What made me want to start this site is because of my friend's sister who was very shy about feeding her son in public so in a moment of desperation, she actually fed him in a bathroom stall. I was so saddened that I felt I needed to start this site so no baby has to see the inside of a bathroom stall again!

It's tough to get out when you're a breastfeeding mommy because you may not feel comfortable breastfeeding out in plain sight, you may need a private place to pump or just need that quiet place so your little one can focus on what she needs to.

So with your help, let me know which places, stores, etc in your area offer breastfeeding-friendly facilities. If you have any of the following information, send it to me! Canada, US, Australia, wherever! I'll start to categorize them all so mommies of all walks of life can look up the city they live in or a city they're visiting and know where they can go and feel comfortable and breastfeed their little ones for a healthy future!

Even if you've lived in the same city your entire life, it's very different when you have a baby. You'll know where all of the elevators are in every store, which bathrooms are 'family friendly' and be shocked as to how many places DON'T have a breastfeeding friendly room.

If you're a new mommy, please check my locations to see if there are any in your area you can take advantage of!

Let me know any or all of the following:

1. City/State/Province

2. Store/Location Name (is it in a shopping center? What's the shopping center name?)

3. Breastfeeding area? Room?

4. Extra perks? TV? Reclining chairs? Toddler play area? Change tables?

5. Clean? Dirty? Old? New? What did you think about the location?

6. Website/physical address of the location?

Please let me know if I've forgotten anything that you think would be important info for mommies to know!

More and more research is showing how many benefits breastfeeding has on babies AND mommies. Formula companies have been trying to duplicate it for decades and have not come even close.

I'd like to thank you ladies (and daddies) up front for your help! One of the best things about being an experienced mom is helping the new moms.

Please note: This site is for educational purposes only. I have not been to all of these places (not yet!) and the opinions and information given are those of individual personal experiences. Any medical advice is purely educational. Please consult your phisication.

Latching is a skill that you learn and then teach to your baby. Here are some of my favorite online resources to help:

What a good latch looks like hosted by Breastfeeding.com:

Instructional Video by Ameba

So I investigated, at http://www.babycenter.com/404_can-men-breastfeed_8824.bc they say, “Yes, in theory, men can breastfeed. Male breasts have milk ducts, and some mammary tissue. They also have oxytocin and prolactin, the hormones responsible for milk production. There have been reports of men who were able to produce milk through extensive breast and nipple stimulation, but no one knows whether the milk was of the same composition or quality as the kind women produce.”

But, generally all the others say that yes they can produce milk as the equipment is there but it requires a hormonal stimulus too produce the prolactin. For example one treatment for prostate cancer is too give men female hormones, which can cause lactation.

At http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-males-can-lactate they have the example of “In the 1896 compendium Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine, George Gould and Walter Pyle catalogue several instances of male nursing being observed. Among them was a South American man, observed by Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who subbed as wet nurse after his wife fell ill” which would suggest that these hormonal changes can happen in a natural setting.

In nature there is only one example of a male mammal that produces milk as a normal thing and the animal is the Dayak fruit bat native to south East Asia.

So, men can lactate. But, most scientists say it is caused by hormonal changes rather than physical stimulation. Unfortunately, being a lady I can’t conduct a personal experiment but if you decide to try can you let me know the result?

Chemical and Engineering News Article

and in case you haven't heard PETA has come up with another absurd idea...because there is so much more breastmilk then cows milk?

PETA wants breastmilk in Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream

Mama's Milk Ice Cream, Anyone?

By JOHN CURRAN – 19 hours ago

WATERBURY, Vt. (AP) — Mooove over, Holsteins. PETA wants world-famous Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream to tap nursing moms, rather than cows, for the milk used in its ice cream.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is asking the ice cream maker to begin using breast milk in its products instead of cow's milk, saying it would reduce the suffering of cows and calves and give ice cream lovers a healthier product.

The idea got a cool reception Thursday from Ben & Jerry's officials, the company's customers and even La Leche League International, the world's oldest breast-feeding support organization, which promotes the practice — for babies, anyway.

PETA wrote a letter to company founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield on Tuesday, telling them cow's milk is hazardous and that milking them is cruel.

"If Ben and Jerry's replaced the cow's milk in its ice cream with breast milk, your customers — and cows — would reap the benefits," wrote Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of the animal rights advocacy group. She said dairy products have been linked to juvenile diabetes, allergies and obesity.

....

Jen Wahlbrink, 34, of Phoenix, who breast-fed her 11-month-old son, Cameron, said she wouldn't touch ice cream made from mother's milk. She remembers her nursing days — and not that fondly.

"The (breast) pumps just weren't that much fun. You really do feel like a cow," she said, cradling her son in her hands.

Manual Breast Pumps

• Hand-operated, it is suitable for infrequent usage.
• Compact and light, it is a life-saver for short and last-minute trips

Electric or Battery-powered Breast Pumps

• If you stay back at work for long periods of time, this pump can withstand the bulk of your pumping
• A popular choice with full-time working moms.
• Convenient but more expensive, this would require a bigger bag to store all the parts.
• Most pumps nowadays come with attractive carrying cases that can be used long after you’ve stopped pumping
• Prices range between $200 and $350 and most pumps come with a one year warranty.

Food-Powered Breast Pump

• Foot-powered breast pumps combine manual and electric breast pumps ground together.

While a number of women use both, you may strongly prefer one over the other. As such, it is not necessary to buy both kinds of pumps. The main point is to find a pump that best fits your needs, lifestyle and budget.

Regardless of which pump you pick, it is a good idea to have it ready to use well before you return to work or leave your baby with a sitter. Since many babies will refuse a bottle offered later on, it is best to start pumping and introduce a bottle as soon as breastfeeding is established, when your baby is just 3 or 4 weeks old. That way, you can slowly ease your baby into accepting the bottle when you have returned to work.

Best Breast Pump Reviews - My Top Picks

• Medela Harmony Review - Best Manual Breast Pump
• Medela Swing Review - Best Single Electric Breast Pump
• Ameda Purely Yours Review - Best Budget Professional Double Electric Pump
• Medela Pump In Style Advanced Review - Best Professional Double Electric Pump

If you like to know more about the pros and cons of these top picks, head over to my Best Breast Pumps reviews or you can read the detailed article of each of these four picks by clicking on the links above.

Best Breast Pump - Top Picks & Quick Reviews

Finding the best breast pumps is just like finding a needle in the haystack. No matter how much we research, we will never know until we use the product itself. So, I hope to aid you in your search for the best breast pump that suits different individual. From the many breast pumps reviews, I have narrowed them down to four categories, namely manual breast pump, single electric breast pump, budget professional-grade double electric pump and professional-grade double electric pump. Here are some quick links to the product detail & owner feedback, check it out:

• Best Manual Breast Pump - Medela Harmony
• Best Single Electric Breast Pump - Medela Swing
• Best Budget Professional Double Electric Pump - Ameda Purely Yours
• Best Professional Double electric Pump - Medela Pump In Style Advanced Limited Edition

Medela Harmony
For moms who pump occasionally, I would recommend that you do not splurge so much on a professional-grade pump. Instead, it would be advisable to get a manual breast pumps. Experts have noted that Medela Harmony does an adequate job of expressing the occasional bottle of milk or relieving engorgement. Small, light, portable and convenient, it is inexpensive especially since you do not need to replace any electrical parts that might break down. However, if you plan to pump long-term, a manual breast pump might not be suitable as you can only express milk from one breast at a time and it is quite tiring if you have to express a few times a day.

• Best Manual Breast Pump - Medela Harmony

Medela Swing
As a small electric pump, Medela Swing is recommended for occasional use to replace a few feedings. If you dislike the extra work of expressing manually, this is a good alternative. Some parents even say that they prefer Medela Swing over bulkier professional-grade breast pumps because they are easier to carry, easier to use (battery operated available) as well as efficient to use. However, just like a manual pump, Medela Swing lacks a double pumping option which means that you would have to pump each side separately. However, as mentioned in the first sentence, Medela Swing is designed for occasional pumping and hence will not be a problem if you are not into frequent pumping.

• Best Single Electric Breast Pump - Medela Swing

Ameda Purely Yours
Constantly getting positive reviews, Ameda Purely Yours is a top-rated professional-grade double breast pump. The exceptional and special feature that distinguishes this pump from other professional-grade pumps is the contamination-free collection system. Other similar pumps such as the Medela Pump in Style, have open collection systems. This difference means that for the Ameda Purely Yours, there will not be any amount of milk that will condense or find its way into the pumping mechanism. This, in itself, will ensure the safety and hygiene of Ameda Purely Yours pump since it eradicates the possibility of disease-causing organisms like bacteria or fungi which can grow inside the mechanism if there is condensation in it. Hence, mothers who use Ameda Purely Yours need not worry about contamination of later batches of milk and do not need to worry about sterilizing the tube. This is because the close collection system (a silicone diaphragm) acts as a barrier between the pump tubing and the breast flange. With such innovative feature, it kills two birds with one stone: hygiene and time-saver!

If you feel like spending less, you can purchase the pump separately from the bag. This in itself makes it a good value for a professional grade pump. Generally comfortable and efficient, this pump is ideal if you are not exceptionally well endowed.

• Best Budget Professional Double Electric Pump - Ameda Purely Yours

Medela Pump in Style Advanced
This pump is by far the most recommended breast pump by not only mothers but also lactation experts. Overtaking the long-standing favourite (Pump in Style Original), it is perfect for all (Even for mothers who have trouble expressing milk or have larger nipples). With its 2-phase expression pumping to mimic a baby’s natural nursing pattern, this pump brings a new meaning to the word comfort. In the first phase, the pump copies the baby’s initial rapid suckling pattern to stimulate milk flow. After two minutes, it switches to the expression mode where the slower stronger and deeper setting is to promote more efficient milk collection. However, there are some mothers with multiple or delayed let downs who commented that they preferred the customizable settings of the Pump in Style original breast pump than that Pump in Style Advanced. Besides that, the only downside to this edition is the user-unfriendly bag. Overall, I would say that this pump is a worthwhile investment especially for full-time working moms because it constantly delivers without fail.

• Best Professional Double Electric Pump - Medela Pump In Style Advanced Limited Edition

7 Basic Steps for Comfortable Pumping

1. Step 1
   Determine how often you will need to pump. How long will you be away from your baby or if you work shifts, how long are your shifts?
2. Step 2
   If you are working part-time, consider a manual pump especially if you pump occasionally. Since they are harder and more tiring to use than electric pumps, they are not recommended for mothers who pump frequently.
3. Step 3
   Consider either a manual of small motorized pump if you will be pumping just once or twice daily. These pumps are not expensive and are portable.
4. Step 4
   If you will be away from your baby for more than a couple of hours each day, try to buy a full-size automatic electric pump. Although they are slightly pricey, they are more effective in the long run since they allow you to ‘double pump and maintain your milk supply for a longer period of time.
5. Step 5
   When you purchase a pump, find one with insulated cooler bags and ‘blue ice’ packs if no refrigerator is available in your work station. With cooler bags, you can store your milk up to a full day.
6. Step 6
   Ask your insurance company if it will cover the purchase or long term rental of a pump if you need to pump for medical reasons.
7. Step 7
   If you travel on the road often, find a pump that comes with a car adapter. While you may not want to pump while you drive, you can always pull over in the middle of your journey and pump in the back of your car discreetly.

Now that you know the general kind of pumps, here are a few quick points before you go shopping for a breast pump:

• Don’t buy used breast pumps
• Consider your individual needs
• Consider renting
• Work-friendly
• Look for adjustable suction features
• Efficiency
• Ease of use & durability
• Comfort
• Check the warranty

These are just the main points. I have written a more in-depth article on these points to aid you to learn more about finding the right pump. If you would like to read more, do take a look at my article, ‘How to Choose a Breast Pump’.

Once you have bought your pump, you may find that the best time for you to pump is first thing in the morning. Besides that, you might want to consider some accessories to help you to use your pump more efficiently and more comfortably.

Accessories

• Pumping Bra/ Band - Holds a collection bottle at each nipple to free your hands while you pump both breast simultaneously
• Storage Bags/ Containers - Makes collecting, storing and freezing your milk easier.
• Microwave Bags - Lets you steam-clean pump parts in the microwave
• Breast Shields - Soft shields massage the breasts during pumping, soothe sore nipples and increases milk flow. Find the right size as they are catered to accommodate smaller and larger nipples. This is not necessary if the breast pump that you buy comes with a shield that fits you. Additionally, if you are buying separately, make sure the shields work with the brand of the pumps that you are
• Insulated Bag and Cold Freezer Packs - Keeps your milk cool throughout the day when there isn’t a fridge nearby.

Nursing Aids

• Hot/Cold Breast Packs - Gel packs can fit inside a nursing bra and can be used hot or cold to soothe any swollen or sore breasts.
• Lanolin Ointment - Blissful in relieving sore nipples
• Nursing Pads - You can buy either disposable or washable pads; whichever that is most convenient for you. They absorb milk from leaky breasts and prevent spotting on clothes.

These tips are just the tip of the iceberg for comfortable pumping. You can head over for more tips on my other article which elaborates on more handy tips in my best breast pump blog here. However, remember, without practice, pumping can still be a chore. Therefore, the more often you pump the more of an expert you’ll become. So keep pumping and in no time, you’ll find it a breeze. Good luck to all mothers! Happy Pumping! :)

2) Up at 4 a.m. today contracting and uncomfy and debating about going to L&D, but took another nicardipine and drank enough water to float my eyeballs, and they quit.  Still doing OK now, so I think it was a false alarm.  (Well, OK other than the being tired & up since 4 a.m. part.)

3) Colostrum ahoy!  It's only righty for now, but I'm sure lefty won't be far behind.

4) Glucose tolerance tomorrow.  Yummy orange.  Plech.  Let's hope that I pass, because an entire fall on bedrest, with Lovenox *and* no sugar?  Too horrible to contemplate.

5) It's genuinely cool out tonight (as it's been off and on for the past week or so) and someone's burning a fireplace.  Mmmm...

6) Up 12 lbs as of today. That's up from the 10 lb plateau from about 20 weeks until now.

A few days after she was born, we had to return to the hospital to have a bilirubin test for jaundice.  While there, I wandered back up to the maternity floor and asked to see a lactation nurse.  I got lucky -- one was available and she was very helpful.  After reassuring me that things would work, and helping me get DB latched on properly, she gave me her card.  In addition to being a lactation nurse at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, she also works as a private lactation consultant.  She said if I needed additonal help over the next few weeks, she "made house calls."

Of course, a few days later, DB was doing that "clicking" thing again, and I immediately called this lactation nurse.  She came to my house the next day and spent an hour with me.  For about $50, I got some much-needed reassurance and more help getting my baby latched on properly.  This visit fixed my problems, and the our nursing relationship took off from there.  I'm so glad I wasn't afraid to ask for help. It made me long for -- or at least understand the value of -- the days when several generations of women lived under one roof, helping each other learn these things, offering support and guidance through years of experience of wisdom.

My brother and sister-in-law welcomed a new baby (also their third) last month.  My sister-in-law also had trouble getting the nursing thing going, even though she'd done it successfully before.  Are third babies harder to nurse for some reason?  Anyway, she was ready to give up when I suggested she call this same lactation nurse.  And, she had the same results -- a little bit of help from this "wonder woman" of nursing, and things were well on their way. 

Needless to say, I'm a big fan of lactation consultants, and I highly recommend this solution to any new mom.  I even think it would be a great shower present for a pregnant mom who is planning to nurse.  Just buy her an hour with a lactation nurse to be used anytime after she comes home from the hospital.  I know there are lots of places new moms can go for nursing support.  But to have someone come to you, when you're sore, tired, etc. -- well, it was invaluable to me. 

If you live in the St. Louis area and want the name of my lactation consultant, email me at newmomoldmom@gmail.com and I'll get her permission to pass along her information.  If you live elsewhere, I'd suggest calling the hospital where you delivered to see if any of the lactation nurses on staff make house calls or can recommend someone who does.

BUT, as Saturday winds down and I get a late start on Growth Group stuff (as usual) . . .

I have to say that Emily, Katie, and I had a wonderful day today.

Emily and I read a portion of the Bible together today, discussed it personally, and then discussed it in relation to our vision for Towson.  It was really cool and gave us an opportunity to write down some ideas for meeting needs in the community.  We also at breakfast together and prayed together.  Definitely a good morning.  It's amazing how starting your weekend together by focussing on God really helped us love on each other and have more patience with each other and with Katie throughout the day.  Spouses who pray together will stay together, if you're praying for God to lead and speak to you (instead of "fix my spouse" prayers).

We also had a good day with Katie.  Due to some changes suggested by the "lactation specialist," Katie is eating better.  Hopefully this will lead to all the little health "concerns" going away.  It should, nothing really to worry about.  Of course, eating better means more diapers, but that's OK.  That's what babies do.

It's pretty cool that Auburn managed to squeek out another (rather messy) win.

Good day.

Well, I'd better get on that Travel Guide . . .

Recently, I got into a disscusion with my freind about sitting or hovering on public toilets. My freind claims that you can catch crabs and diseases from toilets, which i think is rubbish. We did a quick survey of our freinds, which intrigued me.  To vote on the matter go to http://www.quizilla.com/polls/7923577/do-you-sit-or-hover-on-public-toilets-taking-into-account-obvious-sanitary-requirements

Another one recently brought up, is whether or not a man can lactate if they rub their nipples long enough. Again, I'm dubious but my male friend says its true.

In short I propose to find out the things that don't really matter and report back. If you have any burning questions please feel free to put them forward.

As a Mom who had to undergo medically necessary Ceseareans here are a few tips to making those first few weeks of recovery while breastfeeding easier:

1- Get a good nursing pillow, My favorite is My Breast Friend. It wraps around the mother and provides ultimate support while you are recovering and doesn't put pressure on your scar.

2- Take advantage of the hospital lactation specialists with your longer hospital stay. They will help you with positioning and latching techniquest that will help keep your pain down and also prevent blisters from improper latching

3-Drink tons of fluids. Even though going to the bathroom may be painful keeping yourself hydrated speeds healing and breastfeeding

4-Have your baby within reaching distance or someone able to hand you your child.

Persevere! The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the challenges, even after a Ceserean.

As an upgraded version of the popular Pump in Style Original, it retains the many attractive features while adding a backpack version and several shoulder bag options. Designed for mothers who pump several times a day; be it the return-to-work moms or the full-time-home moms, it has the state-of-the art hospital technology. With a reputation as ‘The’ breast pump, it is clean & safe, quick & efficient, stylish & reusable, convenient & mobile, comfortable, easy to clean and has ample storage.

Medela Pump In Style Advanced - The Advantages

1) Clean & Safe - There is a ‘clean work surface’ included in this pack. All the bottles and breast pump kit are 100% Bisphenol (BPA) free.

2) Ample storage - The mesh pockets on the side of the pump are good for storing the tubing and AC adapter. The shoulder bag has a roomy interior to include everything needed for easy pumping.

3) Quick & Efficient - Using advanced hospital pump technology, this reduces pumping time tremendously. The two-phase expression system is not just comfy but very quick too. It can pump more milk in less time. Some moms have pumped 12 oz in 25 minutes or if you’re in a hurry, you can pump both sides for just around 10 minutes which should suffice to feed your baby.

4) Convenient & Mobile - Always on-the- go? Use the battery pack in padded cases. (8 ‘AA’ batteries needed). All parts are removable including motor and cooler (keeps your milk cool for 12 hours) for ultimately flexibility. Fancy a removable work surface? This kit has it all!

5) Comfortable - With the two-phase expression system, it mimics your baby’s natural nursing rhythm. Not feeling comfortable with a particular setting? Feel free to adjust the speed/vacuum until you find the one that maximizes your comfort. This model allows a gentler transition. While the Let-down Mode simulates your baby’s initial rapid suckling for faster milk flow, the expression mode is an exact replica of your baby’s slower, deeper suckling for maximum milk flow in less time.

6) Stylish & Reusable - It’s an all-in-one bag. Perfect companion as a travel, work or diaper bag. Not pumping anymore? Don’t throw the bag away! It has received lots of compliments as a trendy carrying bag.

7) Easy Clean Up - No time to clean it ever so slowly and gently? No worries. Durable and stain resistant, your mind can rest at ease.

Medela Pump In Style Advanced - The Disadvantages

1) Cumbersome Bag - This is the biggest complaint that most moms have.
Thus in retrospect, Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump is a fantastic buy if you can afford it. As the best professional-grade double electric pump, it is clean & safe, quick & efficient, stylish & reusable, convenient & mobile, comfortable, easy to clean and has ample storage. As of yet, there are no complaints regarding the pump per se, which is vital since the most important feature when you’re buying a breast pump is the effectiveness of the pump.

Ultimate Best Breast Pump - Best Professional Grade Double Electric Pump.

However, you might want to buy a different bag which has a better design in terms of usability. Instead of buying formula as a substitute, why not save up and when you have a stronger financial resource to meet the price range of $279.99 and $329.99, purchase it. Medela Pump in style Advanced Breast Pump is definitely a go-ahead for the full-time working and/or full-time nursing mom. With it, you can nurse your baby full time at such ease even when you’re working full time.

Further Information:

• Medela Pump In Style Advanced Limited Edition

Related Posts

• Best Breast Pumps
• Medela Harmony - Best Manual Breast Pump
• Medela Swing - Best Single Electric Breast Pump
• Ameda Purely Yours - Best Budget Professional Double Electric Pump

A quick solution that doesn't require a trip to the store is:

1-apply a small amount of olive oil to your breasts after nursing. This will not hurt your baby in any way if he/she comes in contact with it and will provide some relief.

2- to prevent dry and cracked nipples from occuring try expressing a bit of your breastmilk onto your nipples after you are done nursing, this natural remedy can help preven dry and cracked nipples from even occuring.

I had to share with you my new favorite nursing story to date:
After arriving at Jake and Norene's reception Providence (who was very ready for a nurse) and I sat down at the head table so I could satisfy her cravings. About 2 feet to our left was the cake table. Norene had chosen these beautiful green dresses with halter tops for our bridesmaid dresses, beautiful but not mommy practical, so I actually had to untie the halter top, and totally unprotected from my midrift up, tried to feed my almost one year old bundle of joy. About 2 minutes into this feeding frenzy they announced the cake cutting and a hoard of photographers and eyes were drawn to my corner of the room. In the frenzy Providence decided to look up and see what was going on...lifting the nursing cover up to get a better view...an almost near flashing of a room full of wedding guests...my heart was racing for a good half hour after that. Thank goodness God granted me octopus arms for those few precious moments to keep all the necessary fabric pieces in place.

Your body begins the preparation process for breastfeeding, actually as part of your normal menstrual cycle, but it doesn't really "kick in" until you get pregnant -- that's why one of the earliest signs of pregnancy is more-sensitive nipples and larger breasts. (The areola -- the brown portion around the nipples -- also gets darker brown when you're pregnant, and this starts early in pregnancy too.) There may be a "range of normal" for when you start producing the first colostrum (the earliest milk, packed with calories and antibodies), but it varies even different pregnancies for the same woman. When I was pregnant the first time, I noticed that I could express some colostrum a few weeks before I gave birth; the second time, it was a few months prior. It may be that I just noticed it earlier the second time; although it's equally possible that since it was my second time, that my body started making it earlier. Both my babies were born on the exact same day of gestation, so this cannot possibly be a "marker" for when you'll go into labor.

This is actually pretty cool, because if your baby should happen to be born premature, then you can still give him or her breastmilk -- and that milk is specially designed for premature infants -- it actually differs in make-up from the breastmilk of a full-term infant. While your infant may be too premature to suckle, if s/he can take any nourishment by mouth (as opposed to requiring IVs), then you can pump the milk and feed it to the baby.

To smoothen the production of mother's milk, to keep the baby healthy and strong and also the healthy condition of the mother during lactation.

Buy Asi at Ijonature.

Medela Harmony Breast Pump - Why Best Manual Breast Pump?

1. Cost Effective - As a manual pump, it’s definitely cheaper than an electric pump.
2. Efficient and Powerful - The two-pattern pumping system is great for maximizing milk flow and is thus, a reliable reliever for engorgement. Some moms reported being able to get a whole feeding in a few minutes. Once you have gotten the knack of handling a manual pump, you can pump between 4 and 6 ounces within 15 minutes!
3. Easy to Use (User Friendly Design) - You can nurse your baby while pumping since its unique feature is the swivel handle. Just rotate it until you have found the position that offers you the maximum comfort. Some working moms who were stuck in major rush-hour traffic while driving home use it discretely in the car since it can be used left-handed or right-handed! Besides that, it is compatible with most standard bottles including EvenFlo glass baby bottles. For moms who have bought many different brands of storage bottle already, don’t throw them away since you can use them with Medela Harmony anytime.
4. Quiet - This is quieter than its rival, Avent. While the Avent handle makes a click noise every time you squeeze the handle to achieve the maximum suction, Medela Harmony oozes peaceful blissfulness.
5. Convenient and Portable - Use it anywhere, no plugging, no messing around with tube and no need to look around for a place to set up your electric pump. Working moms, have you just received a call to go for a last minute outstation business trip? Fret not. It’s perfect as your on-the-go travelling companion! Stay-at-home moms, you can use it while walking around without being tethered down with tubing and electrical cords. For added convenience, this pump is also upgradeable to electric pumping with the use of Symphony or the Lactina conversion kits (not included in the package)
6. Easy to Clean - As a one piece unit with so few parts to clean, don’t worry even if you have under a minute to clean them! All you have to wash are the flange, the body and the valve. They’re also smooth to wipe down with a Medela cleaning cloth in a pinch. To assemble, disassemble and clean, it only takes 10 minutes of your time! How about that, busy moms?
7. Safe and Sanitary - Made from a kind of plastic that is less likely to leach any dangerous chemicals, you know that your baby’s feeding is safe in its hands. All parts that come into contact with breast milk at claimed to be 100% BPA/DEHP free.
8. Gentle Comfort - A comfortable Soft-Fit breast shield is included to softly massage the breast while you pump and doesn’t bother the sensitive areas. This is pretty useful when you just had your baby and you’re sore! The contoured, ergonomically designed handle fits in your hand like a glove. With a handle that swivels, you have the freedom to position your hand and pump comfortably on each breast. The suction of Medela Harmony is just enough to get a nice flow coming out in a short amount of time without leaving you with any type of nipple or breast pain. Phew, what a relief!

Medela Harmony Breast Pump - The Bad?

1. Expresses Only One Side at A Time - Some first-time moms may find that time consuming compared to the automatic expression of electric pumps. However, once you have gotten the hang of it, it is both comfortable and efficient!
2. Flimsy Handle - Many moms found that the tiny white rubber ring, which was necessary to create suction, broke off from the handle. One mom, who received a brand new pump from customer service, commented that they have corrected the design flaw. With the new pump being much shorter, she doubts that the stem will snap off.
3. Not Suitable for Dishwasher - Some parts may get distorted in a dishwasher! To be honest, there are only so few parts to wash. It’s easier washing them with hands. Don’t sterilize or boil the parts or put it in the steam cleaner bags! They may become warped and render the pump useless.
4. Not Sturdy - The construction of the pump is light weight and is not particularly sturdy. If you have older kids who love to play with anything that they can get their hands on, do not let them get near Medela Harmony. There was an incident where a 7 year old managed to break it within 2 minutes!
5. Loses Suction in the Middle - Quite a number of moms have complained about this problem because of the tendency for the silicon part to get loose. However, many have noted that it’s not due to the product but rather their own method of handling it. Solution? Make sure the oval parts in the handle lines up straight as in the instructions.

Do bear in mind, too, that this product is not marketed for retail purchase. However, if you surf online a lot, purchasing this online shouldn’t be a problem. Compared to the electric Medela Swing Pump, Medela Harmony is faster to use once you are a pro at pumping! Designed for busy moms who do not have the time nor the patience to struggle with complicated parts or to wait for the pump to stimulate milk flow, Medela Harmony is perfect in its designed for faster let-down.

Some moms, who found it so easy to pump compared to the hassle of hooking up to a machine, were stimulated to pump even more often whether they are out or at home. Despite Medela’s warnings, I would say that you could use this to pump daily as long as you are careful to fully drain the breast but it might not be suitable for maintaining supply for multiple pumping in a row.

Summary - Medela Harmony As Best Manual Breast Pump

Thus in retrospect, if you are looking for the best manual breast pump, Medela Harmony is your answer! Being cost effective, efficient and powerful, easy to use, quiet, convenient and portable, easy to clean, safe and sanitary, and adept at providing gentle comfort, Medela Harmony is a delight. In fact, you can become so adept at it after some practice that you can cook dinner, talk on the phone, and do some basic folding of the laundry while pumping at the same time! Get all these benefits at very low price from www.amazon.com! Don’t forget, if there is any problem, just call the customer service. They are rated as one of the best and most reliable customer service around!

Further Information:

• Medela Harmony Product Detail
  

Related Posts

• Best Breast Pumps - Breast Pump Reviews
• Medela Harmony - Best Manual Breast Pump
• Medela Swing - Best Single Electric Breast Pump
• Ameda Purely Yours - Best Budget Professional Double Electric Pump
• Medela Pump In Style Advanced - Best Professional Double Electric Pump

Registration Brochure

This doesn't happen very often to have it here in RI, let alone in Warwick, so if it's something you have been thinking about doing, check into it soon.
-Shannon

Yeah — and she’s (Demi) dancing up on me and humping me from behind. The one part that’s not in the book is that she was lactating at the time and she was squirting breast milk at my lesbian friends. My friend Michelle called me the next morning and asked me, “How do I get breast milk out of my black dress?” and I said “How the fuck would I know? Call Demi.” It was hysterical. There are no pictures of it but it actually happened. The lawyers didn’t think it was wise for me to print that — so there’s your juicy tidbit.

Listen to your lawyers, Chris!  This kind of story easily could invite a claim for invasion of privacy.  While we await legal action, enjoy this Kelis hit, "Milkshake."

During pregnancy the mother's own body donates all the nutrients required to grow the fetus.  Women can be left with inadequate levels of vitamins for proper brain function.  Read on...

A Good Vitamin Supplement Could Be Just What the Doctor Ordered

By Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com

Updated: May 29, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Did you ever wish that you could take a vitamin for depression? Well, for some of you it may be just that simple. There are a variety of vitamin deficiencies that can lead to depression symptoms.

The B-Complex Vitamins

The B-complex vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being. They cannot be stored in our bodies, so we depend entirely on our daily diet to supply them. B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine, and caffeine so it is no surprise that many people may be deficient in these.

Here's a rundown of recent finding about the relationship of B-complex vitamins to depression:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose, or blood sugar, into fuel, and without it the brain rapidly runs out of energy. This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Deficiencies can also cause memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders. The consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as simple sugars, drains the body's B1 supply. 
• Vitamin B3 (niacin): Pellagra-which produces psychosis and dementia, among other symptoms-was eventually found to be caused by niacin deficiency. Many commercial food products now contain niacin, and pellagra has virtually disappeared. However, subclinical deficiencies of vitamin B3 can produce agitation and anxiety, as well as mental and physical slowness.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, chronic stress, and depression. Vitamin B5 is needed for hormone formation and the uptake of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin aids in the processing of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. It is needed in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 deficiencies, although very rare, cause impaired immunity, skin lesions, and mental confusion. A marginal deficiency sometimes occurs in alcoholics, patients with kidney failure, and women using oral contraceptives. MAOIs, ironically, may also lead to a shortage of this vitamin. Many nutritionally oriented doctors believe that most diets do not provide optimal amounts of this vitamin.
• Vitamin B12: Because vitamin B12 is important to red blood cell formation, deficiency leads to an oxygen-transport problem known as pernicious anemia. This disorder can cause mood swings, paranoia, irritability, confusion, dementia, hallucinations, or mania, eventually followed by appetite loss, dizziness, weakness, shortage of breath, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and tingling sensations in the extremities. Deficiencies take a long time to develop, since the body stores a three- to five-year supply in the liver. When shortages do occur, they are often due to a lack of intrinsic factor, an enzyme that allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the intestinal tract. Since intrinsic factor diminishes with age, older people are more prone to B12 deficiencies.
• Folic acid: This B vitamin is needed for DNA synthesis. It is also necessary for the production of SAM (S-adenosyl methionine). Poor dietary habits contribute to folic acid deficiencies, as do illness, alcoholism, and various drugs, including aspirin, birth control pills, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants. It is usually administered along with vitamin B12, since a B12 deficiency can mask a folic acid deficiency. Pregnant women are often advised to take this vitamin to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

Vitamin C

Subclinical deficiencies can produce depression, which requires the use of supplements. Supplementation is particularly important if you have had surgery or an inflammatory disease. Stress, pregnancy, and lactation also increase the body's need for vitamin C, while aspirin, tetracycline, and birth control pills can deplete the body's supply.

In 2006, The British Journal of Psychiatry showed folate is a good complement to medical antidepressant therapy.  For more information on using B-complex vitamins click here. 

"Doctors are keen to introduce solids as early as possible as a supplement to breast feeding – and they couldn’t be more wrong.

Babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first three months at least – and sometimes for the first 12 months – have better cognitive abilities and general intelligence by the time they are six.

Compared with children who were fed solids early on, breastfed babies registered far higher scores for verbal IQ, performance IQ and general IQ when they were tested at six-and-a-half years. 

Researchers made the discovery when they assessed the cognitive development of 13,889 children who were exclusively breastfed for a prolonged period."

Buy this herbal at Ijonature.

Breast Pump Accessories

1. Pumping Bra/ Band - Holds a collection bottle at each nipple to free your hands while you pump both breast simultaneously
2. Storage Bags/ Containers - Makes collecting, storing and freezing your milk easier.
3. Microwave Bags - Lets you steam-clean pump parts in the microwave
4. Breast Shields - Soft shields massage the breasts during pumping, soothe sore nipples and increases milk flow. Find the right size as they are catered to accommodate smaller and larger nipples. This is not necessary if the breast pump that you buy comes with a shield that fits you. Additionally, if you are buying separately, make sure the shields work with the brand of the pumps that you are
5. Insulated Bag and Cold Freezer Packs - Keeps your milk cool throughout the day when there isn’t a fridge nearby.

Breast Pump Nursing Aids

1. Hot/Cold Breast Packs - Gel packs can fit inside a nursing bra and can be used hot or cold to soothe any swollen or sore breasts.
2. Lanolin Ointment - Blissful in relieving sore nipples
3. Nursing Pads - You can buy either disposable or washable pads; whichever that is most convenient for you. They absorb milk from leaky breasts and prevent spotting on clothes.

Related Posts

• Best Breast Pumps - Breast Pump Reviews
• Medela Harmony - Best Manual Breast Pump
• Medela Swing - Best Single Electric Breast Pump
• Ameda Purely Yours - Best Budget Professional Double Electric Pump
• Medela Pump In Style Advanced - Best Professional Double Electric Pump