3 Cool Products You’ve Never Heard of for Lactating Moms

We’ve all had that experience where we come across some really cool product but only after it’s useful to us.  That happens to me all the time with kid and baby products, such as when I discovered the Kiinde breast milk storage system!  Lucky me, I keep getting new nieces and nephews so I can buy those things as gifts for them, instead.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or exclusively pumping, there are some really awesome products out there!  Unfortunately, many of them aren’t widely advertised or sold.  I know I’m on my third lactating experience and I’m still finding new products to make it easier/better. 

Related Post: Where to Donate or Sell Breast Milk

So, fear not, you don’t have to wish someone told you about that cool, unique product.  I’m going to do just that right now!

1. Freemies—Pump on the Go

Freemies are a unique breast milk collection system.  They are hands free and concealable.  The cups go in your bra and the system is set up to work with a variety of breast pumps and can be hacked to work with others.  Some women have reported trouble maintaining supply with the Freemies or taking longer to empty, while others just can’t stop raving about how they’re the best product they ever found!

2. Haakaa—An Improved Hand Pump Design

The Haakaa is a manual breast pump, by definition, but really it’s something different.  You squeeze the body of the Haakaa to form suction on your breast.  You can choose to ‘pump’ it if you want, but I think the Haakaa is ingenious for other reasons. 

Because of the suction many women have had success with using the Haakaa to suction to their breast and catch milk from one breast while nursing from the other.  Also, pumpers have utilized the Haakaa lying down and in bed.  Don’t try the knock offs.  They don’t compare to this awesome device and aren’t worth the minimal money saved.

3. Milkies Milk-Saver—Wearable Breast Milk Catchers

The Milkies Milk-Saver is a unique way to avoid wasting or losing breast milk, because we all know every drop counts.  You wear the Milk-Saver and it collects any milk you have from leakage.  It can be used on one breast while you’re nursing on the other or you might even buy two of these bad boys to wear when you might be going a little extra time between pumping.  Although they claim to be discreet, the general consensus is that they’re a little bulky for continuous wear.

Have you tried any of these products?  Do you know of some other super cool, not mainstream product you wish everyone knew about?  Tell me in the comments below!

How I Pump 50+ Ounces of Breast Milk Daily

I’m currently working on qualification to become a compensated donor to a milk bank, following my surrogate pregnancy.  It’s a tedious (and very necessary) process of bloodwork, paperwork, etc., not unlike the process of becoming a surrogate—though it’s not quite that long.

When the parents and surrobabe were still stateside, I was pumping milk for the baby.  However, they’ve since returned home and I’m currently just filling my freezer with breast milk and waiting for approval from the milk bank. 

In the meantime, I thought I’d share some tips with you for pumping gobs of breast milk successfully!  Whether you’re an exclusive pumper, exclusively breastfeeding working mom, or just a mom trying to build up her milk supply…these tips can help you pump more milk!

1. Get a good breast pump!

With the majority of insurances being required to cover breast pumps thanks to the ACA, many moms are able to get their hands on a good breast pump for little to no cost to them.  However, insurance coverage varies widely from provider to provider and plan to plan.  And much like insurance, not all breast pumps are created equal.

Having a good breast pump is crucial to success in expressing the maximum amount of breast milk.  Hospital grade breast pumps are often available for rent from your local hospital or Babies R Us, such as the Medela Symphony.  However, this cost can get expensive and is relatively impractical because of their bulk and lack of portability.

A better option is the Medela Pump In Style Advance or, my personal favorite, the Spectra S1.  These are both options that work really well and can be used portably, though the Medela will require a battery pack and/or car adaptor to be used without a plug.  A good breast pump is one that your body responds well to and makes all the difference in your pumping journey!

2. Make sure your flanges fit.

Many women make the mistake of using whatever flanges come with their pump without ever considering that they have other options.  An incorrectly sized flange can have a detrimental effect on your supply because you likely won’t be efficiently emptying your breasts.

These diagrams from Medela are a good starting point for reference, though you might want to visit a lactation consultant or your local La Leche League if you’re having trouble.  The average or standard size breast pump flange only fits about 45% of women.  For Medela shields, that’s a 24mm shield.  I, personally, have to use at least a 27mm shield. Bra size has nothing to do with breast shield size! 

If you’re using a Medela pump, Wal Mart and many other local retailers carry some of the other size shields.  However, you might have to order online for some other pumps or certain sizes.  Sometimes hospitals carry extra sizes, so if you’re in dire need, call your lactation consultant/local hospital.

Related Post: Nursing Pad Options Compared

3. Eat and drink plenty.

In general, nursing moms need around 500 extra calories per day than non nursing women.  Many women see a dramatic drop in milk supply in the event that they start a dramatic calorie reduced diet post partum.  Focus on eating healthy calories and staying hydrated in order to remain healthy and produce lots of milk.

4. Pump often.

If you’re exclusively pumping, then pumping 6 or more times a day is essential—especially in the early weeks and months.  Consistently pumping every 2 to 3 hours is ideal and at least once in the middle of the night.  If I manage to squeeze in 8 or 9 pumps in a day, I usually end the day closer to 60 ounces than 50.

If you’re breastfeeding and pumping, you can try and pump after every feeding or pump one breast while baby is on the other and alternate.  Another option is to add a pump in after the last feeding before bedtime and/or after the first morning feed and consistently pump at those times every day.

Related Post: Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

5. Power Pumping

If you’re just not happy with where your supply is at or maybe you’ve been a bad pumper, then power pumping is the most effective way to build your supply.  Power pumping consists of an hour long pumping session: 20 minutes pumping, 10 minute break, 10 minutes pumping, 10 minute break, 10 minutes pumping.  You can do this twice a day for as many days as you like and should yield an increase in supply within a day or two.

What tricks do you use to maximize your milk production?  Have you tried any of these tips with success?  Which is your favorite?

The Right Way to Freeze Breast Milk

When I was an exclusive pumper with my first born, I was totally clueless that there was a right and wrong way to freeze breast milk.  My bags were thrown into my freezer in lumps and frozen in all sorts of weird shapes and sizes.

This was so inefficient, but I was so oblivious to it, even though it seems obvious now.  I guess when you’re a new mom, though, it’s easy to overlook the simple things.  We’re so overwhelmed with new, new, new that I totally get why I spent almost a whole year freezing breast milk in ugly lumps.
Also, nobody ever told me any different.

Well, here I am to tell you that there is a right way to freeze breast milk.  It will save your freezer space and maybe even a little bit of your sanity—y’know if you’re a little bit of a perfectionist like me.

Freeze Breast Milk Flat

This is the right way to freeze breast milk, in my (and many others’) opinion.  If you’re pumping for a milk bank for donation then this is definitely the most efficient way to freeze, seeing as the only other option is bottles.

A tip my sister gave me before the birth of my youngest was to use an empty wipes container to freeze my Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags. They fit perfectly which makes it even better. It's a great alternative to pricey storage solutions that promise the same thing. Why not use something you already have that costs a lot less. 

However, you can easily freeze breast milk flat without the use of a wipes container.  Now that I’m exclusively pumping for a milk bank post-surrogacy, I simply lay the bags flat on the shelf in my freezer of my fridge.  Another great tip is to freeze between two cookie sheets because then your bags will be flat on both sides.

Breast Milk Cubes

Another option for moms is to freeze breast milk in cubes, like ice cubes.  When I briefly did this, I used Munchkin's Click Lock Fresh Food Freezer Trays, but many other—probably better—options are available.  If I was to do it again, I’d probably use a tray designed for freezing breast milk such as Milkies Milk Tray or a flexible silicone tray such as this one Nuk offers.
Freezing breast milk like this can be convenient as many tray options allow you to freeze in 1 ounce portions, so you can thaw exactly what you need, when you need it.

However, it can also be a real pain to get the cubes out of the tray.  You will need to be mindful of properly storing the breast milk to avoid freezer burn.

Proper care of breast milk is important so that the hard work of pumping doesn’t go to waste.  Any mom who’s ever dumped a few ounces of her pumped milk knows that crying over spilled milk is absolutely fine!

How do you store breast milk?  Are you guilty of freezing ugly breast milk lumps at one point, too?

Foods that Boost Breast Milk Production

Ever heard of lactogenic foods?  These are basically just foods that are chemically beneficial to the production of breast milk and could, potentially, help increase your milk supply.  Many moms struggle with low milk supply and producing enough breast milk to satisfy their baby.

This can sometimes be amplified by returning to work and/or not responding well to the breast pump while away from baby.  Other than nursing or pumping often, certain foods can naturally benefit lactation.  Whether you eat these foods raw or whip them up into a yummy cookie recipe is up to you.

Drink

• Water
  
• Lactation Teas
  
• Coconut Water
  
• Barley Water
  
• Some imitation coffees
  
• Ginger Ale

Related Post: 3 Things Killing the Breast is Best Campaign

Eat

• Carrots
  
• Asparagus
  
• Green Beans
  
• Yams
  
• Sweet Potatoes
  
• Watercress
  
• Green leafy vegetables
  
• Peas
  
• Beets
  
• Oatmeal
  
• Brown Rice
  
• Barley
  
• Most grains/legumes
  
• Avocados
  
• Raw almonds
  
• Cashews
  
• Macadamia nuts
  
• Apricots
  
• Green papaya
  
• Parsley
  
• Salmon

Related Post: 14 Breastfeeding Facts

Spices & Herbs

• Garlic
  
• Ginger
  
• Onion
  
• Basil
  
• Fenugreek
  
• Dill
  
• Marjoram
  
• Turmeric
  
• Fennel

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30+ Recipes For Boosting Lactation

Breast milk production is heavily influenced by supply and demand from baby (or pump, if you’re an exclusive pumper).  However, sometimes that just doesn’t seem to be enough and we need a little extra lactation boost.

Certain foods are known to help increase milk supply for breastfeeding and pumping moms.  To help stave off boredom with eating oatmeal everyday, all day—or one of the other lactation superfoods—some pretty genius moms have come up with a variety of recipes that can help boost milk supply.

Lactation Smoothies & Shakes

• Very Berry Breakfast Lactation Smoothie by Fresh Milk Mama
• Simple & Healthy Green Lactation Smoothie by Fresh Milk Mama
• Lactation Boosting Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake by We’re Parents
• Nutella Lactation Smoothie by Lemons & Laughs
• Lactation Boosting Peanut Butter Apple Pie Smoothie by We’re Parents
• Banana & Cinnamon Lactation Smoothie by Sarah Lampley
• Pumpkin Pie Lactation Smoothie by Little Lovelies
• Lactation Lemonade by The Leaky Boob

Related Post: 4 Tips For Breastfeeding & Working

Gluten & Dairy Free Lactation Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Lactation Banana Bread—Gluten and Sugar Free by Kara’s Pregnant
• Dairy Free Lactation Cookies by Houston Moms Blog
• GF Vegan Apple Pie Lactation Muffins by Suburban Hippie Homestead
• Grain Free Lactation Cookies by Real Everything
• Allergen Friendly Lactation Cookie Bar by The Eco Friendly Family
• Gluten Free Milk Makers Bars by Home Field Fitness
• GF Vegan Labor & Lactation Energy Bites by The Better Birth Doula
• GF Vegan Dairy Free Peanut Butter Lactation Cookies by Healthful Mama
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies GF & Dairy Free by Above Hoarded Gold

Lactation Cookies & Other Baked Goods

• M&M Lactation Cookies by Steel Cut Oats
• Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Lactation Bars by The Cocina Monologues
• The Miracle Milk Cookie by Lifestyle Hunting
• Homemade Double Chocolate Lactation Cookies by Butter Cream Sugar
• Lactation Brownies by HBC Organics
• Blueberry Oatmeal Lactation Muffins by Fab Haute Mama
• Pumpkin Spice Lactation Cookies by Premeditated Leftovers
• Chocolate Chunk Lactation Cookies by Steel Cut Oats
• Lactation Banana Chocolate Chip Bread by The Llama Mama
• Easy Lactation Muffins by Finding Sanity
• “Pump Up Your Milk” Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins by Love and Zest
• Butterscotch Lactation Cookies by The Baker Chick

Related Post: Storage Solutions for Freezing Breastmilk

Other Milk Boosting Goodies

• No Bake Lactation Protein Bars by We’re Parents
• Chocolate Almond No Bake Lactation Cookies by Small + Friendly
• No Bake Lactation Bites by The Baker Mama
• No Bake Lactation Power Protein Balls by Clarks Condensed
• Milk Booster Overnight Oatmeal by Mummy Lil Thought

3 Things Killing the Breast is Best Campaign

I am huge supporter of breastfeeding.  You might even call me a breastfeeding advocate.  Then again, after this post...maybe not.  I have always been credited with being a very open minded, understanding person.  I usually do a good job of seeing all sides of things and judging accordingly.  That's why, I'm here to tell you that there are three things killing the breast is best campaign.

Consider the following with an open mind and consider how we could improve, so that we can encourage and support more women in their breastfeeding journey!  If we want to normalize breastfeeding and support of mothers who choose to do it short or long term...we need to address the issues that are preventing this from happening.

1. Nurse ins.

Nurse ins draw a lot of attention to important topics.  For example, it often brings to light the fact that many businesses and their employees are unaware of the basic rights of a breastfeeding mother.  Also, we often become more aware of the lack of support for breastfeeding in communities, because nurse ins typically follow an unpleasant altercation with a business and it's employee(s).

I'm not saying nurse ins are bad or never necessary.  However, sometimes women jump the gun and can even hurt "the cause" more than help...regardless of how good their intentions were.  I think, and many others will agree, that a nurse in can come off as confrontational, and that's usually not the kind of message you want to send when you're trying to get an opposing group to see things your way.

2. Lack of or bad information.

This is the one that irks me the most!  I think a large part of the reason so many women "fail" at breastfeeding is because of the terrible misinformation they are given or the fact that advocates or advocate agencies tend to conveniently forget to mention any of the "bad" or challenging stuff.  They leave out the possible struggles, the things that could go wrong, etc.

Basically, many women are not realistically prepared for the trials of breastfeeding that may await them postpartum.  New moms come into the experience with false pretenses and then feel like a failure if they're not feeling the breastfeeding bliss immediately.  Someone forgot to mention that it's not always lollipops and unicorns right out of the box.

3. Bullying and alienation.

From the outside looking in, the breastfeeding moms club can be intimidating.  After being being preached to about its greatness, many women are eager to be accepted into the "club."  However, moms who are struggling with breastfeeding, quit breastfeeding, or never breastfed to being with can feel alienated or bullied by the VIP breastfeeders group.

An informed mother does not need to be badgered with facts and statistics she already knows.  She does not need to be snubbed, shunned, or insulted for her choices, struggles, or so-called failures.  This kind of behavior reflects badly on the community.  It's not always intentional, but it hurts no less.  Breastfeeding moms need to focus more on being a role model and spreading the information and help in a positive way.

Motherhood is hard.  Let's help each other out.  Let's focus on spreading the love and supporting our cause in a positive way.

Do you think there are other things negatively impacting the normalization and/or support of breastfeeding?  Share in the comments below!

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Why I Didn't Do This With My Last Kid

I've been a mom since I was sixteen. I have been a primary female figure in my step-son's life since then. We have been guiding forces in each other's lives since before his second birthday.

Seven years and two more kids later, and I'm stunned that people (my husband even) are surprised that I'm not the same parent I once was.

My husband has said, "Well we didn't do that with this kid" or "No, we always made this kid do this."

My friends have said, "Why did you do that stuff with your last kid?"  (By "that stuff" they, of course, mean baby wearing, baby led weaning, and displays of breastfeeding pride.)

I, by no means, am a perfect parent.  Honestly, such a thing doesn't exist.  However, I do try to always be a better parent than I was the day before.  Every day presents us with new opportunities.  New choices.  Each new day provides us the opportunity to improve ourselves.

Being the best parent I can be is important to me.  Sometimes, oftentimes, there's a struggle between the parent I once was or that I am and the parent I want to be.

Quite simply, the reason I didn't do some of the things I'm doing now with my two boys is because I didn't know about them.  I had no idea about baby wearing or baby led weaning before I had Luna.

I did breastfeed Gabriel for his first few months, but then I exclusively pumped until he was 1 year old (another taboo parenting choice of mine).  Cloth diapers?  Ha!  I would have thought you meant safety pinned cloth, not modern day cloth.

Not only do our children grow, but we grow as parents, too!  It's okay to learn new things, to be better, to do things different, to change.  Each child we have and every child is unique.  It's crazy to think that two different children, even with the same parents, should have the exact same experiences as each other.

Every child deserves an individualized response.  Every child deserves a parent who wants to be the best they can be; a parent who is willing to learn, grow, and be better.

Did you do things differently after your first child?  How has your parenting style or choices changed as your child or children have grown?

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Breast Pump Aversion: A New Relationship with My Pump

Not too long ago, I was an exclusively pumping mother. By choice. I was convinced I loved it. And, actually, this was my second time exclusively pumping. I did it for a year with my now four year-old son.

People were always surprised to hear that I exclusively pumped. Some were impressed. Others were confused. I think some people actually felt relief that they didn't have to watch me breastfeed. After all, I typically pumped in private.

However, people often seemed to think that it was such hard work.  I was baffled by this assumption.  This was the easy way, right?  I thought so, at least.  Pump and then just pop a bottle in that crying baby's mouth and go do dishes or something.  Easy peasy.

Well, after some soul searching and realizations on my own part, I returned to breastfeeding.  In case you were wondering, it's going wonderfully, still.  I can't believe I was slighting myself and my children on this experience.

While I was an exclusive pumper, breastfeeding moms always told me how much they hated pumping.  Many women claim that breast pumps just don't work for them.  Moms, professionals, and others also often claim that it is impossible to maintain a supply with a pump (which is false, in case you were wondering).

Now it was my turn to be baffled.

Of course, I had a great relationship with my pump.  I was an exclusive pumper, after all.

Well now I'm not.

Now, I'm a breastfeeder, just like all those moms who used to give me wide eyes.  Now I'm one of those moms.  My pump is like a friend turned enemy.  I avoid it like the plague.

I have a huge stash built up from when I was pumping.  Actually, my husband wishes he could find more than breast milk in our deep freezer.  So, every now and then when I really should pump... Well, I don't.

I actually hate pumping.  I don't know why.  It's not uncomfortable for me.  I've done it so many times that that's no big deal.  I just find it to be such a hassle and inconvenience now that it's not my every day life.

I get it now, ladies.  Pumping sucks when you could have a cute, cuddly baby do it instead.

#breastisbest #nursing #breastfeeding #attachmentparenting #normalizeit

A photo posted by momingabout (@momingabout) on Oct 10, 2014 at 9:20am PDT

Hope your feelings aren't hurt too much Pump In Style breast pump, but I've moved on to a tooting, cooing, adorable baby girl.  I'll probably keep avoiding you, as much as possible.  But I won't forget what you've done for me.

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0-3 Months Favorite Baby Items

Awwww.  It's so sad (and, okay, also exciting).  My baby girl turned three months old on August 2nd (yes it really is August guys).  So, I know many of you are rounding up last minute school supplies or maybe your little (or not so little) ones are already back in school.

I was just thinking about some of my favorite things so far with kiddo #3.  I've discovered many new baby items that I wish I'd known about before!  We all know that diapers and wipes and somewhere for baby to sleep are essential, so let's skip those things and talk about some other great baby items for your baby from newborn to three months.

0-3 Month Essentials & Favorites

One through five are not affiliate links of any sort.  They're simply links to Amazon for the exact item which I use, except for the ring sling.  I made my own ring sling.

1. Baby Trend Sit N Stand Ultra Stroller

I absolutely adore my stroller.  I posted about getting one back in February, before Luna was born, and I have been thrilled with it, just as I expected I would be.  It's absolutely perfect for my preschooler and infant combination, since my 4 year-old likes to get in and out.  If you want to know more about the Sit N Stand's features, feel free to read my original post recommending it.

2. Bright Starts Bouncer

We have this exact bouncer.  My daughter absolutely loves it.  I stopped putting batteries in it after the second time someone took her out of it and didn't turn it off, so the batteries died the same day they were put in.  

She likes the activity bar that you can attach to it and I often clip other colorful toys onto it.  Plus, it's a great way for her to get in some kicking action.  She kicks her leg  to bounce herself.

While we loved the swing the first few weeks (and still use it 1-2x a day), the bouncer is much more portable and she seems to like it best.

3. Ring Sling

I am so sad I didn't know about babywearing with my first baby.  However, I'm so glad I've discovered it this time around.  I made my own ring sling for around $15, but this is a link to an Amazon search for ring slings.

You can also search Google for some smaller businesses that sell ring slings or look on Etsy.

Either way, I highly recommend one!  They are easy to use, versatile, great for nursing in (especially in public), and will allow you some hands-free cuddling and nursing time.

4. Munckin Cleaning Brush Set

All you Dr. Brown's lovin' mommas out there (sorry, I'm not one of them) will be really excited about this.  I have heard lots of moms recommend Dr. Brown's bottles, but I personally think they look like a nightmare so I've never used them.  

They have that long straw-like tube, that is apparently impossible to clean without the brush that comes with the bottles.  

You can buy replacement brushes (~$5) from Dr. Brown's, but I've never seen them in store.  On the other hand, I purchased this Munchkin cleaning brush set at Wal Mart for about $4.  It has 2 nipple brushes, 1 valve and 1 spout brush.  

How awesome, right?

These are also really great for cleaning breast pump parts.

5. Baby Trend Play Yard (Pack N Play)

My wonderful father bought me this as a baby shower gift.  It's absolutely amazing!

With our first baby, we used a pack n play almost never.  We lived in a single story apartment, briefly shared a room as a family at my mother in law's, and lived in a two bedroom trailer during my son's infancy/early toddler years.  There was rarely a need for him to be in the pack n play.

However, we now live in a two story home.  We bed share with our daughter, but she does still have a crib and pack n play.  The pack n play is downstairs for easy access for diaper changes and daytime naps.

Luna has just started noticing the giraffes hanging from the canopy, and she loves to stare at them.  The storage attachment on the front holds wipes and diapers, and then still has room for other essentials (like baby powder or lotion) and there's a pouch on the side I use for her dirty clothes!

6. Diapers.com

Now, I used Diapers.com one time with my first baby because new customers can save $10 off their first case of diapers (use code:  HEYMAMA) and free 1-2 day delivery at $49.

However, I never realized how fantastic Diapers.com was until I gave it a go this time around.

After I finally ran out of diapers from my husband's pre-baby diaper party, I looked to Diapers.com for my diapering needs.  There's always a coupon code to be had or a sale to take advantage of.  Also, you get discounts for autoshipping!

You can set up an auto shipment for every 1-16 weeks or every 6 or 8 months.  I get an auto shipment every 4 weeks.  It's fantastic that I never have to worry about running to the store to buy diapers or wipes, and they come right to my door monthly.  Convenient and I'm not spending more than I would buying them at the store!

Actually, I've always saved money thanks to discounts, sales, and coupon codes.  How awesome is that!

If you use my referral code, you can get 20% off your first order at Diapers.com or any of the other Familyhood sites, except BarSoap.  And I will get $5 credit toward my future orders.  Use code AMAN90535 at check out.

They're also having a sale on breastfeeding related items this month, so go check them out!

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Back to Breast: My Journey Back to Breastfeeding #worldbreastfeedingweek

Ahhh! Where have I been?

Oh. You know. Around.

I know I've been very absent the past few weeks and I could work up a million (totally legit) excuses, but let's just move on, shall we? And let's get to celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7 2014.

I mentioned in the past that I was exclusively pumping for my daughter, as I did for my first child. This was something I was doing by choice, rather than something I was forced to do, as some moms are.

However, after some self-reflection, experiencing the desire to return to nursing my daughter, and stumbling across some great breastfeeding bloggers (ahem, The Badass Breastfeeder)...

Well, I came to some conclusions. I was pretty ashamed of what I came to realize.

My Self-Imposed Breastfeeding Obstacles

1. I was scared.
   
2. I thought exclusively pumping was what I wanted, but really it was more about the following realizations...
   
3. I was trying to convenience everyone else, and I thought breastfeeding was going to somehow inconvenience others.
   
4. I didn't want to offend anyone by breastfeeding my daughter in front of them and/or in public.
   
5. I had my own insecurities about my body.

I was pissed at myself for letting the fact that breastfeeding, and especially breastfeeding in public, is still so taboo. I was afraid of being judged or, heaven forbid, that someone would be downright nasty with me. I decided, right then and there, that everyone else could screw off. For some reason, I missed the breastfeeding relationship I had with my daughter.

Working Through It

After two months of exclusively pumping for Luna, we returned to nursing. Like the beautiful, amazing baby that she is, we returned like bottles had never been a thing and breastfeeding was all she'd ever known. Obviously, I'm more than blessed because many, many women struggle to get that first latch or struggle with nipple confusion and bottle preference later in breastfeeding.

This isn't me bragging that I didn't have to suffer through that. This is me joyously celebrating that I did not have to experience the disappointment that surely would have ensued had I made the decision to return Luna to the breast and she refused. I'm sure I would have been crushed.

Am I still adjusting? Yes. Do I still feel insecure at times? Of course. However, I'm not about to be bullied into denying myself or my daughter this experience.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week everyone!

What struggles have you experienced breastfeeding? Can you relate to any of my self-imposed struggles?

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Where to Donate or Sell Breast Milk

There are many, many moms who struggle with breastfeeding for some reason or another. Many women struggle with an inadequate supply. Some women simply cannot produce milk. Often times there are medical issues to consider that might prevent breastfeeding.

On the other hand, there are women out there who make an overabundance of milk. Some of these women have crazy stashes of breast milk in their freezers and many even end up throwing out perfectly good milk (GASP!) because they don't know what else to do with it.

There are two alternatives to simply disposing of unused, excess breast milk: donate it or sell it.

Excess expressed breast milk can be sold or donated to be purchased or given to mothers and babies in need!

There are definitely plenty of women who have never even thought about it and not necessarily because they are against it. It's very possible that they just have been informed about the possibility.

You'd think with the way some women and children's agencies and others more or less shame mothers whose babies aren't getting breast milk; that they'd be all over advertising that you can, at the very least, donate excess milk.

1. Mother's Milk Cooperative (MMC)

Mother's Milk Cooperative (MMC) is my favorite choice, personally.  The MMC claims to be unique on two fronts:

We are the one and only milk bank owned and controlled by our donors. We also have the only paid milk donation program in the United States.

The MMC is a co-op, owned and controlled by its members (donors).  In order to become a donor, you must complete a medical history questionnaire to be pre-qualified, pass a blood test, and donate 100 ounces to cover the costs of screening you as a donor.  A minimum of 300 ounces must be shipped at a time because of the cost to ship breast milk.

2. Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)

The HMBANA is a nonprofit milk bank where mother's with surplus milk can donate after being screened and approved.  HMBANA then distributes milk, mostly to NICU infants.

3. National Milk Bank

The National Milk Bank is literally a family business (two sisters-in-law and a daughter-in-law) with the goal of facilitating the delivery of human milk to premature and critically ill infants.  They are a donation only company.

4. Only The Breast

Only The Breast is like Craigslist for breast milk.  Buyers and sellers can post ads on their respective forums, which include a forum for selling 0-2 month breast milk (and other age groups) and a forum for men looking to buy breast milk.

I wouldn't recommend OTB for the easily offended.  It might seem like the perfect place for a quick sale, but use caution.  Even though it's not allowed, adult wet nursing ads are sometimes posted and/or ad placers are sometimes contacted about reconsidering their no adult wet nursing policy, even though it's strictly against OTB's terms.

Please NO nudity, NO pornography sales, NO adult services and NO adult wet nursing ads. We will remove any ads or members in violation.

Some people are down right vulgar when posting or contacting, too.  Therefore, I've come to believe that OTB might seem like the easy way out but it really can be challenging to find a legit buyer, if that's your goal.  The site does not seem to be as aptly moderated as it claims, either.

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Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

For breastfeeding, and especially for exclusively pumping, moms it's essential to be aware of proper breast milk storage rules.  By simply typing breast milk storage into Google search, you'll find a ton of information.

Widely accepted storage times for breast milk.

I'm sure we can all agree that breast milk is a precious resource.  The last thing you want to do is end up throwing out some of your liquid gold because of improper breast milk storage or be giving your baby old, possibly "expired" breast milk.

I was amazed when I learned that breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer up to 12 months!

My Mistakes

This is my second time exclusively pumping, but when I was a newbie pumper...I had no idea what I was doing!

I had so many unlabeled breast milk storage bags.  I froze my milk in ugly shapes and just tossed in in the freezer carelessly.

It's okay if you're cringing.  I was bad.  It was bad.

I did buckle down though.  I did get informed.

Use a Reference

Most new moms will get some kind of breast milk storage chart in their hospital goodies, from WIC, or with their breast pump.  If not, I have created a very simply breast milk storage chart to use as a guide.

If you click on it, you'll be taken to the full 4x6" scale, which you could theoretically print out and put on your fridge/freezer/in your diaper bag.

Medela's own Breastmilk Storage Guidelines.

Here is Medela's breast milk storage guide, which I managed to snag as a magnet with my first baby.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a great breast milk storage system, even after I found the proper guidelines.  I lived in an apartment sans deep freezer and was even storing some milk at a relative's home.

When my son weaned, I was left with tons of milk, much of which was not properly labeled.  I didn't really know about the options of selling or donating breast milk.

I ended up throwing out several gallon size freezer bags worth of breast milk because I felt so overwhelmed and disorganized and didn't know what to do with it!

This time I've been careful label everything and to store it in a way that's convenient!

Do you have a breast milk freezer stash?  When do you plan to dip into it?

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What is Exclusively Pumping?

Exclusive pumping is something I did for 10 months or more with my first born, a few months with my second, and am now doing after a surrogate pregnancy.  While there was a huge lack of support or even knowledge about 6 years ago the first time I did it, it seems to be something people are more aware of now which, thankfully, means there’s more support for moms who are exclusive pumpers.

There was a point in my life that I thought exclusively pumping was easier than breastfeeding.  After I found my way back to breastfeeding with my daughter, I no longer feel that way.  Exclusively pumping is hard work and can be taxing on the emotional health of moms—life tied to a pump/pumping schedule is no fun—but there are a variety of reasons moms find themselves as EPers and life, as we know, isn’t a one size fits all kind of think.

Related post: Storing Frozen Breast Milk

What is Exclusively Pumping?

Exclusively pumping is when a mother relies on her breast pump—rather than her baby—to express milk and maintain her supply.  Except in unique cases—such as mine, being a surrogate—these women are pumping milk for their babies’ consumption.

You may hear this referred to as exclusive pumping, exclusively pumping, or EPing and the moms doing it as exclusive pumpers or EPers.

Lack of EP Awareness

The non-traditional nature of exclusively pumping likely contributes to the lack of widespread knowledge of it. That and many local communities have little to no support of this method for feeding baby.

A close friend of mine was even told by her lactation consultant that it wasn't possible to maintain milk supply that way and, unfortunately, this same advice is often given to other women.

Related Post: Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

Exclusively pumping breast milk for baby is in limbo between the traditional, all natural breastfeeding and formula feeding. Because many women see breastfeeding as a pass/fail or something you either do or don't, they have no idea that this method is even possible.

The reasons women turn to exclusive pumping are numerous and very individualized. Exclusively pumping requires a lot of self-discipline and is something you definitely have to want to do in order to maintain an appropriate milk supply. However, it is a viable alternative to either breastfeeding or formula feeding and there are many moms to stand as proof that it can be done, me included.

Do you know anyone who exclusively pumps?  Had you ever heard of it before now?

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