Good luck, mamas! Happy World Breastfeeding Week.
We know that if it’s your first time breastfeeding—or even your second or third time—it can feel confusing knowing exactly what to do and when to do it.
Do any of these describe you?
Whether you’re preparing to pump for the first time or you’re weeks or months into your pumping goal, we all have one thing in common: as mamas, we’re part of one of the best, fiercest, most supportive girl networks in the world. We created this guide that’s filled with tips to make your pumping journey easier, no matter where you are in your pumping journey.
In this guide you’ll find:
If you’ve Googled “How to increase my milk supply?” more times than you can count, you’re not alone. The thought of having low breast-milk supply is a common concern among pumping moms, and it can be a source of major stress for many.
I know, because I’ve been there. When I was exclusively pumping for my first daughter, at times it felt like the pressure and stress to pump a certain amount per day completely consumed my life. I was a woman possessed, tracking how much milk I pumped each session and I drank water by the bucketfuls like it was going out of style.
Just when baby was finally asleep at night, I’d get myself up by alarm, trying not to lay flat while half-asleep and accidentally dump my milk, while I fit in an extra pump session out of concern for keeping up supply. And when I would reach into my stash of milk in the freezer each morning to send off with the kiddo, I felt both a sense of pride for what I pumped and serious anxiety for using up what I had left.
While scrolling through your Facebook Groups for pumping moms or stalking random message boards in search of supply-boosting secrets, you’ve likely seen pictures of deep freezers jam-packed with what looks like a lifetime supply of breast milk and freshly-pumped bottles overflowing with the good stuff. Some days, it’s enough to make you feel like you should just go ahead hang up your pump for good.
Certified lactation consultant Brianne Griffis is here to help us all sleep a little easier. As a mom of two who exclusively pumped for one of her kids, she’s determined to dispel some common misconceptions that are causing moms serious stress.
“You don’t need a deep freezer full of milk,” Brianne says. That level of milk production, she says, is most definitely the exception and not the norm. As with anything in life, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. But personally, I’ve always believed that when you understand how something works, it’s easier to understand what you can and can’t control. That is--if you want to increase (or decrease) your milk supply, you kind of have to know what makes it work in the first place and go from there. So first, let’s get on the same page about how this milk business actually happens, shall we?
Here’s an out-of-this-world fun fact: Your body’s been getting ready for pregnancy since your mom was 6 weeks pregnancy with you. By the time you were born, your main milk ducts – think of it as a mini highway system that transports your milk through your breasts – had already formed. Pretty crazy, right?
Your breasts are made up of tissue, milk-producing glands (a.k.a. mammary glands), and protective fat. Until puberty, these glands just kind of fly under the radar, not doing much of anything. During puberty, estrogen makes them grow.
Once you’re pregnant, BAM. That glandular tissue receives its cue and really kicks into high gear, which is the reason you probably had to go out and buy new, bigger bras. A hormone called prolactin helps your body turn nutrients (protein and sugars) from your blood supply into breast milk. So during pregnancy and through the first few days after you give birth, milk production is driven purely by hormones.
Soon after childbirth, your prolactin levels rise, telling your glands to make lots of milk. Within 2-4 days, your milk will typically “come in,” as they say. Once your milk is in, supply and demand is what starts to drive your milk supply.
Here’s a super easy way to think of it: La Leche League compares it to how an automatic ice maker works. As the ice bin empties, the machine knows to make more ice to fill it back up to the top. Similarly, every time you pump or breastfeed, your body sends a signal to make more milk. The more frequently you pump, the more frequently your body will go into milk-making mode.
As with everything, there’s no black and white answer for this. However, according to breastfeeding experts, including Brianne Griffis, a breastmilk output of 1 ounce per hour is absolutely “normal.” So if you’re pumping 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours, your supply isn’t considered low, medically speaking.
Now for the million dollar question: What can you do to maintain and increase your supply?
Brianne and I have a lot to say on this subject--so much in fact, that we created A Supply Survival Guide for you. It’s totally free and you can grab it right here.
In this guide you’ll find:
Last month’s blog post (5 Travel Tips: The Pumping Mama’s Pre-Flight Checklist) was SO well-received, I wanted to follow it up with another travel-themed post. This time around, we’re bundling up some ah-mah-zing resources designed just for traveling, breastfeeding moms, along with a couple of other helpful tips.
Whether travel has always been a big part of your job or you’re scheduled to attend an upcoming conference or client meeting, there’s no doubt about it: traveling as a pumping mom requires an entirely new level of planning. The good news is, thanks to technology, a handful of innovative mompreneurs, and increased awareness and support for breastfeeding moms, it’s a lot easier for hard-workin’ pumpin’ mamas like you to do what you gotta do.
1. Nursing room locator tools
There is nothing more stressful than trying to track down a clean, convenient place to pump while worrying about making your flight or connection. Luckily, there’s an app, or two, for that. When traveling to an unknown land the Pump Spotting app will help you spot and rate the best mothering rooms at your airport. Moms Pump Here is also an app that helps moms find the nearest nursing room. Plus, check out this awesome site, which has an Airport Nursing Room Locator.
2. Lactation pods and suites
Mamava, Inc. makes lactation pods and suites for work and public places. They’re clean, private and equipped with an outlet for your pump. They’re now in place at more than 30 airports nationwide!
Note: There aren’t any sinks inside these pods, so be sure to bring your breast pump wipes!
3. Need to ship breast milk?
If you’re an overproducer, a military mom or donor, or you’ll be gone for several days, consider using a service like Milk Stork, an amazing concept founded by fellow pumpin’ mama Kate Torgersen. Milk Stork specializes in safely shipping breast milk. Worried about the cost? Our girl Kate has you covered, with this Reimbursement Request letter you can send to your employer. Pretty awesome, right?
4. Research breastfeeding resources at your airport AND destination.
The apps we listed above are truly amazing, but we always recommend checking out airport websites or giving them a call to confirm that the information is up to date. Even if your airport isn’t listed in the apps and sites above, they may have resources for pumping moms that aren’t published.
If you’ll be spending the majority of your trip at convention or conference center, use one of the apps above or call ahead to ask about accommodations for nursing moms. If you’ll be working at an office, email or call ahead and request to use their dedicated nursing space. You may need to work around other pumping moms’ schedules, so be prepared to be flexible.
5. Bring backup.
Trust. Us. Breast-pump malfunctions and emergencies ALWAYS seem to happen when you’re miles from home. Pack a backup pump in your checked luggage and/or stash a compact manual pump in your breast pump bag. If you have to miss a full pump session, a manual pump can be a true lifesaver.
Lastly, enjoy your time alone. I know it’s tough being away from your family and your littlest love. I also know dealing with the whole traveling-and-pumping thing is no picnic. But I also believe in the power of positive thinking and looking on the bright side. So next time you’re preparing for a work trip, think of it this way: How often do you have an excuse to just sit and do nothing? Enjoy even the briefest periods of silence and solitude that traveling affords you. Take advantage of your in-flight time to read a book or sneak in a snooze break. Download a chick flick your partner would never agree to. And remember that at any given moment, there are about a million moms who would absolutely love to have a hotel room all to themselves (room service, anyone?).
P.S. Did you miss our first blog post? Read 5 Travel Tips: The Pumping Mama’s Pre-Flight Checklist now.
P.P.S If you want even more tips for making pumping more efficient on the go, check out our recent blog post about Going Back to Work and Pumping Like a Boss.
Download and print your FREE Passport to Pumping Success Travel Guide now.
In this guide, you’ll find:
It’s amazing how things that seemed so simple and straightforward pre-baby seem 10 times more complicated now that your life revolves around pumping and mommying. Little things we once took for granted, like, say, leaving the house, date night, or planning to be anywhere for longer than 3 hours are now massive undertakings that require their own special policies, checklists and procedures. Seriously, I’m exhausted just thinking about it. (Remember when you could just grab your handbag and head out the door? It seems like a distant memory!)
Now layer on something that was always a bit of a hassle to begin with — like traveling — and you’re bound to encounter a little turbulence along the way. If you’ve just recently gone back to work after maternity leave, you may still be adjusting to the new reality of back to work and pumping (pssst, have you snagged our FREE Going Back to Work Guide?). So when that first work trip as a pumping mom pops up on the calendar, it’s totally natural to have a mini meltdown in the lactation room tons of questions.
Sit back, relax, and bookmark this post for your next pumping sesh. I’m here to help you prepare for take-off with confidence and style.
5 Things to Do Before Your Next Work Trip as a Pumping Mom
If it’s an overnight trip, call your hotel ahead of time and see if there’s a fridge in your hotel room, and if not, request one.
Pro tip: Some hotels charge a fee for this extra amenity, but most of them will waive it for pumpin’ mamas. If they don’t offer to waive it up front, just ask.
Some airlines consider breast pumps “medical devices,” which means they’re allowed as an additional item in addition to your carry-on and personal items. This is good to know if you’re wondering whether or not you’ll have to check any bags. If you have an extra-long flight or you’re flying internationally and you have to (gulp) pump in-flight, you may want to call and ask if electrical outlets are available onboard.
Pro tip: If you’re a frequent traveler, consider investing in a stylish, travel-friendly bag that has a dedicated space for a breast pump and laptop, plus extra space for personal belongings.
Do you really want to go through airport security lugging around your manufacturer breast pump bag, a laptop bag and your purse. Can I get a heck, no? The right travel breast pump bag will have a crossbody or backpack option, dedicated space for your pump and accessories, a padded sleeve for your laptop and pleeenty of room for your US Weekly (hey, we don’t judge), tablet and snacks. If work trips are weekly or even monthly for you, it may even be totally worth it to have a dedicated travel breast pump bag packed and ready to go at all times.
Psssst! Check out our FULL packing checklist in the FREEBIE below.
Pro tip: Estimate how many times you’ll pump while on your trip and make sure your cooler is large enough for the amount of milk you plan to bring back. You may want to pack an extra collapsible cooler in your checked luggage, so you have extra storage.
When you’re on the go and off your day-to-day routine, it can be easy to lose track of time. Try to stay as close to your regular pumping schedule as possible by setting reminders in your phone and adding it to your calendar.
It’s important to know that thanks to the The Bottles and Breastfeeding and Equipment Screening (BABES) Act, every TSA agent and screener across every airport in the U.S. has to follow the same screening policies and procedures. That said, the law is still fairly new, so we recommend that you print a copy of the TSA Guidelines (we have a FREE download below) and pack it in the side pocket of your breast pump bag for easy access as you go through security.
P.S. Have we told you lately that you’re an amazing mom? Because you truly are — and don’t ever doubt it, Mama.
Download and print your FREE Pumping Mom’s Guide to Frequent Flying now.
In this guide, you’ll find:
And then, just when you think things might finally be getting easier, it hits you: you have to go back to work. Like, soon.
We know the feeling, Mama. We really, really (realllllly) do.
But believe us when we say, YOU’VE GOT THIS. Because you’re a mom and that’s just how we do. And because you’re a mom (a kickass mom, we might add), we know there’s a brand new stream of questions and worries running through your mind.
"How can I leave my little person with someone who isn’t me?"
"How can I possibly give 100% at work when I’m running on 4 hours of sleep a night?"
"How will I find time to pump between meetings/classes/patients/trials/site visits?"
"Will my supply drop?"
"Will I ever sleep again?"
"Is there enough food in the world to satisfy my ravenous hunger?"
(That last one may not be work-related, but it’s valid nonetheless.)
Whether you’ve been off for three weeks or three months, going back to work after having a baby is hard emotionally, physically and mentally. Take it from mamas who have been through it before: That first few weeks will be the toughest as you, your partner and your baby adjust to your new schedules and routines. If being a mom wasn’t a full-time job, then throw in the mix of being attached to a device and having a machine milk you like a cow every two to four hours. Then cleaning all the parts, storing the milk, and the extra added pressure and anxiety about whether you’re pumping enough milk. Then add in regular life — work, taking care of a baby, making time for your partner, keeping up with laundry, feeding your family dinner every night, making time to pee … are you exhausted just thinking about it? Us too.
The beauty of being a pumping, working mom is that we can learn from those who have pumped before us. Real-life goddesses like Liz, mom of an adorable boy, Colton. She lives in sunny San Diego and currently works full time.
“I started my first week back to work working from home,” says Liz. “What I didn’t plan for was pumping on the days I had to commute into the office. I knew we had a mother’s nursing room, but that was all I knew. On my first day back in the office, I found the nursing room as soon as I got in. I took out my pumping supplies and got my pump on. I repeated going into that room every two hours till it was time to go home. Then, during my last pump session, I was interrupted by a knock on the door and a woman saying, ‘Excuse me, but I have this room reserved.’ I quickly put myself back together and apologized. The lady was nice enough to explain to me how the mother’s room worked. So here was another challenge: to book this room when I needed it; something I hadn’t even thought about.”
So, first things first, let’s pre-plan so you know what to expect on your first day back.
5 Things to Discuss with Your Boss (and/or HR) Before Your First Day Back to Work
One to two weeks before your first scheduled day back, pick up the phone or send a quick email that includes the following questions and info:
Once you have these questions answered and you’ve let your boss know what’s up, we promise you’ll feel so much more confident about that first day back. We know there’s a lot more to consider as you get ready to make the transition from pumping at home in your yoga pants to pumping at work: your pumping schedule, how to make your pumping breaks as efficient and easy as possible, what to pack in your breast pump bag.
That’s why we’ve put together an essential guide for going back to work — and it’s designed JUST for you, pumping mama. Because we’ve got you — and you’ve got this.
And during those moments and days when you wonder: “How much longer can I do this?” Remember that no matter what, you are awesome. You’re crushing this whole Mom thing — even on days when you feel like you’re not.
Ready to pump like a boss your first week back at work? Yes, please! Sign me up to receive Pump Like a Boss, An essential going-back-to-work guide for pumping mamas
Your free downloadable guide is packed with:
We get the question all the time, "Why should I get a dedicated breast pump bag instead of a regular tote?" We asked a couple of our pumping mama Brand Ambassadors for their thoughts on the topic. Read on to see what they had to say!
]]>Q: For mamas who are wondering if they really need a dedicated breast pump bag versus just using a regular handbag or tote bag for their pump - What do you see as the benefits of having a breast pump bag?
A: Sierra, Meagan and Mayra answer below.
If you’re wondering if you need a specific bag, my short answer is YES!
I use a lot of bags, and even have a side hobby of selling a popular brand of totes and bags. I would still recommend a Sarah Wells Bag for pumping.
These bags are specifically designed for the job, with the right amount of pockets for your pump and accessories, and the thermal pockets are a must, especially if you’re a commuter.
If you were to use a regular handbag or tote, chances are you would need more than one… a bag for your pump, a bag for used parts, a bag for clean parts, a thermal for the milk, etc.
You get the idea! As a bonus, many Breast Pump Bags are not only beautiful, but also well made and can be reused in the future.
I was previously using a tote bag for my pumping accessories and it was a black hole of a mess. Absolutely nothing was organized. I couldn't find any one specific thing I was looking for without unloading half of the bag - it was just a messy disaster.
Since receiving my Sarah Wells bag, I have actually been able to combine my purse, pump tote, and diaper bag all into one incrediblely organized and attractive package! Sarah Wells Bags are clearly designed with mom in mind.
In my opinion, the Breast Pump Bags are designed to help keep things organized, visible, and easy to access. It makes all the difference when it comes to a time crunch as well.
Most moms who return to work find themselves pumping on an extremely tight schedule with no time to waste fumbling around searching for the supplies they need. And personally, I have delayed let downs when I am feeling stressed and pressed for time.
These pump bags make it possible to quickly get what you need set up with just a few zips of the bag; allowing more time to pump and focus on what's important - like breathing, haha!
When going to work and pumping, you deal with carrying extra things and you find yourself having to pause your workload in order to pump.
Now with my Claire, I no longer have to carry all these extra things such as the cooler for the milk I pump, storage for the actual pump, zip lock bags for the dirty parts, bottles and/or storage bags, and not to mention the pumping parts.
The Claire is definitely a game changer for me. I can store everything in just one bag. It has also saved me time, so I don't worry about taking out the pump from the other bag or taking out the cooler.
Carrying my pump and all the accessories has become a part of my every day life and the Claire has made things a lot easier.
This video shows a glimpse of everything I can fit into my Claire Breast Pump Bag.
We want to hear from YOU!
Why do you (or would you) find a dedicated breast pump bag helpful in your pumping journey?
Comment on this blog and we'll automatically enter you to win your color choice of a Claire breast pump bag! Contest closes 12/25/17 at 11:59pm ET. Open to all countries.
]]>I did a Question & Answer session with all of our Claire Brand Ambassadors. They have amazing stories and give you an exclusive insight into my new Claire bag.
Sierra, please tell us about yourself & your pumping journey.
I’m a mom of two beautiful breastfed babies, Hayden and Carson. Hayden, my oldest, was born in March of 2008. I only pumped a handful of times with her, as I was a stay at home mom and really didn’t have a need for pumping.
When my second child, Carson, was born in March of 2016, I was (and am still currently) working full-time. I knew I would be pumping when I returned to work, but what I didn’t realize was how challenging it would be.
When Carson was 5 ½ weeks old we took him to a local children’s hospital because he was spitting up blood. I was just finishing up maternity leave and learning to use my pump, as well as my Sarah Wells Annie Bag. Life was pretty chaotic.
After a terrifying day of IV’s, not being able to nurse him, and having our tiny son put under general anesthesia so they could put a camera down his throat and take a biopsy, we found out that he had thrush in his esophagus. We didn’t even know you could get thrush there, but thankfully it was easily treatable.
I had been having trouble battling nipple thrush myself, and sought the assistance of a lactation consultant for sizing pump flanges that were too small. (I didn’t realize that nearly half of all women are not the size of the standard flange that is included with most breast pumps.)
After finding the correct size, thanks to the help of some pumping specific Facebook groups and an amazing IBCLC, we thought we were in the clear. Unfortunately, our lactation consultant noticed that Carson was possibly tongue and lip tied, so we were referred to an ENT for a confirmed diagnosis.
Thus, began our journey of further research, monthly craniosacral therapy treatments and more. This also affected my milk supply. There were days I sat crying over my pump, ready to quit. My husband, family, and close friends were incredibly helpful and supportive. Ironically, myself, my sister, my sister-in-law, and dear friend all had babies just a few months apart and were able to donate breast milk to Carson and I. A fellow pumping coworker donated milk as well.
We were very blessed to have these women and resources, which helped us push past our original goal of exclusive breastmilk for 6 months. After the initial setbacks, I’m happy to report that we have well surpassed our goal. Carson just turned 19 months this October and we are still nursing and pumping daily. A large part of that is due to perseverance and a supportive village cheering us on. I also credit my Sarah Wells Bag to keeping me organized, through all of the ups and downs, and everything in between.
Did I mention I’m also a childbirth educator? My bag has traveled with me on trips to trainings, events, and conferences all over the Pacific Northwest!
What do you think sets Sarah Wells Bags brand apart from the other bags on the market?
Sarah Wells Bags was created by a pumping mom, specifically for pumping moms. Sarah is a woman who understands the ins and outs of pumping. After joining this club and meeting so many women and hearing their stories, I’ve noticed there’s something extra special about this labor of love and the women who do it. I believe that Sarah understands that, whether you pump 1 month or 1 year. Sarah Wells Bags are stylish and well made, built to support you. The brand really caters to us, listens to feedback and embraces the beauty in it all.
Are you a Claire Black or Claire Brown girl?
I am totally a classy, but sassy black with the cayenne red Claire girl. ;)
What was your first impression of Claire?
I was very impressed! It’s a little more casual than the Annie I previously had, but I love the overall look and improvements to the design.
What are your favorite features of Claire?
The additional pockets, laptop sleeve, and ability to snap things out of the way when needed are all great features and honestly make this bag more useful. In the Claire bag I truly see a more versatile and longer lasting bag. Claire with all of her pockets, key fob, etc. are great for keeping me organized on the go.
What do you have in your 12 pockets?
Oh gosh, I probably have more than I need!
For my breast pump I have a Spectra S2.
Then moving to the front outer pocket. I have a Kleenex slim pack and a permanent marker for labeling storage bags.
On the inside, I have a Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra (a necessity if you’re a commuter, in my opinion), a Pumparoo bag with bottles and flanges, Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter (also doubles as a lip balm!), a box of Up & Up Breastmilk Storage Bags, and a Boppy nursing cover. (Though I’ve only used that when hand expressing in the car while on a date with my husband. Ha!)
In the inside zipper pockets I have a “mommy survival kit” that includes a pair of disposable nursing pads (not that I really need them anymore, but you never know), sanitary napkins, more Kleenex, and a travel size Native Deodorant. I also have a mini notebook and pen.
In the side pockets are 2 additional Spectra bottle caps for storing milk and breastfeeding support cards.
For more information about the newest Sarah Wells Breast Pump Bag, Claire,
or to purchase Claire please click here.
I adore my job as a special education teacher in a DC public school. I teach students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom setting at a Title 1 school. As if the annual Back to School rush wasn’t enough to make this teacher crazy, this year I’m juggling teaching AND pumping for my son.
Establishing breastfeeding with my first child was a difficult journey for me, including a few months of exclusively pumping while meeting with a variety of support people to work out some challenges. The persistence finally paid off as my maternity leave was winding down (go figure!), and my son and I began enjoying parts of breastfeeding. Sweet bonding moments replaced excruciating pain, and convenient nursing on-the-go erased bad memories of long “triple feeding” sessions and pumping around the clock.
When it was time to head back to my classroom, pumping felt like a way I could still care for my baby while continuing work that I am passionate about. Unfortunately, I was unprepared for how complicated the whole routine was as a teacher! I joked that I had become “The Bag Lady”: a bag for school stuff, a bag for baby’s daycare stuff, a lunch bag, a pumping bag, a bag for the things that don’t fit in the other bags…… phew!
Over time I’ve developed some hacks and a packing routine that make it a little easier. My Sarah Wells Kelly bag helps me keep ALL these things together in one place. Yes, ONE bag!
Teachers carry backpacks too! In my case, my Sarah Wells “Kelly” breast pump bag, pump and supplies.
Here’s what goes inside:
Teachers leave for work early (my commute starts before 7 am). Fewer bags means fewer things to forget when I am rushing out the door after stealing a few extra minutes to nurse or play with my son!
Colleagues and friends thought maybe I’d find an “easier” profession or work setting more conducive to motherhood. Transitioning back to work is tough for any new mom, and teaching while breastfeeding adds an extra layer of logistics to manage – there’s little flexibility or private time in a teacher’s day.
After a difficult start to our breastfeeding relationship, I wasn’t willing to give up the benefits of that hard work. I’ve found that nursing my baby when I get home each evening has helped me find the balance between my mission driven “helping” profession and parenthood.
It’s worth the extra effort to still have the option of nursing when my son and I are together. It allows us to reconnect after a long day apart and forces me to slow down and enjoy him. My goal is to keep things going for at least a year despite the challenges of pumping in a school building. Being organized has helped me make it to month ten and counting!
Teach on, moms!
~ Claire B.
This year, we've got another $3,000+ in prizes, and three lucky mamas will each take home a prize bundle of their own valued over $1,200 each.
For your chance to win, enter using each Prize Bundle's Rafflecopter form below.
As always, we’ll also be having a Facebook Live Party on Thursday, August 3rd at 9pm ET to celebrate! Hosted by Sarah Wells of Sarah Wells Bags, join participating brands and other mamas to share mom-to-mom advice, discuss the highs and lows of parenting, and hear back-to-work pumping stories.
Our hope in creating this event is to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and breast pumping! It's not an easy job but together we are stronger-- So, let's kick back, relax, support each other, and take home some sweet prizes while we're at it!
"See" you Thursday!
--
Check out these "epic" prize bundles!
From breast pumps to baby carriers and everything in between, each bundle is carefully composed of items to support new and breastfeeding/pumping mothers from the third trimester throughout her breastfeeding journey.
Enter to win using the Rafflecopter forms below. By entering, you give permission for each brand to email you once with a discount offer or promotional code following the giveaway. Sponsors have been instructed not to send additional emails without your further opt-in permission.
You may enter all prize bundle giveaways, but are only eligible to win once. Prizes will be shipped to domestic U.S. shipping addresses only. Complete rules and regulations can be found on each Rafflecopter entry form.
Good luck, mamas!
In Prize Bundle #3, the winner will receive:
In Prize Bundle #2, the winner will receive:
In Prize Bundle #1, the winner will receive:
Holy smokes. What am I going to do? 100,000 words per day? How can we possibly meet that quota? It's just me and the hubs; no family nearby. My child is going to be a failure. If only I didn't move down to D.C. for a career that I've found tremendously fulfilling, I'd be close to my family in NY, who could help me meet this daily word count. Dear me.
Ok. Stop fretting. Just do it. Just start yammering. Talk to him while you're doing the dishes. Talk to him while you go to the bathroom. Talk to him when you're talking to Mom about talking to him about talking to you. Wait; what does 100,000 words even sound like? Where's my stopwatch? 0:00:58 0:00:59 OK! Go! How many words was – oh, wait, I'm leaking – GAAAHHH!
This was basically how the first six months or so of my firstborn's life went. (Well, the self-inflicted paranoia continues, but the severity peaked during this time.) I'd read any and everything about childrearing, all to fill the daily wisdom gap that I feared we were missing out on by living at a distance from my family. No family nearby to casually drop some timely knowledge. No family nearby to help us reach the 100,000-daily word quota.
So, when the time came to return to work and put my son into daycare, I earnestly prepared (read: overprepared) by reading every pro-con article on the planet just to find the one confirming that putting my son into daycare was the best decision for him and the rest of humanity. I never found that article. Time marched on. Work beckoned as did our rent, so it was off to daycare we went. I was a mess; wracked with guilt and tears that felt like they would never end.
And then it happened. The teachers at the daycare, women with years and years of experience caring for infants, started sharing some helpful tips with me. I'd bring questions about last night's feed or weird fussiness, and they'd have 3-4 tricks up their sleeves to remedy the situation.
After my son had started taking longer than normal to finish a bottle, I wasn't sure what was going on. Was he not hungry? He usually drinks X amount by Y time. What's going on? I mentioned the Issue of the Day to the Head Aunty, and she suggested we try a larger nipple size for the bottle. What? These things have different sizes?!? How did I miss that? SMH. What about the Bumbo chair? A-OK for him to go in that now? How about the exer-saucer? I read you shouldn't put them in one until they're at least six months old… My list of questions went on and on as did their patience and encouraging input.
It wasn't until about month 3 or 4 of daycare that I realized these women were helping not only take care of my son but, of me, too; their advice quieted my endlessly running mind and seeing my son thrive helped whittle away my feelings of guilt. They were becoming my local "aunties," caring women whose experience and advice helped me fill that knowledge gap I feared, the aunties who casually dropped infant knowledge like it was their job (pun intended). Their help tracking milestones was helpful when I finally got down to doing that baby book for him three years later…!
This experience demonstrated to me that parenthood is about doing the best with what you've got. Some folks are your village because they're your family; other folks are your village because they become your family.
BY: SARAH BYRNEWhen not obligingly singing “daddy-finger” through her teeth or dashing to make the school bell, Sarah Byrne can be found tearing up the keyboard, sharing snippets of her madcap life and her affection for Prince George’s County, MD on Route One Fun! |
Do you feel like you spend too much time pumping and dealing with your breast pump parts? Or perhaps you feel guilty for taking too long away from your desk?
If this sounds like you, these breast pumping hacks may help you to finish pumping quicker and focus on what matters mo
]]>If this sounds like you, these breast pumping hacks may help you to finish pumping quicker and focus on what matters most.
1. Assemble your breast pump parts the night before or in the morning before you go to work.
Attach the tubing and store your pump in a dedicated compartment of your breast pump bag, so you won't worry about it getting tangled with your other personal items. When it's time to pump, screw the bottles on, connect the tubing to the shield, and go! That's five minutes in the bank. Woot!
2. Find a quality nursing bra for a hands-free pump session.
Rather than hold your bottles throughout your pumping session, invest in a good-quality pumping bra to free up your hands. You can massage your breast to encourage milk flow or work at the same time.
3. Save time with a wet/dry bag for breast pump parts.
Once you've finished pumping, place your breast pump parts in a wet/dry bag to store in a refrigerator or cooler. No need to wipe, no need to wash. If you pump three times at work, this trick will save you at least 5 minutes per session for a total of 15 minutes back throughout your day.
Confession: I used to wash, rinse and wipe dry my pump parts when pumping for Baby #1. This process took me so long to complete after each session (the washing itself takes at least 5 minutes!). So, when I pumped for Baby #2, I used a wet/dry bag between pump sessions and only washed once at night. Such a huge time saver!
4. Bring twice the number of bottles as pumping sessions.
Every time you pump, pull out two new bottles and once you're done, simply put the caps on and store. Combine your milk just once a day, either at night or in the morning, when you prepare bottles for your baby's feedings. This pumping mom hack will save so much time, especially when you are in a hurry and don't want to miss a single drop of milk.
5. Ditch the bottles by using a direct-pump breast milk collection system.
If you loathe washing so many bottles, consider using the Kiinde Twist™ system, which allows you to "pump, store, organize, warm, and feed using the same pouch." The system comes with several adapters matching all major breast pump brands. No more washing bottles!
6. Optimize your pumping schedule.
If you only get limited time to pump at your workplace, I've got big news for you. You don't need to strictly follow your baby's feeding times for your pumping schedule. The most important thing is the frequency, or how often you empty your breast throughout the day. If you have a shortage of time at work, consider pumping only twice during the day with two more pumps during your commute (using a hands-free pumping setup), and perhaps one more time after your baby goes to bed.
7. Pump while you work!
Not everyone can afford several proper pumping breaks away from their desk. What about pumping while working?
If you use a concealable hands-free pumping system, such as Freemie, combined with a quiet breast pump, you can do most of your work while breast pumping.
8. Set a reminder to pump on your calendar, every single work day.
Although remembering to pump may seem obvious, you'll thank yourself for proactively scheduling pump time when your work starts to pile up, making it easier to forget.
9. Encourage quicker letdown to speed up your pump session.
Is your letdown taking too long? Consider looking at a photo of your baby or listen to her voice while pumping. Or watch a funny video and let yourself relax for a while. Try several tips for quicker letdown until you find what works best for you.
10. Make sure you never forget your breastmilk in the office fridge by using a cooler at your desk.
Rather than store your breast milk and pump parts in a shared fridge and take the risk of forgetting it after a busy day, consider using a long-lasting cooler bag at your desk. Store your breast milk directly in the cooler bag and keep it with your breast pump bag, where you are less likely to forget about it.
With these breast pumping hacks for working moms, you can streamline your pumping routine to make the process easier at work. And remember, being a breast pumping, working mom is such a tough job, so give yourself a pat on the back.
BY: RINA PUSPITASARIRina is a mom of two who once struggled to breastfeed her babies. Since then, her low milk supply issue has inspired her to help other moms preparing for breastfeeding and pumping breast milk. Check out her writing at her blog, Living with Low Milk Supply, and grab your FREE pumping guide there too!Rina contributes to the Sarah Wells blog all the way from Singapore! She’s a huge part of taking our “mama love” mission worldwide. If you’re located in Singapore and are interested in a Sarah Wells bag, check out MamaWarehouse.com as your local retailer! |
I survived my first month as a twin mom-- an exclusively pumping twin mom, nonetheless! I learned so much along the way, what worked for our family and what didn't.
So, straight from the trenches, here are my top five tips for surviving your first month as a breast pumping mom of one or multiple babies.
Schedule: Have a schedule and stick with it!
Usually, newborns need to eat every 3 hours, so come up with a plan that works best for your family. For us, it was feedings every 3 AM/PM, 6 AM/PM, 9 AM/PM, and 12 AM/PM. This way, there were no questions: I knew I needed to pump 20 minutes before a feeding, and we knew we had to finish up anything else we were in the middle of to feed the twins at our predetermined times.
Sleep: Sleep is so important!
Personally, I become a total grump when I'm tired and don't think clearly. On top of that, after just giving birth, your body NEEDS rest! I know everyone always says, "sleep when the babies sleep," and I know you can't always do that because there are chores to do and you need to shower at some point, BUT seriously, sleep whenever you can.
Another thing that helped me was to "take off" at least one feeding session a day while my husband fed the twins formula instead so that I could catch up on a little sleep. Any bit of extra sleep plus little naps will make a world of difference!
Be Organized: Make your first month so much easier!
How did I do get organized? I spent my entire pregnancy preparing. By the time I delivered, my husband and I had everything we needed already purchased: diapers, formula (we had to supplement for a while until I produced enough milk to feed both babies), clothes, wipes, beds, and more. By preparing for what to do before you go into labor, we didn't have to run out to buy anything once we came home from the hospital.
I also recommend doing the following tasks before heading to the hospital:
If you can think of anything else to make your life easier, do it NOW.
Ask for Help: People will WANT to help anyway!
Being a new mom, first-time or experienced, bringing home a new baby or babies can be overwhelming. I wanted to do it all and be "Super Mom, " but I learned real fast that wasn't possible because:
That being said, don't be afraid to ask for help. Seriously, whether it is your mom, your cousin, your best friend, or even your neighbor… people want to help! Who doesn't love cuddling with a baby for a while?
Take Care of YOU: I can't stress this enough!
I definitely outdid myself over the first week or two. I had a lot of help (thanks to my husband and my mom), but I still wanted to do everything I possibly could. The truth is, I was still recovering, and I went up and down way too many stairs and leaned in ways I shouldn't have in the process. This extra activity made me sorer and probably slowed down my recovery a bit.
You need to remember, no matter how your baby or babies came into this world, your body is going through major recovery and will be for a while. Enjoy this time; you don't get it back. Eat yummy food, binge-watch some of your favorite shows, sleep as much as possible, relax often, and cuddle with your baby or babies!
When I look back on the past month, I just smile from ear-to-ear.
But I learned so much and not only did I survive, but I LOVED my first month as a twin mom. Then and today, I look at these two babies and think, "How did I get so lucky?" And I carry that feeling with me as I continue to navigate this thing called #momlife.
BY: BRIANNA STEELEBrianna is a brand new mom to boy/girl twins, Camden and Ella! She and her husband struggled with infertility for years. After three rounds of IVF (in vitro fertilization), they were blessed with their miracle twins. When she’s not with her family or working as a Human Resource Analyst, she’s pursing one of her passions: traveling (36 countries and counting!), working out, organizing, decorating, cooking, or watching reality TV! Exclusively pumping for her twins keeps her very busy, and her Sarah Wells bag has been a lifesaver for her busy lifestyle! |
Get ready to have some fun, mamas! Let's do the happy dance because it's time for the comeback of the "Oh Mommy + Oh Baby Giveaway!" YAS!
For the second year in a row, I've teamed up with You! Lingerie and 13 other brands to bring you a huge bundle of happiness. One winner takes it all... and it could be YOU!
]]>For the second year in a row, I've teamed up with You! Lingerie and 13 other brands to bring you a huge bundle of happiness. One winner takes it all... and it could be YOU!
Enter for your chance to win OVER $850 IN PRIZES!
So, what are you waiting for, mamas? The mechanics and juicy deets are indicated below. Like, follow, tag, share away and don't forget to spread the word to all your friends.
Good luck!
Oh Mommy + Oh Baby Giveaway - April 2017This Month's Participating Brands and Prizes:
Let’s get this HUGE giveaway started. Join our email newsletter, share (we bet your friends will be excited to know about this giveaway, too) and FOLLOW the participating brands' social media sites for MORE chances of winning!
Today is a day of mixed emotions.
Allow me to jump up and down, burn my pumping bag, crush my pump parts and sport a REAL bra from Victoria’s Secret because hot dang it, I AM DONE PUMPING! I feel like the rally song that you hear at the Chicago Bulls games should be playing “annnnnnd now, from Buffalo Grove IL, one year pumper, she’s done, CHRISTINE NNNNNOGAL!” – and the crowd goes wild, of course. No more carting around my pump, no more watching the clock, no more pressing my breasts to see if it’s time or not… no more!
BUT (always a but…)
Allow me to well up with tears, hug my pumping bag, sorrowfully pack away all the parts and retire a hardworking bra that “supported” me through the hard times. I am done pumping. I feel like I just want to sit in the Mother’s Room alone all day and mourn. Will I regret this? Should I have pumped until she went off to college? Who am I now? Am I still part of the breastfeeding community? Am I making the right choice? No more watching the bottles fill up and feeling pride as it hits the next ounce mark, no more making time in my workday to focus on this process and my baby, no more giggling with fellow breastfeeders as we joke about the insider experiences of pumping… no more…
Pumping and breastfeeding is such a personal journey and taught me so much believe it or not! I pumped for one year with my son and now achieved one year with my daughter. It has taught me patience – sitting 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes if I had clogs and waiting until the last drop. It has taught me discipline – those busy days, those lazy days, those hard days that I just didn’t feel like doing it, I had to and I did. It has taught me dedication – this was an important goal that directly impacted my baby’s health and my health. It has taught me to be healthy – sleep, water, nutrition, stress, diet, exercise are more important than I ever knew, to me and my baby. So, of course, my reaction to closing this chapter of my life wouldn’t be all celebratory.
To conclude my soapbox speech: we are all part of the breastfeeding community. Whether you supplement, pump at work, exclusively pump or exclusively breastfeed… whether it’s for a day, week, months, years – there are no dividing lines, one way is not better than the other. Be proud, you’re doing it. To all of you, I offer you a fist bump in the hallway. To all of you who wake up in the night to pump, who have worked through the pain of mastitis and clogs, who have felt defeated during supply dips, who are ignoring the gnawing feeling of guilt because you’re far from your baby right now – you are amazing. What you are doing is important. KEEP. IT. UP.
I’m always here, so don’t hesitate to reach out (it will help me to feel connected to this world still)
Christine
Well it's a funny story! I used to watch the show "Friends" religiously. One day I was watching it with a friend and it was the episode where Phoebe is a surrogate for her brother. My friend asked me "Would you have my babies someday for me if I couldn't?" And without a second thought I said, "Of course I would!"
That planted the seed for me and it was the first time I had ever heard of surrogacy as a concept. But the thought stayed with me and I did a little research over time and realized I would need to already have at least one child of my own that I was raising first to qualify as a candidate.
After I had my first child I just knew I had to do it. I felt so blessed to have my own beautiful healthy child and I knew there were others out there that couldn't do this on their own. I wanted to thank the universe for what came so easily to me by giving that to someone else.
I researched a few programs but I fell in love with The Surrogacy Program in Studio City founded by director Shelley Smith from the moment I first spoke with them. They treat their surrogates and their families with the utmost respect and love. They had been in business for over 25 years and it was clear to me that they would take great care of me and my family throughout the process. I can't emphasize enough to anyone considering surrogacy how important it is to have an excellent team of professionals to facilitate the journey.
I loved the program so much that I made a career change and joined the company full time in 2012 as a Surrogacy Associate. I knew I couldn't keep having babies forever myself but I could still give back by being a part of the support team for other extraordinary surrogates and loving couples. It was the best decision I could have made. I love what I do!
My husband knew it was something I had wanted to do-we had talked about it once when we were still dating just in conversation. When I approached him to seriously consider it he said no at first - but the very next day he said that he knew it was something that meant a lot to me and he would support me in my decision. He thought it was very noble.
When we got the profile from the agency for an intended parent the director of the program felt would be a good match for us we both read it over and it was my husband who first said “This is the person we want to help.”
I trusted his instinct and was so happy to see him connect to this person whom neither of us knew just starting out. But he has a good sense for people and the match was truly perfect for us. My husband is the chef of our household and stay at home dad so without him none of this would be possible.
My parents initially thought it was a wonderful thing I wanted to do, but they hoped we would finish our own family first. Keep in mind I was only 21 years old when I applied to be a surrogate and at that time I was the youngest person to ever go through the program. 21 is the minimum age requirement. But I had been married since I was 19 and I had an 18 month old daughter- I wasn't like most 21 year olds. Once they saw how serious I was about doing this they were completely supportive.
My mom, Stephanie Langlois, (or my "Momtourage" as I like to call her) is my rock throughout this process. My fabulous sister-in-law, Nicole Langlois, was there for my last IVF transfer for my current surrogacy journey. My sister, Lori Langlois-Ulnick, is a professional MAC make-up artist and she did my makeup for the photo shoot used for this interview. My husband's cousin, Leah Ingersoll of Linger Photography took the awesome photos and we had such a great day together capturing these pictures. It takes a village!
My close friends have come over to help when I have had bed rest for the IVF transfers and when I had to rest during the pregnancies as well. They are my cheerleaders :-) And then there are my husband's friends. I lovingly call them "my brother husbands". They help in so many ways. When I have had to go to the doctor even at odd hours they have come over to watch our kids, they have brought food, they are also a big part of our support system. They are some of the best men on the planet-I count myself lucky to have married into such a great "family".
And most importantly there are my own two sweet kidlets. My daughter was there every step of the way for my first surrogacy. She was only a little thing but she was wise beyond her years. Kids that age don't question the social norms. She thought that what I was doing was just about the coolest thing ever and she likes to tell everyone and show off. Our son is around the same age now that our daughter was for the first surrogacy journey and he is a great little helper. He likes to sing to my belly every night. Both of the kids love the families we help and take a lot of pride in being part of the team.
Of course the agency itself has become an extension of my family. Because I am both a surrogate myself and a surrogacy associate at the program I am surrounded with love and support from my coworkers and the many extraordinary surrogates that are in the program as well. I don’t know where I would be without my friends, family and the fabulous ladies at The Surrogacy Program who are my friends, family and co-workers all rolled into one.
To sum things up-I feel very loved and spoiled :-)
Surrogacy has so many great moments along the way! There is that moment when you first get to meet the intended parents you are choosing to help and you know don't know exactly what lies ahead but you know you're just so excited to get started. Then there is the transfer day when you send all your positive thoughts out into the universe for the embryo(s) to stick. The first big exciting milestone is the positive pregnancy test-but it really feels real when you and the parents see the heartbeat on ultrasound for the first time.
The later ultrasounds, for example when you find out gender, are so special. As a surrogate of course you are thrilled to be pregnant and so happy for your couple for their impending arrival but to see their faces and reactions to seeing their baby on ultrasound is very powerful. You feel like a super hero that has flown to their rescue to save the day.
It was magical when the parents I have carried for were able to feel their baby kick by putting their hand on my belly. But the best moment hands down is the birth. It is seeing the intended parents hold their baby for the first time, it is the honor of being the first person to witness the moment they become parents, and the joy of knowing you made it possible.
That moment is one you will play over and over again in your head for as long as you live. It will lift you up on your most challenging days. There truly is no word big enough to describe it but that moment where the parents' dreams come to fruition is pure love.
I should also share the special unique moment I got to witness-the marriage of the intended parents! I was a surrogate for a single woman who met the man of her dreams when we were just starting the process. He was a big part of the journey and they both flew out for major appointments.
A month before the birth he proposed to her and I got to witness them becoming parents together. They flew me out for their beautiful beach wedding ten months later. My favorite memory is still their first slow dance together holding their baby between them.
As a surrogate over time I think I have faced nearly every challenge there is! The first thing any surrogate over comes is a fear of shots - but the IVF medications are all worth it when you get that positive pregnancy test. I actually do all my own shots but many surrogates have a spouse or friend help. It doesn't even phase me anymore.
There is always the possibility of having to do more than one transfer to get pregnant or for the pregnancy to not work out. I have encountered those challenges myself. It does make you realize that there is more to this than just science. As a surrogate you do everything you can. You make healthy choices, you follow your medication instructions, you do everything in your power to give the transfer and the pregnancy the best chance of success but sometimes it doesn't work out. That is probably the hardest challenge. But the bumps along the way have just made me stronger and more determined. It has made me look at my own two sweet babies and see them as the miracles that they are.
Some of the most extraordinary surrogate moms I know are the ones who have had longer and more challenging journeys. You will find that surrogates are not complainers-they press on and they are positive thinkers even in tough situations. They are strong women and they carry more than just babies. They carry their couples' worries, hopes and dreams.
I knew you would ask! :-) This is something everyone wonders about. As a first time surrogate I wondered myself how it would feel. I have learned that a surrogate pregnancy is SO different from your own pregnancy. It is different from the moment the journey starts.
You start off knowing that the baby you are carrying is not yours biologically or in any other sense. You do things differently than you would in your own pregnancy. For example - as soon as the baby can hear I talk to my surrogate babies but it's different from how I talk to my own babies.
I tell them about their parents, and their homes, and the wonderful lives they have ahead of them. In your own pregnancy you dream of holding your baby but in a surrogacy you dream of seeing the parents hold their baby the first time.
With surrogacy the intended parents are the first people to hold their baby so there usually isn't a moment when you "hand over a baby". I remember feeling even less of a connection with the baby I delivered than I expected to feel.
When I did get to hold the surrogate baby I delivered, I remember thinking, "Gosh he is so cute but I can't believe this is the baby I carried!" It was like holding a friend's cute baby. I did not feel like his mom-because I knew I wasn't. And funny enough the baby seemed to know that, too. When I handed him back to his mom he didn't cry. He didn't look for me. He was completely fixated on his mom. I can't explain it scientifically but he knew who his mom was and they bonded instantly.
As a surrogate you bond with the couple - I remember thinking how much I was going to miss them when they went home. They live in another state but they still keep in touch. He is 4 years old now and I love seeing pictures and hearing what he is doing. I am honored that they have kept in touch. We share a very special relationship with the family.
The couple I am carrying for now is also out of state and they have one child through surrogacy and still keep in touch with their first surrogate. I'm in touch with her, too :-)
To share something funny I did the initial screening for their first surrogate at the agency and through my side business (Sugar & Spice Maternity Concierge) I helped them prepare for their first baby. We have one big surrogate family! I am very excited for our spring delivery around the corner.
When the intended mom first asked if I would pump for her after the birth I said I would be willing to try. Some couples want to receive breast milk from their surrogates when possible for the health benefits for their baby.
I had previously had breast reduction surgery as a teenager and had no success breastfeeding my own first child. But I did a lot of research and figured it was worth a try so I took a very proactive approach. I knew that pumping exclusively would have its challenges. I researched hospital grade pumps, supplements that would safely boost my supply that my doctor recommended, and after delivery I starting pumping as soon as I could. I had to be very diligent to pump frequently.
I was so proud to be able to provide that first tiny little portion of milk to the surrogate baby I delivered! It was such a huge win for me :-) It was a full time job for me at the time! I was very dedicated and even got up during the night to pump. I gave as much milk as I could to the family before they drove back to their home state.
They had opted not to have me ship milk once they returned home. Some couples have their surrogate ship milk for a while if she is able to do so. But at the time I delivered a dear friend of mine was in need of donor breast milk for her sweet baby that was born with a cleft palate.
As a surrogate, I was the ideal milk donor because of course I had been medically screened before becoming pregnant. When she asked for my help I was thrilled! I continued to pump for about 3 months after delivery. I sure could have used a Sarah Wells bag for work then!
I feel like pumping helped me bounce back better physically and emotionally. It also gave me the confidence to pursue exclusively breastfeeding my own second child. With my son I pumped, nursed, and used a supplemental nursing system for 12 months. I had help from a number of amazing donor milk mamas because my own supply wasn't enough for him but I met my goal and made it the whole first year. It's something I am extremely proud of.
I even mastered pumping on one side while I nursed him on the other side and then rotating to boost my supply as much as possible. If there is a supply boosting trick I have surely done it! I have also mastered the art of pumping and driving. Those 12 months were golden for me and worth all of the effort.
I have to also share that I had an amazing breastfeeding/pumping support team. I have to give a special shout out to my own lactation consultant Bridget Winnett and all of the fabulous staff and lactation consultants at The Pump Station & Nurtury.
I will be pumping for at least 3 months for the surrogate baby I am currently carrying and possibly as long as 6 months if I can keep up my supply when I return to work. The parents would like for me to ship milk to them so I plan to do this as long as I can. I have already decided that if the parents opt to not receive milk at some point then I will absolutely be a milk donor again. There are so many babies that need it!
I hope to have a Sarah Wells bag when I return to work after delivery :-) I think I am becoming an unofficial spokes-mama at this point because every baby store I go into I am telling them all about these amazing bags.
I am also super excited that Emily Ironi of The Dairy Fairy gave me a sneak preview of the not yet available limited edition Spring Arden bra. This is not your mother’s nursing bra! In addition to being as pretty as it is comfortable and supportive it allows you to pump hands free and nurse, even at the same time!
Pumping while driving just got a whole lot easier for this surrogate mama! If I had a time machine I would go back in time and use it for that whole first year with my own little nursling. I am telling everyone who will listen about this.
I thank heaven for these amazing Mompreneurs who have designed products that I only dreamed of having in past pregnancies.
I hope other great moms and dads continue to pave the way in baby/maternity products and services for future parents and surrogates to come. I am proud to be a mom, surrogate, surrogacy associate, and maternity concierge serving my family and many others.
Q. Where do you work and what is your position?
A. I work in a non-profit my local United Way, I am responsible for volunteer engagement and programming.
Q. Tell us how you came to the decision to bring your baby to work:
A. I had been at the United Way for two years and at the time there was a coworker who had two daughters ages 8 and 10 that spent their afternoons at our office so they didn't need to go to after school care. My CEO always has said we are family friendly; when I told her I was pregnant she said, "you can bring the baby to work!" She informed me that employees in the past had had their babies in the office for as long as 8 months or as little as 3 weeks and that I should utilize this opportunity for however long it works without disturbing others or affecting my work load. I informally call this setup, "babies in the board room!" She expressed that she had male employees who would bring their children to work 1-2 days a week so they could have the bonding, the mother would come to the office throughout the day to nurse but she felt proud to have an opportunity to help a dad be such an awesome influence in his childs life.
Q. Why does your employer support bringing your baby to work?
A. She really values her employees and doesn't want the financial or other costs of multiple children in day care to be a factor in a mom possibly quitting or being rushed back to work to interfere with breastfeeding and bonding with your baby.
Q. Tell us what a typical work day is like with baby in the office:
A. To best accommodate my schedule I come in at 6:30am this allows me to have quiet time without others in the office, the baby still sleeps at this time as well. So I can really maximize my time until the office officially opens and all the other distractions happen. I work at a desk going through emails/phone calls takes up most of my day. I do have meetings almost every day, where most have commented on how "lucky" I am to bring my son to work, I am not sure if it is luck or just a great idea. I wear a wrap/sling which allows me to be hands free to address emails, phone calls and feeding all at the same time. This also allows me to roam throughout my office without the worry of if I leave for a minute the baby will start fussing.
Q. How has bringing your baby to work benefitted you?
A. I feel bringing my baby to work has provided me the option to continue breastfeeding, bonding and prevention of leaving such a small child in care. With my oldest (5), I worked nights and did not have to leave her in care, I was able to be with her for all of her firsts, I was terrified of leaving my son somewhere and missing all of that. This provides a different way of working without so much mommy guilt. We beat ourselves up enough just wondering if we make the right choices being parents, the last thing we need to do is worry how we can afford day care, if someone is going to care for my child at 6 weeks the way I would etc.
Q. What are the challenges for you in bringing baby to work?
A. My biggest fears/concerns about bringing my son is that others will feel I can't do my job or they will be interrupted from doing theirs. But the reality is no one cares, they are happy he is here sometimes too much where people want to come and visit the baby, but I want them to leave him alone as I am in the middle of my work and he is quiet.
Q. How long do you think you'll bring your baby to work?
A. The theory of this is for however long it works, that could be a few weeks, a few months etc. I think that the last point he may be able to stay is when he starts crawling this could be a safety hazard, but it depends. My daughter didn't really enjoy crawling she loved being in a jumper or walker and would sit there for hours if you would let her. So I really believe it depends on how he develops and his preferences and who knows I may say well this isn't working for me anymore, before my employer does. I just know that it is something that works for now.
I pretty much wear him all day and he is happy as can be; yes he has had a couple days of cranky, but no one has said anything. So, for now it works, it could change tomorrow and we are prepared for that but i am enjoying this opportunity for as long as I get it!
]]>CANADIAN CUSTOMERS Shop for Your "Maddy" Breast Pump Bag Here
UK and EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS Shop for Your "Maddy" Breast Pump Bag Here
What are customers saying about the Sarah Wells "Maddy" Breast Pump Bag? Check out this (comprehensive!) review from one of our UK customers:
"As the approach of my return to work was looming I decided there was a few things I needed to sort out, one big concern for me was how and when I would pump in order to continue to breastfeedI soon realised that everything would not fit in my usual work bag how I imagined! I was quick to search via my good friend Google in order to track down some kind of specific breast pump bag that may be the answer to my prayers.
What hit me was the complete lack of such an item here in the UK, on my first search all it kept returning was storage bags for milk, not the kind of ‘bag’ I was after.
I found a Medela version – again not the kind of style of bag I was after – but we were getting on the right track. I widened my search to America as they seem to have all the latest baby products so surely they must have something like this available, so I changed my Google search from ‘Breast pump Work Bag’ to Breast pump Nursing Work Bag’ to include US sites that most often refer to breastfeeding as nursing. I also switched to image view instead of website view to see just what kind of options were out there.
I couldn’t believe it – there was such a thing. I had a look on the websites attached to some of the images and then decided to contact the the one that offered the closest match to my personal style. I soon realised through emails that Sarah – a mum herself, had created this bag out of her own personal need for such an item. The actual bag itself was even named after her Daughter - Maddy. I explained my predicament of returning to work, having no access to such a bag here in the UK, and we soon realised a potential opportunity for the UK market. Sarah offered to ship a few of her bags to Amazon EU to allow international shipping to the UK.
Shipping from the US is not an easy task, and I was so eager to get my hands on this beauty that by the time it arrived I was truly beside myself. At first I had to return to work using my usual work bag, along with a toiletry bag for my breast pump and a separate carrier bag for lunch items, this was such a chore, and did make expressing that little bit more challenging. For the first couple of months, I looked ridiculous walking into work with all these separate bags, but I just didn’t want my breast pump items sitting amongst my personal items – or lunch for that matter. The moment I knew the bag was on its way I was so excited, and even more so when it arrived. It arrived nicely packed out and protected, and I made short work of transferring everything over.
The bag is organised so that you have two external side pockets and one large main compartment inside the bag, along with an internal zipped section for personal items, and a padded compartment for items such as mobile phone, tablet, kindle etc. When the side pockets are in use it has a way of using internal space – yet if unused, the pockets simply flatten and you gain internal space – Clever!
The bag is made from a wipe able man made material with leather like look and feel; the colour is black with tan trim – meaning it will literally work with any outfit. It has silver hardware, double zips, and metal feet under the bag to save scuffs when placing the bag down. It is finished with a small embossed Sarah Wells logo on the front.
All in all I love this bag, you can express with your breast pump motor still sitting in the pocket, the side pockets are insulated so you can even keep your milk in there *although I still tend to store milk in a fridge where available* and all personal items can be kept separate. What’s even better is this bag would also work as a changing bag as the exterior and interior fabric wipe clean.
Now my little girl has just turned One, I have found I am no longer needing to express as often as her demand for feeds have dropped, however this bag has not left my arm despite me removing my breast pump items now.
This is certainly a bag that will take you from your breastfeeding journey to beyond, and nobody would be none the wiser as to what you are carrying. To prove a point a colleague commented on my bag and how lovely it was.
I tested the bag with various breast pumps that I own to check for size, both my Avent Single Electric Breast Pump and storage containers fitted in well, as well as my Single Electric Medela Swing Breast pump. I also have two separate hand pumps (Tommee Tippee and Avent) which also worked. The Tommee TIppee single electric is a very similar size to the Medela so I know this would also fit in. I have not tried any double pumps - but there was still space in one pocket so they should fit in easily also.
The bag does seem a little on the expensive side when you initially think of what it is - a pumping bag, but it has made my life so much easier when expressing, and it isn't 'just a pump bag' it is so much more, I also know that this bag will last me through my potential breastfeeding journey with future babies.
Well done Sarah on creating such an amazing bag."
Click HERE to register for our next event, May 5th, "Back to Work and Breast Pumping"
]]>However, there is possible good news on the horizon!
On February 5, 2014, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill introduced legislation that, if passed, would require TRICARE to cover breast pumps, support and counseling for military families in the same way the ACA covers such support and equipment for civilian moms under private insurance.
Below is my letter to Senator McCaskill thanking her for this important legislation (click here for .pdf version). We'll keep you posted on any updates. Follow us on Facebook for the latest.
February 10, 2014
Office of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill
United States Senate
Hart Senate Office Building, Ste. 506
Washington, D.C. 20510
Re: S. 1994: TRICARE Moms Improvement Act of 2014
Dear Senator McCaskill,
I am a small business owner, and a mom who breastfed, writing to express my support for Senate Bill 1994, the TRICARE Moms Improvement Act of 2014. I commend you for introduction of this important legislation, which would require TRICARE to provide breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling to moms in this military health benefits program, just as the Affordable Care Act mandates for most private health plans. My business offers moms accessories for breast pumping, so I am very aware, through regular conversations with moms of all types, of how many members of the military and their spouses would be benefitted by this legislation. This is also especially important to me as a Virginia resident, whose business is also based in the state, where we have a uniquely high number of military families living and serving.
The benefits of breastfeeding are evidence-based and profound; according to the Office on Women’s Health of the US Department of Health and Human Services:
• Breastmilk protects babies from illness and can also reduce the risk of Type 1 diabetes, childhood leukemia and other serious illnesses, as well as lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS);
• Breastfeeding is healthy for moms, including lowering their risk of Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression;
• Breastfeeding saves families money on the cost of formula and illness; and
• Breastfeeding saves insurers and employers (including the military) money on the expenses of medical care and lost workplace productivity (both due to infant illness).
A critical component of moms successfully breastfeeding their children is post-partum support from medical providers, lactation consultants and others who can assist them through challenges. Further, moms need a breast pump and supplies in order to continue lactation while away from baby, which is quite common for reasons such as holding a job outside the home or when there is difficulty latching an infant to the breast.
The federal government made great strides in providing access to breastfeeding support and supplies for new moms who have private insurance through passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, it is mystifying that the government does not include such a benefit in it’s own federally managed plan for military members and spouses. This bill makes good economic sense on a number of levels and, in my opinion, articulates a core component of any basic health coverage plan, military or not, as breastfeeding is one of the most evidence-based and straightforward ways to enhance the health and well-being of moms and babies. It is time for TRICARE to catch-up to the ACA on this provision and provide equal access to breastfeeding support and supplies for military moms. Thank you for recognizing the importance of this issue. I hope to see strong support for the passage of Senate Bill 1994; I will certainly do my part by reaching out to legislators in my state.
Sincerely,
Sarah Wells
CEO & Founder
Sarah Wells, LLC
There is no better feeling of professional achievement than someone spending their hard-earned money on a product you created. One of my favorite business gurus (and favorite "shark" on ABC's Shark Tank), Robert Herjavec, wrote in his book Driventhat the experience of a customer buying your product or service is very intimate, and I could not agree more.
Think about it; a Sarah Wells bag is not a candy bar. It's not a mortgage, but it's also not a greeting card. Our customers work hard earning their money and choosing to spend it on my bags is an honor. I believe passionately in my product, its style, quality and purpose in helping moms feel fashionable. But I do not take for granted that there are a lot of ways one can spend $145 and choosing my product and to support my small business is nothing short of incredible.
Because I take the commitment of purchase by customers so seriously, I feel it's my obligation to treat each purchase with the respect it deserves by: 1) delivering an excellent product and 2) providing amazing customer service. The product, my stylish, functional breast pump bags, were poured over with years of careful thought and consideration. I believe we are delivering an amazing option to moms who want or need a bag for their pump equipment. There is always room for improvement and the market changes, and we'll evolve with it as a direct result of mom input.
Every person who buys a Sarah Wells breast pump bag, including all of my Amazon customers, receive a personal email or phone call of follow up from me. Every customer receives a completely handwritten note of thanks in the box with their bag. When I reach out after a sale, sometimes I do not hear from you at all; and I just imagine you out there rocking motherhood with your bag in tow. And other times I get the MOST incredibly supportive responses that feel like love letters; it's so touching to have someone praise you and your creation, so intimate, as Herjavec said in his book. Other times, I simply get a quick reply of thanks and here are some suggestions for future bags. I appreciate all of you.
I have a chalkboard in my office where I write down the number of sales I've had to-date. It used to say "X number of sales." I just changed it to "X number of moms," because what these three months have reminded me is that there is a person behind every bag purchase; and the buyer or recipient is likely some hard-working super mama who, among all hundreds of obligations and decisions she has to make, chose to buy and/or carry my product. Simply amazing. Thank you.
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Q. Name up to three celebrities/notable moms whose style you admire.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis: she's a big influence on my personal style and she was always flawless.
Michelle Obama: I'd love to have those arms, and she's easily the best dressed woman in the Beltway today.
Gwyneth Paltrow: well, she's just always flawless, dressed up or down. Her style is simple but classic but often with a twist.
Q. Is your child/children’s fashion important to you?
Sort of. I struggle with issues of appropriateness with them (no, it's too cold/hot/fancy) but I like them to express themselves and I remember wearing one fancy to dress to school in fourth grade that I shouldn't have but I just *had* to, and the jeans and Wham! t-shirt I wore every other day in fifth grade because I loved them so much, so I get it. As long as they stay warm in the winter, it's usually fine.
Q. Sarah doesn’t think having a baby means the end of a woman’s time as a stylish, modern woman. Do you think moms can be fashionable and practical at the same time?
Yes, and we have to. Like I said before, some things are just a bad idea with kids, but we can still be the women we were before we became moms. I go to school, and when I started, I wore what I used to wear to work, because school was my "job." Plus, it gave me a chance to wear those clothes that I wouldn't at home. And when I'm home, it's more casual because it's practical, but I'm still me, and now that the girls aren't nursing or in diapers, I'm getting more into my own style again.
Q. What are your best fashion tips for moms?
Flaunt your best feature, especially if you're still losing the baby weight. Comfort doesn't mean styleless. Go for cute shoes, dress up with accessories, play with fun lip or nail colors. Don't forget you're a woman and not just a "mom." Your confidence with rub off on your kids.
Our photo shoots were broken down into two parts: 1) shooting the bag by itself and 2) modeling the bag. Of course, I thought, taking pro pics of my bag when it's just by itself on a platform will be super simple. Boy was I wrong! I have such a profound respect for professional photographers. Product photography is very complex. Certainly it is easy to manage the bag by itself in terms of focus and energy as it doesn't have to pose or doesn't get tired, but the lighting and showcasing aspects of the bag are challenging. For instance, you want to photograph the inside of the bag,
but don't want a hand in the shot. It takes a bit of magic to prop things up, hold them apart, etc. I think one of the coolest insider tricks is using fishing line to hold the handles of a handbag straight up. The fishing line is so transparent, it is very easy for the photographer to remove in the final phase of editing and leaves you with an awesome picture.
We spent about four to five hours shooting photos of the bag by itself, with a number of hours ahead of time to prepare (researching possible angles and setups for pictures) and significant time afterwards in the final editing phase. The product photography shoot was the most interesting in terms of technical complexity. I learned a ton about lighting. It was also neat to see the photogapher rig things together to get my bag doing what we wanted (like using various clamps to hold it open at certain angles, or in the photo here, using a tall ladder to shoot the bag from above). I stood there watching my amazing photographer thinking about how much time, effort and hands must go into shooting all of those pictures in magazines! Or an entire collection of clothing for just one season. Amazing!
The second day of our photo shoot was the most fun! I have a wonderful friend from college, Jessica, with modeling experience, who agreed to work with me on this project. Jes is a mom to two beautiful children and works in large communications company; she is simply gorgeous inside and out. The model shoot took a lot of preparation; clothes, shoes and jewelry to choose, hair and makeup to consider, and of course, all the lighting and staging complexities. Plus making Jes comfortable and creating great energy in the studio!
We brought many more outfits than we would end up needing, but that is critical; some things that seem like they will work well don't look great under the lights, or don't convey the scene you are trying to create. The prep work also included pulling out the outfits and accessories, matching things, steaming out the wrinkles and trying them out on Jes.
Jessica is such a talented model; it takes a little time to warm up (I mean all these people are staring at you and you want to do an awesome job!) and she quickly got into the swing of things. Some of the posing is a little more firm, like, "hold the bag on your shoulder, smile and stay in that same spot," while other poses
were more relaxed and fun (dancing around, kick up your heels, make some funny faces!). While the photographs were taken, we did have to pause at times to fix Jes's hair, touch up makeup and reposition the bag.
My photographer had his camera connected right to his computer, which made the entire process so much easier (within a split second of snapping a picture it was on the computer screen). Looking at the model live with your own eyes is a little different than seeing how it translates into a digital photo. It was helpful to have the computer pictures to provide Jes with guidance on poses, to fix any flaws, like flyaway hair, as well as move on to a new outfit if it wasn't working for us. I also found it much easier to choose the final photographs I wanted because we deleted bad pictures right then and there, before the editing phase, reducing the number of photos to review afterwards.
It takes a lot of hands just for one shoot with one bag and one model! We had the photographer there of course, the hair/makeup stylist, the model, myself and an assistant (who just so happened to be my amazing fashionista sister, Annie). We shot both the product and the model photography at a local studio, which had hair/makeup rooms, offices, a runway, small platform and this really cool seamless "cyclorama wall" which gives the illusion of there being no real "sides" in the photograph.
The end results of our two-day product and model photography shoot for Sarah Wells Breast Pump Bags ROCKS! You can see for yourself below and on our website. Photography does involve a bit of magic; the lighting, the setting, the post-editing; they all contribute to a fantastic picture. But I also learned through this experience that you have to have the right foundation: a great product, a beautiful, charismatic model, an amazing team of photography/production experts and a lot of energy and creativity.
Photographer was Luis Aragon
Hair and Makeup by Kathy Aragon
Photographs Shot at Studio 400
Modeling by Jessica C. of Maryland
Thanks to Annie B. for Assistance!
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Q. What is your first name, age and profession?
A. Laura, 31, stay at home mom and political consultant
Q. Is fashion important to you?
A. Fashion has always been important to me. I am the first to admit that it can be much more difficult to stay fashionable now that I am home with my girls (I mean, yoga pants are just SO comfy!) but I definitely feel better about myself when I "dress up." When
Q. Is fashion important to you?
A. Fashion has always been important to me. I am the first to admit that it can be much more difficult to stay fashionable now that I am home with my girls (I mean, yoga pants are just SO comfy!) but I definitely feel better about myself when I "dress up." When I am more confident, I feel like my whole attitude changes and my day is better as a result.
Q. Describe your fashion style, likes/dislikes prior to becoming pregnant.
A. Before becoming pregnant, my style was much different. Since I was working in DC, my fashion consisted of suits and high heels and, i now realize, was generally uncomfortable. Before becoming a mom, i took less risks and my fashion was fairly conservative.
Q. What was your maternity style like?
A. I LOVED maternity clothes! I have always had a little belly that I try hard to hide. When I was pregnant, I could finally wear clingy sweaters and fitted wrap dresses to show off my "bump." It was fabulous! I did go a bit overboard with my maternity wardrobe, but it was so much fun to be able to wear different styles that I could pre-pregnancy.
Q. Since becoming a mother, how would you describe your style? Has it changed?
A. My style has definitely changed. Comfort is key so I wear a lot of leggings, skinny jeans, tunics and ballet flats. I try to wear fun accessories to spice things up a bit and make the outfit more exciting.
Q. My favorite clothing brand or brands are:
A. I love Tory Burch. Her class tunics and flats will always be in style. Spanx! I'm going to put it right out there on the internet for
everyone to see. I love Spanx! There, I said it. Spanx makes leggings, pants and workout wear now. They fit well and no one would ever guess they were "shape-wear."
Q. Name up to three celebrities/notable moms whose style you admire.
A. Kate Middleton. Her style is beautiful, classic and she always looks perfect and effortless.
Q. Is your child/children’s fashion important to you?
A. I think my children's fashion is event more important that my own fashion a lot of the time. I love getting them dressed. One day they might be wearing smocked dresses and the next day they will rock skinny jeans, Uggs, and a cute jacket. It's like having a little "mini-me" to be able to try out styles that I am not brave enough to pull off.
Q. Sarah doesn’t think having a baby means the end of a woman’s time as a stylish, modern woman. Do you think moms can be fashionable and practical at the same time?
A. Of course, your style evolves as you evolve. Being a mom doesn't mean you have to look frumpy. Taking the extra few minutes in the morning to dress in something that makes you feel confident will have a positive effect on your whole day! I am a better mom when I feel good about myself.
Q. What are your best fashion tips for moms?
A. Wear something that you are comfortable moving in. As a mom, we spend so much time chasing, bending, crawling and lifting. If you can't move comfortably in an outfit, it won't work regardless of how cute you look.
Q. Is fashion important to you?
A. Yes fashion is important to me, I studied it for my degree! However I would say it has taken more of a back seat since I became a mum. I think I spend more money and effort dressing my son Arlo now. It's a form of artistic expression though for me and has always been a big part of my life. Apparentely I started picking out my outfits to wear from the age of 18 months! If my son follows in my footsteps I have a mere 2 months left of dressing him how I like!
Q. Describe your fashion style, likes/dislikes prior to becoming pregnant.
A. I like a relaxed/boho/slightly cool style. Not too dressy, I love jeans and a funky jacket with a really stylish bag and cool ankle boots. I spend a lot of money on bags! Accessories can make or break an outfit and turn a plain T shirt and jeans into something special and stylish. I'm not a girly girl and can be a bit tomboyish
Q. What was your maternity style like?
A. Pretty much the same as I dressed before becoming pregnant! Apart from finding really high heels impossible to wear. I wore a lot of skinny jeans with loose tops and and a nice leather jacket or blazer. In the summer maxi dresses were comfortable with a flat gladiator sandal. I didn't spend much money on maternity clothes just a few pairs of jeans. I spent quite a lot of money on a nice baby change bag though, I figured I would use it every day so was worth the investment.
Q. Since becoming a mother, how would you describe your style? Has it changed?
A.
Obviously I have less time, hats are great when you haven't got time to do your hair! Not many high heels going on either as I walk a lot. Still love skinny jeans though and am back to my pre pregnancy weight without doing anything drastic, just walking with my son in his buggy everywhere!
Q. My favorite clothing brand or brands are:
A. I love Top Shop, French Connection, Whistles and All Saints. For a splurge I love J Crew and Marc Jacobs for bags
Q. Name up to three celebrities/notable moms whose style you admire.
Sienna Miller, Miranda Kerr and Nicole Richie
Q. Is your child/children’s fashion important to you?
Very! I spend a lot on clothes for him and love putting cool outfits together for him. Although it saddens me at the moment that he has taken a dislike to wearing hats especially as I've bought him so many great ones that are now just tossed out of the buggy!
Q. Sarah doesn’t think having a baby means the end of a woman’s time as a stylish, modern woman. Do you think moms can be fashionable and practical at the same time? What are your best tips?
A. Like I said before, hats! When you're rushing out the house and can't blow dry or even wash your hair, put on a hat. A sensible heel, so cool ankle boots or converse are great and skinny jeans. A funky necklace or scarf can be quickly put on and really jazz up a simple outfit. All practical things but they can be stylish and of course a really great bag! I'm not just saying that either Sarah, a great bag finishes off an outfit :)