Saturday, March 18, 2017

Am I An Egg or A Potato?

Namastè!

In the past few months, I've been under an inconceivable amount of pressure. I generally handle things fairly well, but this time has been different. I'm having a hard time "bouncing back." I'm more tired, more irritable, more...fragile, I guess?...than previous shit storms.

I keep reminding myself it's all very temporary, and I'm making more effort to take care, better care, of myself while I try to save everyone else. I've committed to a regime of time and TLC for me, and I'm legit feeling more positive as the days go by.

I recognized I was heading for trouble after a series of incidents with a family member I was attempting to help. Long story short, she not only abused our good will (we allowed her to stay in our home) but our property as well. Material things are easily replaced but the damage she did to our relationship with her? There's no coming back from that. When you steal, lie, and destroy what's given to you, there is no law that will force those gifts to continue.

In the wake of that situation I sank further into my funk when we lost one grandmother. We knew she could possibly be imminent, but there is no real preparation for a loss of that magnitude. You could cut the air in this place with a knife. The sadness was that thick, practically tangible.

On the heels of that pain, we faced loss again this past week as our remaining grandmother suffered a stroke. She survived, but it has definitely scarred me. Of all the lashes and strikes I've taken in life, very little has left a bigger wound than the moment I got that phone call from my relatives saying they did not think she would make it this time; she was speaking her death and I needed to get there fast.

Admittedly I was scared to go. I needed to see her but I was terrified. Would she die while I was there? Would I make it in time? How could I keep up the big strong adult face when I felt more like a frightened child?

It didn't really help that everyone seemed to hinge everything about her recovery on my presence. (We are very close.) It all but killed me when they said she might be waiting on me to say goodbye.

...I literally contemplated waiting some days, so she would hold on.

The thoughts we entertain when we are grieving or hurting are not always logical.

I made it to her, and I spent 3 days with her. I am elated to report that, while she has a long, arduous journey ahead, she will recover. The effort she puts into therapy will determine her level of independence moving forward.

Just moving forward is music to my ears.

My current feel? I'm tired.

I haven't been sleeping well, and I haven't really been eating as I ought to.

Having recognized these small fails, I'm making a concerted effort to get myself together. I'm going to bed earlier. I'm cooking instead of eating out. (I generally don't do fast food--but when  I'm in my moods it's easier to just grab something quick versus making my own food.) Anyone who knows me, knows that alone is a big red flag, because I rarely eat anything that's not organic, made from scratch, or both. Fast food rarely hits my palate...until I lose focus.

I've started back walking again, taking my little treks around the subdivision. I wish the weather would collect its marbles and be the spring I know it wants to be.

Big surprise therapy for me is driving! I recently got my new mom mobile, and I love love love that thing. I generally hate driving, but lately I find it all very soothing. Just to get in that car and go, no worries except keeping it gassed. It's the same feeling I get from crafting, but better somehow.

Now...I did all that rambling to say this: If you are feeling out of sorts, sadder than usual for longer than usual, and you can't seem to shake it--GET HELP. For me, that help lay in being honest about how overwhelmed I've been feeling. Making a plan to take some stress and responsibility off myself until I am more egg than potato.

When an egg is boiled, it becomes firmer. Even if the shell breaks, a boiled eggs rarely shatters when dropped from a normal height.

Potatoes, on the other hand, can be boiled down to absolute mush.

I am regaining egg status. I first had to admit that I was becoming a spud.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

The "Other" EBF

Namastè!

I hope you're having a wonderful evening. It's gorgeous in my neck of the woods. I just came in from a walk. I had to get in that sunshine, yes!

EBF is mom'ese. Exclusively breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding. It's standard in the casual banter among mommies, especially those with infants.

Now that Baby Namastè's a year old, I've coined my own version of EBF--extended breastfeeding.

I intend to pump and/or nurse until he is done. Right now he night-nurses, which is fine because I have gotten back into my pre-baby work schedule. (While I do work in the home, my days begin at 4 a.m. and conclude around 5 p.m.--and that's IF all goes smoothly.)

I have only encountered a few moms who EBF. (Extended breastfeeding.) After that first year, there's a stigma. People assume the mom has a problem letting go. They think the child will have issues adjusting. They even suggest malicious, deviant, abusive intent.

Where's our support? Where are the groups for us?

I plan to give my son liquid gold at least until he's 2. He doesn't have to feed directly, I just want him to have !. (Hence my insane dedication to pumping.) The benefits of that milk don't stop simply because a child turns one.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K ♡

Monday, March 6, 2017

Fit Tayè!

Namastè!

On the heels of my baby turning one, I have a goal to accomplish. I wanna share it. I believe talking about goals makes one a little more accountable, provided it's the correct audience and the proper setting. I feel most accountable for certain mom goals when I share them with you, as most of you are moms and dads. (No matter if biological or legal or simply implied by your caring actions--you are parents, and that means we walk the same path!!!)

It's time to get fit.

I have long since lost the baby weight. Breastfeeding  (and my once-rigid pump routine) made that a cake walk. However...

When I was pregnant, I did not have an easy ride. Hyperemesis gravidarium robbed me of the energy to enjoy many things. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just morning sickness, nor is it something "just in a woman's head." Remedies like ginger ale or crackers don't work. Nor do the negative statements and scare tactics people hurl at women who decide medication is their best avenue to relief. It's a horribly uncomfortable situation at best, and at worst it can land you in the hospital for IV fluids and nutrition (as was my case, several times).

Naturally, I cherished each pound I gained. Every bit of food I could hold on to, was another bit of nourishment for my little Bud. Every pound gained was a signal that my body was not working against me on purpose. The rounder my tummy got, the more I loved it. Growing a human is beautiful. Period!

Ah, then he was born. A few weeks after Baby Namastè's birth, I was finally able to eat (and enjoy my food) again. So I have! I eat what I want, when I am hungry, and stop when I am satisfied.

Instead of watching the scale, I watched my milk stash grow. I watched my little tiny baby grow. I watched his awareness grow, watched every milestone from the first smile to the first steps.

Now I am ready to watch some milestones for me. This body has carried and delivered a human. This body has nourished a human!

This body deserved to be loved for that.

So I did. I love the new me. My new vessel! I love the softer curves. I love the fuller hips. I love the rear view. I love the cleavage. I love filling out outfits and dresses I couldn't wear before! I love how Hubby Namastè looks at me with such...I'm not sure. Admiration? It's a look, sometimes a double take, that makes me fall for him all over again.

Because I love my new vessel, I want it in top shape.

My fitness goal is not to be insta-thin.

I instead will focus in building strength in my core, toning my tummy, and building my endurance. (I used to hike anywhere from five to ten miles at a clip--I would not attempt that just yet because I need to rebuild my stamina.)

I'm not sure I'll join a gym, but I'm definitely gonna be doing some aerobics, walking, swimming, and yoga.

As far as diet, I don't believe in deprivation. If I want the cake, I'm going to have a slice. Thankfully my normal diet is really solid (I have a vegetarian husband and a tendency to like healthy foods anyway), so I won't bother that.

All in all, I just want some strengthening and toning, and I can achieve that fairly easily. Not quickly--easily.

Another thing I want to be very mindful of is that I won't expect instant results. I won't get a six-pack overnight. I won't be able to do that ten-mile hike on the Silver Comet Trail just yet, but I will in a few weeks.

I love my vessel, so even as I am disciplining and training it, I will not abuse it with fads, magic tea trends, or crash diets. Instead I will work with a realistic goal in mind to strengthen, tone, and rebuild the stamina I lost.

The first fit goal?

Glad you asked!

I am 5'4 and currently weigh 148.2. I think for my first month, I'll whittle down to 145 and work on making 3 consecutive laps around my end of the subdivision without a break. (That is 3.6 miles--the lap I designed is 1.2 miles.)

I'm off now to do a bit of yoga. The stretching feels divine and I have to get going on these goals now so they won't become wish-I-dids.

What are your fit goals?

Tell me about them!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Friday, March 3, 2017

I FOUND THE ONE. **Review Post

Namastè!

Happy early morning-ness.

You know how you need a thing, but there are several versions of that thing available? Different brands, different types, different options?

You shop around. You try a couple, or a lot, of those options. You stumble upon one that you have heard about, but you THINK you found the one. Yet the one you keep hearing about tugs at you til you just have to find it.

Meet my Spectra S2.

Note: I received the Spectra Baby S2 in exchange for demo and honest review. While the product itself is sponsored, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Y'all. Y'all. Y'all.

First off, a little history. My baby has all but completely weaned, for days on end. If I didn't pump, I'd be struggling for supply on the days he does still nurse. When he doesn't latch, I moonlight as an exclusive pumper. It's very different than nursing, and I'm not really fond of it.

Enter, my SpectraBaby S2.



Y'all.

The SpectraBaby is the new kid on the block. These little powerhouses have only been available in the United States since 2013. Don't let that fool you though, as they have been manufactured in Korea and sold in other countries since 2000.

But this new kid isn't at all an underdog...

First off, let's talk about the power in this baby. It is a hospital-quality pump, first off. That means, for the uninitiated, that this pump is a closed system (it has a barrier between the actual pump mechanism and your pump kit to prevent contamination or mold buildup). I hadn't heard about closed pumps except in hospital settings. Since those pumps cost thousands, I never investigated them much.

...wrong, Tayè. The SpectraBaby delivers the same power and extra protection (by way of the closed system)--and it costs less than a nice dinner out for my family.  The SpectraBaby S2 is about $199, and as of March 3, 2017 it is covered by some insurance plans. (Check your provider.)

Them Features, Tho...

The S2 might be the new kid, but it is certainly not the underdog. This cute little powerhouse has a bevy of tricks and fancies to make pumping a breeze. It has a completely adjustable vacuum, as well as two modes of employ. I really dig the massage mode. I've found that by switching between massage (aka letdown) mode and regular suckling mode  I get more milk per session. I don't have to tell you how big a deal that is. With all the possible setting combinations there is simply no way a mom could not find her own ideal mode.



Beyond the total adjustability, the S2 boasts a digital display, an ultra-quiet motor (it sounds like a tiny drummer doing a tiny march--who would ever think a breastpump could sound cute?!), and a night light. The night light has two levels, a brighter mode for those who prefer it, and a muted brightness I love for when I'm watching television while pumping. I pair my S2 with a Lactalite clip on, so I never have to wake Hubby Namastè with an overhead light assault.



Assembly!

Assembling the pump kit for my S2 was a snap--literally! The pump kit is two pieces. The horn and connector are one piece, and the valve is the other. Snap them together, then twist on the bottle. Connect the tube and you're ready! It takes no time at all. I legit couldn't even time it.
Another super point of yay for the S2: THE BOTTLES. They are wide-mouth. (They're also super cute.) I am able to use my Avent bottles with the S2.




Getting Down to Business.

I didn't sleep well last night, so I was able to keep all my nocturnal pump sessions. The easy assembly made the S2 an instant win. The night light is phenomenal by the way. With two settings, it can be bright or muted for a softer glow, and it's perfect for those night sessions. Not jarring enough to hurt my eyes but bright enough for me to see. Paired with my Lactalite, this pump is my perfect spark in the dark.

The S2's suction--excuse me, suckling!--is not mechanical at all. If you didn't hear the motor (which is super quiet, by the way), you might literally zone out and think it was a baby latched on. I kid you not, it's seriously that gentle. This pump truly does not pull, and it does not hurt even at the highest setting. (I stay in midrange with vacuum settings.)

The Milkness...

I have heard many times, in many circles, that the S2 is very good for beginning or maintaining milk supply. Having used it myself now, I will offer my guess as to why.

Note: I'm NOT an IBCLC, nor am I an MD. I am simply a mom who has tried many things in my quest to have the best possible nursing experience.

Why do I believe the hype?

1. Supply and demand. If you are pumping more often, you will naturally begin to pump more milk. Your body adjusts over time to the demand for milk by what? Supplying more to meet said demand.

2. Demand and production. When the demand is greater, so too is the production. When your pump is as comfortable to use as the S2, you won't mind using it regularly. This becomes a...

3. Solid routine! 'Nuff said.

The S2 is so unlike other pumps. Trust me, I have tried many.

When I used my S2, I wasn't feeling tugged and pulled. The pump doesn't just suck. It legit suckles, like a robotic baby. Because it was much easier on my nips, I didn't balk at sitting for my 30 minutes. (My night sessions are 30 minutes, because I usually only do two.) With the S2 those 30 minutes did not feel like medieval torture. I actually watched my favorite show ("Designing Women"--Sugarbaker now, Sugarbaker forever!) while making my baby's morning milkies. 

What's that thing we say now? I was so unbothered.

Totally related--the milk flows better with this type of suction, in my humble moo-mommy-cow opinion.




Clean-up!

The S2's cleanup is a breeze, y'all. The connector and flange are one piece, and that one piece is so easy to wash. I use a very small bottle nipple brush to clean inside, and the rest of course, just wash with a dish cloth. I use Seventh Gen dish soap and hot water, then dry on a bottle rack between sessions. It takes me less than ten minutes to clean my pump kit, a time frame I'll likely be able to whittle down of I'm ever in a time crunch.

Travel

I actually had the S2 in the car this morning. I didn't go anywhere,  but I was testing how the pump might perform while on the road.

Note: SpectraBaby also has the S1, which is essentially an S2 with a built-in rechargeable battery. Interestingly enough, I like the S2 so much that I won't switch! 

There are aftermarket car chargers available if you prefer. I like to keep my pumps branded to their own, i.e. I don't use the aftermarket stuff. In travel, the S2 will be with me, ready for use at every feasible stop. Even the absence of battery does not dim this pump's shine for me.

I use my infamous Coach bag to carry my sweet little S2. It just seems to me that a pump this incredible should have an incredible bag. The pump and the necessary accessories fit neatly into the bag, with minimal issue. If I were to go to, say, NYC, I'd use my favorite backpack to schlep my S2 gear.

Bottom Line

Let's face it  regardless of how fancy a pump is, and what features it has, the fact of the matter is, this is a machine and not your baby. It's difficult to want to sit and tether yourself to these machines. Add in the pressure to produce enough to feed baby, plus the added stress of maintaining your pump schedule when you aren't at home all day (work, school, etc.), and it's easy to see why pumping can be difficult.

I'm not saying the S2 is a magic fix for all issues. 

Y'all know I avoid blanket statements like a preggie avoids laughing while standing after week 26. (For me it was week 20, but you get me, I'm sure.)

What I am saying is that, as a mom who now exclusively pumps for days at a clip, the S2 is a magic fix for all MY issues. Namely, the comfortable suction, adjustability for said suction, and the features that make this pump one I don't mind being tethered to while I make those milkies.

I'm super glad I found out about this thing. I'm even more glad for the opportunity to demo and review it, and gladder still that I get to keep it.

I'm very careful with my recommendations. Can't just be endorsing any old thing. I definitely recommend this pump, ESPECIALLY for moms who pump often or will be doing so long-term.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K ♡

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Medela Sonata!!! **Review Post

Namastè.

I have missed you!

Life has had me by the horns. Alas, it forgot--when backed into a corner, Tayè bucks back. *wink*

Today I wanna give you the skinny on the Medela Sonata! I read every stitch of info I could find on this pump prior to getting it, but because it was so new (just released in January) most weren't very detailed. After spending a fair amount of time with it myself  I feel qualified to shed some light on this new innovation.

The Sonata is Medela's first-ever smart pump. Inspired by their hospital-grade Symphony, the Sonata delivers hospital-quality performance, portability, and functionality in a cute little 2.2-pound device.



Note: I was not compensated for this review, nor did I receive this device free. This post and all opinions stated herein are mine and mine alone.

One thing I love about Medela in general is that when you purchase a pump, it is ready to go straight out of the box. You get collection bottles, the pump kit (tubing, connectors, and valves), and the power source.


My Sonata included:

☆ Sonata pump with rechargeable battery
☆ Pump bag
☆ 2 connectors
☆ 2 valves
☆ silicone membranes
☆ 2 sets of breast shields (I call them horns)
☆ 4 5-ounce collection bottles
☆ cooler
☆ cooling element
☆ tubing
☆ power adaptor
☆ 2 bottle stands
☆ dust sleeve for pump bag



As pumps go, I've seen them all. (Of the Medela family, the only one I do not own is the Symphony...can we say dedication?!) With Medela, I expect a certain level of performance. They don't disappoint. I was super excited about the Sonata for that reason alone.

My first impression of the Sonata was how futuristic it looks. It actually resembles a dock for one of Hubby Namastè's gadgets! I immediately thought, "I can set this sucker up in the living room/office/craft room/etc. and never have to explain what it is!" My other pumps draw questions, which I'm not shy about at all, but if I can avoid an interrogation, more power to me!

The Sonata boasts a muted shade of Medela's signature sunshine yellow, and the control panel looks like frosted glass. The screen sits like a floating bezel in the dock. It is touch screen.



Beyond the sleek appearance, this thing has some serious functionality. It connects to your phone or tablet (both Android and iOS) via Bluetooth. The Sonata aligns with the MyMedela app and saves your session info. It automatically logs your settings (vacuum strength, etc.) also. The only thing you have to do manually is key in your ounces.

Brass tacks!

My First Sonata Sessions

The Sonata is feature-heavy, in the best way possible. Medela designed this one with the average mom in mind for sure, from its lightweight styling to the pump's ability to save session info and transfer it to the app.

Setting the Sonata up for use takes roughly two minutes. Everything snaps or twists together pretty easily. Just five pieces and the tubing! As I've become a quick study with pumps, I had no problem at all. Also, it's a heckuva lot easier to assemble than the Freestyle. (Freestyle is also easy...but if the connector and valve aren't snapped together just so, you would get zero suction.) Once assembled, I powered it on and chose my settings. I letdown on a 4 and pump on a 5 or 6, never higher because this thing has some power!



The Sonata does not feel like the PISA or the Freestyle. It doesn't feel like a baby actually nursing, but it doesn't have that mechanical milker feel. To me it's not nearly as uncomfortable as other pumps. Unless you set the vacuum too high, the Sonata is absolutely 100% NOT PAINFUL! There's no tugging. The suction is very strong (naturally a little less so when using the battery versus the power cord, but still quite formidable!), but it doesn't hurt and I find that the Sonata gets a little more milk than my PISA.

I have to point out here just how quiet the Sonata runs. It sounds like a heartbeat. After the letdown setting, it still sounds like a heartbeat but slowed. Kind of like in the movies when things go slow motion...

I like the backlight on the Sonata. It's a very gentle glow but certainly bright enough to take care of my night pumps without jarring Hubby Namastè. As I said, I find that the Sonata gets more milk than my PISA and Freestyle. It has hospital-level suction, as it is inspired by the Symphony.

Totally off-topic but only sorta, am I the only one who thinks Medela should rename the PISA, the Melody?! Then it'd fit in the name lineup better next to the Symphony, Harmony, and Sonata. *chuckle* The Lactina and the Swing could be the Concerto and the Waltz!

Cleaning Up

Although there are five pieces to the pump kit instead of four, the Sonata doesn't take much more time to clean up, in my humble milk-making opinion. I can break it down and clean it in less than ten minutes. Even less if I use my sterilizer. The tubing on the Sonata gathers less condensation than my PISA, an improvement worth noting for sure. As always, I wash the Sonata parts with either Medela soap or Seventh Gen lavender dish wash.



Traveling Tayè

I had to make several big drives with the Sonata in tow due to a death in the family and preparations for my little baby's birthday. This was where the pump bag absolutely shined, by the way--I could fit all my essentials in there: the pump and store bags, extra pads, plus pockets for the adaptor and tubing. The bag has plenty of room for the connectors, flanges, and a magazine or two. (I toss a couple granola bars in my bag also. A girl's got to snack, yes?) As the Sonata has a built-in rechargeable battery, there was no need for an additional adaptor.



My current mom-mobile is a rather large luxury SUV so I have plenty of room anyway, but the Sonata doesn't mess with my space. I simply put it in the console, on a folded towel  (so it doesn't do that buzzy thing phones do when they vibrate across the table) and pump when I need to, then use the Medela wipes to clean my parts for the next session.

If traveling a long stretch, I use an actual cooler and ice. Gotta keep that liquid gold cold. The little cooler bag is perfect for the average outing though, as it holds four five-ounce bottles plus the cooling element.

I found the Sonata very portable. Even carrying the bag was not a hassle, as the pump is very lightweight and the bag has padded shoulders. It looks very sleek and doesn't necessarily scream "Hey buckos, I'm a breast pump bag!" I wouldn't bat an eye if it did, but I need the name of fashion Medela gets high marks for the bag design.

That App, Tho...

I have used the MyMedela app since Baby Namastè was a newborn, actually. I needed a good app to track his feedings, weight, and my early pump sessions. This app does all that and more. It tracks breastfeeding, pump sessions, weight, sleep, and diapers.



It also offers articles and links to helpful websites as well as the Medela store site. (I don't use aftermarket parts on my pumps, except my Lactalite, so this was helpful when I needed to get new membranes or connectors or whatever. Scoot on over to Instagram to find out all about this Lactalite though, that cute little clip on!) There is even a breastfeeding confidence quiz and a "contact an LC" feature that allows you to email a lactation consultant directly.

The Sonata connects to this app via Bluetooth, to transmit pump session information. (The pump's onboard memory can store up to 20 session logs, also!) The app shows your battery percentage as well as reminders for missed sessions or missing info. While the pump sends session info like vacuum strength and the length of time you pumped, it does not record how many ounces you made, so you do have to key that in. That's easy though and leaves less room for error.



The app, to me, is an extra bonus. I'm much more likely to keep a routine if I am actively tracking said routine. I've kept up with my nursing and pump sessions for a year now, and as long as I'm still breastfeeding I'll also still be using the MyMedela app to stay on track. I no longer track his diapers or sleep, but since I still keep up with his weight I was able to see immediately that he had lost weight when he fell ill a short while ago. He lost a total of five pounds and three ounces. Because I had the information stored in MyMedela, there was no guesswork and we were immediately able to make a plan and develop a course of action to regain that weight. We worked in another bottle of expressed milk during the day and all is well now. While the tracking can be tedious, there are definitely benefits to having those records!

Any Cons?

Yeah...though they be but small ones. The valves can create a vacuum effect (where the milk collects in the flange) and if you happen to move--as I always do--the milk may very well spill. I only noticed this at my highest setting. I tried it at a 7 and that was more than I want to encounter. Dialed back to a 6 and no further issues. If you prefer higher settings, be forewarned. To rectify it, just lean forward and gently break the seal, i.e. pause pumping (because you do NOT want self-inflicted nip'lash) and take off the horns, then lightly tap the assembly until the milk has flowed down into the bottle. 

Also, the horn assembly is a skee bit heavy for handsfree'ing. I actually find the Medela bustier uncomfortable, so the fact that I use a modified (read: Tayè made it so) Victoria's Secret sports bra might have something to do with that part. It doesn't slip at all with the Medela bustier, definitely a point worth noting.

All in all...

I believe the Sonata might be the best pump available besides the hospital-grade Symphony. I own and have used several different pumps in my ENTIRE SOLID YEAR OF BREASTFEEDING, WOO WOO!!! so I'm fairly well-versed in the various makes and models. The Sonata is my favorite. It works incredibly well for home and travel. It's neat-looking. The bag is pretty sweet looking too, considering it's not some hundred-dollar bag. (I first figured I'd be carrying my Sonata in my Coach diaper bag but the bag Medela created for it is absolutely fine. Cute, even!)

I was afraid that in exchange for the Bluetooth and other bells and whistles, we'd be losing strength and durability, but NOPE. Medela delivers on all fronts. The Sonata not only looks good, but it works well, travels well, and its bells and whistles make pumping (which, let's face it, is a legit labor of love!) much more comfortable. The soft backlight is perfect for late night sessions (or when, like me, you're night pumping in the car while on a road trip). The pump is quiet and reliable. I got an extra two to three ounces of milk out of my slowest sessions. In the afternoon I never get more than two or three ounces total--with the Sonata I have been consistently getting four to six ounces.

Note: I make NO claim that the Sonata will increase supply. The pump is very strong, and that leads to better b'reservoir emptying, but this is not an instant magic fix to low supply. You'll still have to get into a good nursing and/or pumping routine, eat a solid diet, and stay as stress-free as possible. Supply and demand, ALWAYS.

As far as the price, while it is fairly expensive (it costs $399, and is not yet covered by insurance as of March 2, 2017), the Sonata is decidedly worth the investment. It includes everything you need, even the bottles and cooler, and it's really a solid pump. You can get them at select retailers like Target, Walmart, BuyBuy Baby, and Babies R'Us. If those don't pan out in your area, you can always go to THE source, the Medela site. Right now you will receive a free accessory set, a $50 value, when you purchase a Sonata Deluxe Breastpump.

I think it's pretty posh and I love fancy things, even more so when they are fancy and functional.

I'll be spending a lot of time with my Sonata, as I'm still going to pump for Baby Namastè as well as donate milk. I want to make it to the 50K Ounce mark, and I know I will as long as I stick to a solid routine.

I know this one ran a wee bit long. I didn't find very many detailed reviews about this pump when I was researching it for myself, so I wanted to be thorough.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K ♡