A super exciting giveaway, win Hygeia EnJoye LBI breast pump! (You can read my review here.) I had the chance to meet the Hygeia team in September and loved everything about this company from the people that run it to their values to their incredible products. There is no doubt they genuinely support breastfeeding mothers and set about doing so responsibly. Getting to talk with Kate Gulbransen, Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) and Hygeia’s Social Media Manager was a real treat and I’m pleased to bring you an interview with her to share more about this company, the WHO code, and her favorite pumping tip.
TLB: What should TLB readers know about Hygeia?
Kate: Hygeia’s number one goal is to support breastfeeding moms. We’re also committed to the environment, so all of our breast pumps are recyclable and, unlike most personal use pumps on the market, designed to be safely used by multiple moms. This means fewer breast pumps end up in landfills.
TLB: On the Hygeia website it states that Hygeia is WHO code compliant, why is this something that is important to Hygeia?
Kate: The WHO Code was established to protect mothers and babies worldwide from predatory and aggressive marketing of infant formula and breastmilk substitutes. We know that infant formula and bottle advertising affects breastfeeding rates and duration, so the WHO Code sets basic ethical guidelines for manufacturers. Our goal at Hygeia is to create products that encourage and support breastfeeding, so promoting the WHO Code is a important part of our core values as a company. For more information about the WHO Code, I recommend this post from The Best for Babes Foundation. http://www.bestforbabes.org/what-is-the-who-code
TLB: When a breastfeeding mom is in the market for a new pump, how does she decide what kind of pump (manual, single electric, double electric, hospital grade, etc.) is right for her?
Kate: Choosing a pump can definitely be a daunting task! The first questions I would ask are how the mom plans to use the pump. Is she planning to go back to work full time? Is she pumping for a preemie? Is she wanting to have a small supply for occasional separations from baby? Regardless of pumping goals, I also recommend that all moms learn hand expression. Stanford University has a great intro to hand expression video to help moms http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html
Manual and single electric breast pumps are a good option for moms who don’t expect to be separated often from baby, but would like to express to have a small supply on hand for short-term separations. Again, hand expression can be a great alternative to the pump!
Double electric breast pumps are a good option for moms who are planning to go back to work full-time or have more frequent pumping needs (donating milk, etc.). In choosing a pump in this category, make sure to consider the pump’s warranty (a warranty of under a year is a red flag) and battery/car charger options if you don’t always expect to have electrical access. Another consideration is whether or not the pump is safe for multiple users, as many pumps in this category are designated “single user” and cannot be safely shared.
I recommend hospital grade breast pumps to moms who are initiating milk supply, pumping for premature/sick infants, or who aren’t responding well to consumer-grade breast pumps. These pumps are typically rented rather than purchased, and are designed for long-term heavy use by multiple moms.
Regardless of pump selection, it’s important to make sure you have a proper breast flange fit. Here’s a good resource page on ensuring proper sizing: http://lactinv.com/breastfeeding_qna.php?article=proper_fitting_of_breastshields
TLB: What’s your favorite pumping tip?
Kate: Hands on pumping! Doing massages/gentle breast compressions while pumping can significantly boost pumping output. I send this link from Stanford University to every pumping mom: http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html
Hygeia is giving away an EnJoye LBI Deluxe Tote Set ($319 retail value) to one lucky Leaky with the winner’s choice of a black or brown bag. This pump is great for long-term and frequent pumping needs including maintaining milk supply as well as collect breast milk and single or double pumping.
More information on the EnJoye from the Hygeia website:
- Proven performance for working moms with long-term and frequent pumping needs. Plus, your satisfaction is guaranteed
- Features the unique Hygeia CARE Button for Customized, Audio, Recording, Experience so you can record your baby or other sound to enhance your breast pumping experience
- Offers single or double pumping flexibility
- Electric or battery operation with the included internal battery pack. The rechargeable battery is ideal for battery-dependent pumpers
- Green breast pump, Can be shared by multiple mothers when each has her own personal accessory set
- Recycle the EnJoye when you no longer need it. See recycling instructions.
- Mimics your baby’s unique suckling patterns with customizable speed and pressure controls
- Safe, because all parts that come into contact with breastmilk are
BPA/DEHP Free
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To be entered, please leave a comment on this post. This entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance at the giveaway. Please be sure head over to Hygeia on Facebook and thank them for their support of TLB and this amazing giveaway opportunity.
For 1 additional entry, (limit 3 entries per person) Tweet OR Facebook (only one counts, you can do both but both a tweet and FB share can only count for 1 additional entry) about the giveaway and comment again here posting url to that tweet or status.
For 1 additional entry, (limit 3 entries per person) share on public parenting forum the link to the giveaway and comment again here posting the url to that post.
That’s it – three simple tasks and you’re entered three times for a chance at a great giveaway. Thanks to Hygeia for their generous giveaway and sponsorship of The Leaky Boob, providing support for breastfeeding moms everywhere. This giveaway will remain open through November 22, 2011 and is open to USA entries only. Good luck and have fun!
This giveaway is closed.
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Congratulations to Emily Kay:
“Would love this pump for my next baby!”
Big thanks to Hygeia for their incredibly generous support and giveaway.
