droolicious : breastfeeding

Preserve That Liquid Gold: Best Breastmilk Storage System

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:28:00 GMT

If you’re a breastfeeding new mom you know the importance of have a pumped stock in the fridge or freezer, especially if you have to return to work. But if it’s stored the traditional way, that milk is often exposed to air in its container. This can deplete nutrients and effect taste. Here’s a simple and inexpensive solution.

Using the same principles as say, a wine bottle pump, the MilkBank Oxygen Free Breastmilk Storage System by Dexbaby, $18.74, vacuums the air out of storage bottles, which is clinically proven to protect nutrients and preserve the taste of breastmilk. The set includes one 2.5 oz bottle and two 5oz bottles, as well as a feeding nipple. All products are free of phthalates, PVC and BPA.

Last Chance to Win All Things Baby!

editors — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:09:00 GMT

We're wrapping up the January photo contest (winners announced February 2nd!) and we have to ask - don't you want free stuff? If so, get on over to the Babble Playground and enter to win a Bringing Home Baby super prize from Medela and Britax worth over $800. In addition to having a top-of-the-line ride for your new baby from Britax - the Boulevard CS, you'll be able to feed him too! You can also win the latest from Medela . . .

the Freestyle breast pump, a nursing cami and glass (BPA-free, natch) 4oz bottles. What are you waiting for? Let's see those newborn baby pics, enter here! - April Peveteaux

What Does Every Baby Need?

editors — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:26:00 GMT

In addition to this stuff you’re going to need a few other things as soon as that baby arrives on the scene. 1) Super safe car seat, 2) Breast pump and/or bottles, 3) Nursing clothes. Here’s your shot to win all of this gear for free! If you haven’t joined the Babble Playground already, what are you waiting on? Head over and sign up, start blogging, discuss important baby things and enter the January Photo Contest: Baby New Year. Once you’ve posted your adorable first photo of your newborn you will be automatically entered to win a Bringing Home Baby package worth over $800 that includes the Britax Boulevard CS car seat, the Medela Freestyle breast pump as well as glass 4oz bottles and nursing cami from Medela. Check out the action here. – April Peveteaux

The Fastest Pump in the West – For Free!

editors — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Have you seen this wonder in breast-feeding technology? The Medela Freestyle came on the scene in ’08 and has been wowing moms with its ease of use and compact size. And you can get this quick-on-the-draw pump (among other bombastic baby things) for free from Babble! How, you ask?

Join us on The Babble Playground for the January Photo Contest: Baby New Year and you will be automatically entered to win the Bringing Home Baby prize package from Medela and Britax. Sign up, create a profile, upload your best picture of your brand new baby and you could go home with the Medela Freestyle, the Britax Boulevard CS car seat, a beautiful nursing cami from Medela and a set of 4oz glass bottles from Medela. All set! - April Peveteaux

Get the Britax Boulevard CS at Amazon.

Get the Medela Freestyle at Amazon.

Get the Medela Nursing Cami at GAP.

Get the Medela glass bottles at Medela.

L'ovedbaby Goes Big in the Boom Boom Room

Whit Honea — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:59:00 GMT

Chris Noth of "Sex and the City" and "Law and Order" fame attended the Boom Boom Room with his wife Tara and their baby Orion.

The couple received the 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl from L'ovedbaby which was such a big hit that Tara put it to use on the spot. Here's why:

    * The L'ovedbaby™ nursing shawl offers mom a way to discreetly nurse in public, while protecting the baby from distractions.
    * The shawl travels well and always stays fresh in its matching drawstring pouch.
    * The complete 6oz. package fits neatly in any purse or diaper bag.
    * Machine washable and dryer safe...nothing could be simpler.
    * Extremely lightweight, breathable, and super-soft to the touch and on baby's skin.
    * Roomy neckline for added style and increased visibility between mother and child.
    * Full coverage of mom...both front and back; no special nursing clothing required.
    * L'ovedbaby's™ custom-made fabric complements any outfit...from casual to business to elegant. And, because it's not cotton, it's less likely to harbor bacteria.

See? Those are good reasons, right?

She also used it while waiting in the valet line at the Century Plaza Hotel. It was a long line.

I self-parked.

The Boom Boom Room is an event featuring Hollywood’s most famous families - expecting parents, moms, dads, their offspring and me, Babble's own Whit Honea. It consists of a "gifting suite wonderland built by 83 sponsors. This event draws celebrity families together to support Los Angeles area Foster Children and the Jayneoni Moore Children’s Fund."

Baby stuff and a good cause. We like it.

More Boom Boom Room:

Tim Allen and Jane Hajduk in Little Girl Frillies

Portable Breastfeeding Pillow from gr8x Baby

Erin Behan — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:09:00 GMT

Last time I wrote about a portable breastfeeding pillow, I said I still hadn't gotten the hang of public breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in public is still a chore for us, but now for a totally different reason: Every noise, every flash of light, every anything that is not the status quo of white noise must be investigated with a craned neck or a twist of the body. I'm confident, however, that there are women out there, somewhere, whose babies can quietly, happily nurse in public. And, those women now have another comfortable option in portable breastfeeding pillows. This one from gr8x Baby ($49.99) is self-inflating and comes in a small drawstringed carrying case. Choose from three colors--black, green and pink stripe.

The Droolicious Shopping Guide: Medela Breast Pumps

Nicole Feliciano — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:03:00 GMT

Moms have always been adept at doing two things at once. But the new Freestyle pump from Medela brings new meaning to the word multi-tasking. Medela’s latest model promises a hands free pumping experience. That’s right, there is no outlet required. We put the Freestyle ($399.99) up against Medela’s other offerings to see if it could deliver milk fast and stress free.

Medela created the Freestyle pump in an effort to free mom from her sedentary nursing station. Rechargeable batteries (love this environmentally friendly feature) power the pump. Here's how it works: Charge the batteries in the motor, then attach the two breast shields. It should be noted that I had a bit of trouble looping the shields around my bra (it took a little bit of trial and error to get a good suction—some moms report better luck with the easy expression bustier). Once attached and turned on, the expression began and the milk collected quickly in lightweight bottles provided.

I’ll admit to feeling a bit freakish while testing this out. Once I got over my embarrassment and mastered all the connections, I was sold on the performance of this pump. While some may balk at this advance in breastfeeding technology (isn’t mom overscheduled enough?), I was thrilled to be able to walk about while pumping. The motor is light (less than a pound) and compact and easily attached to the waist of my pants. I used my free time (and free hands) to work at the computer unencumbered by cords and tubes. Note: I found the motor noise too distracting to return phone calls and risk having to explain the whirring noise was in the background.

Pros: Highly portable design plus efficient pumping.
Cons: Patience is required to get the attachments just right. And it looks goofy.
Best for: Moms who work in remote settings and/or have a limited time to pump.

Symphony: Hospital grade rental pump. (About $90 per month)

Pros: Powerful suction. Plus, when you’re done simply return the pump.
Cons: Heavy and cumbersome.
Best for: Moms who only intend to pump for a short period of time.

Pump in Style Advanced with Metro Bag: Double electric pump (e.g. can pump from both breasts at once) designed for daily use. ($329.99)

Pros: A strong motor means expressing milk takes less time. Professional packaging won’t be a “new-mom” giveaway.
Cons: The bag doesn’t stay closed offering nosy workmates a “peek” at your machinery.
Best for: Moms who are heading back to work and plan to pump regularly.

Swing: Single-bottle electric pump. ($149.99)

Pros: Less expensive than other electric models.
Cons: Lacks dual-action pumping and provides weaker suction, hence pumping takes longer.
Best for: Moms who want to have a small stash of bottled breast milk at the ready.

Harmony: Low-cost, hand-held manual pump. ($28.99)

Pros: Easy to clean, very quiet, no electricity required.
Cons: Like all hand pumps, it takes longer than an automated pump.
Best for: Stay-At-Home-Moms and occasional pumpers.

7 Days of Feeding: Burp Armor

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

I'll admit to a soft spot for any product designed by an entrepreneurial dad, but in Burp Armor's case, the product in question also has some pretty solid functionality, as well as a longer shelf life than you might expect from a standard-issue burp cloth.

Sure, it's made of organic cotton and hemp, and, yeah, each Burp Armor cloth is pre-washed in organic soap (please), but take it from one who's been there: When your newborn is projectile-vomiting onto your jammies at 3 a.m., you'd be happy enough to throw a @#$% over your shoulder, as long as it meant you could crawl back into bed somewhat dry.

No, the real upside of Burp Armor is the amount of coverage it gives you: Toss it across your shoulders, and you've got around 180 degrees' worth of thoroughly protected clothing -- at least until the next feeding. It's also one of the softest burp cloths you'll ever sling across yourself -- in fact, it's not unreasonable to picture (as the company's website points out) Burp Armor eventually becoming a security blanket for your little one. And at $25 to $27 each, don't worry: You'd be forgiven for forcing the kids to adopt it as their blankie.

Available in multiple styles from Burp Armor.

7 Days of Skin Care: Tough Titties Nipple Rub

Heather Kuldell — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:51:00 GMT

Hey mommies, this one’s for you. If you took the breastfeeding route, you’re gonna need something to prevent the chapping, splitting and otherwise horrible things that can happen to your jumblies during this special time. Tough Titties can help you out.

Tough Titties Nipple Rub helps sooth sore nipples with lanolin, beeswax, vitamin E and a combination of essential oils. In addition to smelling purty, lemon and geranium oils share antiseptic properties, coconut oil is anti-microbial and the clove oil ... well, it smells purty. According to the makers, Tough Titties is less sticky than just lanolin and absorbs into the skin quickly so you don’t have to wipe it off. And yeah, part of the fun of this post was writing “Tough Titties” over and over again.

One tin sells for $5.99 at LeastLikely2Breed.net.

Bright Idea: Portable Nursing Pillow

Erin Behan — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:38:00 GMT

Truth be told, I still don't totally have the hang of nursing in public, but I've stopped caring if I look awkward or some voyeur gets a sneak peek of a nipple. Still, I appreciate the idea behind Belly Fish's portable nursing pillows ($47.95) with built-in privacy screens--especially since I know that not everyone is as comfy with public boob-flashing as I am. The Belly Fish nursing pillow/ travel system is a bit like a foldable Boppy with privacy wings, and while it's not something you can discreetly tuck into your purse, it will fit in that extra-large diaper bag you bought and now don't know how to properly fill. And don't miss the website's how-to folding guide.

The Babble Review: LanoLip Lip Balm

editors — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:49:00 GMT

Remember those early breastfeeding days of cracked nipples and lots of crying? Along with a stiff drink, lanolin-based nipple creams saved the day. New mom, Miranda Coggins decided if it worked for the boob it would definitely work for the lips and created LanoLip lip balm over her kitchen stove in Kansas City. Erin highlighted it from her Design Around The Web post last week, and I got a chance to test it out. LanoLip is super thick; as I piled it on I wondered if they shouldn’t also market it to people under similarly harsh conditions as skin-cracking nursing, like say, the men of Ice Road Truckers. But it is decisively girly as the balms are infused with flavors like strawberry and dreamsicle. Mmmm... lanolicious. - April Peveteaux

Buy it from LanoLip for $6.99.

First Week Home: 3 Breastfeeding Essentials

editors — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:07:00 GMT

1. Medela Freestyle Pump –about $350; go here for stores.

I started out with a Pump in Style, heretofore the gold standard of home breast pumps. Mine was nine years old (you can buy new kits to keep things sterile) and still worked great. But when it was time for a new one, I opted for this brand-new Medela pump with a hands-free option. I am still in awe of it: for one thing, although it’s more powerful than the larger pump I was using, it’s about the size of a stopwatch. It’s also programmable, and has a rechargeable battery. And did I mention the hands-free thing? My only issue: the snap-together pumps take longer to clean than the old-school pumps, and seem more prone to spillage. And of course, it’s pricey – but for my money, if you’re planning on breastfeeding, this pump is one smart investment.

2. Bella B Nipple Nurture Cream - $8.39 for 2 oz on Amazon

You can use olive oil to soothe cracked and sore nipples, but this smooth, delicious-smelling cream is a much more pleasant option. And in contrast to several others I tried, the baby seemed to like the taste.

3. Lansinoh Nursing Pads - $7.49 for 60 on Amazon

Of the brands I tried, these were the definite winner: they’re large, absorbent and – thanks to a plastic backing – the milk doesn’t leak through them. My only quibble is that they’re individually wrapped, resulting in lots of unnecessary packaging. On the other hand, it makes them easy to throw in your purse. Lansinoh also makes great breastmilk storage bags.

Next up: let's talk diaper bags.

- Gwynne Watkins

Sexiest Maternity Bra?

Erin Behan — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:14:00 GMT

I'm sure it's possible that a sexier maternity/nursing bra exists in the world, but I do issue the challenge for someone else to find it and bring it forth. Most standard nursing bras resemble deconstructed sports bras. But you knew when Agent Provocateur is involved, they'll be some heat ... quite a bit in fact.

Which is why--in my search for maternity bras--I'm falling in love with the Cupid bra ($110), especially in the black and red. Sure, this may not be your everyday around-the-house bra, but doesn't every new mother deserve one sexy bra? And if you're really feeling adventurous, there's the matching control brief ($120), which resembles something out of an S&M video.

MoBoleez Bonnets Shield Nursing, Strengthen Necks

Mir — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:04:00 GMT

While in theory I like the idea of a baby hat that happens to double as a handy nursing shield, I've yet to meet the baby who would allow such a monstrosity to sit on her head for more than a nanosecond. This poor woman looks like she's nursing behind a platter, and the baby looks like she's wearing an urban sombrero. Sorry, MoBoleez... no matter how cute the designs, at the end of the day it's still an overpriced ($29.99 CAD), ridiculous hat.

Droolworthy: Summit Baby ViVA! Breastfeeding Pillow

Mir — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:03:00 GMT

Now he's a great example of getting a single-function product absolutely right: The ViVA! breastfeeding pillow from Summit Baby ($39.99 at Amazon) is a 2007 iParenting Award winner for best product, and it's easy to see why. Not just a pillow in front, it also has a small pillow in back to give Mom added lumbar support and help bear the weight of baby. Both pillows are inflatable and so can be adjusted for firmness accordingly. Tighten or loosen the straps to position baby and yourself most comfortably.

You kids today don't know how good you have it, I tell ya. Back in my day, we had to prop a nursing baby up with an old pillow or a nearby rock. And we liked it! Hmph.

Brilliant Invention: LaMa Bra Gives Sweet Relief

Kelly Mills — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:03:00 GMT

I'm not one to jump onto the latest invention, but on this one, I gotta say: all aboard. LaMa Bra is a bra with cold packs you can slip on in to help with those super engorged boobs when weaning or just over-producing in the milk department. I'm not even nursing and my boobs feel better just looking at this. The bra is $29.99, and you can get extra cold packs for $4.99. Smart.

The Babble Review: Nesting Pillow by Blessed Nest

Gwynne Watkins — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:15:00 GMT

Having never been thrilled with the look or performance of my borrowed Boppy or My Breast Friend, I was thrilled to come across this Nesting Pillow ($79) by Blessed Nest. While its price is nearly double that of the competition, being comfortable while nursing seems invaluable after the sore neck, arms and back I experienced the first time around. This crescent-shaped nursing pillow is available in thirteen beautiful, washable cotton fabrics (check out the Partridge and Lark) and is filled with organic buckwheat hulls. The hulls give it a decidedly different feel — my favorite attribute is that the hulls are more breathable than a polyfiber-filled pillow and therefore stay cooler. And since the stuffing is made up of little particles instead of one solid blob, I was able to redistribute the hulls to one end of the pillow to create a high side and low side. While the Original Nesting Pillow is made of nearly all organic materials (organic top and bottom slipcover fabric, interior pillow fabric and buckwheat hulls), you can go all the way with their All Organic Nesting Pillow ($84) which guarantees that the decorative fabric panel is organic as well. — Katie Bayless