*This post is now a tad outdated as it sat in my drafts for months.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.

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.

The post Breastfeeding how you’re comfortable! appeared first on All Mum Said.

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

  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.

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

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

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!!

The post Miomee products review + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.

Approximately 20% of babies will become colicky which is quite unfortunate for both baby and parents. I have been fortunate enough so far that I haven’t had to experience this personally however I have witnessed the torment, pain and sleepless nights it has caused friends of mine.  Which is why when I come across a great product that is going to help mothers stress less and help their baby be pain free I want to share it with everyone.

I have been giving the MAM Anti-Colic bottles a bit of a test run for the purpose of this review and even though I have been filling it with breast milk my baby took to the bottle like she was attached to my boob. It was like she didn’t know any better which is definitely saying something for the quality of these teats. They are extra soft just like a nipple making it easy to transition between breast and bottle. Now as I mentioned above my baby isn’t colicky but the way these bottles are designed I can definitely see how it would benefit if she was. The base is vented which ultimately reduces the air that is swallowed by bub.

I have found the benefits of these bottles great and will continue to use them once I stop breastfeeding. They have a nice wide opening at the top making them easy to clean, BPA free and they also self-sterilise! Yes you read that right – self-sterilising! If your baby suffers from colic than I would highly recommend giving these bottles a go just like one of Mad Mummas readers did. You can read her review below.

MAM Anti-Colic bottles can be found in Target, Big W & some Baby Bunting stores. You can also follow MAM Australia on facebook.

Reader Review

I wish I had known about these bottles with my first daughter who suffered from chronic reflux and colic so feeding was not a favourite time of the day!
I have used these bottles with my second child now 10 weeks old and they are amazing! The fact that they self-sterilize in 3 mins is a bonus and extremely handy when out and about! The teat was easy for my daughter to suck and I believe it did reduce her wind, which is also noticeable when my daughter feeds compared to other brands we have used. I am extremely happy with these bottles and would recommend them.

The post MAM Anti-Colic Baby Bottles appeared first on All Mum Said.

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?

Disclaimer: I received the above items to review. All opinions are my own.

The post Tommee Tippee Miomee Feeding appeared first on All Mum Said.

 Did you breast, bottle or mix feed? What formula did you use?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but opinions are my own.

 

The post Formula Fed Babies appeared first on All Mum Said.