Holiday Looks

Dazzle this Holiday Season with our Elegant Styles:

Styles now available AT our Showroom. Now available for ONLINE purchases!

Specials: 6 to 13 Nov 2006

This week's S$23 Specials!

Check them out @
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/weeklyspecials.html

New Arrivals

We have some new clothes in-stock. 2 of the styles which we have taken photos of, are as shown here. There are another 3 more new styles which will be put on the internet over the next week.
Sandie Stripey Tank - this time only in Pink Stripes @ S$32


Halter - 3 colours (can be worn with our 5-way bra) @ S$35


We also have 2 new colours for our Popular Silk Slings.

All are available for purchase at our Warehouse Showroom. We ARE open this Saturday 4 Nov 11am to 4pm. Details can be viewed at our EBiz Moms webpage.

Bra Extenders

We are currently do not have stock of our previous narrow 2-hook bra extender, which have 4 rows of hooks. The ones we have in stock for the size of narrow 2-hooks is a shorter one with only 3 rows of hooks.

You can order these as alternatives. They are already up online at our webpage:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/braaccessories.html

Pricing is a little cheaper at S$2.90 for 2 pieces.

Specials: 27/10-3/11

neSpecials currently on for 2 of your favourite tops @ a great S$23 !

Check it out at:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/weeklyspecials.html

SOE 2006: Thank you for your Support!

Received the "Spirit of Enterprise" Award today.
To View Photo Slideshow: *click here*

Thanking everyone for Supporting MomsinMind.com all these years!

Media Reports
*click*: Straits Times 24 Oct 2006
*click*: ZaoBao 企业精神荣誉奖 & also http://www.zaobao.com.sg/cj/cj061024_529.html
*click*: Channel News Asia Online
*click*: Spirit of Enterprise Press Release

Breastfeeding Photo: Winners!

These mothers WON Tickets to the SSO Babies' Prom Concert!
The tickets are for the 10.30am concert on 1st Dec 2006.

You may view our Breastfeeding Showcase at the following webpages:
1. http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/bfpixphotos.html
2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/momsinmind/sets/1812808/
3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/momsinmind/sets/72157594322571099/

Used & Trial Pumps

As some of you have noticed, we have pumps available for trial on our website:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/lactalinepump.html
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/isispump.html

We have often been asked about why we state on our website for mothers not to use the milk expressed for feeding to your babies. This is because these are not Rental pumps, but Trial Pumps. We do not offer Rental-grade pumps. This pump sets that we have is only for you try if the Pump works & feels right for you. This is akin to the same principles for the usage of "2nd-hand personal pumps": http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps.shtml. As many mothers use it, we do not recommend that you share the same pump to express milk for feeding to your baby. Just try it out to see if you like it and if you'd like to purchase a brand-new set.

Sterilizing Breastpump

Many mothers returning to work often question as to how they can sterilize their breastpump parts at the office. Firstly, do determine what parts you need to sterilize. Quite likely you would be bringing freshly sterilized bottles (for milk collection) from home to the office each morning, so you won't need to sterilise these at the office. So for instance, the Ameda & Avent pumps, these would be the only parts you would need to sterilise (see below):

Ameda Dual Pump:
Funnels, Valves (the Bellow & Tubing does not need to be sterilised)

Avent Isis:
Funnel, Valve, Petal Massager

Methods you may use - choose methods considering your preference for convenience:
1. Microwave (Ameda does not recommend microwave sterilising).
2. Cold Water Tablets





1. For those with a microwave in the office, you could easily fill a container with a little water, partially cover the container and put it on medium high for 5 minutes or so. This should sufficiently steam sterilize your pump parts. You could also use Microwave steamers (cheap to buy), or specially designed Microwave steam sterilizers from baby bottle brands (may be too huge for office). Photos above are just some example of how you can use everyday containers to steam sterilize your pump parts using the microwave.


2. Another very simple method is to use the Cold Water Sterilisation tablets. Just put one tablet a day (according to instructions on the box of tablets) in a container filled with water. Submerge your pump parts or bottles in the container. It will all be sterilised within 30 minutes. You may leave the bottles & pump parts in the container until the next time you need to use it. If you don't like the chemical smell, rinse the pump parts or bottles with plain boiled water first before use. This container may be placed just under your work desk! You only need to change the water once a day - every morning before you start work perhaps? The tablets can be easily bought from most supermarkets and pharmacies.

For those with babies who are older and have started on solid food, you may be a little more relaxed with sterilising. Here are some methods used by mothers:
1. Scald bottles/pump parts with Hot Boiling water before use
2. Put pump parts in the fridge (to preserve?) and then scald with hot water before use (so it's not so cold on your breasts!).

Hope the tips help!

5-Way Bra

Did you realise that our Multi-way Bra is really a 5-way bra?

Let's count the ways: 1.regular, 2.halter, 3.cross-back, 4.one-sided toga, 5.transparent straps. And the underwire is removable too - if that's your preference!

Check the bra out at our website:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/dropcupbras.html

Handsfree Pumping

Sounds like quite a feat, eh? It's not quite that once you give it some thought and try it out. And to help you along, we will describe some ways and have taken some photos to illustrate how you keep the Pump Funnels on. Do note that we've taken photos only on one side. You can do this with BOTH funnels on - one funnel on each side.

*do click on the thumbnail photos for larger views*

Method 1: Re-do Bra Cup flap

Bring the bra cup flap around the bottom and side of the pump funnel, then re-clip your bra cup back to hold the funnel in place. Have it positioned well and once you turn the pump motor on and running, the funnel will stay in place! This works for BOTH bras with the top-clip styles and the centre-clip styles (yes, I've tried it myself!).

Method 2: Use rubberbands

Use rubberbands to hook onto the bra clip. This can only work with bras that have top-down drop-cup flaps. I have not personally tried this method, but some mothers say it works well for them!

Method 3: Use a Tube Bra
Just cut 2 very tiny holes in the tube bras where the funnels can be placed into when you wear the tube bra. The above 2 methods allows you to adapt using whatever nursing bra you are wearing that day. For this tube bra, you'd need to specially bring this along with your pumping equipment, so you'll have to be the judge as to whether you'd find this convenient!

Try either of the methods and let us know how it works for you!
Or if you have other ways or tips, do share them by clicking on the "Comments" below to enter your own experiences!

The handsfree pumping online photo album is at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/momsinmind/sets/72157594324905453/

With Bag can Travel

Stylish backpack carrier. Pump motor & parts go in the compartment at the bottom of the backpack, and Expressed milk can be stored in the insulated cooler pack that can be place within the backpack. The insulated cooler can be used separately from the backpack during those times when you do not wish to transport the pump motor.

Purchase your Backpack Set from our Webstore:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/lactalinepump.html
(bottles, cooler bricks, & photos not included; pump can be separately purchased).

Pure Milk !

A little known fact: the Ameda Lactaline Pump is the ONLY breastpump that has patented Bacteria & Viral protection! All because of the unique Hygienikit design.

*Click on Images below for a Larger View*

http://www.hollister.com/us/mbc/breastfeeding/resource/study.html

It is thus very safe for your baby no matter where you express your milk. And unlike other breastpumps, you'll never find milk or mold in your breastpump tubing.

For Pumping Comfort

Love your Avent pump but would like an electric pump where you can just leave it there and continue your emailing? (We'll cover HOW to pump handsfree in the next Sharing Post!).


Then add the petal massagers from your Avent breastpump to your Ameda Lactaline pump funnels! ! It fits! And you'd love how the additional massage action works for you.

Additionally, to provide greater stimulation for the milk letdown reflex, do spend some time to hand-massage your breasts before you start pumping. When the milk starts trickling down during your pumping session, you can also once again take off the funnels and spend another few minutes just massaging. Very often, you'll get another letdown reflex and thus get more out of your pumping session in the end!

Do try the Chele Marmet technique of Massaging (even if you don't use the Hand Expression method). This technique is illustrated on this webpage:
http://www.lactationinstitute.org/MANUALEX.html

Use of Ameda Pump

We have added some Useful Writeups & Illustrations on the use of this Breastpump:

Pump Setup: Illustration


1. Basics of Effective Pumping
2. Use of Breastpump & Milk Storage
3. Establishing Milk Supply with Breastpump
4. Managing Work & Breastfeeding

A more detailed description of this pump can be found at:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/lactalinepump.html

Pump to Wide-Neck Bottle

Shared by customers, and yes, we've found it works! If you use the Ameda Pump but wish to pump directly into a Wide-Neck Bottle like the Avent bottles, you can just fit the funnel INTO the bottle-neck. Pumping will work as usual.

Click on Photo for larger view:

Full description of this pump can be found at:
http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/lactalinepump.html

LilyPadz: No more Leakage!

The Lilypadz are amazing nursing pads that adhere directly to your skin and stop embarrassing leaks. Working on the age-old principle that pressure on the nipple (like pressing with your arm) temporarily stops breast milk leakage, LilyPadz keep that pressure constant. Made from clear, ultra-thin, latex-free material, they are invisible under clothing.

For more Details, click onto * Lilipadz* webpage .

Surviving the Haze

Living with the Haze is challenging enough for many of us: Itchy skin, sniffy noses, scratchy throats, dry & teary eyes and for some of us, congested respiratory systems. Can you imagine what such polluted air does to the small ones?

With the PSI fluctuating, new mothers might particularly find it alarming that your breastfeeding babies are fussing and demand to be constantly breastfed. Our family went through the last most terrible haze when our DS #2 was a 7 month-old baby in Year 1997, and I too wondered why the poor baby was asking to nurse all the time!

Do not have the mistaken idea that you suddenly have *lost* your milk supply. It is easy to get disheartened in this manner. Do reflect on how you yourself are coping with the haze. If you are already drinking more fluids and possibly cooling "liangteh" to keep the stuffy noses & allergies away, wouldn't your baby also feel equally in need of hydration?

Breastmilk would be the cleanest fluid and most nutritious in this time of pollution. So do allow your baby to nurse frequently to cope with the haze! If your baby is more than 6 months old and already taking some solids, you can also offer some water in a cup, although continuing to breastfeed frequently would suffice too.

If baby does get a stuffy nose or teary eyes, you can also squirt some breastmilk into their little noses or eyes to clear such irritations. Not kidding ! Just one of the many wonders of breastmilk!

That being said, do take steps to keep the family indoors if the haze situation worsens. Have the aircon on if possible and the aircleaners working. It would help relieve everyone's discomfort. And yes, for you as a breastfeeding mother - do drink up! And frequently too!

Aloe Vera & Breastfeeding

It was reported in the Sunday Times (2 Oct)that pregnant & nursing mothers should
avoid aloe vera.

A netsearch revealed this:
http://au.health.yahoo.com/041101/25/1uk6.html?r=967673075

Aloe Vera should not be taken by women during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it may cause uterine contractions which could induce labour. A woman taking Aloe vera whilst breastfeeding can pass it onto her child as it is excreted into breast milk. The aloe may be too harsh on the immature digestive system of the infant which can result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Information shared...

Breastfeeding Showcase

Send in your Breastfeeding Photos:



Win a Pair of Tickets to the SSO Babies' Prom Concert!
We have 4 sets of tickets for the 10.30am concert on 1st Dec,
to be given to the Best Photos submitted.

Conditions:
1. Photos are to be of Mother Breastfeeding in Moms in Mind Apparel
2. Photos are to be emailed to events@momsinmind.com.sg
3. Dateline for Submission: 15 October 2006 (in JPG format)

You may view our Existing Photo Galleries at the following webpages:
1. http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/bfpixphotos.html
2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/momsinmind/sets/1812808/

For more details, please *click* on to our Periodic Promotions Webpage.