Working Mom

Pumping at Work Must-Haves

This is a guest post on pumping at work must-haves from Gugu Guru “real mama” Toni Morris. Toni is mama to an adorable baby boy Gryffin. In her career as a Digital Media Specialist for a Fortune 500 company, Toni has a jam-packed schedule that often includes travel. Today she shares the must-haves that help to her keep up with her nursing and pumping goals.

Hi, my name is Toni and I am a working mom and in this post I am talking about some of my favorite products for pumping at work. You can hear it first hand in my latest Instagram takeover for Gugu Guru. Here are some items that I think have been a blessing as a working mom:

Breast Pump + Extra Parts to Keep at Work
Of course you need a breast pump for pumping at work (I use the Medela) but the real tip I have for you is to get a spare set of parts to keep at work. I cannot tell you the amount of times I forgot a cap for milk storage. Keeping a supply of breast milk storage bags also comes in handy for those emergency situations.

Breast Pump Bag or Backpack
Another must-have for pumping at work is a solid pump bag. I use a Bananafish bag. It’s a backpack, which is easier to carry into work, is stylish and there is room for EVERYTHING. It can hold a decent amount of snacks as well.

Insulated Breastmilk Cooler And Baby Bottle Bag
An insulated baby bottle bag is helpful for keeping bottles warm or cold. I love this one from Skip Hop that holds two bottles and comes with an included freezer pack.

A Hands-free Pumping Bra
I recommend a bra like this one from Simple Wishes because I need my hands to work while I am pumping everyday – otherwise sitting still for 15-20 minutes 3 x a day would drive me insane!

Lansinoh Therapearl Heating Pads
I love these Lansinoh Therapearl microwaveable heating pads because they help to use in between pumping for those pesky clogged ducts. Just make sure you stick to the microwave directions or else you may end up popping it (face palm). Good thing it comes with two!

Personalized Necklace
I wear a Stella + Dot necklace with Gryffin’s name on it. It’s fashionable but meaningful and reminds me why I am at work to give him a better life.

Water Bottle
Pumping adds in an additional 90 minutes to my day that is already jam packed with meetings. It’s great to have a water bottle always at my side to remind me to stay hydrated.

Want to see more? Check out this post to see five of Gugu Guru’s favorite pumping products for working mamas.

Disposable Nursing Pads Challenge

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This is Part Two of our two-part Nursing Pad Challenge series. In this challenge, Gugu Guru mama Denalee tried out four different disposable nursing pad brands and discusses the pros and cons of each, as well as choosing her Gugu Pick for all-around best disposable nursing pads. In the first part of this series, we look at reusable pads.

Nursing Pad Challenge Round 2: Disposable Pads

Personally, I like the way the disposables feel more than reusables and I like how disposable pads tend to stay put more than reusables on the days I’m nursing versus pumping. For this best disposable nursing pad challenge, I compared four different brands: Hey Mama, Bundlebliss, Medela and Lansinoh. I evaluated each one for factors like absorbency, comfort, thinness, appearance and comfort.

1. Hey Mama Disposable Nursing Pads

Pros: These are soft and absorbent. They are stay put and are not noticeable through shirts.

Cons: They are on the thicker side of the disposable pads that I tried and they get really heavy when full.

2. Bundlebliss Disposable Ultra Thin Nursing Breast Pads

Pros: These are super thin and the packaging is really cute.

Cons: As much as I wanted to love these, because they are so thin I find that they fill quickly when I wore them and they also do not stay put in my bra. They fold and move around if I am moving a lot.

3. Medela Nursing Pads

Pros: These work, they’re absorbent and stay put.

Cons: They are not as soft as the other disposable pads I tried and they feel thicker. They’re a slightly different shape, which might affect how they wear. I feel like I had to keep wearing them to give them a shot but never found myself reaching for these as my go-to pads.

4. Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Disposable Breast Pads

Pros: These are amazing! They are super soft, thin, stay in place and are absorbent.

Cons: They are not as natural as the reusable ones – I’m not sure what the “blue core” does – but whatever it is, they work!

Gugu Pick: Overall my favorite disposable pads are definitely the Lansinoh Ultimate Protection Disposable Breast Pads.

Reusable Nursing Pad Challenge

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This is Part One of our two-part Nursing Pad Challenge series. In this challenge, Gugu Guru mama Denalee tried out seven different reusable nursing pad brands and discusses the pros and cons of each, as well as choosing her Gugu Pick for all-around best reusable nursing pads. In the second part of this series, we’ll be looking at disposable pads.

Nursing Pad Challenge Round 1: Reusable Pads

On days I’m pumping I find the reusable pads more convenient than the disposable pads and since I dual pump I leak less. For this reusable pad challenge, I compared several different brands: Curve, BRAVADO!, bamboobies, Jalousie, Kindred Bravely, Momcabi and Baby Voice. I evaluated each one for factors like absorbency, comfort, thinness, appearance and comfort.

1. Curve Reusable Nursing Pads by Cache Coeur

Pros: I love the shape of these pads and that they have a little structure to them. They stay put, which is really nice and they also give you a smooth line. I also leaked a lot while testing these pads and they did not soak through!

Cons: Depending on the bra and how full of milk I am, the Curve pads can take up too much space because of their structure; it is almost a push up effect, which doesn’t always work well. They also can feel very damp against the skin when they get wet, which was uncomfortable when I could not change the pad right away. They also did not wash well in the machine (one wash in the machine and they looked worn) so it would be best to hand wash them. I don’t have time to hand wash so I continue to put them in the machine and they are still doing just fine after about four washes. So they do hold up, the color just fades a little.

2. BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women’s Washable and Reusable Nursing Breast Pads (3-Pack)

Pros: I liked the packaging and feminine fabric; it is just a cute design. They’re also lightweight, which is nice and I didn’t have any issues leaking through the pads. The mesh is also nice and soft against the skin.

Cons: The size was large for me so I found they didn’t lay flat. They started to wrinkle once they got damp. The mesh also felt damp when I leaked.

3. bamboobies Washable Reusable Nursing Pads with Leak-Proof Backing, Ultra Thin, 4 Count
Pros: These are really soft and comfortable. I was skeptical of the unique heart shape but they actually did not show through my shirt and I think the shape would work well for most sizes.

Cons: I leaked through the pad. These were meant for light leaks but I did not think I leaked that much and when I removed the pad it was completely soaked through. Luckily, it did not leak through my bra but it was still less than ideal. These also did not wash as well as I would have hoped. When they came out of the wash they started to twist up around the edges but you couldn’t tell when I was wearing them.

4. Jalousie Reusable Bamboo Fiber Nursing Pads

Pros: They do not leak and the bamboo wicks the moisture, which is nice.

Cons: They were a little large for me so I didn’t feel like they laid flat and the fabric was a bit tough. It did not irritate me but I could see it being irritating for someone who is just starting to nurse.

5. Kindred Bravely Washable Organic Nursing Pads (8 Pack)

Pros: I loved the size of these pads and that they have a little seam in them so they laid nicely against the skin. You could not tell I was wearing them. Although they were the same size as the Baby Voice pads, the seam make a big difference. They are also absorbent, I had no issues with leaking. They also washed well.

Cons: Again, the fabric is not as soft as I would have liked but it was not irritating to me.

6. Momcabi

Pros: These are absorbent and I did not feel damp wearing them when I leaked. They also wash well.

Cons: They were on the larger size for me and bunched a little but I don’t think it was that noticeable through my shirt.

7. Baby Voice

Pros: These are a great size pad for me (they are a little smaller than the Momcabi and BRAVADO! pads.) They also work well, are absorbent, and do not feel damp against my skin.

Cons: They bunched up and would move around in my bra. The fabric is also a bit rough against the skin. After washing them a few times they started to feel a little softer but are not as luxurious-feeling as some of the other pads (such as bamboobies).

Gugu Pick: For reusable pads I really liked the Curve pads. I found them really comfortable and I liked the shape of them.

My second favorite are the Kindred Bravely pads. I liked how they wicked the moisture and they personally laid nicely against me (I did find, however, that all of the bamboo pads ultimately felt very similar to each other: Baby Voice, Momcabi, Kindred Bravely, and Jalousie. I could see others preferring other bamboo ones since I think the sizing is personal.)

Why “Me Time” Matters

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This week’s post on “Me Time” is from our good friend Natalie Diaz founder of Twiniversity -the world’s leading support network for multiple birth families.

I consider myself a lucky person. I’m surrounded by my twinnies, hubby, extended family, and a bunch of wild friends that help me make good (and sometimes bad) choices.

One thing that everyone in my circle can agree on: I’m HORRIBLE at taking time for myself. You should know that things are bad when your mother-in-law says, “Nat, you need to do more for yourself. Why don’t you take a break and go to a movie?”

Don’t get me wrong, I try. I try to take breaks and have a cup of coffee, but it seems like there is always something to be done. A load of laundry, dishes in the sink, bills to pay, school projects to buy supplies for, errands to run, etc. AND when I do find time for myself? The guilt! The guilt gets me. I know I’m not the only one. “Me Time” should not just mean going to the bathroom with the door closed. We should be leading by example and teaching our kids how to balance their own lives instead of showing them how to run around like a chicken without a head.

I can’t be the only one whose temper is a little shorter because I’ve felt like I’ve had a child at my feet all day, or I feel like I’m being pulled in 12 directions on a regular basis. Let’s face it, that’s parenthood. BUT, we need to put on our own oxygen mask first like the flight attendants tell us during a flight safety briefing. We honestly can’t help others unless we help ourselves first.

Today I’m going back to basics. I’ve taken a pledge that for the next 30 days, I will take 10 minutes for myself each and every day. Maybe it will be in the morning after the kids are off to school. Maybe it will be in the afternoon and I’ll actually stop for a real lunch instead of eating at the kitchen counter to just get some extra energy from whatever nutrients I can scrounge up. Maybe it will be in the night, when the eye of the storm arrives and the kids are frustrated with each other over an unfair distribution of chores, or when my husband walks in and dog is running in circles, and the phone is ringing, and the TV is three levels too loud, and the dishwasher is clanging again….AHHHHH!!! Yeah, you see where this is going.

So for the next 30 days (yes, through the holidays), I’m going to find 10 minutes a day to do the following things. This is just my top 5 by the way. I honestly think that I can do it. That’s 70 minutes a week! That’s a heck of a lot of time. I’m so excited.

1. Sit and do nothing. Pop some earplugs in, sit in my bedroom and try to focus on nothing but the sound of my beating heart.

2. Pet my dog more. My beast Betty is one giant mutt. 109lbs of loveable jerk that I need to just pet more and maybe smooch on her tiny black nose.

3. Read a book. Remember those? I remember when I was younger and my mom took me to a bookstore to buy the latest edition of “The Babysitters Club”. Those were such great days. I bought THREE books (yup, over ambitions Nat talking here). An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy and Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. Will I finish them? No idea. Will I get past page 3 of each? That’s more likely.

4. While I’d like to spend my 10 minutes totally disconnected from technology, I also like to listen to podcasts. I found a new one that I’m going to jump into. Dr. Death! It sounds so dark, and it so is! I’ve been enjoying podcasts as a secondary activity. They are on as I’m driving or walking to the subway or whatnot, but I do love ‘em. I want to take some time for me and just enjoy them.

5. About a year ago I started crocheting. I’d like to learn a new stitch a week with my 10 minutes a day. I wish I had more time to dedicate to crocheting, but it seems like most days get away from me. Maybe my extra 10 minutes of me time will light a fire under me to try something new.

Now it’s your turn. What are your top 5 things you’d like to do if you found some spare time? Forget “spare time”, take it! Take 10 minutes for yourself daily for the next 30 days. Will you feel better? Will you yell less? Will you be calmer? LIVE BY EXAMPLE! Leave the guilt at the door and find a minute for you. I’m not suggesting you run off on a weekend to Mexico with your girlfriends. But 10 minutes a day? you can do it.

Natalie Diaz is the Pied Piper of twin families around the globe. Founding Twiniversity — the world’s leading support network for multiple birth families — in 2009, she’s become the global influencer for this small niche community. Reaching over a million families a week through Twiniversity’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube channels, moms and dads of twins flock to Twiniversity to find resources, ask questions, explore new products, and find community and support from other twin parents. Natalie is a true connector, bringing parents from all walks of life together, breaking past cultural differences, to share in the highs and lows of parenting twins. Natalie’s book, “What To Do When You’re Having Two” is a global bestseller in Twins & Multiples Parenting.

5 Working & Pumping Mom Must-Haves

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It’s time to talk working & pumping mom must-haves because we have a feeling that might apply to most of our readers. Are you planning to return to work after baby? You’re not alone. At Gugu Guru, our users take a quiz to tell us about their lifestyle and we see that over 80% of our mama community plans to go back to work after maternity leave.

Going back to work after baby can be challenging, especially for mothers who wish to continue nursing, so at Gugu Guru we are always on the look-out for products and services that make the transition more smooth. In this post, we put together a list of some of our favorite products – from both new and classic brands – for working mamas, especially pumping mamas.

Zohzo Lauren Breast Pump Bag
While there are a lot of great breast pump bags out there, we like the Zohzo because its large compartment is big enough to fit most brands of pumps. Plus it offers a ton of pockets for organization of both your pumping items and work stuff – including your laptop. Note: you’ll also need an insulated cooler bag for storage (we like the Skip Hop Grab & Go insulated baby bottle bag.)

Ollie Gray Anywhere Bra
The team at Gugu Guru is SO digging this new brand founded by a husband and wife team looking to develop a super comfortable and stylish nursing & pumping bra. They teamed up with a former designer from Lululemon to create a gorgeous athleisure-inspired and, more importantly, highly functional line of bras.

Nanobebe
The Nanobebe feeding system is the ultimate for working, pumping mamas. The bottle itself is designed to preserve the nutrients in breastmilk. We also love that you can store and stack the bottles. Also key for working parents is that the Nanobebe bottles have a very high acceptance rate because they’re so breast-like.

Cache Coeur Curve Reusable Nursing Pads
These nursing pads are super absorbent, while also being virtually invisible – plus, they stay in place. The affordable Curve pads come in two sizes – day and night. We love that because they’re reusable and OEKO-TEX certified, these pads are truly eco-friendly and sustainable.

Are you a working parent or parent-to-be? Don’t forget to check out these services for busy professional parents too.

Back to Preschool Snacking & Mealtime Must-Haves

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Gugu Guru mama of a two-year-old, Shana, tells us about her preschool must-haves for snacking and mealtime.

SkipHop Zoo Snack Cup
From babyhood to toddlerhood to preschool age, a spill-proof snack cup is a preschool must-have! Cuteness factor aside (SkipHop’s line features the cutest little animal and insect friends), these snack cups promote independent snacking and are oh so practical – hello, no more crushed snacks in mama’s bag!

SkipHop Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag
As your little one grows, you’ll need a way to transport more than just puffs and cheerios! Cut fruit, hummus, drinks – this insulated bag keeps it all cool whether on the way to school or a playdate. It passed the test on a recent playground playdate in 90 degree heat with flying colors!

SiliKids
I try to use glass as much as possible, but it’s not always practical when on the move. That’s why I love award-winning silicone brand Silikids! Their products are a fantastic alternative to plastic and they’re really stylish. I like to bring drinks in the Kids To-Go Cup on outings because my daughter can use the sip top lid for no-mess drinking when she’s in her car seat, then pop the lid off for regular drinking outside the car (we don’t use sippy or straw cups). I also love their Silibags – reusable silicone snack bags. They’re a great alternative to plastic bags; I love them for things like turkey/cheese rollups and cut fruit. Bonus – they’re dishwasher safe!

Siliskin Glass Cup for Kids: Whether you’re a Montessori mama like me or just want to foster independence, these glasses are a great option when you’re ready to ditch the sippy cup. Made of glass with a removable, textured silicone sleeve for easy gripping, they’re the perfect size for little hands. My little one has shunned all her other “big girl cups” and will only use these now! (Keep in mind that even though these are a safer option, they should never be used without supervision.)

Dr. Brown’s Snack A Pillar
As a Montessori mom in a Montessori (ish) home, I like to keep snacks accessible, but know my preschooler might just eat an entire box of bunny grahams if given the opportunity. She helps me fill each container with a different snack and put them in a lower cabinet for easy access as needed. Plus, I can also grab them (they screw together) when we’re headed out for snacks on the go.

Dr. Brown’s Tummy Grumbles
I love Dr. Brown’s Tummy Grumbles reusable snack bags, except I don’t use them for snacks – I use them for wipes! Because my daughter is potty trained, I have little need to lug around a huge pack of wipes (and those small travel packs seem so wasteful). I put a few wipes for hands and face in one of the bags and toss it into my purse. I refill as needed and they don’t dry out!

b.box Snack Pack
If your preschooler is anything like mine, there are two things you can count on when it comes to food – pickiness and the love of dipping things! I love the b.box Snack Pack because it has two compartments that seal separately for those days when choosing between cheese bunnies and bunny grahams is not an option. It’s also perfect for things like pretzel chips and hummus for dipping! Bonus: it has a spoon that snaps into the lid for scoopable snacks!

Not going back to school but going back to work and putting your little one in daycare? Check out our must-haves and tips here.

Work at Home Mom Must Haves: Part 1

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In our first installment of essentials for the work at home mom, Alex – mom of three with one on the way – is chatting about teethers, diaper bags, maternity clothes, and why a Crane USA humidifier is an essential for any house. Check out Alex on her blog and Instagram – and see all of our mom types here, too.

Lou Lou Lollipop Teether: This teether is amazing — I love that it’s got a sturdy clip that even a strong-willed toddler can’t yank off! The quality of the actual teether is soooo sturdy and is the perfect firmness for those achy teething baby gums that need some gnawing relief on an adorable donut!

Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack, Forma: I absolutely love this backpack — it is spacious to fit alllll of my baby/toddler/mom gear yet compact enough that it doesn’t feel like it’s a steamer trunk and takes up a bunch of room. I just LOVE the stroller clips so I can clip this bad boy on the back of my stroller when we’re out and about and I have quick access to all of my essentials! I just love it!

GoodbodyGoodmommy Maternity Leggings and Multitasking Cardigan: Holy cats. These are hands-down my favorite FAVORITE maternity (and probably postpartum too!) gear! They are made out of super soft material that feels sooooo good on my stretched out sore pregnant body. I absolutely love the cardigan, which is perfect for both pregnancy and postpartum nursing sessions! The support band in the maternity leggings is my most favorite thing ever, because my belly tends to carry 9+ pound babies and this will be the best support ever for that and my back. I just love these both SO MUCH! (See more on the multitasking cardigan here, too)

Crane USA Elephant Humidifier: This humidifier is not only practical (helllllo winter dryness!) but also freaking adorable. I love the elephant design and love even more that I can adjust the intensity of the humidifier (aka make it last all night long!) as well as the direction it is spraying towards. It’s also super easy to refill and clean!

Stay tuned for more Work at Home Mom Picks from Alex!

Mompreneur Spotlight: Jessica Rolph of Lovevery

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We’ve written about the very cool Lovevery play-gym before, and today we’re sharing an interview with founder Jessica Rolph about being a mom and entrepreneur and balancing it all.

Jessica is an entrepreneur and category creator. Passionate about the importance of early life, she is the Cofounder and CEO of Lovevery, a new child development company helping parents feel confident they are making the most of each learning stage. Jessica also serves on the board of Happy Family Brands, where she was Founding Partner and COO through 2016. Jessica helped launch, build, and lead Happy Family, which is the #1 organic baby, toddler, and kid’s food in the US, with more than 200 SKUs sold in 20,000 stores across 30 countries worldwide. Groupe Danone acquired HappyFamily in 2013. Jessica also co-founded the Climate Collaborative, a non-profit organization helping companies in the natural products industry take meaningful steps to reverse climate change. She is an Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow, and was awarded the Park Leadership Fellowship, graduating from Cornell’s Johnson School in 2004. Jessica also holds a BA from Cornell University, where she graduated cum laude. Jessica and her husband Decker are parents to Beatrice (2), Thacher (5) and Leland (7).

How and why did you start Lovevery?

I am passionate children’s health and learning. As founding partner @happyfamily, I fought to keep toxins out of babies’ bodies. And then I started thinking, what are we doing to nourish our babies’ brains? I discovered a doctoral thesis on infant brain development that had all these detailed, nerdy, cool things that I could do with my baby. It felt really natural and simple and I never looked at our toys the same again. @loveverybaby our mission is to help parents feel confident they are giving their children the best for learning and development.

Where did you come up with the name?

It was so hard finding the right name for the company. You come up with an idea for a name, fall in love with it, and then realize you can’t use it because some company in Austrila used it a while back for a toy the lawyers think is similar, but you are convinced is totally different. It is such an emotional process!

In the beginning, my cofounder and used “Smart Baby” as the working name for what we were doing, but we knew it wasn’t right. “Smart Baby” sounds like so much pressure, and we aren’t about just optimizing for intelligence. We want to be broader and more approachable. We want to help parents feel supported, like that nurturing, well read friend who you can trust to do all the research so you don’t have to. We were constantly trying to come up with new names, and finally ended up with Lovevery. Love is such a powerful word, and sums up so much of the parenting experience.

How do you balance work and family?

So much of life is about achieving and doing, yet so much of parenting is about being. It is hard to train myself, even after having three babies, to really absorb the understanding that the only way I will not let this precious time slip by is to learn to be present. My children are so scrumptious, but I admit I often find myself in autopilot mode, or find I’m processing a work challenge in the back of my mind, or wasting energy stressing about the mess and clutter in my house.

I made a resolution this year to meditate 5 minutes a day, and made it through mid February. Now I meditate occasionally. When I do take a few minutes to train my brain to slow down, it helps me take in more moments with my kids, whether they are all losing it or saying something precious.

I’ve also (mostly) let go of any aspiration that doesn’t seem essential at this stage – an organized minimalist house, a zero waste lifestyle, extra commitments, all those emails I am constantly struggling to get to.

When I was still COO at Happy Family, co-founding Lovevery, had an infant, toddler and pre-schooler at home and was trying to be a dedicated wife, mother, daughter and granddaughter, I admit in my attempt to streamline life I consciously deprioritized my friends. It sounds terrible, but I was so maxed out and felt I couldn’t do it all. After about a year I realized it was a mistake. I was lonely and am now working to build more connection back into my life.

Balance at this stage is so elusive, but there are so many moments of joy. I’m trying to be present for more of them.

What’s the best part about being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

I feel a deep sense of purpose in my work that drives me. In a good way, it feels like there are no other options for my life path, and having that clarity is really satisfying. The best parts are co-creating with my cofounder and our team.

We took a big bet on an insight, convinced friends and family to invest in us, and then went really deep experimenting and testing and iterating. We spent a year following 25 test families, traveling around the country to test our prototypes and learn and iterate. We were so confident that we could create something that would be of service and meaningful.

And then, as it got closer and closer to launch, I started to get really nervous. We have poured so much of ourselves into this business, it felt really vulnerable. I knew that if it didn’t work at first, that I could pivot and find a way… I’ve been in that struggle with the wrong product at Happy Family and I know there is a way out, but it is so incredibly hard.

And then, once we launched The Play Gym and The Play Kits it all became real, and is so exciting. The response was beyond our highest hopes. The very best part is all the customer love. It is a dream come true for us to see parents enjoy what we worked so hard to create.

Breast Pump Bag Top Pick: Skip Hop’s Tray Chic

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One of our top registry picks for breastfeeding working mamas is a breast pump bag from Skip Hop, the Tray Chic Dry & Store Pump Bag. This breast pump bag is revolutionary in so many ways and is the ultimate accessory for any working mom or even a pumping mom who travels a lot. With this breast pump bag, it seems as though Skip Hop has considered every detail, and it’s bound to become a true staple for any pumping mom.

The Tray Chic Dry & Store Pump Bag features a revolutionary bottom compartment with dual zip openings to provides cross-ventilation to dry pump accessories, and has a removable drying tray which doubles as a staging area to assemble pump. The dedicated side-zip pump pocket allows for easy access and fits most ACA-approved breast pumps.

This super functional breast pump bag from Skip Hop has a large main compartment with zip closure and two mesh pockets, so you will have room for any accessories you may need, plus any work, gym, or play essentials. Skip Hop worked hard on this breast pump bag to think of everything for a pumping mom. It even has an elasticized pen loop for easy breastmilk labeling – genius! There are three ways to wear this breast pump bag, tote style, backpack and cross body. You can learn even more about this breast pump bag from Skip Hop in a video overview with Gugu Guru’s founder, Monica:

Skip Hop aims to make functional and stylish essentials for parents, and there are so many other Skip Hop items which Gugu Guru loves, such as the Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station and the Skip Hop Grab & Go Stroller Organizer. There is no need to sacrifice style when it comes to baby necessities, Skip Hop’s breast pump bag is a must-have item for any breastfeeding moms’ baby registry.

You can find Skip Hop on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Best Services for Expectant Working Moms & Dads

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In this round up for working moms and dads, we list some of our favorite work/life balance hack services for expectant, professional parents. Finding balance in life is hard enough, but for working moms and dads, that holy grail of balance becomes even harder to achieve – and this starts as early as when expecting a baby (or sometimes even when simply planning for a baby.) From research to parental leave options to breastfeeding goals and more, planning for and having a baby presents a whole bunch of different challenges when trying to your career path on course. Fear not, expectant professionals! We’ve put together this list of 7 must-have services that working moms and dads have to check out:

Parental Leave: Take12
Take12 is one of Gugu Guru’s favorite new start-ups, specifically for working moms since unpaid parental leave is largely contributing to a maternal health crisis here in the US. If you’re an expectant mother, you may want to look into how to extend your parental leave to give yourself some extra time at home. Fortunately, you can start doing that before baby arrives with Take12. Through its unique registry platform, Take12 provides a solution that allows working moms to take the issue of unpaid leave into their own hands by asking friends and family to give a monetary gift so that mom doesn’t have to go back to work before she is financially, emotionally or physically ready. In the site’s powerful community, working moms can also find the resources they need for maternity leave and the return to work.

Preparing for Baby and Registry: Gugu Concierge
Overwhelmed with that deadline at work but need to use your lunch hour to research the best strollers? You’re not alone. For first time parents, the task of selecting an exhaustive list of important baby products frequently leads to anxiety during a time when it’s crucial to cut out any extra stress from life. Now you can focus on staying productive at work, as well as the more important things in your personal life with Gugu Guru’s affordable baby concierge service. With Gugu Concierge, a professional consultant personally guides parents-to-be through the otherwise daunting task of preparing for a child – reducing stress (and also store returns later on!) Unlike store associates at retailers, a professional Gugu Concierge Planner’s product knowledge and familiarity is not limited to what is available at one particular store and their unbiased recommendations can come from any retailer.

Unbiased Expert Support: Tinyhood
Tinyhood‘s text support platform is a game changer. Private message with one of Tinyhood’s thoughtful, hand-selected arsenal of the world’s best parenting experts and get personalized answers wherever you are, whenever you need it. No need for booked appointments—unless that’s what you’d prefer. Parenting problem? Tinyhood chat is where it’s at. Why spend hours searching the web and getting tossed around from opinion to conflicting opinion or feel judged in some Facebook parenting group? Parenting is a personal endeavor and Tinyhood will never force a philosophy on you that doesn’t match your needs.

Cleaning, Repair & Safe Installation: Tot Squad
For working moms and dads, cleaning, repair and installation of baby gear can be hard to fit in a packed schedule. Luckily Tot Squad is your one stop shop. The service was specifically developed with the goal to help improve the work/life balance for busy parents. Tot Squad comes to the rescue of busy parents and caregivers everyday by providing the care, safety and installation of their baby gear both in retail settings and at home.

Breastmilk Delivery: Milk Stork
Milk Stork makes it easy to get your breast milk home when you’re away on business from anywhere in the US. You don’t have to choose between your career and your commitment to breastfeeding, Milk Stork is the first and only breast milk travel solution for working moms. Milk Stork was inspired by all the breastfeeding super moms who work, travel, and love their babies like crazy. The reality is that most moms are working moms. And, for moms who return to work after maternity leave, the commitment to breastfeeding comes with numerous daily challenges. Working moms are faced with enough tradeoffs and compromises – meeting nutrition goals for their babies shouldn’t be one of them.

Sleep & Well Being: Sleep Lady
Another health crisis for new parents is lack of sleep. Being well-rested, makes you a sharper, happier and, most importantly, healthier parent. Plus, good sleep habits and gentle sleep coaching build a positive parent-child attachment and encourage a strong bond. Kim West AKA the world-renown Sleep Lady‘s Gentle Baby Solutions is an e-course designed specifically for infants from birth to 24 weeks old. You will learn the important skills necessary to encourage positive sleep associations and habits for your new baby, which will make sleep coaching easier after your child turns 6 months.

Parents of Multiples: Twiniversity
For working moms and dads expecting more than one, Twiniversity offers online expecting twins classes that are a must for expecting and new parents of twins or higher order multiples. Parents will join a live video classroom with other couples from all over the US, Canada, and beyond where you can get all your multiples questions answered by a live instructor (who is also a mom of twins!) Your class registration includes lecture, materials, and an open Q&A.

Considering working at home part or full time? Check out work from home baby registry must-haves.

Photo copyright: vadimgozhda / 123RF Stock Photo

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