Now that we've added formula to Alliclaus' diet, I find that I'm even more appreciative of breastfeeding. Formula is HARD, man! As it turns out, formula is not just hiding in my shirt. It also doesn't magically come with me wherever I go. We have to make it, wash bottles, do a lot more burping.
I've always enjoyed breastfeeding (SO UNTRUE, but I try to forget those extremely difficult weeks - seven of them) but I've recently found that I love all the gear people now sell to breastfeeding moms. There are so many products out there that I feel certain I must not know about most of them, but here are my three current favorites.
For when you are actually breastfeeding, Bebe au Lait presents:
This picture is not actually that funny. It's really kind of pretty, now that I think about it.
When I first saw someone using this, I thought, Huh. Is she wearing an apron? But the great thing about it is that it has a stiff curve in the neck of the apron thingie so that you can look down (hands-free) and see the baby to make sure that she is latching on properly. I love it!
Next up, and the reason I'm writing this post, from Medela:
I love carrying around a 35-pound pump. Don't I look sassy?
This is the Limited Edition Pump in Style Advanced. It is my new Lovah. My mom got it for me as a Friday prize. Well, actually, she figured that it was cheaper to buy me a new pump than to keep paying the rental fee on the Symphony from the hospital. (Yes, I know that I am too old to let me mom pay for this kind of stuff - I don't care.) It is fantastic. It works just like the Symphony, with two-phase pumping, plus the pump comes in a little cube bag that is totally small and inconspicuous. It also has a little cube cooler that can hold four pump bottles (as if I could ever pump four bottles in one outing - whatever). I love it.
Lastly, from Easy Expression:
While I pump, I like to do important work while also sitting awkwardly on the floor.
Now I know that this thing is possibly the weirdest looking thing on the Internet (well - maybe not), but I love it and it is how I'm catching up on your blogs. Hands-free pumping! I can pump and type simultaneously. It's the best.
So, there's my rundown. Do you have an breastfeeding (or really any baby) products that you love? If so, I'd love to hear about them.
I am so glad that you mentioned you hated breastfeeding at first. I am happy to know that it wasn't just me.
I was never successful with any pumps. I am glad you found something you like.
Hmmm my favorite baby products were those pillow things that help them sit up early and I loved the plastic chains to hang toys on the stroller.
Posted by: jeneflower at July 13, 2006 06:25 PM
I think really the bloggin world needs a fashion show of you sporting these products!
Posted by: Sarah at July 13, 2006 10:34 PM
OK, that double breast hands free thing is just scary. Sound she be smiling so much about it?
Posted by: Jennifer at July 13, 2006 11:08 PM
I'm glad to hear that you like it! That is actually the pump that I was planning on getting. Do you think it's the best one?
Posted by: halloweenlover at July 14, 2006 02:26 PM
I have the "apron!" It used to be called the Hooter Hider so I had to get one just for the name. It was awesome for the first 6 months or so. Now my kiddo keeps pulling it off to check out everything around him.
Posted by: Kirsten at July 15, 2006 10:51 PM
I am sooo glad that I am male.
Posted by: DrinkJack at July 19, 2006 08:53 PM
What ever happened to the old fashioned blanket over the shoulder look? That's the one I'm looking forward too.
Posted by: RikkiSuzanne at July 19, 2006 11:43 PM
Wow...and I thought it was uncomfortable to pump in the back room at work! I would never want to sit weirdly on a dirry looking paint tarp and strap on the after breast implant surgery wrapping on! Doesn't she need and outlet for that...or is heres battery operated!
Posted by: Jenny at July 13, 2006 04:56 PM