Back when my first child was born, my biggest concern was making sure she received enough nourishment to thrive. Our breastfeeding story was not a typical one; well, at least I didn’t think so at the time. For months we struggled to breastfeed. I wrestled with mom guilt about it not working out and worried that I would not be able to keep up with a routine of pumping and feeding many times a day. I can now look back on those days and smile. It all worked out. I still have to credit my amazing Medela Pump In Style breast pump for saving my sanity and helping to relieve my feelings of regret. Mom guilt is very powerful, but it’s no match for a double electric breast pump. 🙂
When I recently had the opportunity to introduce my niece Cierra, a new mama, to the Medela Freestyle double electric breast pump, I jumped at it. Becoming a mom for the first time is overwhelming, for so many reasons, without adding in the pressures of working or getting an education. I love that in Canada new parents have access to up to one year of maternity benefits, but that doesn’t help when it comes to your education. It was important for Cierra that she continue with her studies and the Medela Freestyle is helping her do that. This wonderful machine allows moms to pump on the go (quite literally too as you can use it hands-free) and it is small enough to tote anywhere. The 2-Phase Expression technology makes pumping an easier and faster way to express, so you can even do it between classes. 🙂
When I first talked to Cierra about the idea of using a breast pump, she was worried that sweet baby Skyler would have nipple confusion and would end up rejecting her breast or the bottle. This is a common concern among new moms and it is totally understandable. Babies get used to the way they do things and feeding is no exception. Nipple confusion can be a nightmare! That is why Medela offers up the Calma feeding system. This ingenious bottle, which is the same bottle one uses with the Medela Freestyle pump, has a nipple that is designed to mimic the strength required from a baby’s suck when they are breastfeeding!
Using the Calma feeding system means that Cierra can use her pump when studying and then daddy can feed Skyler. The Calma makes a baby work for their supper, just like breastfeeding. Other bottles just let the milk flow freely into their little mouths and this contributes to nipple confusion and possibly breast rejection.Â
Rounding out the great experience of using the Medela Freestyle and Calma feeding system is this awesome app called the MyMedela app. I seriously wish I had this when my children were babies. I still have the notebooks I used to track a year’s worth of pumping, feeding, changes, weight etc., but the MyMedela app is the modern day version of my notebooks. It is actually perfect for today’s new or experienced moms. If you have a smart phone you have access to advice and information that every parent needs. The MyMedela app has the ability to track everything you do, from feeding times, how much you pumped at a given time, your baby’s weight and even their last poopie bum. 🙂 These cool charts even make it easier to share information with your health care provider.
Cierra has shared with me that using the Parent Tested Parent Approved Medela trio of the Freestyle, Calma and MyMedela app has given her a sense of confidence in her parenting style. It may not take away all of the fears moms and dads have about parenting, but it sure makes the journey a little easier.
The Giveaway
We have some exciting news to share! One lucky reader is going to win their very own Medela Freestyle Electric Double Breast Pump valued at $495 CAN!!! Please note this giveaway is open to Canada only, excluding Quebec. Make sure you read the terms and conditions found at the bottom of the giveaway below. Good luck!
Medela #MedelaCanada Freestyle Double
Breast Pump Giveaway
How do you feel about Medela products being tested (and awarded as winners) by real parents like you?
FT&PD
Suz
**Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Medela Canada and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.Â
My daughter-in-law uses an older Medela pump and loves it.
That’s great Linda! It was definitely a game changer for our family. 🙂
It’s great to know other moms have tested it out. Gives you more confidence in the product!
Very true Nicole; you can count on fellow moms to put it to the test and provide honest feedback.
Medea is a great product because it was tested by real parents!
It is a name that has certainly stood the test of time Erika. I loved using my Medela and for more than one child as well. <3
Excellent information, Suzanne! The Medela breast pump must be a blessing for mothers and babies. I agree with you, I seriously wish I had the My Medela app when my children were babies. Cierra is a lucky mom to receive your helpful information.
Thank you Brenda Anne, I appreciate that. I can honestly say that our Medela was a life saver. It allowed me to parent in a way I was comfortable with and not feel pressure to conform to what society deemed as acceptable. I think Ciera feels that way as well.
I think this is a great idea. Anything to make breastfeeding easier for moms!
It’s important that real moms test products for real moms.
Amazing to have honest, real life stories and reviews on an important and expensive investment for anyone who wants to pursue breastfeeding and pumping.
I think it’s awesome
Medela products are amazing and it’s good to hear that others think so too!!
When a product is tested by Real Moms it gives me more confidence in the product and it’s safety. Because Mom’s know Best 🙂 Thank you for All this Great info and the chance to win this amazing giveaway !!
I feel more confident in a product for mothers that is tested by actual mothers. I’ve never had a Medela but knowing it is tested by moms would make me lean towards it more than another brand that was not. Thanks for the chance!
Would love to gift this to my daughter in law. So excited to be a grandma . Baby due to arrive May 2017. Thank you for a great giveaway!
An excellent product for busy young mothers of today. Sharing your own personal experience adds so much to the confidence other mothers can have in this product.
The only way to know if it works or not is for real people to try it out and give an honest review, so I’m all for parents trying out products!
I would love to win this for my daughter in law as she just had a new baby.
How wonderful that real mommas get to test these products to give Medela feedback. Useful for the company to get this firs-hand feedback! Would love to win this as Medela makes great products!
I love the medela pumps, IVe used the hospital grade one as a rental with my first while he was in nicu…the best thing ever when it comes to pumping. Medela makes such great products! I would love to win this pump to use with my second.
I love Medela products; I recommend them to all soon to be moms (even purchased one for my bestie when she was expecting). No other pump compares (and there is a reason hospitals use them extensively across North America and Europe). And the fact that real life parents recommend them is definite bonus.
I am currently breastfeeding and have struggled since day 1. I am going in for surgery and they told me that in order to prepare for after the surgery I should start pumping now but I dread pumping with my current pump. I used to have a Medela 13 years ago and wish I still had it. Would be my prayers answered if I won it.
My Daughter Inlaw loves Medela products , she says they are amazing , and recommends them to her friends > she just needs a new breast pump for the newest addition coming new month , thanks for the chance 🙂
I think it is great that other moms have tested it out! Definitely a plus for me
I think this is an amazing idea. Whatever makes breastfeeding easier for moms is always a plus !