1 lb
Miscellaneous
Warranty	1 Year - Limited	1 Year - Limited
Learn More	View Details	View Details

In short, the more expensive one includes breast shields, the actual pump is more portable and offers a few more features, it has a rechargeable battery, and it offers a hands-free feature.   It is completely up to you whether or not the additional $80 is worth it.  I bought the handsfree, but actually never used that feature.  I never wore nursing bras and you have to wear them to attach the pump.  Maybe next time I will!  (Reminder to buy the pump when you close out your registry to get the discount to save some money)

I promise to post a workplace pumping strategy soon!  Hope this comparison helped in the meantime!

Pump-a-thon

Pump-a-thon is the perfect title for this post!  When I think about running a marathon (or actually think about my friends that have run marathons because I, most definitely, have not), I think about goal setting, commitment, time management, exhaustion, preparation and calorie burn. 

ALL of these things directly relate to pumping and going back to work.

WARNING:  I have given this warning before, but if nursing at all weirds you out.  Do not continue reading.

When I began nursing, I set a goal of 4-6 months.   I lasted 4.5…BARELY made the goal.  I am happy to share my experience…what I thought worked, what didn’t, and what I will do differently next time.  I touched on this briefly in my Liquid Gold and Billy Madison posts so please you those as a reference as well.

STORING

Things I did right:

Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

• I used the Medela pump and thought it was great.  No complaints.  If you are planning to go back to work, the manual pump just won’t cut it.  You must have the electric one.  To justify the price…it will cost less than you would have to spend on formula in the long run.  As a cost cutting suggestion, put the pump on your registry.  You will most likely not get it because it is expensive and is a pretty awkward gift to give.  BUT when you close out your registry at most places, you receive a discount.  Be sure to buy your pump at that time to take advantage.

Additional Medela Bottles

• You will need more than the 4 bottles that are included when you purchase a Medela Pump. 

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bag

• Use the Micro Steam Bags to quickly clean your pump accessories.

Lansinoh Freezer Bags

 

·    Buy some freezer bags for storage.  They sell a few different kinds, but I used the Lansinoh ones. One of my friend’s husbands said they freaked him out when he opened their freezer and had to read “My Mommy’s Milk” every time.  I have to agree with him on that, but they did get the job done.

·    Be sure to get out your pump, figure out how it works and have it charged before you plan on using it for the first time.  It will be painful for you if you are not prepared and have to wait for the pump to charge.

·    A few helpful suggestions on how to start pumping that I read that rang true for me…wait an hour after the first morning feeding to work in the daily pump session because your production is typically lower in the afternoon.  (If you have not introduced the bottle to your baby yet, just pump once a day)  

What I did wrong:

·    I started pumping at 8 weeks periodically.  Next time, I will start around 6 weeks and make sure to do it daily.  I would do it randomly thinking I would have plenty stored up before I went back to work.  FALSE!

·    Try your best not to use the freezer supply before you return to work.  I was careless with them because, again, I thought storing up would be easy.

·    Store 2-3 ounces in each bag.  Once you thaw it out, you are not supposed to refreeze it and are forced to throw it out.  I made this mistake the first few bags by putting 4 ounces in a bag.  It took no time at all to thaw out 2 ounces at a time.  I would run the bags under warm water for a minute or so.  Ask your doctor about further suggestions on how best to thaw out frozen milk...for example, microwaving is not recommended because it creates hot pockets that could burst in your baby's mouth.

Please speak up with other suggestions if you made mistakes when stocking up.  Look for another post about what I did when the time came to head back to work.

SALE ALERT: Gilt Groupe

Gilt is having a sale on maternity and nursing items featuring Boppy, Mayreau, and Elle Macpherson starting today at 11AM CST.  If you don't know about Gilt, you must join.  Maternity products are only a tiny part of their inventory, so check it out if you are prego or not.  They provide member-only shopping and it is free to join.  Here is a little blurb from their website:

Gilt Groupe provides instant insider access to today’s top designer labels, at up to 60% off retail. Become a member and find something new every day for women, men, kids and home as well as exclusive local services and experiences, and one-of-a-kind travel packages. Sign in and see what inspires you today.

Their sales are first come first serve.  Be ready at 11am! 

UPDATE: The Bopster Family

Bopter Family post update:  I just went to Target to buy a shower gift and they had the Boppy Lounger on the shelf by the nursing products.  Guess what gift I am bringing to the shower?!?!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder

An expectant mother due in one week asked me about nursing bras.  I quickly bumped it up the priority list based on her due date!  Let me know if you are seeking any advice before your due date.  I can do my best to answer or post your question on the blog for other mothers to answer.

I went a little too crazy on the nursing bras before L got here.  I bought three!  When I got home from the hospital, realized they were all too small.  A “boulder” holder is definitely the right term after your baby comes!   My sweet mother-in-law was kind enough to exchange them for me.  After a few weeks, I realized I hardly wore any of them.  When nursing, you sleep in a bra (or I did), and the nursing bras were not comfortable. 

I would recommend buying 2-3 of the tank bras from Gap Body or Victoria’s Secret. 

Go up a size or two from your current bra to be safe.  In my opinion, better too big than too small.  Remember you will be wearing nursing pads or gold catchers underneath them, so it is ok if there is a little extra room.  They worked great in the middle of the night because you could maneuver them around easily without having to take them completely off (Apologies if that is TMI).


I did not buy any of the nursing tanks or shirts and didn't really miss them either.  I don't think they are necessary.

Side note – If you have purchased one of the hands-free breast pumps, they hook on to the nursing bras.  You will need to buy one if you will be using this feature.

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Billy Madison

Adult classes always make me feel like Billy Madison. 

I have to reprogram myself to sit quietly in an uncomfortable chair and raise my hand.  At least, unlike Adam Sandler, I am among other adults where it is not "cool to pee your pants."

Many hospitals offer classes to take before the baby comes.  I like to mentally prepare myself for most things in life.  For some reason, this did not ring true for labor and delivery.  I opted not to take the class.  I had no desire whatsoever to watch someone else having a baby on a video.   This is completely and 100% a personal choice.  It just was not for me, but recommend going if you think it will put you at ease.  I decided to let the doctor and nurses walk me through as I went.  My friends would laugh at me when I would say, "I think I am just gonna wing it." 

Having said all of this, I DID take other classes offered and highly recommend them.  Here are some that my hospital offered:

• Baby Basics - My husband and I went to this one together.  Neither of us had ever changed a diaper, swaddled, or fed a baby before.  Practicing on a doll is a lot different than the real thing, but baby steps (no pun intended) help.
• Breastfeeding - I was a little wary of this one.  The stuffed practice boobs in the class definitely tested my maturity level (same as the real name of the Gold Catchers), but my doctor recommended I take this one.  Low and behold, breastfeeding can be a lot harder than I thought.  As one of my expecting friends said, "I thought you just popped a boob, slapped the baby on there, and you were good to go."  Not so much!  This class tells you what to expect and give you tons of helpful hints.  The most beneficial part for me was the instructor explaining the best way to store up milk for when I went back to work.   
• Infant Child/Safety and CPR - The hospital did offer this class, but one of my mommy friends had the great idea to have a small dinner party with our other expecting couple friends and have an instructor teach us CPR and Child safety after dinner.  I have not had to use the baby choking rescue procedure, but many friends have.  I am very glad to have this in my arsenal and ready to go just in case.

Apologies I don't have a review on the labor and delivery class.  Did any of you attend?  Did you find it helpful?

Helful Hint:  Someone gave me the good advice to wait and take these classes in my third trimester so all the tips were fresh in my brain.

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Liquid Gold

WARNING:  If nursing at all weirds you out, then do not continue reading.

This post will be most helpful to you if you plan on storing up milk, referred to in my home as liquid gold (LG), for returning to work.  I was under the wrong impression that it was relatively easy to stock up on LG based on one friend's experience, so did not make it a huge priority.  (This may not at all apply to you...I know some people that have donated their LG because they had such an abundant supply)  When I headed back to work, we depleted the entire freezer supply in a week, and I was frantic to keep up with L's feedings after that.  Having to increase the number of the pump sessions in the bathroom at work was no easy task.  It was always fun when people would come into the bathroom and ask "what is that noise" forcing me to discuss it with faceless strangers in the next stall..."Good for you sweetie!  Keep it up."  Anyways,  L started demanding more food as she was growing, and I had to begin supplementing formula sooner than I wanted to. 

LG began to be a hot commodity.  If we accidentally spilled some, my eyes would fill up with tears.  The term "pump and dump" that I would so casually tell my other friends to do after a big night on the town before L was born was no longer uttered. 

I recalled hearing about a product when L was only a couple weeks, but didn't purchase it.  BIG MISTAKE! It would have helped so much and I wish I would have started using it right away!  Please know I hate the name of it . It really tests my maturity level and make my want to giggle like a school girl.  Trust me though, you need to buy one...

Milkies

This product is so genius I can't believe it was not invented sooner.  The naked truth is when you are nursing, you can leak any time during the day and when nursing on one side, the other leaks.  You can wear your Milkies (cue school girl giggle) all the time or just when you are nursing.  They catch the otherwise wasted LG.  You can store up to 3-10 additional ounces in a day, if not more.  It was recommended to me not to start pumping until L was 4 weeks old, but this provides a way to start storing right away.

You can search their site for a location that sells it near you.  They also sell it on Amazon and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Side note - A little advice on storing up...I would only use your freezer supply when you absolutely have to.  Before I knew how hard storing was going to be, we would use it carelessly and wastefully.  Treat it like the liquid gold that it is :) 

Can we come up with a new name to call this product?  Any ideas?  Gold Catcher?

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The Bopster Family

The Boppy

When to use: Immediately when you begin nursing to whenever you stop nursing

My husband was convinced that the Boppy was a gimmick, but after seeing it in action, he is now a believer! We had so much trouble trying to get L in a comfortable position in the hospital for nursing; we tried stuffing pillows all around me, nurses giving me tons of suggestion by showing me different positions, etc…Finally, one nurse asked if we had anything at home we planned on using and to have someone bring it to me. My sister was nice enough to make a special Boppy trip. BINGO! We kept it by my side for months! It kept both L and I in comfortable positions when nursing. It comes in many colors, sold in stores everywhere, and also comes with slipcovers for easy washing. You can even custom order your slip cover if you want from the Boppy website.

*Helpful Hint - Pack the Boppy in your "hospital bag." They recommend trying to nurse as soon as possible after the baby is born and it will make your life easier having it there and ready to go.

The Boppy Lounger

When to use - from the time you bring your baby home from the hospital until they are starting to rollover

I know! I know! Another Boppy product! I promise they are not paying me to say this. I stumbled upon this one by accident. We were sent this as a baby gift when L was around 4 weeks old. I almost returned it because I felt like baby stuff was taking over my house and I have to admit it, it is a little bit of an eye soar. Oh man! Was I glad we kept it! It will be my future baby gift for all of my friends and it should be yours too. At the fabulous price of $29.95, you can even buy it for your friends with triplets.

The BL is not only portable in your house, but for travel, dropping off at the grandparent’s house, or squeezing your little nugget in between you on Saturday mornings. I am a little embarrassed to say, but it was nice when I barely had time to take a shower some days, to be able to put her in the bathroom with me. The BL works perfect for things like that! It is, by far, the most portable device out there.

Since it is a fairly new product, I have yet to see it in a store (let me know if you find it somewhere), but they do sell it various places online. They sell a slipcover for it too. I am convinced it will become a new staple registry item and Boppy will develop cuter slip covers for it like they have for the original Boppy.

Compared to similiar product:

Nap Nanny

WOWSA...the price of this one ($129.99) is enough to make you run away! It is hard to tell by the picture, but the Nap Nanny is much bigger than it looks making it hard to pack.

*Side note - I have been lucky that L does not have acid reflux. An advantage to the Nap Nanny is that it is recommended for this condition and many of my friends swear by it for this reason! I would not spring for it before your baby gets here, but it is something to keep in my mind if your baby does have acid reflux.

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