I remember asking myself both of those questions when I was pregnant with my first child in 2006 (see right – that’s a photo of me 2 weeks before I had my daughter).
3 1/2 years later, I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 2-month-old…and I’m a little more “baby-wise” than I was then (not to be confused with “On Becoming Baby Wise” by the ezzos…a philosophy that I totally DON’T espouse).
If you recall, I recently posted about 15 newborn necessities, the top 15 things I use with my baby.
I also recently wrote about unnecessary baby items, a list of products not to register for.
Breast pumps made the “wait and see” section of the latter list – meaning you probably shouldn’t run right out and get a top-of-the-line breast pump before your baby makes his or her debut. You should “wait and see” if you want one.
That said, you will likely want/need a breast pump if:
- you plan to return to work part or full-time, but want to give your baby the gift of breastmilk.
- you want to be able to leave your exclusively breastfed baby at home with daddy or grandma or auntie while you run to the grocery store or meet up with a friend for dinner.
- you need to leave your baby with someone else for any reason – school, volunteering, etc.
If you’re going to be returning to work and/or school, I would recommend going with the best and most efficient breast pump available – a double-electric pump. The price tags may seem steep (between $150-$400), but the ability to pump both sides simultaneously without wearing out your hands/arms is something you will want if you’ll be pumping daily/regularly.
The top two customer-rated double electric breast pumps on Amazon.com are:
Philips Avent Isis iQ Duo Twin Electronic Breast Pump (available @ Trusted Breast Pumps for $285):
Medela Pump In Style Breast Pump With Shoulder Bag (available @ TBP for $269.99):
If, however, you just want to be able to leave your baby with someone for a couple of hours or a weekend away every now and then, a manual pump will likely do just fine. The downside, of course, is that they’re not as efficient or fast and they don’t have multiple “modes” to stimulate let-down, etc. The upside, however, is the price. Manual breast pumps typically retail for between $30-$60.
The top two customer-rated manual breast pumps on Amazon.com are:
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump (available @ TBP for $33.27):
Avent ISIS Manual Breast Pump (available @ TBP for $49.99):
I bought the Medela Pump In Style breast pump (see above) shortly after my firstborn daughter was born in 2006 because I *thought* I was going to return to work part-time, but then I ended up bringing my baby to work with me (at my employer’s suggestion!). Needless to day, I didn’t end up using my pump much…but it was a good pump, overall. Quiet. Not painful. Efficient. Etc. I would recommend it to others who want a high-powered pump to take with them on-the-go.
I now have the sweetest little 2-month-old baby girl and I have yet to break out the pump. I just don’t want to leave her anywhere. Ever.
YOUR TURN: Do you/did you own a pump? What brand was/is it and would you recommend it to other moms?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a manual breast pump of her choice from Trusted Breast Pumps. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, May 19 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
* This is a sponsored post.
*UPDATE* The winner is #4 workout mommy. Congratulations!
I 
UV Skinz swimshirts retail for between $25-$37. Shirts are available for 
Today I’m pleased to introduce you to one such company…
I received the lacy top (pictured right) for review and I appreciate the feminine detailing, the dark colors, and the “functionality” (I can nurse my baby…no problem!). That said, I think the top would be better suited for smaller-breasted woman (A-C cup). I am a modest woman and the top is just low-cut enough for me to feel uncomfortable about wearing it around town.
TA-DA! Allow me to introduce you to the MJ Pajama set from 
There’s something so thrilling when people announce their pregnancies – especially first pregnancies. My husband and I always get excited when we can welcome our family members and friends into the Parenthood Club.
A bottle of sparkling cider : Encourage her to celebrate safely with cider. If you want, you could even include mini plastic wine glasses for an impromptu toast.
A robe : Mamas-to-be will enjoy cozying up in a soft robe after taking a shower…and the robe will likely get well-used post-delivery as well. It’s convenient to have a robe on-hand to throw over low-cut nursing tops (or no top at all) when guests arrive after baby’s arrival.
A pair of slippers : Something soft to slip on tired feet at the end of the day is always a treat, but pregnant womens’ feet particularly deserve to be pampered.
Stretchy Pants : Yoga-style pants, pajama pants, sweatpants, anything with an elastic waistband and soft material. She’ll wear these throughout her pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Who knows…she might even throw them in her 
Maternity undies : Many women won’t “splurge” on underwear for nine months. But maternity underwear are so supple and soft and they’re designed to cover an ample bottom (yes, unfortunately, bottoms do tend to “expand” a bit during pregnancy…). 
That sounds like a news headline, doesn’t it?
For starters, you may want to read the research and work of 
And he notes that UNICF, the World Health Organization, the USA Breastfeeding Committee, and La Leche League International all support bedsharing.
1. Diapers – Cloth or Disposable, take your pick, but you’ll need something to cover up that super sweet bottom. Unless, of course, you decide to go 
2. Wipes – Wipes are important for diaper changes, but they also have a multitude of other uses. The 
3. Car Seat – This item is non-negotiable…unless you want to negotiate with the police, that is. I recommend a “convertible” car seat so that you baby can stay in the same seat from newborn all the way through to pre-K.
4. Onesies or Footsies, depending on the season – If it’s hot, stock up on about 6 onesies per size. If it’s cold, go with footsies. Opt for simple pieces in soft materials. Steer clear of lace, decorative buttons, fancy collars, and other frou-frou details that make the garments difficult to take on and off.
5. Receiving Blankets - I suppose any brand will do, but we’ve found that 
6. Washcloths – You’ll use these for bath time…and for massaging out plugged tear ducts…and for wiping boogers on that you suck out with the nasal aspirator. Ah, the many magnificent tasks of parenthood. 
7. Mattress Protector – If co-sleeping has crossed your mind, you won’t want to go without a mattress protector. You wouldn’t want to ruin your fancy mattress with throw-up, breast milk, blow-outs, and other liquids commonly associated with having babies. Neither would I…which is why we have 
9. Somewhere to set the baby down – I know you won’t want to ever put that baby down (and you don’t have to…don’t listen to those people that say you’ll spoil the baby!), but having at least one place to set your baby down is a good idea for when you have to go to the bathroom or take a shower. Think: crib, bassinet, swing, 
10. Baby Fingernail Clippers – Newborn nails are razor-sharp, super thin, and hard to cut. Make it easier on yourself by investing in a pair of clippers that are specially designed for the tiniest of fingers.
12. Baby Soap – There are all kinds of baby washes and soaps out on the market – scented, unscented, organic, natural, chemical-free, creamy, gel-y, bubbly, etc. We prefer soaps that are as free of extra chemicals as possible, but I’m not brand loyal yet. (Are you?).
13. Baby Carrier – You never realize how nice it is to be able to use both of your hands until you’re a new mom. Carriers make that possible. You can choose between slings, mei tais, pouches, wraps, and more. Lately, I’ve been wearing the 
14. Jogging Stroller – For me, this was/is a necessity because running is how I stay in shape and retain my sanity. It’s so nice to just be able to lace up my tennies and head for the pavement…no gym fees, babysitters, or driving time required!
15. Baby Monitor – It’s nice to be able to “check in” on your baby from another room. Audio monitors are okay. Video monitors are even better.
