Medela Personal Double Breastpump

This is the breastpump that was covered under my insurance at 100% and that I've been using ever since Anakin's arrival. I like using this pump because it is compact and easy to store. I take this with me every time I travel out of the city. I like that it can be used with any Medela bottles and cleaning is super easy and quick. The instruction manual is easy to follow and full of useful tips for breastmilk storage. ALL of my sisters and sister in-laws have a Medela breastpump system. Two of them have had theirs for over 5 years and it's still working like new. I'm pretty happy I received this breastpump and was able to get it by contacting my insurance company and letting them know what kind of pump I needed. For questions to ask your insurance company, read over this useful page by Medela.

I am a first time mother who really wanted to breastfeed my child. I've done my research and knew what I wanted and I'm happy that Medela breastpumps was able to make my vision possible without much hassle.

Citrus Lane - August 2013

I received my first Citrus Lane box on Saturday and here is what I received:

* Cleo's Alphabet Book from Barefoot Books - value $6.99 

* Little Stackers (Lion) from Rich Frog - value $12.95

* Baby Bottle Strap from Ah Goo Baby - value $10.49

* All Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes from CleanWell - value $10.99 (2 pack)

* Calendula Diaper Care for Diaper Rash sample packets from Waleda - value $13.50 for a 2.8 oz bottle

* FabKids free trial offer - value $39.95

From what I've been reading about Citrus Lane, they seem to have themes for their boxes. Their theme for August 2013 is "Back to School". Which would be nice for parents who do have kids going to school but, for me - it was questionable what would be in my box since my son is only 2 months old. So, when I received this box, I already had an idea that included would be a book of some sort which was right on. I like the book I received because it is a thick book full of colorful images. I love reading to Anakin and I can't wait to read this to him tonight. The other item I enjoyed was the Lion Little Stacker from Rich Frog. It's a soft toy that I can use to play with Anakin and when he is a bit older, he will enjoy playing with it by himself. 

These 2 items I didn't mind but I was not excited for them. The bottle strap from Ah Goo Baby would be nice for a 6 month old and up. I feel like my baby is too young to use this now since he can't hold a bottle yet but it will be nice for when he can start. The sanitizing wipes from CleanWell is great but I am still getting used to the smell. I received the orange vanilla scented bottle and its got a very strong smell. I like the wipes though- it does clean well.

And these last 2 items were my least favorite. I haven't tried the diaper rash cream from Waleda yet because I'm currently using The Honest Company's Healing Balm and its working on my son's rash so I don't want to mix anything else into his diaper changing routine. Then, the free trial from FabKids is useless for me cause their outfits start at size 2T. I will most likely see if anyone I know wants the code to try out their service. 

August box items estimated costs = $35.93 (not including the Diaper Rash samples and the FabKids Free trial offer)

I paid $12.50 (New members get 50% off their first box with the code "TAKEHALF") for my box. So, overall I'd say I got a good deal.

Monthly subscriptions can be purchased 4 different ways:

1. Monthly subscriptions = $25/box billed monthly and cancel anytime

2. 3 Month subscription = $25/box paid upfront and renews automatically

3. 6 Month subscription = $21/box paid upfront and renews automatically

4. 1 Year subscription = $21/box 

If you are interested in trying out this service, please use my link here and subscribe. Remember, new members get 50% off with the code "TAKEHALF" (not sure how long this offer will last?). These care packages are personalized to age and stage of your child and it's free shipping!

The Honest Company Essentials Sample Pack Review

I've been wanting to try out The Honest Company products for awhile now because of all the buzz that's been circulating in my mommy forums and blogs. And honestly, the packaging is just so pretty! I'm a sucker for packaging so in the end, I jumped in the wagon and tried out their Essentials Trial Package. I received the package in a weeks time frame from the date I ordered. I also received an email with a tracking link which I like because I like to know when things will arrive so I can plan for it. They give you 7 days from the date you receive it before they bill you for membership so, I tested out all of the products as soon as they arrived. Out of the 5 products I received, I only liked 2 of them - the Healing Balm and the Face and Body Lotion. All the other products didn't really make an impact to be considered different or better then what I was currently using. 

I like the Healing Balm because it seems to be working on my baby's butt rash. Since I breastfeed, my baby poops more often which means more diaper changes which leads to more butt rashes. I've tried Aquaphor, Destitin, and my sisters' homemade remedy but none of them seem to work as well as the Honest Healing Balm. It also does not have a "lime-y" smell like the other products do. That's the other reason why I like it. I will most likely purchase this again.

I like the Face and Body Lotion because it does not smell "lime-y" and it's light enough that it doesn't make my face feel greasy but it moisturizes well where I feel like I don't need to keep reapplying every 20 minutes. 

I was able to call and cancel my membership without any hassle (the customer service was very nice and helpful). I will probably purchase individual products and test them out before committing to the monthly membership. If you have 5 or more products you like from the line, I'd say get the monthly membership because it will save you a lot more money rather than purchasing individually. 

August is National Breastfeeding Month

1. The benefits outweighs the cons. See benefits here --> Babycenter.com

2. It saves me money! Do you know how much a can of formula costs these days? It can range anywhere from $20 - $40 dollars AND it doesn't last long if you have a baby who likes to eat! Plus, no bottles are needed. The only cost I've incurred so far is the cost of a breast pump and supplies- which my insurance covered at 100% for a Medela Double Advanced Electric Pump. NOTE: Each insurance company/plan is different so call and check your eligibility. For some tips and questions to ask your insurance company, here is a helpful page from Medela.

3. The bond is Ah-mazzzing!!! I love this time between me and my son. There is no other like it.