Holiday Gift Guide-Pumpin' Pals Review & GIVEAWAY!

I was one of the unfortunate ones that was unable to breastfeed for very long. I managed to make it to almost a year with my son...but only about six months when my daughter. With my son, pumping helped me to stretch that time by pumping and stimulating more production. I could pump on my own time, and take as long as I needed, and could easily do it with only one little sweetheart in my arms. Even with him, though, it hurt to lean forward when I was pumping because I had just had the c-section. Then,

ladybug came along, suddenly it wasn't so easy to pump. Most often it was done while I was trying to do three other things at the same time. I just didn't have enough hands. So when I did find the Pumpin' Pal, I was upset I was already done breastfeeding. I truly believe that had I used this, I would have made it to a year again.

Pumpin' Pal's is an amazing products that allows moms to not only pump hands-free, but also pump without having to lean forward to get the most out of each session. It isn't actually a pump, rather it is the pieces that attach to the pump to allow you to connect your own pump and help your older one with whatever they need, and help your back by not putting all that pressure on it.

Pumpin' Pal's is a great company, and one that I believe in. Their goal is to improve the breast pumping experience by making it as comfortable and productive as possible. These days, with working mom's and busy mom's and all of the different things that go into breastfeeding, I believe this is truly a great way to increase not only the experience but also the length of time that mom's breastfeed.

Since I have already finished breastfeeding, I asked a mom who just had her second beautiful baby to review it for me. She was a little hesitant since she doesn't feel she could write a full review, so I agreed to do more of an "interview" style review. For this interview, we will refer to our breast feeding momma as J.R.
A little background on her. She has been breastfeeding her second child, a daughter, for five months. She breastfed her oldest daughter for over a year. She does work from home, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the cafeteria is open 24/7. Plus, her husband likes to take over on the feedings once in awhile for bonding purposes. She has a little porker, and has to pump after each feeding (which is good anyway to get the fatty part of the milk and stimulate more production).

My extremely lucky girlfriend received the all-in-one kit that included all of this wonderfulness

• The Original Pumpin' Pal Hands-Free Strap - No one should have to hold bottles.
• One pair of all three sizes of Super Shields+Plus Superior Pumping Flanges.
• The "Pumpin' Pal Pocket Guide to Breast Pumping" Book.
• A $53.75 value for only $36.85! That's a savings of $16.90 if purchased separately, plus Free Shipping, a $4.95 value.
• Makes a great "Coming home gift" for mom and baby.
• Super Shields are Bisphenol A (BPA) Free. Made with Medical Grade Polypropylene.

ME: When I first asked you to do this review, you were nervous. You said that is seemed like it would be "messy". Have you found this to be the case?
J.R. I was actually surprised. I thought that since it was simply hanging by a strap over my neck that it would end up not suctioning as well, but it really did. I could even move around without having to worry about leakage. I leaned forward to get a book or adjust the speed of the pump, and it stayed suctioned.

ME: What was "unexpected" about Pumpin' Pals. What were you pleasantly surprised to discover.
J.R.: That it worked. I know that sounds kind of rude, but I really didn't think I would enjoy it. I do, though. I even sit back and watch t.v. while holding my hubby's hand. Or I can read a story to the older one while pumping with the baby lying next to me. I was also surprised that it came with so many different cups (flanges). I am not the biggest of ladies (she was so cute how she giggled here), so I almost choked when the first one I pulled out was the extra large. It was nice that there was one that fit me as well. 

ME: Were there any negative aspects of the Pumpin' Pals that you encountered?
J.R.: I guess the only negative would be the learning time that is involved. You do have to find the correct adjustments for the straps, and the correct size for the cups. I guess I thought it would be put it together and go....though now I guess that was sort of unreasonable to expect that.


ME: What is your FAVORITE thing about the Pumpin' Pals. 
J.R.: The freedom I get. I didn't mind with my first that I would have to sit there for 30 minutes leaning forward as I pumped. But now I have things to do. And now, with carrying TWO little one's around, my back hurts leaning forward. This way I can do so many other things while I pump. It isn't like I am nursing. I am not bonding while I pump, but at least I can focus on the older one while I do it.

Pumpin' Pal's has a great website that even includes THIS demonstrative video. I wish wish wish I had found this product with my first little one.

BUY IT: Visit Pumpinpal.com and get any combination of products that best suit your needs!

WIN IT: One of my EXTREMELY lucky readers will win the all-in-one for themselves or to give as the "best-gift-ever for a pregnant or new mom" gift.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Pumpin' Pal.com and let me know one interesting fact you learned. Earn an additional entry while you are there by telling me who you would give this to and why. 

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(This product was sent to my friend free of charge to review. Neither she nor I was not paid to say any of these things, however the words written are our true opinions of the product. )

THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 11:59 PM MDT ON 12/16/2009. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND! Open to U.S

Good Luck and Have fun!!!