Baby & Mommy Must-haves Event #15: The First Years miPump Double Pump & Breastflow Starter Set Review and miPump Double Pump Giveaway

Even before I had children, I knew I wanted to give breastfeeding a try. Afterall, I was planning to be a stay at home mom and thought this would be the best option for us. Thankfully, the experience went very well and I was able to breastfeed each of them for the first 12-14 months. Even though I exclusively breastfed (no formula), I still found it necessary to have a breast pump at times. Whether it was to have breast milk available in case I wasn't around, or to relieve the discomfort of being engorged...a good breast pump is a must! I used the same one with both of my kids, and although it worked ok... I found many things I did not like about it. It wasn't comfortable, it was loud, and I didn't feel the suction was the best. Thankfully, The First Years has come to my rescue just in time for our soon arrival of baby #3.
For those familiar with The First Years, you know that they offer a complete line of products that can help you and your family reach each year safely and happily. With breastfeeding products, strollers, car seats and other high quality products...it's no wonder The First Years is a company parents turn to with confidence for the necessities those first years.

Our household is a big fan of The First Years. Not only are their products great quality, but also affordable. When asked if I'd like to review a couple of their top infant feeding items, I couldn't have been more happy. I was sent the miPump Double Pump and Breastflow Starter Kit to check out.

When the products arrived, I couldn't wait to check them out.
Having used a different type of breast pump in the past, I was really looking forward to seeing the features and benefits that the miPump had to offer. Upon pulling it out of the box, I found everything a breastfeeding mom could need, including easy to read instructions!!

In just minutes I had the breast pump together. It doesn't get much easier than that!! What impressed me most right off the bat is the compact and sleek size. The pump itself is the smallest I've seen before. It's small and lightweight design makes it perfect to slip right into your purse if you need it.

There are LED lights on the front which indicate the suction level. I LOVE that there are 8 suction settings to get the perfect customization for each mama. My old pump had two, and to be honest, one of them hardly worked and the other hurt quiet a bit. I'm happy to see that The First Years has taken comfort into mind.

Speaking of comfort, the miPump Double Pump includes two flexi fit breast shields. They are flexible and soft for a comfortable and proper fit. Again, it's much appreciated that comfort was thought of when designing this great breast pump.

One feature I was especially impressed with, is that it includes a handle. For those who breastfeed and pump, you may have tried double pumping before. With a handle like this, it's made even easier. Each bottle clicks onto the handle and can be moved for the perfect positioning. I love that simply holding the handle with one hand allows breastfeeding moms to double pump with ease.

This pump also has a convenient battery option which will make pumping on the go a breeze. This is definitely a plus and a feature I know I'll be taking advantage of a lot.

You can check out the pump in more detail by watching this great clip from The First Years.

Included with the pump is also a stylish fabric tote bag. It is a great way to discreetly tote around the breast pump and supplies you need. Whether it's to work, or somewhere else...this is a great bonus to this breast pump as it makes breastfeeding and pumping more convenient. Love it!

I was also impressed with the extras included, such as milk storage bags, lanolin pads, a nursing care relief system, etc. Of course, with a breast pump also comes the necessary bottles. The miPump includes two 5 oz bottles, 1 breastflow stage 1 nipple collar and hood, and two bottle storage lids. First Years has really thought of everything to get breastfeeding moms started on the right foot.

Speaking of the bottles, we were also sent the Breastflow Starter Set to check out. This is the only feeding system that mimics actual breastfeeding by requiring both suction and compression to feed. This particular kit includes everything needed to get started - two 5 oz bottles with stage 1 nipples and bottle covers, two 9 oz bottles with stage 2 flow nipples and bottle covers, a unique snap-to-bottle container and bottle brush.

I really love that these bottles were made with the breastfeeding baby in mind. Since I am planning to breastfeed baby #3 as well, I am comforted to know that these bottles will make it easy for me to switch between breastfeeding and Breastflow bottles. There are actually two nipples. The soft outer nipple mimics the feel of the breast and allows baby's tongue to stay in the same position as breastfeeding. Baby has to open his/her mouth wider to latch on. The unique nipple within nipple structure simulates breastfeeding motions of suction and compression which is what I found most impressive. The nipple design not only works more like mom's breast, but it also is made to allow less air in baby's tummy. Having had a child who was colicy, this is a huge plus! In fact, The First Years announced a survey showing 88% of moms said their babies experienced less colic symptoms with Breastflow bottles. That includes less gas, less spit up and less fussiness!

The bottles themselves have a wide neck design for easy filling and cleaning and sculpted shape so it is comfortable and easy for parent or child to hold.

I also appreciate the fact that The First Years Breastflow Bottle System is designed to meet your growing baby's feeding needs. It includes their unique staged bottle system, slow and medium flow nipples, storage lids and even a bottle brush. Everything you need to meet your growing baby's needs is in this kit. Here is another quick clip from The First Years showing the many great features of this bottle system.


I am definitely impressed with the quality, features and overall convenience of these two products from The First Years! With our third baby arriving in just 4 short weeks, I am really looking forward to being able to test these products out. The features have really impressed me already, and when compared to my old pump...I can't believe I went so long without a pump and bottle system like these! I will definitely be updating with a second post on our experience with pumping and feeding with these products as well.

Buy It: You can purchase the Breastflow Starter Kit for $19.99 and the miPump Double Pump for $79.99.

Win It: Thanks to The First Years, one very lucky reader is going to win a miPump Double Pump of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit The first Years and tell me another product you'd love to have.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Follow The First Years on Twitter

2. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like The First Years on Facebook

3. 3 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and The First Years) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a @TheFirstYears miPump Double Breast Pump! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/q85xKT Ends 11/3

5. 2 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 3rd and is open to the US Only

*The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by The First Years. All opinions found here are my own and may differ from those of others**