Review: 5 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy The Willow Breast Pump

Well, that's a wrap people! I am officially finished breastfeeding. 

What a bittersweet moment looking back. When I started nursing my 2nd son Jaxson 8 months ago, I had no idea how long my breastfeeding journey would last. Things didn't go great with my first son Cashton. I barely made it 3 months and that was with supplementing. I was killing myself over every ounce I could squeeze out, but they say a fed baby is a happy baby. 

Going into feeding Jaxson this time around, my goal was to breastfeed for 6 months. However, around 4.5 months my baby shark (who had 2 teeth at the time) bit me so hard it drew blood so I moved to exclusive pumping. I probably would have quit right then and there but my doctor reiterated to me that because of COVID we are not taking the kids out in public. Thus, my baby was building his immunities through my breastmilk. So I hung in there. 

When I decided to exclusively pump I was glad I had invested in a hands-free / cord-free breast pump. Pumping on the fly, 8 times a day is no easy task if you have to stop down every 3-4 hours to pump. I felt like I wasn't getting anything done attached to a traditional pump. After all, I had 2 kids to chase after now. 

Although hands-free pumps can be expensive, in my case, I felt like my sanity was worth the price tag. However, there are ways to navigate the large price tag and even possibly get your pump for free. I share those tips in my video review below.

I suffered from the baby blues with my first son and I truly believe it was from feeling like I was banished to pump constantly. I am someone who thrives on being busy and having to sit still killed me. With my Willow pump, I was able to walk around, do laundry, drive, work on the radio, chase after my kids, and even work out on my Peloton! Other pumps (even other hands-free pumps) couldn't give me that flexibility. 

The leakproof bags were key for me, but I address all of that in the video below. If you have any questions about my experience or the pump I used please feel free to Dm or Email me! 

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LauRen's Family Valentine's Day Gift Guide

 

I recently put a poll up on my Instagram stories to find out if and how people are celebrating Valentine's Day this year. With so many people staying home and/or being laid off because of the pandemic, I wasn't sure what I would find. However, for the most part, people are still celebrating. So I thought I would put together a cupid's day gift guide for him, her, and the kids! 

On my podcast this week, Mommyhood2Menopause, we discussed the importance of including the kids in our celebration of love. Sure, Valentine's Day was designed for lovers and you should still have a private date night with your significate other to show your appreciation, but teaching the kids about how to love and care for others will prove invaluable later in life. I am a big proponent of teaching my boys how to be proper gentlemen and respecting whoever they love.  

This is about showing your children how to love and treat people and leading by example. Talk the talk AND walk the walk. Now, this doesn't have to be a huge show or production, just something to show you care.

Last week, Cashton wanted to bake cupcakes. So, I told him we could turn it into his Valentine's Day project. We made Funfetti cupcakes, topped them with heart decorations and sprinkles, and delivered them anonymously along with a valentine's day card to the people we care about. 

He had so much fun and it was a great opportunity to teach him about the holiday. Of course, some will say you should love and appreciate your partner every day... and I hope you do, but life happens and Valentine's Day is a nice way to press pause and be reminded of the love you have. 

Which brings me to my Valentine's Day gift guide. 

These are just some ideas (at all price points) to show someone in your life that you are thinking of them, even the kids! 

Intern Lauren and I put together the ultimate gift guide for those of you who need a little inspiration. Remember you can always click on the images below to shop. Most of them are available on Amazon Prime or for pick up at brick and mortar locations if the holiday just snuck up on you. 

Any guy, gal, or kid would love to receive any of these sweet gifts! 

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