Blog - Living with Low Milk Supply

Pump-Store-Feed Breast Milk Storage System | Is It Worth Buying?

Once I received a question from a reader, asking which breast milk storage system I would recommend her to use?

She added that she would prefer a system that lets her pump, store, and feed from the same container.

Suddenly I was reminded of myself, 6 years ago, also wondering about the same question.

But first why oh why?

Why would you prefer an all in one breast milk storage system that allows you to pump, store and feed from the same container?

The answer is pretty easy.

Because when you has this kind of system, you eliminate transferring breast milk from one bottle to another bottle, or milk bags.

And do you know what?

Transferring milk means wasting milk, because you see, not all of your milk being transferred completely.

There will always be a few drops left or stuck on the bottle wall.

And so, if you have two bottles of 2 oz milk each and you want to combine them into one bottle, you may end up with only 3.5 oz of milk, not 4 oz.

I've not even mentioned about the risk of spilling milk while you transfer it, which can be a serious issue when trying to pour from milk bag to bottle or vice versa.

Sad, but this is the truth.

Therefore, if there's a way to avoid wasting milk and minimizing milk transfer, that would be the best solution!

That's why breast milk storage system like Avent VIA Kit or Kiinde system was invented. So that you can pump, store, and feed from the exact same container, eliminating risky milk transfer.

But..., are they really do what they are supposed to do?

I'm going to tell you my honest opinion about pump store feed system in this post.

Are you considering to purchase pump store feed breast milk storage system, such as Avent VIA system or Kiinde? Read my honest opinion here before you buy.

by Rina

7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Breast Pump

Frustrating, isn't it?

You've been pumping for half an hour.

Hoping to get a handful amount of milk to feed your hungry baby.

But the reality tells a different story...

Your milk does not even wet the base of your bottle.

You are angry.

You are devastated.

You wish you could be that Instagram mom, who was able to get 2 full bottles of milk in just 15 minutes.

Could it be the breast pump?

You start imagining getting a new breast pump.And magically your milk starts flowing faster and faster.

And your bottle gets full in no time.

And you'll have more time with your baby rather than the pump.

How wonderful the world would be...

As you rock and rock your baby to sleep, you start googling on breast pump recommendation.

And you stumble on your dream breast pump.

And you're asking yourself: will this breast pump change my life?

It may be exaggerating.

But that's how breast pumps are perceived by you and other breastfeeding moms nowadays.

You place such a huge expectation onto a breast pump.

Because breast pumps play such an important role in the life of a breastfeeding mom.

Especially if you can't feed your baby directly, be it due to health issue, or due to constant separation with your baby.

You want to reach your breastfeeding goal, and you need a trusted friend.

Your breast pump.

No doubt, every time I received questions about how to buy a breast pump, I could sense how desperate the mom in the other end.

And I came to realize, there are a lot more moms out there who need helps in buying their first, or perhaps, the second, or next breast pump.

So I thought, would it be nice if I summarize all of the questions, and turn it into a breast pump buying guide so that others can benefit from it?

And that's how this post was born!

Today, I would like to share with you 7 things you need to know before buying your breast pump.

I truly hope these tips will give you a better idea of things to look for when buying your breast pump.

Are you wondering how to buy a breast pump? Learn 7 important things to consider before making your purchase. Plus, explanation about is it safe to buy a used breast pump

October 7, 2016 by Rina

Top 10 Essential Items For Pumping At Work

I would have another meeting in 30 minutes.

But here I was, locking up myself in a store room, trying to express milk for my baby.

The day has been rough.

And it badly affected me.

I closed my eyes...

Trying to visualize my baby's face and her voice for the past 5 minutes.

But I simply couldn't let down.

Pumping is challenging, don't you agree?

There were times that you cannot take it anymore, or simply want to quit.

How I wish pumping can be as easy as saying one, two, three, and voila... the bottle is magically filled with milk.

But you know what, you can make pumping as streamlined as possible.

As quick as possible, because ... well, you know.., we are not in the position to get the longest pumping break we could ever have, right.

Every minute counts...

Now, after 2 years of pumping for my kids, I learnt that you simply need to have some essential items to make pumping easier for you.

Ahh... I wish I would have known these when I was struggling to pump for my first baby.

I would have gotten much more milk in each pumping session, saved at least 30 minutes a day at work, and make pumping feels like a breeze...

So, what are the essential items for pumping at work? Scroll down below to see my top 10 list.

PS: I try to be general here because I know moms' preference differ, but I include some of my favorite items that I personally use throughout my pumping journey.

They helped me keeping up with all my pumping routines and achieve my pumping goals!

Returning back to work? Here is my top 10 essential items to make pumping at work easier and more manageable. Ps: I was able to achieve my pumping goal by relying on these items. Check it out! | Pumping Essentials | Pumping Tips

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by Rina

Heather’s Breastfeeding Story – Maintaining Milk Supply While Working

Almost 40% of breastfeeding moms who pump at work struggle to maintain their milk supply at work (a recent survey).

The worry turns into stress, and the stress further hinders a healthy milk production. And the cycle goes on and on...

What could you do to escape this endless loop?

Now, imagine if you need to work long hours and have to maintain a good milk production...

How are you going to do that?

Today, you are so lucky to hear a story from Heather Grace, a veteran pumping mom.

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Just to let you know, she used to work long hours in one of the largest banks in the world, and yet, she never experienced any milk supply drop during her pumping journey.

Want to know her secret on maintaining a steady milk supply while working?

In this exclusive interview, she will share with us her pumping journey and her secret to a good milk production. Read on...

Need some tips on maintaining milk supply while working? Find out how Heather was able to maintain a healthy milk supply despite her need to work long hours.

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by Rina

Sarah Wells Lizzy Breast Pump Bag Review | Details, Pros, and Cons

Psst... let me confess something..

I gave up carrying ladies handbags since I had children.

All my old handbags are too small to hold all the baby necessities, plus my personal items.

Carrying two separate bags is simply impractical in my opinion, especially when you are out alone with your kids and need to chase them.

So, my choice came down to two: a big diaper bag (I had one with cartoon prints, lol), and after the birth of baby #2, a backpack.

In fact, when I returned to work, here's what I brought every single day: one backpack to carry my lunch box, a cooler bag, and personal items, and one tote bag to carry the pump motor (I used Spectra S1 back then, and its too bulky and won't fit my backpack).

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Very far for stylish, don't you think so? Not feminine at all...

Ehm.. Well, honestly, I didn't really care the look back then, as long as they serve my purpose. However, I definitely hate having to lug more than one bag every single day.

Fast forward to now when I recently came across Sarah Wells Lizzy breast pump bag.

Oooh... How I wish I knew about this bag much earlier...

I believe this would be a perfect bag for me to carry to work.

It is not only stylish on the outside. But also, very spacious to hold all your stuff, with many compartments so that you can organize your items neatly.

But hey, it's NOT only for working moms. On your off days, you can turn it into a perfect diaper bag. You'll see it in the pictures later on (scroll down if you want to see it now).

Are you curious whether Sarah Wells Lizzy breast pump bag would be your perfect bag? Let's take a closer look now in this detailed review.

Thinking of buying a pump bag? Find out more details and close up pictures in this Sarah Wells Lizzy breast pump bag reviews. Perfect for working moms.

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