Most mothers have the want or need to breastfeed their littles and believe me I am not here to preach about what is right or wrong. I would simply like to share my rollercoaster of a journey and some new discoveries the second time round, which some of you might relate to.
I had a difficult start to my breastfeeding journey with my firstborn but the second time round, I knew a bit more and would go the extra mile to make it a smoother and not such a stressful experience. This all came about whilst planning and getting ready for the long awaited “Girls Weekend” in Cape Town. My breastfeeding journey with my second little one has been a dream and I wanted it to carry on, both because I loved it and of course the benefits to her.
I’ve had a hand express pump for quite some time, but it isn’t something you can generally sit in public with as it demands a comfortable position, both hands involved and some form of relaxation to get that milk flowing. Happy thoughts…happy thoughts! This all whilst your shirt is off. So generally, not something for the public eye.
There are several different brands out there when it comes to the “best” hand pump or electrical pump but one brand, and very well known to all mothers, is Tommee Tippee, and also my top choice. I’ve had hands on, well hands-free experience now, with this brand and what I would recommend to all mothers out there is to get your hands (or breasts) on the Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Wearable Breast Pump. They are a lifesaver and time saver too. Plus, you have the ultimate freedom to tend to your toddler or little one, without having to negotiate or explain for 10-minutes about what you are really doing. It’s a great investment and I intend on using mine for at least another 6 months.
Now, of course, the funny part here is reading the manual and attaching all the smaller parts plus linking the devices to the Tommee Tippee App. This makes keeping track of the amount of milk you express from every pump quite easy and convenient. Once both breast pumps are on, guided by a red light, to get the perfect fit, it is quite the experience. Hilarious at first but then you almost forget about it after a while. It’s very quiet but I can’t say that it is very discreet. If you are a small breasted woman, like skippy here, then suddenly going from an A-cup to a DD-cup could look quite suspicious.
And believe you me, did I get the stares. Plus, it probably didn’t help me arriving in a restaurant flat chested and leaving to the bathroom with DD-cups. Even I had to hide my smirk, thinking to myself ‘is this what it would’ve felt like if I went and got that boob job?’
On that note, every wine farm was an experience on our girls trip back in September. From sitting down for a tasting, to a luxurious lunch, then attaching the pumps at every meal to tiny little bright lights shining from my bra as the waiter takes our order or the sommelier explains the wine. I looked like a blown up Christmas doll, expressing liquid gold whilst having the time of my life.
A penny for my thoughts: The best bra out there isn’t actually a maternity one, but rather the Modal Padded Non-wire Bra available from Woolworths SA. Be sure to check this one out here.
xxx Nicola