I'm not going to lie to you. I really am not the "breastfeeding" advocate type of person. I breastfed my two older children for a few weeks and ended up formula feeding out of frustration with it all. This time around, being that this is our last child, I knew that I wanted to really give it a good try and at least get to 3 months. Well, I am at that point, and in all honesty I feel like I have found the perfect combination of products and tools for breastfeeding that I can make it an entire year!
Since I am a Medela Mom Maven, I was able to take advantage of the programs benefits and receive a Medela Freestyle Breastpump. 
I love the ease of use--I didn't even have the patience to read the manual once my breastmilk came in. I just wanted to relieve some of the pressure and pump the milk out. The Freestyle was so gentle and even once I got used to it after a few weeks and I put the level of suction higher, it wasn't terrible. The pieces come apart easily and with the Medela steambags you can quickly clean the system as well for the next use. I haven't had to use the travel bag for the pump yet but, it makes for a great diaper bag! The system is overall fantastic. The one downside was the hands-free straps. I didn't like them. Instead I used something else which I will talk about next. Before we get off the subject of the best pump ever--I have to share with you the fact that I can charge the unit once a week and it will keep power for the entire week! That is wonderful for a busy mom...a tired and busy mom.
Features and Benefits
-Daily use · double pump · electric
-True pumping mobility with hands-free option.
-Rechargeable battery and ultra-lightweight motor. Optional 12V vehicle lighter adapter available.
-Easy interaction with digital display, memory, timer and backlight.
-More milk in less time with 2-Phase Expression® technology when pumping at Maximum -Comfort Vacuum™.
-Everything mom needs in a convenient bag - perfect for active moms.
-Use hands-free with most top-flap nursing bras including Medela nursing bras and camisoles. Visit www.medelaintimateapparel.com.
-Double pumping kit features SoftFit™ breastshields for massaging comfort.
-IMPORTANT: This product is a single user item. Use by more than one user may pose a health risk, performance questions, and voids the warranty.
-Chosen for you and your baby - All parts that come into contact with breastmilk are BPA/DEHP Free.
What’s Included
-Attractive tote bag
-Hands-Free Kit
-2 bra adapters
-2 replacement bra adapters - universal
-2 replacement bra adapters - hook & eye
-Support belt & extension
-2 - 24 mm SoftFit™ breastshields
-Breastshield Spare Parts Kit
-2 breastshield bodies; 2 membranes; 2 back caps
-1 set of tubing
-4 - 5 oz breastmilk bottles, lids & travel cap
-Wide base slow flow nipple
-Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
-Power cord & charger
-Contoured ice pack
-Removable cooler carrier
-Instructions & quick start card
-Breastfeeding Information Guide
For the hands-free pumping I use the PumpEase in Snow Leopard of course. 
The PumpEase is a 6" wide pumping supports that feature patent pending, 'no-stitch' horn openings, guaranteed to accommodate any breast pump on the market. Choose PumpEase if you're wearing a maternity or nursing bra sized from 32AA to 48H. It is so comfy, easy to put on even by yourself {although when I was engorged I needed hubby's help it was more for the fact that I should have pumped sooner!} I love the softness of it because when you need to pump you just want to be relaxed and comfortable. This is the ticket! You can go braless and just have the PumpEase on with your breastpump and it works wonderfully as it holds your pump in place.
Why do you need a PumpEase™ hands-free pumping support?
-you would like to multi-task (do other things while pumping)
-you are returning to work
-you want to donate to a Milk Bank
-you are adopting and want to induce lactation
-you need relief from frequent painful engorgement
-your baby has a medical condition, such as a cleft palate or tongue-tie
-your baby was born premature and is still in the hospital
-you have mastitis, milk stasis, a blocked duct or thrush
-you need to maintain your milk supply during a lapse in breastfeeding (e.g. travel, medication, hospitalization)
-your baby does not completely empty your breasts (tongue-tie, ineffective suck, latching problems)
-you want the freedom to be able to leave your baby with your partner or caregiver for a feeding
-your partner wants to feed, and therefore bond with, your baby
-you need to boost your milk production
-you have flat or inverted nipples (pumping can be helpful at drawing out the nipple)
-you gave birth to multiples
I just adore the fact that the Founder Wendy is so passionate about her business and breastfeeding. Having a parent owned company create such a wonderful product is a joy to share because as well all know--mama knows best!
In addition to the pump and the PumpEase the only other thing that I use to help along the way is my Medela Nipple Shield. 
It is by far the best $5 I have ever spent! I have a baby who likes to cluster feed meaning she wants to eat every hour for 20-30 minutes--ouch! I never even heard of a nipple shield before but my goodness this was a lifesaver for me at a point when I felt like I just wanted to give up. The pump is very gentle however, I knew that I wanted to try my best to do a combination of actual nursing as well as bottlefeeding the breastmilk. This shield got me over that hard time.
In addition to these products that I adore, I use my Earth Mama Angel Baby Breastfeeding Support Kit. It has also saved me from giving up. 
A new nursing mama can feel like she's suddenly all about milk! Trying to control it, trying to make more of it, trying to make sure her new angel baby is getting every precious drop. And a new mama's breasts need some big time care so she can comfortably, peacefully care for her little one.
Earth Mama Angel Baby's Breastfeeding Support Kit has four of our best all-natural necessities for every breastfeeding mama! Our most requested nursing tea helps support healthy breast milk production, lanolin-free nipple cream helps prevent sore, cracked nipples, gel-free breast packs ease breasts sore from engorgement or mastitis, and organic, herbal breast compresses provide extra nipple and engorgement care.
Breastfeeding Support Kit Includes:
-Natural Nipple Butter: The first organic, all natural, plant-based balm created without lanolin, so it is certified vegan too. Earth Mama Angel Baby's Natural Nipple Butter is a rich, organic nipple cream, made with naturally healing organic calendula, cocoa butter, shea butter and mango butter. It is clinically tested and safe for both nursing mamas and babies - no need to wash it off before nursing - and it is hospital recommended! Funny enough--my daughter SMILES when she latches on and tastes the cream! hee hee
-Bosom Buddies: Bosom Buddies™ is a blend of healing herbs, cabbage leaves and black tea (ever hear a grandma say that nursing women should put cabbage leaves or tea bags on their breasts? Turns out grandma is right!) along with organic calendula blossoms, organic plantain and organic marshmallow root. Fill the included muslin bags with the Bosom Buddies™ herbal blend to create a soothing poultice that will relieve those achy breasts.
-Milkmaid Tea: created for those times when the "milk of momness" needs a little encouragement. Tasty iced or hot, USDA Certified 100% Organic & Certified Kosher Milkmaid Tea is a fragrant and comforting blend of organic herbs traditionally used to help support healthy breast milk production. BONUS is that is truly is yummy and I drink it with some Biscoff cookies :)
-Booby Tubes: are a natural, safe, gel-free breast pack made with a 100% organic cotton shell and filled with all-natural flax seed. Use warm or cold, depending on your nursing needs. Such a great fragrance!
There you have it, my list of must-haves for the breastfeeding mama! I actually purchased this as a "kit" for one of my best friends as she is nursing and she loves it all just as much as I do. I will be showing you LIVE on MomTV how to use the PumpEase with your pump {clothes ON of course--PG folks! lol} Stay tuned for the new show line-up coming this Summer!
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