This post was done in partnership with Medela. The products featured in this post were gifted to me and all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

I can’t be more excited to share my story with you. Normally, I am not that open about things like this but have realized that it is the stories like this that I need to share. When I found out we were pregnant with Baby E, we were in total shock. We were not planning on having another baby but clearly God had other plans for us. I hope you find this post helpful and remember no matter what you decide to do for your baby you are an amazing momma!

Background

When I became a mother in 2011, I wasn’t sure if I was going to breastfeed my baby or not. I remember the stories that my mom would share with me growing up about how she tried to breastfeed but she quickly realized that breastfeeding was not for her. So, all of my life, I never really understood the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby until I had my first child.

Breastfeeding for me did not go as planned. 

(Really? What is planning?)

I wanted so desperately to have my baby latch on and feed but due to having what one would call “inverted/flat nipples,” it made my breastfeeding journey a lot more challenging. If you know me, then you know that I did not go down without a fight.

I didn’t give up.

After numerous attempts and many tears shed, I had to make a decision. To try to give my baby breast milk or take the formula route. I had heard stories from other moms about how much work it is to exclusively pump vs simply breastfeeding. For me, I knew that the work I would have to put in would be worth it for my baby.

I chose to exclusively breast pump.

At first, it took a while to get the hang of what I was supposed to do. But after a few attempts, I became a pumping pro. Early on, I quickly realized that I was considered an “overproducer” which basically means that I could produce a lot of breast milk without having to do much of anything.

It was natural for me.

Even when I would have this conversation with other moms, I would hear about their struggles with trying to produce enough milk for their babies and it made me sad. Soon I realized how blessed I am to be able to produce enough milk for my baby.

Many would ask me what I would do to make such an abundance of breastmilk and, to be honest, I never had a clear cut answer. Every mom is different and sometimes it will just mean you will need to put in a few extra minutes during each feeding/pumping session to get your body to start producing the right amount for your baby.

Hang In There.

Now, for C and M, I used the Medela In-Style Double Electric Breast Pump which was affordable and got the job done. I remember when M was about 10 months old we found out that she had a peanut allergy and the pediatrician advised me to stop feeding her the frozen breastmilk and to throw out what we had left. I remember feeling sad because all of this time I had been giving her breastmilk. It was actually making her sick. To be honest, although I was relieved, we found out what was causing her to be sick all the time. The good thing news? I only had to toss about 5 bags of breastmilk.

Mommas, you know that sinking feeling you get when you drop a bottle of breastmilk? Well, imagine having to throw it away.

Yeah. It was HARD.

I have been rocking with Medela breast pumps for over 9 years. However, with Baby E, the game changed with the Medela Freestyle Flex Portable Double Electric Breast Pump. After eyeing this breast pump for a while, I knew that it was going to be a game-changer for me. This breast pump would have been in my hospital bag but the pump was not released until after I had Baby E.

What’s In the Box

• Medela Freestyle Flex Portable Double Electric Breast Pump with rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
• 4 Breast Shields (21 mm & 24mm)
• 2 Connectors
• 4-50z/150 ml bottles with lids
• 2-Bottle stands
• Tubing Set
• Carry Bag
• Cooler with Cooling element
• Power Adapter
• 4- Nursing Pads

Other gifted Products sent to me from Medela

• Quick Clean Breast Pump & Accessory Sanitizer
• Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags
• Easy Expression Bustier (Nude)  (M)
• Comfy Camisole (White) (M)

When I was expecting baby E, I knew that having a Medela breast pump packed in my hospital bag was a must. Because I had accepted that 9 times out of 10 I was going to have to exclusively pump with her as well. The things that worried me … I have two other children and a full-time job that requires me to travel up to four hours one way.

If you are a working momma and travel, you know the importance of having a reliable and convenient breast pump. Medela Freestyle Flex Portable Double Electric Breast Pump changed the game for me. It had me not wanted to stop breast pumping for Baby E.

Here are a few features that I loved the most about the FreeStyle Flex Breast pump:

1. Flanges-rubber seal to prevent leaking
2. Can charge pump via USB
3. Hands-free pumping which means momma can be mobile
4. Short tubing for more flexibility when moving around

You can also check out my Product Review: Medela FreeStyle Flex Breast Pump Review to hear my initial thoughts and to see a walkthrough of the products. 

I know every momma’s journey is different when it comes to the topic of breastfeeding and the decision to breastfeed or exclusively pump. The beautiful thing about the process is your “motherly instinct” will guide you.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way.

At the end of the day, you have to make the best choice for YOURSELF and your baby. No one said that this part of the journey would be easy but one this is for sure, no matter what you decide to do it will all be worth it in the end.

As for me, it was true what they said. It is a lot of hard work. Having to stop and “pump” every 2-3 hours every single day. But I know that when I look back at this moment in my life, I know that I gave it 150%. I am super proud of that.

What are your thoughts on Breastfeeding and Pumping? Share with us in the comments below!

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