Nanny to Mommy

I received product to facilitate this review, all opinions are 100% my own.

I was never a good pumper and I honestly blame my pump. But with the recent arrival of my sister-in-law's baby, she already has a freezer full of breastmilk! So I thought I would ask for some her tips, with the help of Pinterest to help make a useful list for those who want to bottle feed as well as share my opinion of an awesome bottle.

Power Pumping can increase your supply in about 2 days!

Your goal is to pump for 20 minutes, then take a 20 minute break (go about your normal life) then another 20 minute pump session, then 20 minute break. Attempt to repeat this for two days. Of course, you will likely have to stop for a few hours here and there throughout the day. But try to resume whenever possible. You will be simulating your baby going through a growth spurt. Continue pumping for 5 minutes after milk stops flowing to elicit second let down.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, also make sure you are consuming enough calories. Eat non instant oatmeal daily. Eat breastfeeding cookies. ;) It's okay if baby nurses off a breast that isn't full, they will be getting more "hind milk". Their suction will pull more milk out than a pump will. Your breast are never truly empty.

"Dry Pumping" (pumping with nothing coming out) is okay, because an empty breast when being stimulated will tell your body that baby is extra hungry. And a full breast tells your body, to make less milk. Try not to let your breast fill up, remember to empty them by either nursing your precious little one, pumping, or hand expressing!

Extra Tips: Rubbing your breast (above and below - imagine milking a cow, hey we're all mammals) toward your nipple will help push out any milk that is hiding deep in your milk ducts. Milk production is highest between 1 and 5 am, so try to either pump or pump after nursing then. Go through insurance provider, thanks to new legislation, and get a high quality, double electric pump. Rent hospital grade if you can. Pump after you shower, pump after you nurse, use heat packs.

Some supplements that can help boost milk supply:
More Milk Plus (alcohol free)
Fenugreek
Mother's Milk Tea
Blessed Thistle
Alfalfa
Brewer's Yeast
Prescriptions: Raglan or Domperidone



Okay first of all the yoomi bottle is cool by itself because the nipple is disigned to easily transition baby easily between breast and bottle. The other reason the yoomi is so cool is because when you are out in public, you no longer have to scramble to find warm water, or worry about how 'safe' the water is, you don't need to be bothered with worrying how to warm up your breastmilk, or leaving it off ice when you didn't need it and half to worry about it spoiling. No more! yoomi has this awesome warmer that easily fits into the top so you can warm baby's milk to the perfect temperature in a matter of seconds.

yoomi website - Facebook - Twitter

I love that Yoomi was created by a mom and dad just looking for a better solution with warming up bottles on the go.

Do you have any tips for pumping mamas? What do you think of the Yoomi bottle?

Panama City Beach here we come! Yes there are TWO WEEKS until our vacation so (since I am doing my own bit of packing) I thought I would share my advice and experience for packing with a small child/infant.

There are SO many things you need when you are going on vacation for a child. Things that aren't even in your normal every day life that you wouldn't think about packing.




First of all you need to think about where your child is going to sleep. We took a pack-n-play for my daughter to sleep in last year and plan to do the same this year. BUT if you have limited space, maybe you can call the hotel/condo and see if they have a crib, pull away bed, pack-n-play, or some other portable bed for your child to sleep in. Some nights my daughter would end up in the bed with us. I was still nursing and it was only in the wee hours of the morning. This is what she was use to at home though. I suggest trying to stick to your normal sleep schedule as much as possible or slightly adjust it as the days go on. Just remember that when you get home, your child will still be on vacation time if you change their normal routine too much.

Next thing to consider is food. If your baby is on formula, you should DEFINITELY bring enough formula for the entire trip so you can make sure you can get the good deals. What I highly suggest is buying snacks or foods that your child loves but doesn't get very often, that way when you are out at a restaurant, they have their pre-meal snack and are pre-occupied with it as well. And if you don't mind nursing in public then I wouldn't worry about a pump. But if you milk share or are a power pumper and you are flying, I would call the airline ahead to make sure they know you are bringing breastmilk on board and ask for any of the rules that go with that.

Okay so now that the two main factors are considered. Remember you are going to need two outfits per day. Plus an extra outfit, just in case. Also bring as many bathing suits as you have. If you can afford it, I suggest getting at least two bathing suits for your little one. That way they don't have to put on a cold one. Little ones just don't understand and won't want to put it on or will scream, so it will save you the headache.   Remember the sunscreen! I suggest BabyGanics because the FDA doesn't regulate sunscreen and this one is really the safest for baby on the market.  Also remember to bring any loveys and a backup if you have it. Also anything that will make the new place like home. If you do a bed time routine that includes reading, then bring books. If your child prefers a certain type of sippy cup, bring only that kind along. Children don't do well with change and this will make the adjustment easier and help you stay sane.