milk storage

Pumping, and maintaining your milk supply is an incredible labor of love. Cleaning pump parts and bottles is probably my least favorite part of the day and it can take me upwards of 30-45 minutes. However, I'm grateful that I can nurse and feed my baby exclusively with breast milk so its totally worth it.

Milk storage is whole other conversation. I secretly love feeling like a mad scientist when I'm transferring milk from bottle to bottle and into little sealed bags. I don't have a deep freezer but boy, could that come in handy. Here is my process for storing and freezing milk for a semi small freezer unit!

Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags

I've used a few other brands that I've received samples from that pour out a littler easier but they don't store as well in the container that I use. Prices on Amazon are $0.17/bag vs. Babies"R"Us $0.20/bag.

The First Years Storage Container 

Before I had this simple little gem my milk bags looked like this...

Now they look like this and I promise it makes storing them MUCH easier. The container works with MOST storage bags and it's almost 50% off retail price on amazon.  Use the link above to check it out or add to your amazon registry.

Ziploc Gallon Freezer Bags 

When my storage container fills up I transfer the bags to a gallon size ziploc freezer bag. I write the range of dates on the bag so I know which to use first. I like getting them on Amazon in bulk because they cost about $0.13/bag and they are delivered for free to my door.

For tips and guidelines on how long you can store milk I trust Kelly Mom for awnsers!

It's not rocket science but sometimes it's nice to see how someone else does things. It wasn't much of a thought for me before Marley arrived so I would have benefited from anyone taking about what they did with their breast milk! 

I'm curious as to what you do for milk storage so please comment below if you have something amazing that works for you!

-xoxo-

Marley's Mom

a few more of my favorite [mom] things... (posted January 2014)

In the spirit of sharing from one mom to another here are a few more of my favorite products right now!

Headwraps from le chic pipsqueak shop on Esty are handmade with love and absolutely darling. The creator names the different styles after her friends babies which makes each one extra special! The Marley is pictured above.

Shea Moisture baby lotion smells and feels fantastic!! Shea Moisture is known for their all-natural and organic, good smelling products. I had never used a product with frankincense & myrrh and I'm now obsessed with the scent. I was given this as a gift this past holiday season and I am so glad we were introduced to it (Thanks, Katie!) I may like it more for myself than for baby but she also gives it her seal of approval. Also, try their head-to-toe ointment and baby wash.

Bebe Au Lait nursing covers are making breastfeeding that much more comfortable in public places. Most recently, I had to pump on a plane (that's right!) and this cover was my saving grace. I felt bad for the poor fellow sitting next to me who was just utterly confused as to what I was doing since my baby was being held by my husband. I went with the black eyelet vs. a color but they do have a lot of options. The neckline on this cover is what sets it apart from others (see photo). There is also a interior pocket so I can stash my nursing pads while baby is feeding.

Speaking of having to pump in strange places! Medela makes an easy-to-use manual pump that I can carry with me in my diaper bag for those times when I need to pump or my boobs feel like they may explode. I also use this at night so I don't wake up my husband or the baby with my electric pump. While I don't use Medela bottles for feeding, I love them for storage. The link will take you to the one I ordered on amazon that includes two bottles and caps. I was originally given this manual pump in the hospital but my dog found it to be quite tasty so I had to reorder one. 

Now this favorite thing we have on loan from a good friend! Thanks, Shannon! The Baby Bjorn Babysitter and wooden toy. Why I like this more than our Fisher Price bouncer is because it can adjust to different levels and keep baby more upright. Also, at two months my little critter is getting more excited by toys and she loves to spin and play with the wooden toys (sold separately.) (I still love our Fisher Price and I think that is a better bouncer for newborns and a less expensive option.)

I'll be sure to keep sharing the products that I love! I'd love to hear what my mama readers love too!

-xoxo-

s and baby m

a few of my favorite [mom] things (posted December 2013)

December is here! It's my favorite time of year. For as long as I can remember I've been fascinated with the Holidays!

I've been scouring the Internet for gift guides and inspiration as we embark upon gift giving season. As a new mom I've discovered several products I couldn't be without so I wanted to share in case you are expecting and want to add these to your list, or you have a new mom in your life that you will be shopping for!

Marley's Mom's Must Haves

The Honest Company Diapers and Products

The Honest Company

Why I dig it: All natural products that happen to also be absolutely adorable. We were not 100% sold on cloth diapers but still wanted something that was more eco-friendly. With any diaper you'll have blow outs and leaks but the Honest has played way better than the Huggies we've also used. You can gift monthly subscription bundles or check out their diaper cakes! Bonus: The customer service is AMAZING. I felt like I was talking with one of my girlfriends when I called to set up my bundle subscription.

aden + anais Burpy Bibs and Swaddle Blankets

Burpy Bib & Swaddle Blanket

Why I dig it: The bibs are super soft and absorbent and can be used as a burp cloth OR bib. The size and shape is perfect for slinging over your shoulder. The blankets get softer every time you wash them I swear! They are great for swaddling and are just darling. I've also found myself using them as a nursing cover! I had a friend tell me if you are ever unsure of what to get someone who is expecting that you can never have enough blankets and I completely agree! 

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags

Quick Clean Steam Bags

Why I dig it: I was given these as a gift at my shower and I cannot tell you how much easier it has made my life! I don't have to mess with the bulky sterilizer. I can take apart my pump and clean it quickly. When the dog gets a hold of the pacifiers I don't have to boil them on the stove. There is nothing to clean up... you just pop the bag in the microwave and boom... you're done!

Magnificent Baby

Magnificent Baby Gown

Why I dig it: Great company out of NYC! Clothing designer so that nothing has to go over their precious little heads! Makes diaper changes in the middle of the night insanely easy. They have cute patterns and other styles of onesies as well. Check them out! 

Tiny Devotions Mala Beads

Yogi Mala Bundle

Why it's on my wish list: I've been gifted a pair of these gorgeous beads before and they are something special! Wonderful quality. As a mom, I now know how deserving of special treats we are and I think this bundle has it all. It includes: The Mama Mala, a scarf, COFFEE, bracelets, and a signature soap. 

lululemon athletica Still Pants

lululemon athletica

Why I dig it: Even if I didn't work for the greatest company in the World I would recommend these pants for every woman! The Still pant is especially wonderful for new moms. Comfy and loose with pockets to stuff your phone, burp cloths, pacifiers, or snacks!

Happy Cyber Monday! Happy Holidays!

-Marley's Mom

Welcome to Marley's Mom!

Hi! I'm Marley's Mom!

I've been blogging over at Feeling Whole for over two years and recently had my first child, Marley. I've been overwhelmed by the hundreds of baby (and mommy) products out there and wanted to create this space to share what works, and what I love best. I started the second blog to separate the content to keep Feeling Whole for who it was orginally written for... everyone!

Marley's Mom is for mommies (and daddies!), pregnant ladies, and anyone shopping for babies, kids, or parents-to-be. I'll suggest products for your registry, list my favorite mommy indulgences, and post seasonal gift guides. I may also include a "mommy rant" from time-to-time for good measure, who knows?! I'm not an expert and I won't claim to be. I'm just learning the ropes of this things called parenthood and having fun along the way.

I would love for YOU to comment with questions, or to share with me YOUR favorite products. I link a lot to amazon.com because I find the prices to be competitive, I love my Prime membership, and it will help fund this blog!

So here we go! I'm excited to launch my second blog at the start of this beautiful new year! Thank you for reading!

xoxo,

Marley's Mom