breastfeeding – All Mum Said http://allmumsaid.com.au Telling it like it is... Thu, 03 Mar 2016 22:03:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.2 How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby http://allmumsaid.com.au/how-breastfeeding-benefits-you-and-your-baby/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/how-breastfeeding-benefits-you-and-your-baby/#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2015 14:01:02 +0000 http://allmumsaid.com.au/?p=7438 Before you start your baby on formula, read this, breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby. You are finally holding your precious little baby in your arms after a long 40 weeks of pregnancy. You just want to admire their precious little features but they are hungry. Often mothers have to overcome struggles; maybe you think you aren’t producing enough milk or perhaps your baby won’t attach to your breast properly. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to end there and here is why. How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby Breastfeeding benefits for mum The benefits of breastfeeding extend further than just ‘breast is best’. Yes it is amazing for your baby but it is also beneficial for you, the mother. These benefits include: Weight loss – Producing milk for breastfeeding burns extra calories which result in pregnancy weight being lost faster. Like that isn’t reason enough! Emotional health – Breastfeeding encourages...

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Before you start your baby on formula, read this, breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby.

You are finally holding your precious little baby in your arms after a long 40 weeks of pregnancy. You just want to admire their precious little features but they are hungry. Often mothers have to overcome struggles; maybe you think you aren’t producing enough milk or perhaps your baby won’t attach to your breast properly. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to end there and here is why.

How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby

Breastfeeding benefits for mum

The benefits of breastfeeding extend further than just ‘breast is best’. Yes it is amazing for your baby but it is also beneficial for you, the mother. These benefits include:

  • Weight loss – Producing milk for breastfeeding burns extra calories which result in pregnancy weight being lost faster. Like that isn’t reason enough!
  • Emotional health – Breastfeeding encourages bonding and a stronger sense of connection between mother and baby. This results in reducing stress levels and the risk of postpartum depression.
  • Lowers risk of cancers – Breastfeeding has shown to lower the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
  • Delayed menstruation – Women who breastfeed will find that as a result of feeding, their periods will be delayed. This is because the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones are lessened by prolactin. As a result of the low level of fertility hormones breastfeeding mothers produce, it prevents ovulation and menstruation while breastfeeding.
  • Feeling empowered – Having the knowledge and being able to watch you baby thrive and grow on breastmilk alone, will leave you feeling empowered. This is a wonderful way for a new mother to feel!

 

Breastfeeding benefits for baby

We know it is best for babies to have breast milk over formula but often we don’t know exactly why. The benefits of breastfeeding your baby is a list that goes on forever but the main ones you can identify with include:

  • Breastmilk is sterile – This means there is nothing to clean, sanitise or be concerned about when feeding your baby. It is pure, sterile and perfect for your baby exactly how it is.
  • More resistant to disease and infections – Antibodies are passed from the mother through breastfeeding to the baby, which strengthens their immune system.
  • Formulated to suit your baby – Breastmilk has all the nutrients required in perfect dosages to suit your baby and their needs. With thousands of different ingredients, such as proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, enzymes, probiotics and stem cells. Breast milk is completely unique.
  • First immunisation –Many of the proteins in breast milk are designed to kill bacteria and pathogens, while others act as immune barriers. Breast milk is technically your baby’s first immunisation.
  • Gentle on tummies – As a result of it being tailored to perfectly meet the needs of your growing child. It is gentle on tummies and easy to digest thanks to the enzymes already packaged within it.
  • Bonding and closeness – While this also benefits the mother, it has beneficial physical effects the baby. It calms the heart rate, increases oxygen levels and regulates breathing in addition to reducing crying.

 

Other breastfeeding benefits

It is great that breastfeeding benefits both mum and baby but the positive results don’t end there.

  • Good for environment – There is no need to recycle tins, clean bottles, sterilise teats, etc.
  • It is 100% natural.
  • Convenient – You don’t need to prepare bottles prior to leaving the house in case your baby gets hungry. You have the convenience of it being ‘on tap’.
  • Eases finances – It is FREE! Because it costs nothing, it eases the financial burden of purchasing formula.

 

Breastfeeding benefits come in many different forms but just because it is natural, does not mean it is always easy. If you are struggling and want to breastfeed, ask for help or visit Australian Breastfeeding Association online for more information. While breastfeeding is best for your baby, it is sometimes not what is best for the mother or family. This is perfectly OK as well; your baby is being fed, loved and looked after. Parents of formula fed babies should not feel inadequate or guilty by their decision.

Did you find breastfeeding easy and natural? Did you struggle? Was it simply not for you?

Share your tips below to help other mums on this journey?

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Bonding with baby through feeding + Medela GIVEAWAY http://allmumsaid.com.au/bonding-with-your-baby-through-feeding-medela-giveaway/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/bonding-with-your-baby-through-feeding-medela-giveaway/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:01:11 +0000 http://allmumsaid.com.au/?p=7091 Bonding with your baby through feeding Bringing a new baby home is an amazing feeling. It is exciting. It is scary. It can be very overwhelming but it can also be the most important time of your life. Being able to bond with your baby is such a magical and unexplainable sentiment and for many women breastfeeding helps to establish this deep connection with our baby. Because of this we always hear about how important it is for women to breastfeed because of the advantages it gives both mum and baby but what about dads? How are dads supposed to bond with their babies when they can’t breastfeed? With teamwork is how. The benefits of mum expressing milk help not only her but also dad and baby. First time dads especially feel like they are left out of the process when it comes to feeding so when a women expresses milk it...

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Bonding with your baby through feeding

Bringing a new baby home is an amazing feeling. It is exciting. It is scary. It can be very overwhelming but it can also be the most important time of your life. Being able to bond with your baby is such a magical and unexplainable sentiment and for many women breastfeeding helps to establish this deep connection with our baby. Because of this we always hear about how important it is for women to breastfeed because of the advantages it gives both mum and baby but what about dads?

How are dads supposed to bond with their babies when they can’t breastfeed? With teamwork is how. The benefits of mum expressing milk help not only her but also dad and baby. First time dads especially feel like they are left out of the process when it comes to feeding so when a women expresses milk it not only gives dad a chance to bond with his baby through feeding; it also allows the baby’s mum a chance to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, enjoy a sleep in or even be able to embrace her partner enjoying the closeness of their baby. As I said it’s magical. Even though dads don’t often express their needs where their baby is concerned, dads want to be able to feel this closeness and bond with their baby just as much as mums do. Bonding with your baby through feeding is a great place to start which is easy for mothers who breastfeed and often why they express breast milk.

There are so many breast pumps on the market that it makes it hard to know which one will be suited to you, which pumps works and which ones are a waste of money. My younger sister and brother-in-law have just experienced the beauty of bringing their first baby into the world which also meant she had been searching for the right breast pump in preparation of their baby being born. She was anticipating returning to work and expressing is a must for her as she wanted to breastfeed her son. She also wanted her partner to be able to experience the feeding process and do night feeds (because no one wants to get up every single time). This is when I received an email asking if I wanted to review the Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump. I called my sister and asked her if she was interested and she was beyond thrilled because she was looking at Medela for her pump mainly because she had heard nothing but great reviews. This particular pump retails for $449.00.

Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump Review

Set Up and Cleaning
The first thing I noticed about the pump after opening the box and taking all the parts out of their individually sealed bags was how simple it is to set up. Without even looking at the directions you can see exactly what fits where. Once I had it all together, I checked the instructions to ensure I set it up properly and to my surprise they are extremely simple and easy to understand. Don’t be scared by the size of the manual.

Before using the Medela breast pump; I sterilised all the equipment. Step by step directions on how to clean are included in the manual which makes it basically fool proof. This can be done by hand washing, putting through the dishwasher or boiling. It took minimal time from start to finish to take apart the breast pump and clean it which is made even more enticing by the fact that all the parts are easy to wipe dry or can be left on a cloth to air dry.

Using the Breast Pump
I think what makes the Medela swing stand out compared to other pumps is the ‘2 phase expression’; which is the 2 stimulation phases that mimics the breastfeeding rhythm. The first stage encourages a milk let down and after 2 minutes the pump will automatically change to the second phase; the ‘expression’ phase, which imitates a long sucking motion similar to the one of a baby. If your milk starts to flow prior to the second phase, you can press the button and it will start the expression phase. I personally found it never took more than 30 seconds to get a good flow to then switch to the expression but as everyone is different you may need the full two minutes in stage one. Both stages are exceptionally comfortable and gentle on the breasts and nipples and the vacuum can be adjusted to suit your need at the time. I used mine mainly as my milk was ‘coming in’ days after my baby was born and there were times my breasts were too sore to even touch yet I could still use the Medela breast pump comfortably.

It took me approximately 10 minutes to pump both breasts and I would get around 100mL from each. What made it even easier was after you finish pumping you can just pop the storage lids in the bottles and store right in the fridge until they are needed. I use the double pump most frequently but it can also be used as a single pump, either of options offer the same great performance.

My favourite part about this pump is the fact that I was able to express breastmilk for my partner to be able to feed bub. It not only allowed him to provide our baby his feeds throughout the night when I needed that extra sleep but he was also given the opportunity to experience that special bonding time that without the pump he wouldn’t be able to do.

Storage
If there wasn’t enough to love about this pump already, the lack of space it requires to store should be added to the list. I was able to keep it in a container on a cupboard shelf where it took up minimal room. The Medela Swing Breast Pump is very portable as you are able to clip the motor onto your clothes and move around the house or store in your handbag for use while out and about thanks to it having the option to operate on batteries (6 AAA).

Pros
The efficiency from start to finish makes a light work load of expressing breast milk thanks to the simultaneous expression in combination with the 2-Phase which ultimately saves you time. The range of vacuum levels and settings allows you to be in control of your comfort and still gain maximum efficiency from the breast pump.

The Medela breast pump is very easy to assemble, use, clean and store. Thanks to how light and compact the pump is, it makes expressing flexible by offering use on batteries or the main adapter.

It allows my baby the opportunity to bond with his dad through feeding.

Cons
It’s very hard to fault this pump! I found that while pumping you have to hold a constant pressure with the shield onto your breast which can become difficult while you’re double pumping. This can be resolved by purchasing an ‘easy expression bustier’ which allows hands-free expressing.

I also noticed the pump makes a bit of noise during use and the harder you set your vacuum the louder it becomes.

Medela Breastfeeding Starter Kit

This kit contains everything a mother needs in those first few weeks of breastfeeding and expressing. It offers an easy and safe way to collect and store breast milk in addition to feeding while containing products that help make mum more comfortable and sooth sensitive nipples for months to come.

This Medela breastfeeding starter kit contains:
• 1x Calma, breastmilk feeding device (specially designed teat that mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding)
• 2x 150ml Bottles with multi lids
• 12x Disposable nursing pads
• 1x Purelan 100 7g
• 1x Quick clean microwave bag
• 5x pump and save bags

The Calma lets your baby feed in a way that is similar to breastfeeding which allows for easy transition between the two. Thanks to its one size and shape fits all, your baby will be satisfied from birth until weaning off milk. Just like a nipple.

This kit is suitable for every woman that is breastfeeding or expressing and is the number one choice of hospitals and mothers. I highly recommend it for all your storing, feeding, breast care and breastmilk management in those first few weeks and months! RRP $49.90.

Prize Includes: 1x Medela Breastfeeding Starter Pack. RRP $49.90.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and my sisters.

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Breastfeeding how you’re comfortable! http://allmumsaid.com.au/breastfeeding-how-youre-comfortable/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/breastfeeding-how-youre-comfortable/#comments Thu, 15 May 2014 12:26:39 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=3000 *This post is now a tad outdated as it sat in my drafts for months. I thought it had been published and no one cared for the post but it turns out I hadn’t hit publish! So here is the post about my journey breastfeeding my now 11 month old daughter* I’m sure you all know that I have a 12 week old baby, if you don’t than you must be new around here so welcome. Anyway, what you may not know is that I am a breastfeeding mum. I am not anti-formula. I believe whatever you are comfortable doing as a mum is what is best for baby and that not everyone can breastfeed. I however can and do ~ proudly! I breastfed both my boys when they were babies however they were mix-fed from early on and shortly after were 100% formula. This was not entirely by choice...

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*This post is now a tad outdated as it sat in my drafts for months. I thought it had been published and no one cared for the post but it turns out I hadn’t hit publish! So here is the post about my journey breastfeeding my now 11 month old daughter*

Me and Poppet

I’m sure you all know that I have a 12 week old baby, if you don’t than you must be new around here so welcome. Anyway, what you may not know is that I am a breastfeeding mum. I am not anti-formula. I believe whatever you are comfortable doing as a mum is what is best for baby and that not everyone can breastfeed. I however can and do ~ proudly! I breastfed both my boys when they were babies however they were mix-fed from early on and shortly after were 100% formula. This was not entirely by choice but more that my supply couldn’t keep up with their very healthy appetite. B1 was approx. 8 weeks old and B2 was approx. 10 weeks old before they were no longer satisfied.

breastfeeding

I was not discouraged when I couldn’t continue to breastfeed them, it was just not meant to be. They were being fed formula and their appetites were being fulfilled so I was content knowing that they were happy and healthy. Now as I mentioned I have a 12 week old baby girl and I am so pleased to report that I am still breastfeeding – successfully! In the first week it was touch and go as she had attachment issues and caused severe damage and bleeding to my nipples but with the help of some amazing nipple shields (*Tommee Tippee Miomee Silicone Nipple Shields*) we resolved those first initials hiccups and allowed myself time to heal while still being able to breastfeed and continue to do so. Poppet is feeding like a champion and without any further complications; I wasn’t expecting to be breastfeeding for any time in particular but used the timeline of the boys as a guide. We have however surpassed and exceeded the duration I thought I was ever destined to breastfeed for and with Hadley being so content and happy to continue; I am feeling so pleased that I am finding it hard to explain in words. I am beyond proud of myself and if I can say in all honesty I feel like I have a closer bond with her because we have accomplished this together. If I had to stop breastfeeding her tomorrow I would be able to do so knowing that we gave it everything we had and I gave her the best start to life I could. This may be my third child but I am amazed at how much you can still learn, how much more you can grow as a person and how each day you can be proud of everything you accomplish as a woman and mother.

*This post is NOT sponsored in any which way. I mentioned the nipple shields as they were an amazing help to me and recommend them to anyone who finds themselves in the same situation.

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Miomee products review + Giveaway http://allmumsaid.com.au/miomee-products-review-giveaway/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/miomee-products-review-giveaway/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2014 02:26:17 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=2835 Regardless how you plan to feed your baby the bottom line is they will need to fed. Whether it be bottle, breast or a mix of both. Sometimes circumstances mean we are unable to do this how we intended to and adjustments are made to make baby feeding easy. For example; a mum returning to work may require to pump milk to continue breastfeeding or swap to formula, your baby may have attachment issues making it harder to feed resulting in a bottle. Your milk supply may not be able to keep up with the appetite of your baby or you may just want a night off. Whatever the issue may be there are a wide of products that can make feeding your baby easy and stress free. I have been using Miomee products for Poppet since she born and they are great quality, my first ever Miomee products purchase was...

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Regardless how you plan to feed your baby the bottom line is they will need to fed. Whether it be bottle, breast or a mix of both. Sometimes circumstances mean we are unable to do this how we intended to and adjustments are made to make baby feeding easy. For example; a mum returning to work may require to pump milk to continue breastfeeding or swap to formula, your baby may have attachment issues making it harder to feed resulting in a bottle. Your milk supply may not be able to keep up with the appetite of your baby or you may just want a night off. Whatever the issue may be there are a wide of products that can make feeding your baby easy and stress free. I have been using Miomee products for Poppet since she born and they are great quality, my first ever Miomee products purchase was their nipple shields and I must say they were an absolute life saver!! If you haven’t heard of Miomee or used their products before I will share my thoughts on a few with you and if you already use them you will be nodding along as you read – did I mention you can WIN an amazing prize pack as well valued at $160.00!!

Miomee products

 Miomee Single Electric Breast Pump

This pump is easy to use, it’s light weight and it’s pretty quiet compared to others I’ve used making it convenient to use whilst bub is in the same room. I always found I could express more if they were near me, possibly some strange hormonal thing? But it worked. One of my favourite features is the timer that counts backwards so you know how long you have been expressing for and making it easy to know when to swap sides. It is simple to assemble and easy to clean which is a must when buying breast pumps. My only negative to this pump is that it cannot be run on batteries and must have mains power.

Easy to hold

Easy to hold

  Miomee slow flow bottles

Miss H has only really taken to bottles in the past couple of months as I have begun to wean her from full time breastfed to mix fed. These bottles are great for reducing wind and because the teats simulate that of a mothers lactating breast the transition from one to the other is very smooth. I love how wide the necks are on these bottles because it makes preparing bottles and cleaning them an absolute breeze. My only issue with these bottles are that when Miss H is drinking from them milk will often leak out of thee air spout onto her face.

miomee products

First Drinking Cup

Miomee first drinking cup

The first drinking cups are fantastic because they come with 2 different spouts plus they can also use the Miomee teats making it functional 3 ways. It has handles making it easy to your little to hold on their own and it is shake proof, spill proof and BPA FREE. This is one of my favourite sippy cups for Miss H.

Miomee milk storage containers and Miomee milk storage lids

Miomee milk storage containers and Miomee milk storage lids

Miomee milk storage containers and Miomee milk storage lids

The storage containers are fantastic and so convenient! They can be stacked on top of each other or slipped into a bottle for easy storage when out and about. They come with a couple of different lids so you can decide what works best for you. These are used every few days in our house and I cannot fault them in the slightest!! The lids are great for when you have expressed milk because you can leave it in the bottle and just screw the lid on and stack them in the fridge.

Tommee Tippee Cool Fish teether

Tommee Tippee Cool Fish teether

Tommee Tippee Cool Fish teether

This poor little fish has had the workout of its life these past few weeks with Miss H teething and I am so grateful. It has been amazing in helping soothe her sore and lumpy gums without me having to anything more than put it in the fridge to get it cold. Wonderful product!!

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Giveaway ~ I have 1x Tommee Tippee Miomee Prize Pack to giveaway to 1x deserving Mad Mummas reader. Prize Consists of: Miomee Manual Breast Pump, Miomee slow flow bottles (2 pack), Miomee first drinking cup, Miomee milk storage containers, Miomee milk storage lids, Tommee Tippee Cool Fish teether. Total Prize RRP $160.00

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**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries. It’s good karma though and I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!!

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Bambooby Buddies + GIVEAWAY http://allmumsaid.com.au/bambooby-buddies-giveaway/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/bambooby-buddies-giveaway/#comments Fri, 06 Sep 2013 20:00:24 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=2180 What is one of the most embarrassing things that could happen to a breastfeeding woman? Breast milk leaking is what! Any mum who breastfeeds her baby will tell you that good quality breast pads are an essential item and I am going to be honest here and say that I had only ever used disposable ones until a couple of weeks ago. I never even considered using reusable breast pads as I thought surely they couldn’t possibly do the same job; I was however wrong. I began using some bamboo breast pads from Bambooby Buddies (Great name isn’t it?) and must say that I am in love with them. They are so soft on your skin and do actually absorb everything that they need to without leaking any excess through your clothing. It may sound like I am surprised and that is because I still am! I wasn’t game enough...

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What is one of the most embarrassing things that could happen to a breastfeeding woman? Breast milk leaking is what! Any mum who breastfeeds her baby will tell you that good quality breast pads are an essential item and I am going to be honest here and say that I had only ever used disposable ones until a couple of weeks ago. I never even considered using reusable breast pads as I thought surely they couldn’t possibly do the same job; I was however wrong.

bambooby-buddies-0921-300x300

I began using some bamboo breast pads from Bambooby Buddies (Great name isn’t it?) and must say that I am in love with them. They are so soft on your skin and do actually absorb everything that they need to without leaking any excess through your clothing. It may sound like I am surprised and that is because I still am! I wasn’t game enough to leave to the house wearing them so I stayed home every time I wore them and still no leaks. Even with the night time breast pads, they are made slightly thicker to absorb more and I have experienced nothing but positive results. Amazing quality and a must try if you have even contemplated giving reusable breast pads a go. Not only are they potentially a money saver but they are also great for the environment!

pad

Oh did I mention that I have a Bambooby Buddies Starter Pack to giveaway to one very lucky reader! The starter pack contains 3 pairs of day breast pads and 2 pairs of night time breast pads. These retail for $39.95 which is great value for money.

For your chance to win these products just follow the instructions below!

 To enter all you have to do is follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below. Winner is decided based on skill and chance plays no part. Australian residents only! Sorry everyone else. **The mandatory instructions MUST be completed or your entry will be void!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

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Fabulous Fashion with Laila & Spot – GIVEAWAY! http://allmumsaid.com.au/fabulous-fashion-with-laila-spot-giveaway/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/fabulous-fashion-with-laila-spot-giveaway/#comments Tue, 06 Aug 2013 02:09:01 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=2109 As you are all well aware I am a massive fan of Laila & Spot! For those of you who are new here I am constantly talking about their clothing range. It’s gorgeous and designed just for mums with comfort and style in mind. The founder of Laila & Spot knows what a huge fan I am and has been kind enough to donate a $50 voucher for one lucky lady or gentleman if you’re into that sort thing. You can find me talking about how great the range is here, here & here! To enter all you have to do is follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below. Winner is decided based on skill and chance plays no part. Australian residents only! Sorry everyone else. **The mandatory instructions MUST be completed or your entry will be void!** a Rafflecopter giveaway GOOD LUCK!

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As you are all well aware I am a massive fan of Laila & Spot! For those of you who are new here I am constantly talking about their clothing range. It’s gorgeous and designed just for mums with comfort and style in mind. The founder of Laila & Spot knows what a huge fan I am and has been kind enough to donate a $50 voucher for one lucky lady or gentleman if you’re into that sort thing.

giveaways

You can find me talking about how great the range is here, here & here!

To enter all you have to do is follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below. Winner is decided based on skill and chance plays no part. Australian residents only! Sorry everyone else. **The mandatory instructions MUST be completed or your entry will be void!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

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Dressing For A New Beginning http://allmumsaid.com.au/dressing-for-a-new-beginning/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/dressing-for-a-new-beginning/#comments Thu, 01 Aug 2013 21:00:21 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=2042 Finding something to wear after you have a baby that makes you feel anything other than frumpy, daggy or still pregnant is hard to come by. It doesn’t matter how many babies you have had previously it is always the same feeling of – I have lived in these clothes the entire pregnancy and they are now so stretched out or I am sick of the sight of the items in my wardrobe. As I have previously mentioned in other posts I have practically lived in the same dresses, pair of shorts and skirt for the last 6 months of my pregnancy and I was wanting to leave the hospital in something that was as new as my baby girl. Something I’d never worn before. A new start. You will have heard me mention my love for the brand i&u (innovation and you) that has recently changed to Laila &...

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Finding something to wear after you have a baby that makes you feel anything other than frumpy, daggy or still pregnant is hard to come by. It doesn’t matter how many babies you have had previously it is always the same feeling of – I have lived in these clothes the entire pregnancy and they are now so stretched out or I am sick of the sight of the items in my wardrobe. As I have previously mentioned in other posts I have practically lived in the same dresses, pair of shorts and skirt for the last 6 months of my pregnancy and I was wanting to leave the hospital in something that was as new as my baby girl. Something I’d never worn before. A new start.

You will have heard me mention my love for the brand i&u (innovation and you) that has recently changed to Laila & Spot. The dresses I lived (and to be honest, still live in) when I was pregnant are the maxi dresses from i&u. I know they are great quality and are made to last so I didn’t hesitate in jumping over to the new Laila and Spot website as soon as I heard they had extended their range. I proudly wore home one of their skirts which I’m so glad to have taken to the hospital with me; after having my bub via C-section I wanted to wear something that didn’t put too much pressure on my wound. The skirt has no zips, buttons or elastic jabbing or digging in which made it perfect. It is very comfortable and because I got it in black it goes with everything – obviously it’s now a staple piece. It does come in 3 colours but I thought black would be the safer option for me to start. Oh and they are only $40.

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I have also been wearing the leggings which have been great for this crazy cold and windy weather we’ve been having. They are so soft and comfortable (almost like you aren’t wearing pants but you’re warm). Hahaha. They come in 2 styles – full length and ¾ length. I opted for the full length being winter I thought they’d be perfect with dresses, long tops, tunics and of course boots. These are also great for after having a C-section as they also have no elastic at the front (don’t worry about them falling down though there is some elastic through the back to prevent this!). I love how versatile these are and that for only $30 the quality is better than some I’ve paid triple that for.

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Like I mentioned above and in previous posts I love their maxi dresses. They are great to breastfeed in and the design cannot be flawed. Truth be told I own 3 of their maxis (2x black and 1x blue) along with a shorter black version. Now that they have changed to Laila & Spot and expanded their range they have now got a two-tone dress that is also designed for breastfeeding. They look great and like the maxis I have are made from bamboo. I am currently waiting on 2 of these to arrive from the postman. I ordered one in each colour. I think it’s fair to say I love Laila & Spot and obviously the contents of my wardrobe show that. It is basically the only brand in there!

Check out their facebook and website. You won’t regret it!

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Shloer A Good Time & GIVEAWAY! {Closed} http://allmumsaid.com.au/shloer-a-good-time-giveaway/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/shloer-a-good-time-giveaway/#comments Thu, 18 Jul 2013 21:00:23 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=2013 At the end of a long day I enjoy nothing more than a good glass of wine (maybe two) or even a vodka if the mood strikes me. However as you all know I have recently had a baby and as I’m breastfeeding having an alcoholic drink is not on the cards right now. I received a very welcomed email a couple of weeks ago about a new drink that has just arrived in Australia. Even though it is made from quality grapes like wine; it is non-alcoholic! I have been trying both the Shloer Red and the Shloer White sparkling grape juice and in my eyes there is a clear winner. I love the red! This may be because I am a lover of red wine or it could be that the fruity flavour won me over. I am not a big fan of the white grape juice; while...

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At the end of a long day I enjoy nothing more than a good glass of wine (maybe two) or even a vodka if the mood strikes me. However as you all know I have recently had a baby and as I’m breastfeeding having an alcoholic drink is not on the cards right now. I received a very welcomed email a couple of weeks ago about a new drink that has just arrived in Australia. Even though it is made from quality grapes like wine; it is non-alcoholic!

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I have been trying both the Shloer Red and the Shloer White sparkling grape juice and in my eyes there is a clear winner. I love the red! This may be because I am a lover of red wine or it could be that the fruity flavour won me over. I am not a big fan of the white grape juice; while it is very fresh and crisp I found the taste not sweet enough for my liking. It reminded me too much of white wine (I don’t like white wine either) but a friend of mine loved it. It all comes down to personal preference I think as she prefers white wine over red. I think this is a great alternative to alcohol for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the benefits don’t end at it tasting great either. They contain no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavourings! You can purchase these Shloer red and white sparkling juices from Coles supermarkets and independent stores.

Shloer

I also have an amazing giveaway for you wonderful loyal readers.

GIVEAWAY

1x Exclusive and Luxurious Shloer and Simon Johnson gourmet hamper. Prize valued at $365.00!!

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To enter all you have to do is follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below.

Winner is decided based on skill and chance plays no part.

Australian residents only! Sorry everyone else.

**The mandatory instructions MUST be completed or your entry will be void!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

WINNER: Charmaine C

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Tommee Tippee Miomee Feeding http://allmumsaid.com.au/tommee-tippee-miomee-feeding/ http://allmumsaid.com.au/tommee-tippee-miomee-feeding/#respond Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:00:07 +0000 http://madmummas.com/?p=1265 It doesn’t matter if you breastfeed, bottle feed or mix feed – finding the right bottles and milk storage containers can be hard. There is generally pros and cons to every item you find. You have noticed that Tommee Tippee has released its new Miomee range. Well I want to let you know that the quality of this range just what Tommee Tippee lovers have come to expect, know and love. I have been testing out products from this range and want to share my findings about each item. Bottles – I am a huge fan of how these teats are shaped to resemble a breast, I would think this would make it easier and cause less confusion to bub when you want to wean off the boob or mix feed. They have wide necks making it easy to fill, clean and sterilise. I love how they come in 3...

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It doesn’t matter if you breastfeed, bottle feed or mix feed – finding the right bottles and milk storage containers can be hard. There is generally pros and cons to every item you find. You have noticed that Tommee Tippee has released its new Miomee range. Well I want to let you know that the quality of this range just what Tommee Tippee lovers have come to expect, know and love.

I have been testing out products from this range and want to share my findings about each item.

Bottles – I am a huge fan of how these teats are shaped to resemble a breast, I would think this would make it easier and cause less confusion to bub when you want to wean off the boob or mix feed. They have wide necks making it easy to fill, clean and sterilise. I love how they come in 3 different sizes – 150ml, 270ml & a whopping 340ml! For me personally it is vital that baby bottles are dishwasher and microwave safe and these pass that test with flying colours. Oh and did I mention they are BPA free?
RRP: 150ml 2pk $16.95, 270ml 1pk $11.95, 270ml 2pk $19.95, 270ml 4pk $34.95, 340ml 2pk $26.95

Insulated Bottle Bag – These bags are in one word – fantastic! They are versatile, durable, compact and very easy to clean. Bottles stay cool or warm for up to 8 hours and can fit 2x 150ml bottles/1x 270ml bottle + a breast milk & formula container/1x 340ml bottle + a breast milk & formula container inside at a time.
RRP: $22.95

Breastmilk and Formula Containers – This is convenience at its best when it comes to storing breast milk, formula or babies first solids when home or out and about. They are stackable making it easy to transport or store in the fridge and freezer. These come with 2 types of lids – easy pour lids and stackable flat lids (4 of each). Holding 70ml each this 4 pack is money well spent. Also BPA free!
RRP: $12.95

Milk Storage Lids – These are similar to the above stackable lids however they are designed to fit the Miomee bottles and Tommee Tippee discovera cups perfectly. They conveniently seal bottles to store or freeze milk/solids. Great for use at home or out and about, dishwasher safe and again BPA free. These come in a pack of 4 lids.
RRP: $11.95

Disposable Breast Pads – Just what every new mum wants to worry about. Hmmm, maybe not. I will definitely be using these when bub is born and my milk comes in. I did an absorbent test and was very impressed with the results and lack of leakage (there was none!) especially taking into account how thin they are. These pads fit perfectly into your bra and the double adhesive strips make sure they don’t move. They come with a little zippable carry case for easy storing and provide you with a little more discreetness when you are out. Each box contains 50 breast pads and carry case.
RRP: $ 14.95

Orthodontic Comforters – I personally have never seen a dummy shaped the way these are however when you think about it the shape makes perfect sense. They are designed with patented wings to protect against teeth and jaw misalignment. They are available in 3 sizes: 0-6 months (no teeth), 6-12 months (first teeth) & 12+ (milk molars). BPA free!
RRP: $7.95

First Drinking Cup – This non-spill and shake proof cup has easy to hold handles that are perfect for little ones just earning to use a cup. It comes with both a soft and hard spout to suit each stage that your baby reaches. I love that these spouts fit all discovera cups and are also BPA free. Ideal for 4 months+.
RRP: $12.95

I am amazed by the technology advancement in baby products since I was pregnant with my boys. Everything is much more innovative now than just a few years ago.

Did you come across new products each time you were pregnant or stuck with what you knew?

1 - review or giveaway (100x82)Disclaimer: I received the above items to review. All opinions are my own.

 
 

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