medela :: freestyle breastpump

Before I had my first son, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I was really committed to doing everything to make it work. I invested in a Medela Pump In Style breastpump, and was so thankful to have it!


This time around, I am taking pumping to the next level...with the Medela Freestyle pump. (*insert cheering here*) My other Medela pump was awesome throughout breastfeeding my first two kids for a year each...and it certainly would have done just as well for baby #3. But I had the opportunity to test out the Freestyle pump, and I have to say its a big upgrade! Medela has become a brand I trust after using two of their pumps, all their accessories, and many of their other products. AND? They have phenomenal customer service.


Did you know that the Freestyle pump offers a hands-free option? Oh yes they do! The pump itself fits in the palm of your hand. With a charged up battery, you can go "wireless" with it by hooking it to your pants or belt. The straps (shown to the right) can attach to almost any nursing bra and holds the breastshields/bottles in place for true hands-free pumping! This is perfect for someone like me who still has two toddlers to care for while pumping. One of my friends told me she used this while driving home from work. HA!!


There are so many great things about the Medela Freestyle breastpump, which you can read in detail here. Let me highlight for you some of my favorite features:

• The flexibility! I like being able to roam around the house while I pump or sit without having to be "plugged in". (or return emails and facebook while pumping, *ahem*)
  
• The Expression technology - I was a little worried this wouldn't "suck" as well as my other Medela pump, but its just as good if not better!
• That there's a timer on the pump. (it's the little things...)
• That each Medela pump comes with everything you need for successful pumping, whether you just need it for home use or to take to work, etc. They think of everything!
• Like I said before, Medela's customer service is top notch. They stand behind their products and have super friendly people.

To sum it up, I'm crazy about Medela products and highly recommend them to everyone. It is so worth the investment to get a nice pump - especially if you plan to breastfeed for an extended period of time and/or through multiple children. My hospital charges $80 a month to rent a pump, ouch! You cannot go wrong with a Medela breastpump, and I can equally recommend the Pump In Style or the Freestyle. But the Freestyle obviously has more "bells and whistles" that can make your pumping experience easier and more enjoyable.


Medela Freestyle Breastpump :: $379.99


Join Medela on Facebook and Twitter for breastfeeding tips, advice, encouragement, and to share stories!




*I was provided the Medela Freestyle
Breastpump in order to conduct this
review. The opinions shared here
are my own.*

dreamgenii :: maternity pillow {giveaway}

From the moment I get pregnant, my back starts to hurt. No seriously, it does. I can't find a comfortable spot to sleep in, and my sleep is constantly interrupted.

Currently I am in the midst of my 4th pregnancy, and ironically, I'm on my 4th different style of maternity pillow. My first one was utterly gigantic, and my husband actually dubbed it "the other man", which he thought was funny. The second one was too flat and offered no support, and the third one was overly stuffed and hurt my back even more!

My 4th one, my newest one, is hands down my favorite of all time. I'm currently snuggling every night with the dreamgenii. It's almost comical how attached I am to this pillow. I love it for many reasons. Here are a few:

• It provides the comfort and support I need, but doesn't take up half the bed.

• It has both a bump (which extends and curves to the knees) and back pillow.

• Both the back and bump pillow are connected, which is awesome because the pillow stays in proper place as you sleep. 

When pregnant, sleep is so very important, having proper support in the bump, back and knee areas are crucial!

 Know what else is awesome about the dreamgenii? It doubles as a nursing support pillow postpartum! I love that this pillow is really two products in one, and can be continued to be used long after the baby arrives! Check out the detail of how this works.

 There's no question why the dreamgenii is the best selling maternity pillow from the United Kingdom (and we are so excited to be able to buy it here, in the US).

DreamGenii :: $69.95.

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a dreamgenii maternity pillow!  Here are 4 simple ways to enter: (leave a separate comment for each)

• Check out dreamgenii and come back here telling us why you want to win. (Required)
• "Like" dreamgenii on Facebook
• Tweet! Leave a link ::Visit @simplereviews to enter to win the best maternity pillow on the market, the dreamgenii! (retail: $70) http://tinyurl.com/3wae8cz
• "Like" this review on Facebook below

Winner will be randomly selected on July 12, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion.*

maternitique :: hot mama gowns

This is my 3rd go round with labor and delivery. I'm not excited about the labor and delivery, HOWEVER, I am very excited about the end outcome! :)

Well this time I thought it would be fun to have a little different twist than the ordinary, blagh, boring hospital gown. I found a fantastic one at Maternitique. They actually carry the Hot Mama Hospital Gowns. I have always just worn the typical hospital gown, so I figured, why not do it a little different this time. :) Here is a little more about these fabulous gowns:

With easily accessible nursing panels, flexible fit, and full coverage, Hot Mama Gowns help you feel more like a woman and less like a patient. After all, you're not sick—you're having a baby!

These organic maternity hospital gowns come in colorful prints ranging from cheerful to elegant to dramatic, so no matter what your personality, there's a Hot Mama Gown perfect for you.

Plus, with your Hot Mama Gowns organic maternity hospital gown, your newborn won't be taking his birth breaths against materials that have been washed a hundred times in harsh hospital chemicals.

Now Maternitique doesn't ONLY have the hospital gowns from Hot Mama. They have SO much more!! See for yourself:

• Adorable Clothes for nursing and maternity
• A beauty section
• Wellness
• Postpartum
• Breastfeeding
• Baby
  
• GIFTS!!
  
• Just to name a few...

Follow Maternitique on Facebook and Twitter to hear about special they currently have going on as well as new products!

Maternitique Hot Mama Hospital Gown :: $59.00-89.00

A SIMPLE DEAL ::
You can get 10% off your entire order online by putting in coupon code ProjectBaby10 at checkout! Every little bit helps! And after you take a look around her site, I am sure you will find some things you need for sure!

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion. The opinions expressed are my own.*

kss maternity :: eco-friendly maternity clothing {giveaway}

Every pregnant mama needs a "go to" comfy shirt. And to get one that is cute and practical too - that you can actually go out of the house in and not feel like you are still in your comfy clothes - Uber bonus! These shirts aren't only used as a comfy shirt either. You can easily dress it up with some jewelry and a nice cover up. At least I do!


I found all this in KSS Maternity clothing! The items are amazing and look great! Not only do they look fantastic, but check this out, they are eco-friendly too!

KSS Maternity shirts are built tough and look fabulous. Just like the mom to be!

With fun and funky belly designs, eco-friendly fabrics and your ultimate comfort in mind, KSS maternity wear is setting new standards in the market. Our shirts are 100% Canadian made, and sweatshop free. We use a blend of Bamboo fabric and organic cotton. This specialized certified organic blend meets all the maternity musts. It is breathable, cool, maintains its shape wash after wash, and it is ultra soft.

Here are a couple more things I just had to mention about KSS Maternity:

• Certified organic, eco-friendly materials
• Longer cut (no more peek-a-boo belly!) Can I get an amen ladies!!! :)
• Ultra soft
• Cool & breathable
• Maintains shape wash after wash

Baby Steps Maternity Shirt :: $30.00 CAN

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

*TWO* SIMPLE readers will each win a t-shirt of choice from KSS Maternity. Here is how to enter:

• Check out KSS Maternity, come back here and comment saying what shirt you would choose if you are one of the winners! (Required)
• "Like" KSS Maternity on Facebook
• Follow KSS Maternity on Twitter
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and KSS Maternity and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: #Win a very comfortable and cute #maternity shirt over at @simplereviews from @KSSMaternity! http://tiny.cc/upvbp #contest #giveaway RT!
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on July 8, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion.*

ready2roll :: pregnancy pillow

I think all pregnant women, at one time or another, face the impossible task of...sleeping! Back during my first pregnancy, I was amazed at how tired I was and yet be wide awake in the wee hours of the morning. I'd spend what seemed like eternity trying to get comfortable with my big belly, tossing and turning, all the while disturbing my husband and causing both of us much frustration. At the advice of a friend, I finally discovered that sleeping in a recliner helped solved my dilemma. But I hated the commotion of dragging all my bedding into another room in the middle of the night and more importantly, I hated that fact that I would be sleeping in another room away from my husband or at least another two months.

My husband and I are now expecting baby #2 and as soon as I found out the good news, I knew a pregnancy pillow was on my "must-have" list. I was looking for something that provided moderate support for my belly and was compact enough to fit between my husband and I. Enter the Ready2Roll Pregnancy Pillow. This pillow is pretty much everything I need to get a good night's rest with my ever expanding belly! The design allows you to sleep in between its two support pillows so there is no need to transfer a pillow every time you turn over. There are adjustable ties so that you are able to increase the distance between the two pillows as your belly grows. I personally found the extra pillow to be extremely comfortable on my back as it provided even more support for my torso. And the best part is it's compact enough to give both partners enough room in bed.

Designed in Australia, the Ready2Roll Pregnancy Pillow is machine washable currently available in a stylish floral design in four colors - navy, mustard, burgundy and black.

"Like" the Ready2Roll Pregnancy Pillow and order through Facebook to receive a 10% off discount.

Ready2Roll Pregnancy Pillow :: $79.95


*I was provided the Ready2Roll Pregnancy Pillow shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

pure t :: maternity clothing {giveaway}

When you're as pregnant as I am, there's not much you can put on and think, "Wow, this makes me feel really pretty." But the moment I put on my new keyhole maternity tunic from pure t, I thought just that. And then it was confirmed. My 4 year old looked up at me with loving eyes and said, "Mommy, you look really beautiful in your new shirt." So I think I'll be wearing it everyday until I give birth.

The keyhole maternity tunic from pure t should be in every pregnant woman's wardrobe. It is made of ultra soft supima cotton - so it feels like your favorite t-shirt, but looks like a million bucks. I love that its comfy enough to wear with some yoga pants, and cute enough to dress up for a night out. Here are some of its key features that I LOVE:

• The length. 'Nuff said when you're 8 months pregnant.
• The ruching on the sides. I never knew how flattering ruching is on a big pregnant belly.
• The raw edge petal sleeves. A simple detail that adds so much. Takes the attention away from some of that unsightly pregnancy arm fat.
• The neckline and open back make for a unique look, yet still cover up bra straps...yesss.

Pure t has truly captured the concept that pregnant women want to look beautiful and fashionable, but need to be comfortable! Check out their entire line of eco-friendly maternity clothing made right here in the USA. Anything from their line will become a maternity essential favorite, and you just may find yourself wanting to wear it everyday. ( like me, *ahem*.)

keyhole maternity tunic :: $50.00

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One lucky SIMPLE reader will win a pure t maternity keyhole tunic in black. Here is how to enter:

• Tell us one thing (or more!) you like about SIMPLE. (Required)
• "Like" pure t on Facebook
• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and pure t and this giveaway
  
• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: #Win a must have maternity top from pure t over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/3k8sjz6 #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen and announced June 1, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at top of the page before entering. Good luck!



*I was provided with the keyhole
maternity tunic from pure t to conduct
this review. My opinions here are
my own.*

MPress Nursing Bra {Glamourmom :: Giveaway}

I love Glamourmom. Like....LOVE it. It was always top priority for me to breastfeed my kids, and I was blessed to be able to do it for a year with each of my boys. Now that I'm gearing up for baby #3, let me tell you, quality nursing bras or tanks are at the top of my list to help with the breastfeeding process!

We have featured Glamourmom on SIMPLE before, you can read my review on the Tummy Control Nursing Tank here. Glamourmom was exclusively nursing tanks, but have recently expanded their line to include nursing bras as well.

I have recently had the opportunity to try out the new MPress Lace Microfiber Nursing Bra. Once again, Glamourmom has not let me down! This bra is SO comfortable. You can read all about it here, but I'd like to list a few of my favorite features of the MPress Bra:

• Flexible, molded and padded cups for a smooth, flattering shape.
• Stylish lace trim on inner inner bra - this is VERY smooth and comfortable, so no itching or irritation while still having a bit of femininity.
• Generous cut back wing controls excess rolling of skin - now doesn't that sound much nicer than "holds in your back fat"?!

I would say this really is the perfect nursing bra, and it makes me want the MBody nursing bra as well! The MPress nursing bra sells for $42.00. While you're on the Glamourmom site, be sure to check out their private sales section for items at 30-70% off!


SIMPLY A GIVEAWAY!
Glamourmom would like to give one of our lucky SIMPLE readers an MPress Lace Microfiber Nursing Bra of their own! To enter, visit the Glamourmom site, then come back here and tell us one of their other products you think looks awesome. For this first entry, you MUST be a SIMPLE blog follower - if you're not simply click on the "Follow" button on our left sidebar.

Additional Entries:

• Follow Glamourmom on Facebook
• Tweet this giveaway:: (daily tweets are allowed, please include link in comment) :: Enter our #giveaway to win a @Glamourmomtanks MPress Nursing Bra ($42) from @simplereviews! http://tinyurl.com/3en8426

Winner will be randomly selected and announced April 9, 2011


*I was provided with the
MPress Nursing Bra in
order to conduct this review.
My opinions are my own.*

Innobaby Nursin' SMART

We have featured Innobaby here on SIMPLE several times before, so its no secret we love their products! And such is the case with their Nursin' SMART Nursing System.
I have done extensive research in the past about bottles, and I have never seen one quite like this. Its a system with 3 different tops to grow with your child:

• Natural Nurser - bottle for breastmilk or formula
• Spoon Feeder - spoon-like shaped nipple for thicker formula or first foods
• Training Straw Cup - top with straw & handles to transition into drinking from a cup

Now, while I only have a sample of the Natural Nurser, I'm thinking this system looks pretty cool! The Natural Nurser has everything I look for in a bottle. But what surprised me the most is how soft the silicone is...its squeezable! The silicone is safer than glass, lightweight and break-proof. Some of my favorite features of this bottle:

• Wide-neck nipple to support breastfeeding moms as supplemental feeding solution
• Naturally reduces colic without additional parts - just the bottle, nipple and nipple ring!
• BPA-free, phthalates-free, pvc-free, lead free

Nursin' SMART :: $19.99
You can check out the Innobaby website to purchase any of the Nursin SMART products. They are sold individually or in sets.

*I was provided with a Natural Nurser in order to conduct this review. My opinions are my own.*

Peekaboo - Breastfeeding made cute.

Yep, I'm still breastfeeding. Gage is almost 16 months old and we're still going strong. I'm completely convinced that having great nursing gear has aided to our longevity.

When you have a few good bras, some super cute tops, you just feel good about yourself. Agreed?

One of my favorite brands for nursing shirts is Peekaboo. And guess what? They just opened their own online shop!

I reviewed the cap sleeve top ($64.99) when I was still pregnant with Gage (read review here). I wore it tons while I was pregnant, and still wear it all the time. It's probably the best layering piece I own.

 I received the sleeveless tank a few weeks ago, and love it just as much as the cap sleeve top. What I love most about it is that the nursing feature in all of Peekaboo's pieces is so very very subtle. Nobody would even for a single second think that you were wearing a nursing top!
 
My opinion? If you are going to breastfeed, you don't need a ton of different shirts. But the pieces you get? Make them super versatile and high quality. I probably wash my peekaboo tops once a week, and they honestly still look and feel the same as the day I got them.

Peekaboo has made it easy to conveniently breastfeed your baby without giving up any comfort or style, and that's very important.

GET IT (with a coupon): Peekaboo has issued Simple Review readers a special online code to celebrate their grand opening of their new shop! Enter MOOSH to receive a 15% discount on your entire order!

*I received product sample to facilitate this review and promotion.

BooB*TooB: The Only Nursing Cover That's Got Your Back!

As my baby girl is getting older (she's now six months), it has become harder to discreetly breastfeed her in public.  I came across this awesome nursing cover, called the BooB*TooB!

The BooB*TooB has elastic all around the sides of the fabric cover so that you and your baby are completely covered. My girlie likes to flail her arms sometimes while nursing and she is highly "distractable," so this cover keeps her concealed and focused!  The BooB*TooB is easy to use and it comes in a wide range of beautiful fabrics!

I was able to try it out in a coffee shop, in our church nursery, at a restaurant, around family, with friends, and at home.  I got so many compliments while using it!  I would have loved having this cover right when my daughter was born, but I am thankful I have discovered it now! 

If you breastfeed, you will enjoy using this cover and you will wonder how you lived without it! It would also make a great gift for a new mom.


GET YOUR OWN! The BooB*TooB is $29.99 (with free shipping to the U.S. and Canada). The BooB*TooB etsy shop can be found here. Connect with BooB*TooB on facebook here.

SIMPLE COUPON! Use coupon code "SIMPLE15" in the message to seller section to score 15% off your purchase of a BooB*TooB! Coupon valid through 3/9/11.

Disclosure: I was provided with a BooB*TooB to showcase and review on SIMPLE. My opinions are my own.

Bamboobies!

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING ENTRIES**
When I read a blurb about Bamboobies on a breastfeeding blog recently, I knew that I needed to try these products! When I started breastfeeding, I used disposable nursing pads. I wanted to try cloth nursing pads, but the ones I tried were uncomfortable and indiscreet.

Bamboobies, on the other hand (which I have been testing out for the last couple of weeks), are thin, discreet, anti-microbial, and washable. Compared to the cost of disposable nursing pads, these easily pay for themselves in a short amount of time. They come in regular or overnight size.

Here's some more info from their website:
I love Bamboobies and I wholeheartedly recommend them! I just wish I had known about them from the first day I started breastfeeding!

GET YOUR OWN! Visit Bamboobies to shop all of their great products. A 2-pack of regular Organic Bamboo Velour Nursing Pads is $16.99. Use code "SMR20" to score 20% off your purchase of either Bamboobies or the Butterfly Wrap.

WIN YOUR OWN! One SIMPLE reader is going to win a 2-pack of either regular or overnight Bamboobies! To enter this giveaway, visit Bamboobies, then come back here and leave a comment telling us which product you'd most like to try.
*Please make sure to leave a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES (Leave a separate comment for each):

• "Like" Bamboobies on facebook
• Tweet this giveaway: Win a pair of @Bamboobies at @simplereviews today: http://tinyurl.com/37ujevn #giveaways
  

WINNER will be randomly selected and announced on January 12, 2011.

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING ENTRIES**

*Disclosure: I was provided with a pair of Bamboobies to showcase and review on SIMPLE. My opinions are my own.

Total Body Comfort with Boppy! { Giveaway }

I'm pregnant with baby #3! WOW! That was quite a shock to both my husband and I because we were planning on sticking with the two perfect little angels we have. :) Well, now that the reality of things has set in, I quickly realized I had sold everything that was used when I was pregnant. That includes all my maternity clothes as well as my beloved BODY PILLOW! Honestly, the body pillow is what helped me sleep through the nights for the last 2/3 of both pregnancies. Isn't it funny how we remember the little things?

Honestly though, have you used a body pillow while you were pregnant? I didn't really think much of them. I had a bunch of friends telling me I had to get one and that they were worth every single penny. So, I bought one. Reluctantly. Then....(pause for dramatic effect), I slept through the night...and used the pillow every single night for the remainder of that pregnancy as well as my 2nd pregnancy. WORTH. EVERY. PENNY.

The Total Body Pillow provides total body support before, during and after pregnancy. The unique design follows the body line to offer support and realignment for neck, belly, back and hips. The soft Pima Cotton slipcover makes washing easy.

There are actually a lot of our retailers featuring the Total Body Pillow as a “Best Gift for Moms” this holiday season! Keep reading to learn how you can WIN ONE!

GET YOUR OWN!! You can pick up a Total Body Pillow from any of the retailers listed on Boppy's website. Or you can get one HERE too!

** GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!! **

WIN YOUR OWN!! One lucky SIMPLE reader will get to win one of these awesome Total Body Pillows from Boppy! To enter, tell me who you would want to win this pillow for (this entry required)! For an additional entry, tell us a story about any Boppy product that you currently own and used or have in the past.

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

• Like Boppy on Facebook
• Follow @BoppyCompany on Twitter
• Tweet this giveaway (daily tweets allowed): Enter to win a Total Body Pillow from @BoppyCompany on @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/28sv2vh #giveaway
  

Winner will be randomly selected and announced January 7, 2010. Good Luck!

*I was provided with a Total Body Pillow from Boppy free of charge to conduct this review. The opinions shown here are my own.*

Glamourmom Review and Giveaway

Soon enough, I will be on my third round of breastfeeding a baby. I successfully breastfed both my boys for one year each, and plan to do the same with baby #3. As a breastfeeding mom, I am keenly aware that quality nursing bras are a MUST. This time around, I am ready with the best nursing bra I've ever had - the Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank from Glamourmom!


For me personally, I prefer a tank style nursing bra. I like having all that post-partum "loose skin" as COVERED UP AS POSSIBLE! Especially while nursing in public. And Glamourmom has taking the nursing tank to the next level...by adding tummy control. Perfection! (so you won't have to save up for that tummy tuck.)


The Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank is such high quality, it almost feels like a piece of art! The fabric is nice and thick, making it sturdy and super supportive. The outer layer is extra long to ensure post-partum coverage. My favorite feature is of course the built-in tummy control panel - since its built-in, there's no separate layers that ride up or become all bunched and funky. I also love the support the actual BRA part offers. If you look at the picture above you'll see how the built-in bra has lots of fabric around and in-between "the ladies" - the more support the better when "the ladies" are filled with milk! All in all, this is by far the best, most comfortable, most supportive nursing bra I've ever owned, and I now want one of everything from Glamourmom...


...and that includes their new MBody Starter Nursing Bra. Glamourmom has mastered the art of nursing tanks, they have recently introduced their first nursing bra. Oh...that looks comfy.


GET YOUR OWN!! Visit glamourmom.com to purchase any of their products for expectant and nursing moms. The Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank sells for $54. Be sure to sign up for Glamourmom's Private Sales for exclusive offers of 30-70% off!


WIN YOUR OWN!! Glamourmom is generously giving away a Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank to one of our lucky SIMPLE readers! To enter, visit their site, then comment here telling us what your favorite Glamourmom product is.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (leave a separate comment for each)

• Become a new follower of SIMPLE on Facebook
• Tweet this giveaway: Come enter to win this #giveaway for a Glamourmom tummy control nursing tank! http://tinyurl.com/34tusyo

Winner will be randomly selected and announced 12/30/10. Good luck!!

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner, #93 Kay!



*I was provided with the Nursing
Bra Tummy Control Tank free of
charge to conduct my review. My
opinions are my own.*