breast pump

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

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.

Product Discovery: Milk Stork

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March is Women’s History Month and today we’re excited to introduce you to a brand founded by a woman (and mom) revolutionizing the way that moms can work outside the home and continue to breastfeed (and pump). Milk Stork was started by Kate Torgenson in 2015 after struggling to get her breast milk (more than two gallons of breast milk and eight pounds of melting ice) home to her eight month-old twins after a four-day business trip. She was determined to create a solution so Milk Stork was born. We interviewed Kate all about why and how she founded Milk Stork; you can follow Milk Stork on Instagram, Facebook, and check out their website. Moms shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and breastfeeding, and now they don’t have to thanks to Kate.

Why did you start Milk Stork?

In 2014, when my twins were about 8 months old, I was faced with a 4-day business trip at Clif Bar. I was committed to breastfeeding them for at least 12 months (as I had done for my first child). Together, the three of us had fought through a lot of breastfeeding challenges including tandem nursing, a tongue tie, latching and weight gain issues, not to mention pumping relentlessly at work to maintain their half-gallon-per-day demand. At the same time, I was committed to being “all in” with my job. And, while it wasn’t the most important business trip in the world, just a conference, I really wanted to attend.

As I prepared for the trip, I started troubleshooting the logistics of shipping my breast milk home and quickly learned that there were no turnkey services to help. To do it, I would have to take a DIY approach– sourcing dry ice and shipping materials to my hotel room and then getting myself to a special FedEx shipping facility every day without a rental car. It was too just much to do on top of the conference and all of the pumping!

So, instead, I pumped 2 “extra” gallons of milk to cover my absence before I left (on top of the gallons that the twins were already drinking!) and then, I pumped like crazy while I was gone to maintain my supply. During the trip, I managed to squeeze 2 gallons of breast milk into a tiny hotel fridge, only to lug it all home – and through TSA – along with (4) gallon-sized Ziplocs filled with ice.

Dealing with all that milk amplified the logistical challenges, constraints, and frustrations that many moms face when it comes to breastfeeding and business travel. I got back from the trip and was determined to create a simple solution to this complex problem. We launched a year later in 2015. Milk Stork is the first breast milk shipping service for business traveling breastfeeding moms.

How do you see Milk Stork changing the way women work and travel?

Returning from maternity leave can be challenging; emotionally, physically and logistically. For working breastfeeding moms, business travel introduces painful tradeoffs. It can be so difficult that many moms limit or opt out of business travel altogether during their babies’ first years, some “pump & dump” while they are away (a frustrating experience given the time and energy that goes into pumping) and still others, wean their babies earlier that they would like. With Milk Stork, working breastfeeding moms can more fully resume their job responsibilities without making difficult personal compromises and vice/versa.

How does Milk Stork work? How does a mom go about using Milk Stork to make her life easier?

Milk Stork provides business-traveling, breastfeeding-moms with a no-fuss solution to safely overnight their fresh milk home to their babies. To place an order, moms go to www.milkstork.com indicating where they will be staying, where they would like their milk shipped, and choose the products that will best support their trip. Milk Stork ships the order to their hotel so it is ready and waiting for the mom when she arrives. Then, she pumps according to her regular schedule, activates her cooler when she is ready to pack her milk, and then drops her cooler with the front desk or concierge for overnight shipping. More instructions here: www.milkstork.com/howtopack. When she returns to the office, she should submit her Milk Stork receipt to her employer for reimbursement.

How can companies/businesses support moms in using Milk Stork?

One of the fastest, easiest ways employers can offer Milk Stork as a benefit is as an approved travel expense and having a policy and process that allows employees to expense Milk Stork. Milk Stork also has a program for employers that includes a special order portal for employees, monthly invoicing and utilization reports.

Why do you feel that Milk Stork is revolutionary for moms?

Breastfeeding rates have increased over the past 10 years, and today, most working women are moms. The combination of these two factors has a resulted in more breast milk is being pumped at work than ever before. With Milk Stork, working breastfeeding moms can more fully resume their job responsibilities without making difficult personal compromises and vice/versa. Additionally, by providing Milk Stork as an employee benefit, companies are supporting gender diversity while helping working moms nourish their babies and their careers. In doing so, these employers are creating a culture that acknowledges, normalizes and celebrates working motherhood and breastfeeding.

Video Overview: Skip Hop Tray Chic Dry & Store Pump Bag

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Our latest pumping, working mama must-have: the Skip Hop Tray Chic Dry & Store Pump Bag. It’s got a secret compartment that is cross-ventilated so you can store and dry your pumping parts – genius! Plenty of storage, other cool features (like a pen loop for labeling breastmilk storage bags) plus it’s easy on the eyes.

View Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview of the Skip Hop Tray Chic Dry & Store Pump Bag and learn more about why this is a must-have for working, pumping mamas.

Features of the Skip Hop Tray Chic Dry & Store Pump Bag include:

Bottom compartment with dual zip openings provides cross-ventilation to dry pump accessories
Removable drying tray doubles as a staging area to assemble pump
Dedicated side-zip pump pocket for easy access fits most ACA-approved breast pumps
Large main compartment with zip closure and two mesh pockets
Three ways to wear: tote, backpack and crossbody with convertible strap
Elasticized pen loop for easy labeling
Sturdy lightweight material
Size (inches): 17″h x 7″w x 14″l

Pumping mama? These articles may interest you:

This post may contain affiliate links.

Must Have Items for New Parents Date Night

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Our urban mama Megan is back, just in time for Valentine’s Day, with a post all about the must have items all new parents need for date night – even if date night is simply in the living room!

It’s funny how the act of love that brought these kids into this world is oddly enough the one thing they’re great at interrupting. Once you’re parents, your marriage matters even more because now you have these people who count on you not to kill each other. Things that get your libido going have changed. Nothing is sexier these days than my husband doing the dishes with a kid on his hip or when he talks dirty to me like “don’t worry babe I’ll do the kids’ baths tonight.” That one gets me every time. Valentine’s Day is always a great reminder that you, while you have kids, you have a partner too. Date nights for my marriage are essential. I didn’t pull a Chrissy Teigen (but good for you girl) and go out 10 days post-partum because I was way too much of a hot mess, BUT my husband and I have had a date night and hotel sleepover at 6 weeks post baby after both kids. They’re imperative in this marriage so we don’t kill each other or the kids. Yes, you’re now a mother but you’re still a woman too. Stressed out Mamas lead to stressed out babies, so take care of you mama. You can still do you after a baby. You just need more gear to go out with these day. Here are some services and products to help keep that spark alive:

Babysitting Service: Grandparents don’t live next door? Need a late-night sitter last minute? A good sitter is key. You want to be able to leave your kid(s) in safe hands. Care.com (or if you live in NYC it’s Hello Sitter) has been keeping marriages alive since 2006. Last minute sitter and caregivers in your neighborhood and rated by actual moms.

Check out 8 childcare options for when you need a break!

Date night must have for The New Mom – Good Back Up Battery

Just had a baby and you’re a nervous wreck about leaving that precious little bundle? Now imagine if your phone died? Cruel and unusual torture, right? A good back up battery is an essential. It’s a product that is good in general for having kids. Nothing is scarier than being out and about while someone else is watching you kids and your lifeline to them dies. Since having kids, I can’t seem to keep a phone charged. Until I got a decent back up battery.

Date night must haves for The Nursing Mom – Nursing Pads + Breast Pump

Bamboobies Nursing Pads– New mommin’ and leaving your baby for even an hour and you’re nursing? You’ll need these Milk Proof Nursing Pads. Bonus they’re reusable. Last thing you’ll need is to be in the middle of a romantic dinner and get soaked from a let-down.

Check out Bamboobies our Must Haves for Breastfeeding on the Go list!

PHILIPS AVENT Manual Breast Pump – This little bad boy is perfect for slipping into your purse for a long wedding or overnight stay. You’re at your best friend from college wedding and it’s either your boobs explode or you make the MOH speech? This thing has you covered.

Date Night Must Haves For The Hot Mom – Bellefit Post-Partum Girdle

Everyone gets that “belly jelly” after a baby. Well, maybe not Gisele Bündchen, but us normies do. I used to joke with my husband that “I’m not wearing a girdle because I’m fat because I’m a mom. I’m wearing it because it’s awesome for back support.” Postpartum girdles can help recover muscles, keep midsection in place, aids c-section recovery, supports the back and boasts your self-esteem. This line of girdles even has a thong version if you’re on the market for “girdle sexy”

Must have date night for The Tired Mom, aka all of us – Matcha Sticks

Matcha Sticks – Match is all the rage these days. While it might a bit much (or not) to have a cup of coffee at 6pm before date night these Matcha sticks are perfectly acceptable.

Must have date night for The Wine Loving Mom –UpSpring Milk Screen Strips

Up Spring Milk Screen -Still breastfeeding or pumping and want to indulge in a little mommy juice. Have no fear these bad boys advertise peace of mind within two minutes.

You can find mama Megan over on her Instagram, @GirlGoneChildinNYC and her blog, Girl Gone Child in NYC.

Product Discovery: Rachel’s Remedy Breast Relief Packs

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While breastfeeding can be a wonderful, natural, and enjoyable experience, there are also often many stumbling blocks for new (and even seasoned) moms on their breastfeeding journey. Anyone who tells you that breastfeeding is always easy, is not being real. From clogged ducts to mastitis, engorgement issues and more, nursing throws you curve balls some times. If you’re looking for a simple and quick way to bring peace to your breastfeeding journey, we are thrilled to tell you that it exists! Enter: Rachel’s Remedy Breast Relief Packs. We’ve written before about why we think Rachel’s Remedy Breast Relief Packs are an ideal baby shower gift, and we’re excited to introduce you to some new products from Rachel’s Remedy, too.

Rachel’s Remedy has partnered with Dr. Brown’s to create the Dr. Brown’s Rachel’s Remedy Natural Breast Relief Packs, which are the only FDA cleared relief available for breastfeeding moms. These Dr. Brown’s Rachel’s Remedy Natural Breast Relief Packs are wearable relief packs that are made with flaxseed and 100% organic cotton cloth. Their signature moist-heat is proven to help soothe sore breasts and nipples, relieve engorgement pain and actually help increase milk supply. And, want to hear the best news yet? These Dr. Brown’s Rachel’s Remedy Breast Relief Packs are sold at our happy place: Target! Be kind to your body this year and pick up some of these FDA cleared breast relief packs. As one happy mama says, “I have tried everything for clogged ducts and Rachel’s Remedy is the only thing that’s ever worked ~ and works perfectly! To me, this is the most important product to have for nursing moms. They also increased my milk supply so much. Love these!!”

Also just recently launched at Target from Dr. Brown’s and Rachel’s Remedy are the Antimicrobial Breast Pads. The Rachel’s Remedy Antimicrobial Breast Pads are the only nursing pads on the market that have silver ions in the fabric that help to prevent and eliminate the growth of bacteria and microbes – like yeast. They are made of absorbent organic cotton sherpa and have a moisture guard that protects clothes. We’re loving this comment from a breastfeeding mom, “Finally someone found a way to make reusable breast pads that actually fight against yeast infections rather than causing them. These are amazing. Luxurious is an understatement.” That sounds like a Target win to us!

You can find the Dr. Brown’s Rachel’s Remedy Natural Breast Relief Packs and the Dr. Brown’s Rachel’s Remedy Antimicrobial Breast Pads both at Target – and we know you’re there five out of the seven days of the week, so pick some up for you and a friend today!

Gugu Guru is so grateful to our advertising partners. Thank you to Rachel’s Remedy for making this sponsored post possible.

Cover photo by Pics and Paws Photography

Your Best Bundle Episode 2: Pumping & Storing with Victoria Facelli, IBCLC

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Second up in our series is Your Best Bundle Episode 2: Pumping & Storing with Victoria Facelli, IBCLC. Victoria Facelli is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), DONA International Certified Postpartum Doula, and part of Gugu Guru’s Concierge network of industry experts that provide a range of services to new and expectant parents. She’s also the owner of Durham Lactation, which is a goals-based lactation consulting service in North Carolina.

When and where: Your Best Bundle Episode 2 with Victoria Facelli, IBCLC: Pumping & Storing streamed live on the Bundle Organics Instagram Thursday, November 2nd at 2PM ET (11AM PT.)

Join us for our second installment of Your Best Bundle – “Pumping & Storing” Instagram Live with Gugu Concierge expert Victoria Facelli, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and DONA International Certified Postpartum Doula.

Whether you’re pumping to boost your supply, to build up a stash of frozen milk, or because you prefer to bottle feed your breastmilk, the thought of pumping can be daunting. Will it hurt, how long should you pump, how do you store the milk? From flange size to freezers, this Instagram Live Q&A will help ease your mind and teach you what you need to know about pumping and storing your milk.

Do you have a specific question about pumping & storing that you’d like us to cover in the Q&A? We’d love to know so Victoria can come prepared! Submit your questions in advance by sending an email to yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com with the subject “Pumping & Storing Question”.

Missed our first Your Best Bundle? Get the recap here.

Helpful Products for Pumping at Work

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-Sponsored Post-

Going back to work can be daunting for many moms, but the logistics of pumping at work are often overwhelming for new moms (and even seasoned mamas). We asked all of our social media moms what they think the essentials are for pumping at work, and rounded up some top tips to share with you all!

Bravado’s Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory: Whenever we ask moms for nursing bra suggestions, time and again, they tell us how much they love Bravado bras – it’s no surprise to us – with many options to pick from, including plus size bras, Bravado provides flattering, comfortable, and functional nursing bras for breastfeeding (and not breastfeeding) moms. The Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory is an essential item for going back to work! The Clip and Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory’s revolutionary design offers moms the convenience, ease and discretion they’ve been asking for. It’s ideal for work because it is discreet, no need to remove your top or nursing bra. The patent pending figure 8 opening is engineered for easy breast shield insertion and removal – no need to detach breast shield from bottle. It is made from super soft, breathable cotton modal fabric blend and even has the option to pump on one side and breastfeed on the other! You can learn more about the Clip and Pump in our original review here, too!

Not sure how to even get a breastpump for work? Aeroflow’s quick guide will help you get one through your insurance! Check out the Freemie Collection Cups for discreet milk-saving at work, too. Looking for a way to carry your pump to and from work? Check out the Nurse Purse – it comes in mod designs!

When it comes to heading back to work and preparing to pump, many moms suggested a great nursing cover, such as the Goodbody Goodmommy Multitasking Cardigan (which is totally work appropriate), and many mamas sang the praises of companies such as BURU, Loyal Hana and Allette. Our friend Carly Walko from Thirty Something Fashion rounded up some stylish and functional looks for going back to work while breastfeeding. Looking for tips on how to head back to work after maternity leave? We have some helpful hints. If you head to our Instagram, you can see all of the helpful tips from mamas, but the one tip we loved? “Watching videos of my baby helps with a faster letdown,” such a great tip!

Thank you to Bravado for making this sponsored post possible.

Quick Guide: Getting a Breast Pump Through Insurance with Aeroflow

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-Sponsored Post-

A few weeks back we posted a super helpful guide from Aeroflow on getting your breast pump through insurance. Since then, we have had a ton of mamas reach out to us and say how helpful the post was! We wanted to boil it down even further and give you the bare bones guide on how to get your breast pump through insurance with Aeroflow. Find this post helpful? Share it with a friend and make her life a little easier!

Did you know? Most new mamas are eligible to be covered for a free breast pump through insurance anywhere from as soon as the baby is born up to 1 year after birth? (This is a good rule of thumb to go by; however the exact time period depends on your particular insurance plan.)

1. Head to Aeroflow’s website – The Aeroflow website features breast pumps from top brands such as Medela, Spectra, Lansinoh, Evenflo and many more. Keep in mind that when you visit the website, you will first need to fill out the Qualify through Insurance form before you can shop for breast pumps that are eligible under your specific insurance plan.

2. Complete Your Qualify Through Insurance Form – After you complete your form, you will be able to log in to the site and shop a curated selection specific to your insurance benefits. If you would like help navigating the store, Aeroflow’s Breastpump Specialists are happy to assist you!

3. Aeroflow to the Rescue – Once you fill out the Qualify form, a dedicated Breastpump Specialist will work to verify your coverage and will contact you via phone or email within 3-5 business days to discuss your options and help you select a breast pump. Check out this amazing and handy breast pump comparison chart to look at all of your options! You can also refer friends and receive discounts on Aeroflow’s website.

Did you know? Aeroflow’s breast-pump specialists can do all of these things: Verify your eligibility for a breast pump through your insurance plan; Contact your physician for a prescription; Recommend the best breast pump for your lifestyle and breastfeeding goals; Recommend supplies and accessories that will benefit your pumping experience; Determine whether select supplies and accessories could also be available under your plan; Bill your insurance provider for your breast pump; Ship your breast pump to your door, free of charge

We hope you find this handy and quick guide super helpful so you can get started pumping whenever you’re ready.

You can find Aeroflow on their website, Facebook, and Instagram, and Twitter.

Thank you to Aeroflow for making this sponsored post possible.

5 Things Every Breastfeeding Mom Needs with Yummy Mummy

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In honor of International Breastfeeding Week, we reached out to the breastfeeding guru herself, Amanda Cole of Yummy Mummy, to share some of her quick tips for things every breastfeeding mom needs. Amanda conceived of the idea for Yummy Mummy after the birth of her daughter when like many other new moms, she was looking for help overcoming the challenges of breastfeeding and motherhood. She saw a need for a one-stop-shop for support, services and products to help new moms meet their personal breastfeeding goals and their needs as a new mom. Yummy Mummy is a retail store on the Upper East Side of New York City, and is a company dedicated to All Things Breastfeeding and for moms-to-be!

Breastfeeding is one of the best things that you can do for you and your little one, but just because it is a wonderful thing to do, doesn’t mean that it’s always easy. The most important thing you can do is make sure that you have the right support. Support from your partner, support from a couple key products, and if you are having trouble, support and information from experts. Here are five things every breastfeeding mom needs.

A Quality Pump –
Most nursing moms find that they need to pump, at least occasionally. If you’re breastfeeding, pumping is essential if you are planning to return to work, or even if you just need to take a break to run some errands, go to a doctor’s appointment, or take a well-deserved nap. Pumping allows your partner or another caregiver to give your baby a bottle while you are away. Most insurance plans now cover breast pumps often at no additional cost to you. Find out how easy it is to get a breast pump through insurance in this short video.

A Hands-Free Pumping Band –

Every new mom could use an extra hand. A sturdy hands-free pumping band gives you two. Send an email, have a snack or flip through a magazine. Moms we talk to love these bras because they can still get things done while pumping. Look for a pumping band made from a strong elastic material that won’t stretch out with repeated use. Here are two that keep their shape from your first pump to your one thousandth: the Pump Mate Hands Free Pumping Band, and the Snugabell Pumpease Hands Free Pumping Bra.

Three Great Nursing Bras –

Your ribcage and cup size change during pregnancy and your time nursing. A couple of great-fitting nursing bras can make a big difference in your comfort and ability to easily nurse or pump. The general rule is that you need at least three nursing bras. One on you, one in the wash and one in the drawer.

Check out some great stylish and supportive nursing bras here.

A Versatile Nursing Top or Two –

If you plan to pump or nurse on the go, a breastfeeding mom needs a nursing top that is comfortable and stylish. Many tops and dresses come with hidden panels or zippers so that no one knows that it is a nursing top except you and your little one. Check out some of our favorites here.

A Support System –

Emotional support from your partner is key and something every breastfeeding mom needs. Nobody does it alone. Don’t be afraid to tell your partner what you need (or what you don’t need from nosey family members!). And if you have questions or concerns, or are having a tough time breastfeeding, seek support and advice from a specialist. You can find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) (IBCLC) in your area here.

Want to learn more? Check out our Mompreneur Profile on Amanda Cole! Plus, Six Tips On How To Successfully Return To Work After Maternity Leave and our Trend Spotter Report: All About the Boobs!

Getting a Breast Pump Through Insurance with Aeroflow Breastpumps

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-Sponsored Post-

One of the most common questions we often receive is, “How do I pick a breast pump, and is it covered under insurance?” As a new parent, or pregnant parent, the task of figuring out not only which breast pump to get, but how to go through your insurance, can be incredibly daunting. This is why we’re excited to introduce you to Aeroflow Breastpumps, a provider specializing in helping pregnant and nursing women qualify for their breastpump through insurance and the Affordable Care Act. We highly recommend checking out Aeroflow and letting them take you by the hand through this often confusing process!

Insurance eligibility:

In most cases, new mothers are covered for a free breast pump through insurance anywhere from as soon as the baby is born up to 1 year after birth (i.e. throughout their breastfeeding journey). This is a good rule of thumb to go by; however the exact time period depends on your particular insurance plan.

Navigating Aeroflow’s website:

The Aeroflow website features breast pumps from top brands such as Medela, Spectra, Lansinoh, Evenflo and many more. Keep in mind that when you visit the website, you will first need to fill out the Qualify through Insurance form before you can shop for breast pumps that are eligible under your specific insurance plan. While shopping as a guest, you might notice that certain items are not available for purchase. These items are only applicable to specific insurance plans and require the user to first fill out the Qualify form before they are eligible for certain breast pumps through insurance. Upon completing the form, you will be able to log in to the site and shop a curated selection specific to your insurance benefits. If you would like help navigating the store, our Breastpump Specialists are here to assist you! We do everything we can to help you find the best breast pump for your needs and lifestyle.

Steps to take:

Once you fill out the Qualify form, a dedicated Breastpump Specialist will work to verify your coverage and will contact you via phone or email within 3-5 business days to discuss your options and help you select a breast pump. Check out this amazing and handy breast pump comparison chart to look at all of your options! You can also refer friends and receive discounts on Aeroflow’s website.

What our Aeroflow’s Breastpump Specialists can do for you:

Verify your eligibility for a breast pump through your insurance plan
Contact your physician for a prescription
Recommend the best breast pump for your lifestyle and breastfeeding goals
Recommend supplies and accessories that will benefit your pumping experience
Determine whether select supplies and accessories could also be available under your plan
Bill your insurance provider for your breast pump
Ship your breast pump to your door, free of charge

You can find Aeroflow on their website, Facebook, and Instagram, and Twitter.

Thank you to Aeroflow for making this sponsored post possible.

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