Tommee Tippee on Zulily

There are times when I find myself getting so excited over something that I have to drop whatever I'm doing to share a great deal. This is one of those times! Although Zulily always posts fabulous sales on a daily basis, this one in particular is a better find throughout my time as a member. So, without further ado, please don't miss out on this Tommee Tippee deal!

If you're a frequent Target shopper you'd know that the base model Tommee Tippee breast pump sells for about $150. This includes the pump, and one 5 ounce bottle, nipple and base. The deluxe (which I haven't seen at my Target) sells for $250, and includes all the bells and whistles you'd expect with a top of the line double pump set.

Within this sale you'll find the double pump is on sale for only $130, the base electric model for only $74. There is a large box of disposable storage bags for only $12 (originally $18), and Tommee Tippee's electric bottle warmer for only $25 as opposed to $40.

Tommee Tippee Deluxe Electric Breast Pump $130 (normally $250)

In Support of Breastfeeding

Many new mothers out there are met with difficulty when they first begin to breastfeed their brand new baby. Latching can turn out to be what seems like an eternal struggle, and sticking with it through the pain can be rather frustrating. But what many don't realize is that it's a learning curve for both mama and baby, but there are many resources for all of you to find support.

If you aren't an individual experiencing medical problems, or a low milk supply, exclusive breastfeeding might be for you! In my own opinion, just because someone "exclusively breastfeeds" doesn't mean it must be skin to skin contact 100% of the time, and not from a bottle once in a while. Pumping breast milk can be just as beneficial, knowing that your baby will have "brain food" while you are out or working (just make sure your day care will feed your child with the milk provided).

Not only is breastfeeding beneficial to the mother, but it also aids in brain growth and shows amazing differences depending on the length of time the baby was breastfed. Those who were exclusively fed breast milk showed a 20-30 percent larger brain development than supplemented or exclusive formula feeders in this recent study. But the sad truth is it isn't always as easy as slapping the baby on the breast and going along your merry way. No, you need time to learn and a good support system (even my little one began nursing with a nipple shield).

Sometimes you need to remind yourself that you aren't perfect! I don't want anyone who is unable to breastfeed to feel picked on, sometimes you try and try regardless of the physical ailments that come along with it. I can totally relate to this blogger, because I was unable to have the natural labor I always wanted, I developed Toxemia and had to be put on Pitocin in the hospital and have my midwife break my water. I quickly found out I couldn't handle the pain of drug-induced contractions and went for an Epidural. Feeling like a failure, I forced myself through the tearful pain and it turned out great for me in the end (as I was able to breastfeed 6 weeks later).

Here are a few places you can visit online to find supportive groups of women, with a positive outlook towards breastfeeding:

The Breastfeeding Project began to empower and educate women on the benefits of the "Big Latch" for breastfeeding families. Although they are based in central Florida, you can like their Facebook page and follow updates, meet like-minded users and read the latest articles regarding your smart little babies!

Le Leche League International provides a ton of resources regarding the art of breastfeeding, learning how to read cues from your baby as well as issues dealing with pumping in the work place. They have also gone to the extent to provide educational PDFs, such as the Breastfeeding is Just Good Sense tear sheet (which I love).

Breastfeeding Law is perhaps one of the most important websites for working mothers I've found. Not only does it spell out federal laws regarding breastfeeding in public, but it also goes as far as to explain the few states that make employers create arrangements for breastfeeding mothers.

Why You Should Avoid Pumping in the Bathroom

At one point in the few weeks of my maternity leave, there were a few conversations regarding the terms of my return to work with our HR rep. After a few messages back and forth, I came to the conclusion that many women in the workplace have little understanding for mothers in the workplace. Here's one big misconception that you really need to take into consideration before agreeing to some off the wall practice.

When you return to the workforce as a mother, everything is different. Your time management has to be altered to suit the baby, and you might even find yourself running to the sitter for a quick nursing session during your lunch hour. But, eventually you'll either have to sacrifice your baby's health in order to supplement formula, change their schedule to fit work or give up the idea of any type of nap or sleep again.

The suggestion of pumping breast milk in the bathroom is the most preposterous idea I have ever heard of.  Not only is the thought of a mother being forced to pump sitting on a toilet the most demeaning thing ever, it also happens to be a rather unsanitary location for collecting someone's food... especially a baby's.

Every time a toilet is flushed, bacteria enters the air, hangs around and sticks to a number of surfaces. Would you really think a baby, someone with an undeveloped immune system, needs to ingest a dose of E coli? This is why infants die from tainted formula! But thankfully, n some states regarding companies with a large number of employees, it's actually illegal for your boss to have you use a bathroom to pump in. Everyone has to make a reasonable exception.

If you are concerned about losing your job and income, don't let yourself be bullied into working and pumping in unhygienic conditions. Stand up for yourself, and don't be afraid to respectfully remind your direct superiors that there are laws in place to protect working mothers.