Product: Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump

I already sold my Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump, but I was able to used it during the first few weeks after I gave birth, so I thought that's enough for me to post my somewhat review of the product.

When I was still pregnant and reading all those mommy/maternity blogs with their own lists of must-haves, I found that a lot of mommies recommend having a breast pump even before giving birth. Sometimes, it takes a few days before breastmilk comes out, and the breast pump can be used to stimulate milk production, especially if the mom can't produce enough milk for the baby.

I was actually planning to buy a breast pump after I give birth because I wasn't really sure if I would need it. I work at home (and at that time, I wasn't even sure if I will work when the baby comes out) so I'm always at home, where I can conveniently feed my baby directly from my breast.

But after reading all these recommendations and pieces of advice from fellow moms, I was persuaded to buy a month before my due date. And I chose to buy Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump. It's small and portable, cheaper than most popular brands of breast pumps (like Medela, Avent, etc) and it has quite a lot of rave reviews.

I bought mine from BabyMamaph's booth during the Baby Fair on SMX last December 2014. They're offering 20% discount at the time and I thought that it would be better if I buy there than online because aside from the discount, I could also inspect the product, learn how to assemble it and I could ask questions from the staff manning the booth. So long story short, I bought one - but I didn't use it until after I gave birth on January.

Spectra M1 Double Electrical Breast Pump is a good quality breast pump. It comes with two breast kits (flange, bottle and tube connectors). It also has a backflow protector to prevent moisture from going to the pump, which can cause unsanitary mold growth.

I appreciate that it's small and portable, it's easy to stash inside the baby bag (although I still keep another bag for bottles and the breast pump parts). I brought it during Yani's check-ups with the pedia, so I wouldn't feel engorged during the trip and while waiting for our turn in the hospital. The battery lasts for a little over 2 hours and I could do 2 cycles of pumping on the go. Charging time is also relatively quick.

It has 5 suction levels and 2 operation modes: normal and massage. I have sensitive nipples and they would hurt when I use the breast pump in normal mode. Good thing Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump has a massage mode, otherwise I wouldn't be able to use it because I couldn't tolerate the suction strength of the normal mode.

Massage mode is much gentler on my teats and it promotes letdown which is very helpful because it stimulates your breast to release milk every time you pump. But less milk is expressed during massage mode, so pumping takes more time.

Although Spectra M1 Double Electrical Breast Pump doesn't operate silently and sounds like a snore or a purring cat, I believe the noise is bearable especially when on you're on massage mode. But I wouldn't use it beside a sleeping baby, unless your baby is used to its sound. It also vibrates slightly.

The pumping unit is pretty easy to operate, all the buttons are straightforward. Assembly is quite simple once you figured it out (don't worry the instruction manual illustrates this). I just thought it has too many parts to assemble, would've been easier if there were less. But what I like about it is you can take apart each accessory so that you can clean it thoroughly.

I only had 2 problems with Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump. One is the breastmilk leaking underneath while I pump. I think this is because the flange is too big for me (28mm). I'm not sure if a smaller flange is available locally. If you're getting this breast pump for regular long term use, I would definitely suggest that you get the correct flange size so you won't be troubled with leaks.

My second issue is with some parts getting loose or detaching. The flange can unscrew from the bottle with the slightest turn and I've had a few instances when I almost spilled my precious breastmilk because of this. The tube that connects the flange to the pumping unit also detaches easily and affect the suction strength.

I also noticed that when using as a double breast pump, suction strength is reduced. I usually use it as a single breast pump because my breasts tolerate different suction levels. In massage mode, my left breast can only tolerate up to level 3 and my right breast, only level 1.

And because of the leaking problem, I couldn't use a hands-free bra and I need to hold the flange in a certain angle against my breast - so I only pump one breast at a time. I also need to put a piece of cloth underneath the flange to catch leaks. Otherwise, my bra and whatever top I'm wearing will be soaking wet by the time I finish pumping milk

But overall, Spectra M1 Double Electrical Breast Pump is a decent breast pump and definitely a cheaper but great alternative to other pricier brands. However, my love affair with the breast pump had been short.

Most moms recommend using the breast pump 6 weeks after delivery because that's usually the time when the breastmilk production has stabilized. Of course, this won't apply if you can't produce enough breastmilk days after your baby was born, in which case you need the help of the breast pump to crank up your milk production. But if you already have abundant milk supply and you pump too early, you could overstimulate your breast which would result to more milk. And this is what happened to me.

Because I was excited to use Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump, I pumped prematurely (like 2 weeks after giving birth early) even if I didn't need to - I have milk galore. At first, everything's okay. Then my baby developed breastmilk jaundice and the pedia told me to stop breastfeeding for 3 days so her jaundice will subside. That's when I learned the consequence of having too much breastmilk: the painful breast engorgement.

But I have a breast pump, I thought, so everything should be just fine. Even if I couldn't breastfeed, I could express my breastmilk to relieve engorgement. When I had to pumped exclusively, that's when I realized that this is not something I'd like to do.

Because of the issues I mentioned above, it normally takes an hour or more for me to produce 4 oz of breastmilk. Everytime I pump, I felt like I was being held up inside our bedroom, holding the flange on my breast and watching as my breastmilk slowly fills the feeding bottle.

And I need to pump every 2 hours, or else engorgement will set in which will make everything difficult and painful. I frequently have clogged ducts because I just have too much breasmilk and I couldn't pump fast enough to empty my breast and the breast pump just couldn't empty my breast of milk as efficiently as my baby.

So imagine 1 hour of pumping plus washing and drying of breast pump parts and feeding bottle - then repeating the process after 2 hours. I couldn't get anything done. I feel like I was tied to the breast pump and the activities associated with pumping milk. And for all these troubles, I still get those nasty clogged ducts that further debilitates me and makes my day miserable.

The moment I got a go signal from the pedia that I can resume breastfeeding (I did mix feeding after 3 days because Yani's jaundice still hasn't fully subsided), I free myself from the breast pump and used it only when absolutely necessary.

Weeks turn into months and my Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump stayed inside box. I realized I won't be using it anymore so I decided to sell it. I have no beef with pumping breastmilk, but I found out that it's really not my thing. Maybe if I were a working mom, I'd be singing a different tune. But for SAHM or WAHM, direct breastfeeding is definitely easier, faster and the best way to feed your baby.

Product: Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap

We only bought 2 swaddles for Yani - one is Woombie Air and the other one is Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap - as I wasn't sure if this is something that she'll used often or for a long time.

Prior to having her, no one in my family, and that includes 1st degree relatives, has used a swaddle or is familiar with swaddling. They know how to wrap babies in receiving blankets to keep them warm, but there's hardly a method or technique involve.

So when they saw Yani swaddled in Aden + Anais or in the Woombie especially, they were curious and amused and often commented that that was the first time they saw a baby so wrapped up.

Anyway, unlike the Woombie, Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap didn't look too constricting. I love how soft the 100% cotton muslin fabric is to the touch and it certainly looks breathable. Overall, I thought it's cuter and more baby-friendly - that goes without saying that I thought it's better.

But this just proves that looks can be deceiving.

Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap wasn't exactly the most convenient to use. First, you have to put baby inside the mini sleeping slack which snaps close on the shoulders. Then you have to wrap the extra fabric around her upper body and snaps close in front. There's just too many snaps and one-too-many steps to swaddle a baby who's not particularly fond of being swaddled.

Even if she's asleep, I could swaddle Yani using the Woombie, but couldn't do it with Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap because I would need to lift her or turn her to her sides to be able to wrap her properly. By the time I'm done, she has already awaken.

Another problem is when I need to check on her diaper. Because she's in a sort of mini sleeping sack, there's no opening at the bottom and I had to unsnap and unwrap her just to check if she's poop on her diaper or to change it. It's like going back to Step 1 and repeating the whole process all over again.

Problem no. 3, maybe this has something to do with baby's size, but even if we got the smallest size, Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap seemed a little big for her (she's 3 kgs or 6.6 lbs when she was born). There's more than enough room to wiggle her arms, and although she wasn't able to set them free, the wrap rides up to above her neck and could cover her mouth and nose.

To avoid this, we wrap her first in an extra cloth, usually a flat diaper, before swaddling her with Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap to have a snug fit. But there goes another extra step and another layer of fabric wrapping baby, which is an issue if you live in an area with warmer climate.

When she got bigger, I thought Aden + Anais Swaddle Wrap would finally fit her nicely. But her arms also got stronger and smarter and this time, she could squirm them out of the wrap. And there's not much leg room inside the mini sleeping sack.

So yes, we got to use it a few times. And yes, I still think the fabric is top-quality and the design is cute. But is it easy, is it effective and more importantly, is it safe? I don't think so. And this is why I really don't recommend this swaddle.

Product: Woombie Air

This is my Baby Yani when she was 4 days old in her Woombie.

I remember Yani getting different reactions from visitors, doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel who see her for the first time in her Woombie. They were all amused, some worried that she might not be able to move, while others - doctors and Nursery nurses especially - find it cute and thought it's better than the traditional swaddle blanket. One nurse, who is also a mom, wanted to have one for her next baby.

I thought Woombie is a cute name for a swaddle. But this patented design - made of stretch fabric with a zipper enclosure - is an easy and effective way to swaddle your baby. At first it seems very constricting, considering how small the item looks. But the stretchy fabric, which they call bebeflex, is soft and easily stretches to allow baby to move inside, while providing warmth and preventing startle reflex. According to the website, this fabric and the hugging fit of the Woombie mimic the womb environment, helping baby to sleep better and longer.

And I can say that it did live up to its claim of being the easiest way to swaddle. All you need to do is put baby in, zip her up and you're done. I love that it has a two-way zipper, meaning I can open it from the top and the bottom. We didn't have to unswaddle Yani in order to check on her diaper or to change it. We simply had to open from the bottom and her arms and upper body stayed snug. Sometimes we also opened halfway up to let her legs move more freely, which she liked very much.

And because the fit is snug, the swaddle will not unravel nor baby will be able to wiggle her arms free from it, a common problem with other swaddles in the market. Baby stays swaddled but able to move, albeit looking like a cocoon.

What she was wearing is a Woombie Air. It has a breathable mesh in front to allow air to flow inside and prevent overheating, which is one of my concerns when using Woombie. Even if the fabric is soft and elastic, it doesn't feel cool. But newborn babies are not supposed to feel cool anyway. They need to stay warm (because it's warm inside the womb) and to very gradually adjust to the colder environment outside the womb.

But because we live in a tropical country, the risk of overheating is greater [than in another countries with colder climates]. During Yani's first few moments, we always have the AC on in our bedroom, so it's okay to use the Woombie while she's sleeping. I never let her it wear when she's in a room without an AC.

She used the Woombie from day 2 till she's about 2 months old. By the time we started freeing her arms more often, she also started protesting against being swaddled. So we only put her in the Woombie during visits to the pedia (in a hospital with centralized AC).

Without the Woombie or any kind of swaddles, she would easily get startled by sudden and loud noises during her sleep. Sometimes, even with the slightest sound, she would flail her arms in the air and be jolted awake, as if she was dreaming that she's falling.

But by around 1 1/2 to 2 months old, she would cry her heart out whenever I try to put her in the Woombie before she sleeps so we had to deal with startle reflex in other ways - like putting large pillows on both sides to keep her arms in place, or always lying next to her when she sleeps to lull her back to sleep if she awakens (she sleeps in our bed). Both these options require that I'm there in the room with her, watching her sleep and making sure that she's safe.

But even if our relationship with the Woombie Air is short, I'd still recommend it to anyone who's looking for an easy and safe way to keep baby bundled up and snug tight.

And it's definitely a plus factor that Yani's Woombie Air comes in this black/gray/pink "rock chic" colors and has a cool Baby Rock graphic, too.

Product: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Steam Sterilizer (SOLD)

Today I'll be reviewing Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Steam Steriliser set. These are what's in the box:

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Steam Sterilizer

I'm currently selling this set because I'm no longer using it. I haven't used it for months since I stopped pumping breastmilk. And I've just recently sold my breast pump (Spectra M1 Double Electric Breast Pump, which I will also review one of these days) so this means that I won't be using any feeding bottles anymore. Feeding bottles and breast pump parts are the things that I usually sterilize. Without them, I don't think the sterilizer will be useful for me now.

For Yani's feeding utensils and other things that she puts in her mouth like teethers and pacifiers, I just soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes. I really don't intend to make sure all her stuff are sterile at this point. She's almost 8 months now and has been biting and licking and putting in her mouth anything within her grasp - and I'm cool with that (mostly, but not all the time). I'm not germophobic as I believe she needs to be exposed to some germs and bacteria in order for her to build up her immune system.

So anyway, going back to Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Steriliser. At first, I wasn't planning on buying a sterilizer because we have the good old steamer, which my nephew used when he was a baby. But I was glad that we got this.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Steam Steriliser has a one-touch button system and it's so easy to use. Just place everything you want to sterilize inside the unit, pour water, and push the power button. Set it and forget it, the sterilizer will automatically go off after 5 minutes and the stuff inside will remain sterile for 24 hours as long as the lid remains unopened.

So you don't have to remember to turn the unit off and you don't have to worry if the feeding bottles and anything that are sensitive to heat are left in the steamer for too long. For a new and inexperienced mom like me, who was sleep-deprived and almost at the point of insanity the first few weeks of motherhood, not having to remember things was such a big help.

I also like the shape and design of the sterilizer - it's oval and not round, like most sterilizers, which I thought looks better, doesn't take up as much space and can easily accommodate other baby stuff that are wider like food containers, plates, etc.

It has a 2-layer rack so you can put in more small items. The lid is also taller, which adds to the height of the main unit and consequently adds more space to the sterilizer as a whole.

The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Steam Steriliser set that I got comes with 2 5oz Tommee Tippee feeding bottles with cap, 2 newborn teats, 1 plastic nipple tong and 1 cleaning brush. (Note: newer sets come with different add-ons). You can use it right out of the box, no need to assemble anything. The only thing you need to know is how much water to put in it.

According to the manual, just put 80 ml of water. The feeding bottle has an 80 ml mark so I just use that to measure. Putting more than or less than 80 ml will affect the sterilizing time. If you put less, it will go off quicker and if you put more, it will stay on for much longer.

A word of caution though, the steam coming off from the sterilizer is hot. Make sure that the sterilizer has cooled for a few minutes before you take the lid off. I almost burned my face one time when I opened it as soon as it went off. The lid and everything inside is also hot so don't take them out immediately.

It's also better is you use filtered water as limescale deposits at the bottom of the sterilizer over time, especially if you have hard water running in your tap. Or you can clean it regularly to prevent unsightly build-ups. It's pretty easy to clean  anyway. You can use a wet towel to wipe the outside and inside of the sterilizer or you can wash it in the sink, just make sure not to wet the bottom part because that's where the electric components are.

I really like this product - the ease of use, the convenience, the sleek design and the fact that you can sterilize a lot more items with it. If you're in the market for a good and all-around sterilizer, I recommend Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Steam Steriliser. And if you're looking for one that is used but still in great condition, please leave a message in the comments below. Like what I said above, I'm selling this sterilizer set (with everything that's shown above) for P2,000.

Product: Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper - Cambria (SOLD)

Whooah! It's been - what? almost 6 months? - since my last post. I didn't realize that being a new mom will make me crazy busy. Well, I'm not really crazy busy. It's just that any free time I get, I prefer to spend with my baby, who is now 7 1/2 months. 7 1/2 months! Gee, she's so big now and I remember being pregnant with her like it's only yesterday. Time flies not only when you're having fun but also when you have a new baby.

Anyway, let's move on to the real purpose of this post. This is supposed to be first of the many baby product reviews that I promised to do. But this is not. I actually unearthed myself from blogging hiatus (to try) to sell something.

But let me first make a side-kwento:

When I was pregnant, I already knew I wanted to co-sleep with my baby. I would be breastfeeding and making her sleep in a crib would mean frequently getting out of bed at night, which didn't appeal to me at all. And also because I've read the many benefits of co-sleeping.

Our only option then was for her to sleep on our bed. But our bed is smallish - it can barely fit two people. I knew sharing the bed with baby would be uncomfortable for us (we wouldn't be able to move anymore) and could be dangerous for baby (D was afraid he might roll over her while he's asleep).

So when I first saw a co-sleeper crib on Pinterest, I knew that is what we need. And luckily, we found this Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper (Cambria model).




I was so happy when we got this for Baby Yani. It is the same height as our bed. It's compact, which is great because our room is small. It's perfect and I was excited to use it.

But like anything in life, not everything goes as planned. I remember the first few months when D and I were both so sleep-deprived and tired, we would hold on to anything that will make our baby sleep soundly and longer. And anything that would do otherwise, we didn't insist on using/doing.

Baby Yani likes sleeping beside me. They said she was drawn to my "motherly" scent as most babies are. But she got used to sleeping with me and she didn't want to sleep anywhere else. Especially not in her co-sleeper.

We tried putting her in it a few times when she's asleep. But she'd wake up in 5 to 10 minutes. Put her beside me, and she'd sleep for 2-3 hours. So the co-sleeper wasn't working for us. And extreme lack of sleep just sort of made us quit trying.

After a few months, when I was more in control of the situation and familiar with her sleeping habits, I tried putting her in the co-sleeper again. Same thing happened.

D said we should give up, she won't get used to sleeping in it anymore. I think I could still "train" her but sleeping on the bed with me is not a bad option for me either. In fact, it's very convenient during nighttime feedings and it made our bond so much stronger because we're sleeping together. The only drawback is D had to move to another room (the sacrifice parents make for their child). So the bed-sharing went on and the co-sleeper became the sampayan and "arm's reach" repository of her stuff (clothes, toys, diapers, etc)

When Baby Yani turned 7 months, I know it's time. I decided to sell the co-sleeper. She won't be using it anymore. She's sleeping longer and deeper, but she's also tossing and turning a lot on her sleep. It doesn't make sense to keep trying now that she's moving a lot when she's asleep. As much as I want this product to work for us, it just won't. It's better to sell it while it's still in great shape.

So this is where we are at, I am trying to sell this beautiful co-sleeper for P4,000. Below are the product details and other info.

Item: Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper
Type: Cambria
Item No: 8303-N
Description: w/out skirt Natural

Co-Sleeper Mode (one side can be folded to open to the bed)

Bedside Bassinet Mode

The "fixed" side

OTHER DETAILS

Two modes:

1. Freestanding bedside bassinet
2. Co-sleeping mode (one side can be folded so it opens to the bed)

Parts and Materials:

1. Wooden frame
2. Fabric lining (all sides have mesh lining to let air circulate freely and for added visibility)
3. Mattress with fitted sheet (mattress is thin, less than an inch, but this is recommended to lower the risk of SIDS)
4. Two fabric storage boxes at the bottom of the bassinet
5. Nylon strap and plate to secure the bassinet to the bed (a must for co-sleeping mode)
6. Locking casters at the feet of the bassinet
7. All fabric lining materials are removable and washable.
8. Lining color is natural (beige with dark brown stitching), wooden frame is dark brown
9. Dimensions: 34" x 20" x 31" (about half the size of a regular crib or playpen)
10. Adjustable height because of the built-in leg extensions. Four levels, with lowest level = 18" (from floor to the bassinet mattress), and can be adjusted in 2" increments.
11. Weight is approx. 12 kilos.

Brochure and Instructions Manual

Plate and Bed Strap

Condition:

Item is Used with complete parts and instructional manual, but without the box.
There's a scratch on the wooden frame.

If customer is willing to pay full price, I'll repair the scratch as best as I can (it can be fixed with wood putty and dark varnish). Otherwise, I'm willing to negotiate.

Bonus:

I'll throw in an extra mattress cover (pink) for free.

About the Brand:



Arm's Reach is a mutli-awarded brand of safe co-sleeping solutions for babies. Great for both breastfeeding or bottle feeding, their Co-Sleeper® brand bassinet promotes bonding and enables parents and infant to sleep better. It is also recommended by leading pediatricians and sleep research experts. The co-sleeper allows mom to easily reach over and draw her baby close for feeding, or just plain loving.

Locally, Arm's Reach bassinets are sold at Rustan's and price starts at 10K+ (so P4,000, even for a used Arm's Reac co-sleeper is a good price already :P)


Shipping/Delivery:

1. Preferred: Pick-up or Meet-up
2. Free delivery to areas within Alabang, Muntinlupa; Sucat, Paranaque; Las Pinas; San Pedro, Binan and Sta.Rosa, Laguna; Carmona, GMA and Dasmarinas, Cavite.
3. Other meet-up locations within NCR, buyer to cover transpo/gas/toll-gate expenses (not yet included in the asking price).
4. For shipping outside NCR, buyer to shoulder shipping fees (not yet included in the asking price)
5. Item will be cleaned and washed before delivery.

If you're in the market for a compact co-sleeping solution, Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Cambria is a great option. The size is perfect for small rooms, height is adjustable and Arm's Reach is a good brand and is best-known for their quality co-sleepers.

If you have any questions or interested in buying, just send a message through the contact form or leave a comment below.

Thank you!

Back as a New Mom

Yes, I am a new mom. I got pregnant (again, thank God!) and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last January 8, which is why I was in hiatus for months. I don't know why, but I'm allergic to computers when I'm pregnant.

But now, I'm back and since I have a baby, you can expect lots of baby products reviews. As a new mom, I still have a lot to learn but I'm getting the hang of it. And certainly I have my favorite baby products - which I was so glad we bought, products that didn't live up to their promises and products that I think I can do perfectly without. I'll be blogging about them soon.

For now, let me enjoy my baby.