How I Saved Money On My Elvie Breast Pump

If you have read my blog you know I'm all about getting a deal and saving money.  It's an adrenaline rush for me.  And yes I know I'm a grandma trapped in a MILF body.   We all have our issues now.

I had seen the Elvie Breast Pump awhile ago when it was only available in the UK.  At the time I was no longer breastfeeding and forgot about it.  I debated over which breast pump to get with this pregnancy.  I ultimately decided on the Spectra S9 since my Spectra S2 is still in great working condition and a hands free breast pump made sense with a toddler.  While I love my S9 for the house, I wanted more in a hands free breast pump.  Like the ability to hold my son while I pump.  And more discretion.  If you have pumped while driving then you know that traditional breast shields are not subtle.

And before I go on I'm still shocked that people don't know that if you have insurance then you can get a free breast pump every pregnancy.  I have gotten free breast pumps with each pregnancy with both Edgepark Breast Pumps (Spectra S2) and Aeroflow Breastpumps (Spectra S9).  The application is all online.  It's an easy and fast process.

At some point during my last pregnancy I heard about the Willow.  The Willow is a wireless, thus handsfree, breast pump that sits in your bra and is fairly discreet.  I was so intrigued especially considering you can wear the Willow while working or out at dinner.  Willow's $500 price tag, however, held me back from purchasing it.  Especially since I didn't know if I would be able to breastfeed or how my breastfeeding journey would go.  My plan was to consider purchasing the Willow closer to my return to work if I was still breastfeeding.  And for the record, I'm 5 weeks out and breastfeeding is going awesome!

A few weeks ago I saw someone selling a brand new Willow for $100 and I impulsively reached out to her to purchase it.  And how could I not?  $100 for a Willow is a steal!  (Did you miss the part where I wrote that the Willow retails for $500 not including the cost of milk storage bags?). Unfortunately I was a few seconds too late and she sold it to the person who reached out immediately before me.  I was bummed, but it got me on a mission to find the Willow on sale or deeply discounted.

While searching for a new Willow at a discounted price (with no luck by the way) I kept stumbling upon ads for the Elvie and I remembered learning about this breast pump of the future.  I began researching both breast pumps and soon realized that the Elvie was a better fit form me.  The Elvie is the same price as the Willow, but doesn't require the expensive Willow breast milk bags.  Also the Elvie is smaller, lighter, and more quiet than the Willow.  And probably the biggest factor for me is that the suction of the Elvie suction is similar to the Spectra.  Many reviewers reported that the Willow was painful on the lowest setting and caused their nipples to bleed!  I dealt with my fair share of nipple pain with my first so this was the ultimate deal breaker.

I needed the Elvie.  The only problem, it was sold out in the US and since I needed it (I'm so dramatic) I didn't want to wait any longer on the wait list for the next shipment.  To my surprise I found it for sale online at Buy Buy Baby.   I tried to use one of my beloved 20% off coupon with purchase, but Elvie is not a brand that you can use with these coupons.   However, I received a 15% off coupon for the items I did not get from my baby registry so I did what any logical person would do who loves a deal.  I followed the directions to activate my 15% off coupon, deleted the Elvie from my shopping cart, added it to my baby registry, and then proceeded to purchase the Elvie directly from my baby registry link.  And it worked!

And while I was so excited to save, I realized that I probably could have used this coupon for for everything, including UPPABaby that was still on my registry, but what can you do?

Plus I used Ebates (I'm not used to the new name of Rakuten) and saved even more money.  $8.50 to be exact!

I now have a lifetime earning of over $1000 and am currently waiting for a $64 check just by using Ebates.  I'm not going to explain what Ebates is since I've written about it countless times with the last post linked here.  Otherwise you can search the blog with keyword "Ebates" to read all my posts about this awesome website that gives you cash back for shopping.  Sign up with my referral link here and get $10 after your first purchase online or in store via the app.

And for the record, the Elvie is amazing and totally worth it.

Newborn Weight Gain

Today was a big day for me.  I weighed little man Luke and he is up to 8 pounds.  That is more than the suggested ounce of weight gain a day.  This is huge considering Carter's weight gain issues!  But looking back I had a number of issues that, when combined, made the situation worse.   Carter had silent reflux that went undiagnosed for weeks (and yes, I suspected he had reflux and brought it up on multiple visits to the pediatrician). The puking while he slept didn't help with the weight gain, which he needed because he had lost more than 10% of his birth weight early on (probably because he puked every time he was flat on his back).  I was told that I was possibly not producing enough and I needed to supplement with formula.  I saw a lactation consultant so I know I was producing enough thanks to weighted feeds, but the more people told me I was wrong, I wasn't producing enough, or my baby was so skinny he needed formula, the more I began to doubt myself.  I began excessively pumping in addition to breastfeeding to ensure I had enough breast milk for Carter (bad advice again), which lead to oversupply and frequent bouts of mastitis and plugged ducts.  Breastfeeding became painful.  Everything took an emotional toll on me and then my supply began to suffer.  I could go on and on, but I'll digress because despite all the road blocks, I was still able to nurse Carter for 7 months.  And guess what, he was still long and lean (low weight percentile) despite transitioning to formula and then solids and formula.  So surprise, surprise... formula was not the answer.  Today if you were to look at him he looks long and lean, but is solid (90% percentile for weight).  And frankly he is my perfect boy.  While I wish I had known what I know now, and had the confidence in myself and my abilities as a mother, the whole situation taught me a lot.  This time around I won't let others make me think that my body can't produce enough to feed my son what he needs.  And I will trust my gut through and through.  I'm excited for this new adventure with Luke and hope to continue to have breastfeeding success.

Newborn Weight Gain: We Did It

The reality of being a new mom is that you are no longer calling the shots (temporarily).  Your baby dictates your schedule.  I can't just tell my son, "Carter baby, wait for mommy to finish eating before you eat."  Or "can you just sit in your poop for awhile so I can clean up and shower first?"  If I did that I would be a negligent mother.  Priorities and responsibilities have changed and I now understand why people "change" after they have a baby.  Your baby, this thing you created and brought into existence, will always come first.  Unfortunately blogging takes a backseat.  But then again I had been majorly slacking while working so I don't think I can entirely blame my lack of frequent blogging on new motherhood.  There is just not enough hours in the day sometime to do everything I want to do.

Carter's pediatrician appointment went well.  He needed to gain 7 ounces and gained 8.5 ounces!  Show off!  I'm still trying to pinpoint what issues we are dealing with and supply does not seem to be the issue (perhaps quick let down?).  He's still experiencing a lot of symptoms of reflux, the worst being his nightly episodes of 5 hours of inconsolable crying (aka colic).  The pediatrician had instructed us to continue supplementing at least one bottle a day of Enfamil AR, which is for reflux, as he feels at this point that reflux is the issue.  It is hard to understand how difficult it is to deal with a baby with colic unless you have experienced it.  It is torture to watch your baby in discomfort and be unable to help them in any capacity.  So hopefully today I can get him a medication that is supposed to help treat reflux, which will help with the colic symptoms or at least I hope.  We'll see...

I had been experimenting on and off with ways of increasing my milk supply, but I have not done anything consistently.  (Hey, at least I'm honest.)  The verdict is still out on a few of these methods, but here are my preliminary thoughts:

Lactation cookies: I've made at least 1/2 dozen different recipes and in all honesty I have no idea if these work because they taste terrible.  To make these edible you have to add a ridiculous amount of sugar.  If I'm going to eat a dessert I want it to be something that makes my taste buds sing.  These make my tastes buds sad.  Also, from what I've read, you have to eat a lot of lactation cookies for them to be effective.  

Lactation Tea: I've been drinking 2-3 cups of lactation tea a day.  I don't think it has increased my supply dramatically as I'm still pumping 2-4 ounces at a sitting, but it definitely has not hurt my supply.  I'll continue to drink lactation tea since it tastes good.

Brewer's yeast: Winner winner, chicken dinner.  Brewer's yeast is a byproduct of making beer and I hate beer.  But I see an increase in milk supply about 12-24 hours after consuming 1-2 tablespoons.  However, I'm not taking this consistently.  The only way I can get this down is taken like a shot mixed with orange juice.  I just bought OJ so I have no excuse not to make this a daily habit.  Beer lovers will not have a problem with this supplement.  

Water: When I don't drink enough my supply diminishes.  Water is key.  Obvi.

Just a word of caution, before attempting to increase milk supply make sure that low supply is the issue.  You can put yourself in a situation where you increase your milk supply too much, which can lead to plugged ducts, engorgement, and mastitis so I would always recommend any new mom see a lactation specialist.  And remember what works for me, may not work for you so don't be like me.  Always consult with a professional before experimenting.

Breastfeeding Struggles

I'm feeling a little discouraged.  At Carter's pediatrician appointment yesterday I learned that he has not gained enough weight and is falling on the growth curve.  This was pretty upsetting considering he was right on track, albeit on the lower end of the growth curve, at his last appointment two weeks ago.

During the first few weeks as we were learning this thing called breastfeeding I met with a lactation consultant because my breasts were hard as rocks and filled with plugged ducts.  Breastfeeding was incredibly painful and we were having latch issues due to the engorgement.  I learned during this consultation that we didn't really have a latch issue, but instead were dealing with an issue of overproduction of milk.  Due to the pain I had to pump on many occasions, which confirmed that I was producing more than adequate amounts of milk.  But these issues kept recurring and soon I developed mastitis and have dealt with plugged ducts on more than one occasion.  Currently I have one in my armpit.  Not fun.

It is hard to know exactly how much milk he is getting as I am exclusively breastfeeding and now only pump on occasion.  However, when I do pump the amount I'm getting is much less than I was initially, and less than the amount he should be eating at a feed.  I definitely think that some of the issue is that your body produces less milk when you are in pain and I spent a lot of feeds almost at the point of tears due to discomfort.  And pumping, while the best option at times for me, is not pain free either.

The other possible issue we are dealing with is reflux.  Recently Carter has been spitting up more than usual.  Regardless of what the cause is, whether it is one, both, or none of the above, I do feel like I am producing less and the pediatrician wants Carter to get set amount of nutrition three times a day, which means we need to supplement.  I love breastfeeding, and feel that providing my son with breast milk is important for his health, but at the end of the day I want to do whatever I need to do to make sure that he is gaining his L-Bs appropriately.  If that means I have to give a bottle of pumped breast milk or formula here and there, I will do whatever is best for his health.  In reality I could be dealing with far worse issues, but part of me feels like my body failed him.  

I am going to try not to be discouraged and want to continue this breastfeeding journey if we can.  This is only a roadblock and hopefully a temporary one.  While I'm trying to bulk little man up I'm also going to experiment and see if I too can boost my milk supply.  I mean who doesn't love lactation cookies?  Am I right?  And if you haven't tried them do it!  I had my first lactation cookie before I was even pregnant.  Granted I worked in an OB office and a patient brought extra cookies in for us.  I'm not sure I would have gone and bought one or made one for clinical curiosity prior to being pregnant and having Carter.  

I'm feeling optimistic from reading other mom's struggles with supply issues and hope I can find a routine that works for me.  Only time will time...  

Thoughts on being a new mom

As I sit here next to my son resting comfortably I wanted to share some of the thoughts I have had over the last week as I've transitioned into a new title: mom.  I can't believe that I delivered this little one a week ago and my world has forever changed for the best.  I've never felt this kind of love and it is all consuming.  I mean look at him, he's my version of perfection.

Our newest addition

I've had a lot of different thoughts and insights over this last week, some that I feel are important to share for other new mom's and mom's to be.

1. Get a breast pump... well get one in the event that you plan to breastfeed.  If you have no intention of giving your baby breast milk then this does not apply to you and you can skip the rest of this thought.  I, however, plan to exclusively breast feed my son for 6 months.  And for those of you who don't know breast pumps are covered under insurance.  I paid nada for a hospital grade breast pump and we all know that I LOVE free stuff!  The breast pump has helped me for a number of reasons.  First off my nipples became ridiculously sore around day 2 or 3 for a number of reasons: latch issues, frequent feedings (my baby gets hangry like his daddy), our anatomies, etc.  The first day I came home from the hospital I cringed at the idea of feeding him due to severe nipple pain.  In fact I was ready to give up on breast feeding and give him a bottle of formula.  Pumping, however, saved me not only on that night, but whenever I feel that my nipples need a break.  Plus, my husband gets a chance to feed our son.  My husband loves this and I love that they get to bond.  Also it is nice to have the husband take a night feeding so I can get a little chunk of sleep.  Which leads us to...

2. Nap when you can... because you will be tired, real tired.  Tired to the point that time distorts and you have no idea what the beep is going on.  I hear it gets better, but I'll let you know.  Last night was a great night, but I don't want to get excited too soon. 

3. Invest in nipple cream, newborn bottles, and a good breastfeeding pillow.  Once again this only applies if you plan to breastfeed.  Seriously put these things on your registry because:

• Your nipples will get sore and you will be thankful for nipple cream to help prevent cracked nipples.  I use nipple cream after every feed or pumping session and my nipples are in good shape... not that you needed to know that.  
• Why newborn bottles?  Because if you are like me and need to pump every now and then you will need a way to feed your son.  If you have the bottles on hand just in case, your poor partner won't have to venture out to find bottles in the middle of the night.  That would suck...
• Breastfeeding is hard and I highly recommend getting as comfortable as you can.  Comfortable mommy = better milk production for your little one and that is my goal.  I want my son to grow up to be strong like bull and in my opinion breast milk helps on many levels, but that is another discussion for another day.  The breastfeeding pillow has allowed me to feed with more comfort and I like to think my son loves it.  After all I would love to be able to lay on soft foam as someone feeds me liquid gold.  Just saying.

He gets milk drunk

3. Adult diapers.  Yes, adult diapers.  The crazy mesh underwear and pads that you are given in the hospital are totally uncomfortable and irritated my laceration.  Plus, I leaked right through them.  Nothing like having a big blood stain on your ass and not knowing it until after you had walked down the postpartum hall a few times to stretch your legs.  Sexy right?  Enter adult diapers.  Someone had told me to purchase adult diapers and I love them because they are more comfortable, less irritating, and capture all the lochia neatly. And no blood leakage on my new nursing pajamas! 

4. Gas drops.  My poor baby gets terrible gas pain that makes him howl for hours.  I tried to sit outside with him during one gas fit and had to go back inside because I was afraid my neighbors would think I was torturing my poor son.  My pediatric Nurse Practitioner reassured me that gas in developmental in newborns and that the gas drops are fine for my son to take.  Do they work?  Sometimes.  And sometimes is better than never so I use them every time little man gets a bottle.

5. Go outside.  I would also recommend double checking with your pediatrician office before doing this.  I got the green light to go on walks with my son in the neighborhood since the weather is nice, but was strongly discouraged from bringing him to crowded, public places (grocery store, Starbucks, etc.) until he is 2 months old.  Getting some fresh air is amazing and the walking helps with my nervous energy.  Plus an added bonus is baby boy tends to fall asleep after a loop around the block.

6. Take advantage of help.  Don't try to do it all even if you want to and think you can do it better than EVERYONE else.  It's hard for one person to take care of an infant 24/7.  I need breaks so I can sleep or pump or even take a shower.  I know that eventually I won't have any help so I'm extremely grateful for it now because this transition is difficult (but very, very worth it!). 

7. Don't forget to eat and drink.  Having a baby is a lot of work, both physically and emotionally.  By the time you're done feeding / pumping, cleaning up, changing baby, and putting baby down you close your eyes for one second and it's time for his next feed.  Sometimes I feel like a dairy cow... Don't neglect yourself.  You need tons of water to help with milk supply and nutrition to keep you going.

8. You may still look pregnant after the baby.  Maybe some of you bounce right back, but I still looked pregnant after giving birth.  Even though I know better, I thought that in some crazy universe I would push out my son and have a flat stomach again.  Nope.  So please if you see a mother holding a small baby DON'T ask her if she is expecting or say, "wow, Irish twins."  It takes 10 months to put the weight on, so clearly it will take time to loose the baby weight.  One day at a time.

9. Don't forget your fur babies.  Having a new baby is a hard transition for your fur babies too.  Make sure to show them love too.  I sometimes get caught up in the new baby, but I try to make an effort to give Rocky some love too whether it is an extra treat here and there or giving him a little one on one cuddle session.  And we always invite him to lie with us when feeding or resting.

Best friends already

10. Take lots of pictures. I was already crazy obsessed with my dog, but now the focus has shifted to babe.  Each day he looks completely different and I want to capture every moment I can because before you know it he won't be my little baby anymore.  Plus I'm obsessed and like to show him off.

My heart <3