#Review of Unimom Forte Pump

Unimom Forte Double Pump

Rating: 5

Comment: I am so glad I bought this pump! As a full time expresser (6-8 times per day) I needed a hospital grade pump that wouldn't affect my already meager milk supply. I had previously purchased the very expensive Medela Freestyle double pump with my first child and suffered from a drop in milk supply because it just wasn't strong enough, so naturally I was nervous when looking to buy again for baby #2. Franny gave me some great advice and this pump has been fantastic. I haven't noticed a change between this and the rented Medela Symphony pump, although perhaps it takes slightly longer to drain my breasts with the Unimom, even though the suction is just as strong. It's so easy to use and easy to wash up afterwards - no fiddly little membranes like the Symphony, just the shields and the valves. I highly recommend this to anyone who expresses on a regular basis!

 

#note_to_self

A note to my future self, remember how amazing it felt being at @baby show with my budget DIY stand, and remember the feeling of people coming over specially to meet me, and giving me a hug.   And the realisation afterwards,  that being around people and hearing feedback is what drives me and boosts my spirit and confidence.  Realising that it is ME that makes it Breastmates.  And that its about the ‘mates’ not the breasts.

 

 

 

Franny McInnes

Owner

Breastmates

 

 

 

#Nursing_Covers

Thank you Mrs R for your review about our Nursing Covers, I’m really glad that you have been able to enjoy using it, and don’t have to leave the room to feed your baby while still feeling private.

 

 

I just wanted to let you know how amazed I am with the feeding wrap which I bought.   I went out to a family function over the weekend and normally I would have had to go in the room to feed my little one. This time I sat with everyone enjoying the conversation whilst feeding bubs and not missing a minute of the fun.  My cousin's all wished they had something like this when they went through breastfeeding their kids.  I am going to recommend you to all my new mum friends.  Thank you so much. 

 

 

#Belly Wrap Review

Review from Catherine

May I say how amazing the wrap is too! Day 2 I couldn't get the Velcro to meet, day 9 (yest) it's now needing more Velcro area so have just purchased next size down, plus I'm back in my old jeans as of baby girl being 1 week!!! Whoop! Defo this wrap is doing something!  My sister who's due in 5 weeks with her 4th has put dibs on the bigger one now haha! 

Thank you for your fab service

 

Catherine:) 

The day I was on Stuff homepage.

 

You can read my business story here.  It was first in the Waikato Times newspaper, Saturday edition.

 

 

Review of #sportsNursingBra

Reviews of Sports Nursing Bra at Breastmates.

Rachael Says: “I love mine and wear it at the gym several times a week, it's great as I can pop up to feed my baby in the daycare and go straight back to working out without any hassle”

Hannah says “I love this bra too... Comfy enough to wear to bed cos I need the support!”

Sarah says “It is awesome! I also use one for netball and its very supportive!”

 

 

 

kids music

APRA|AMCOS NZ has released ‘Music Box 2014’ from the Children’s Music Awards. Download the awesome 15 tracks for free in the month of August. http://www.apraamcos.co.nz/news/2014/july/music-box-2014/

 

In particular, as a mum of boys,  I like the track “they’ve got an awful lot of poo at the zoo”

 

 

#Breastmates Tunic

"I highly recommend Breastmates. Franny's service on my order was fantastic and when I needed to make a change it was handled quickly and with a smile!

 

I particularly love my Revive tunic, gorgeous material and perfect for breastfeeding, I wear it everywhere! Thanks so much :)"

From Lisa

Breastmates Feedback

An amazing email just received, with huge encouragement for me.  And with this I will shut-down my computer on a happy note!

 

 

Hi Franny,

 

I love the breastfeeding pillow, thankyou.  It is way better than anything else on the market so thank-you very much. I have had a tough time breastfeeding and the pillow has helped. After 4 months and seeing every lactation consultant in Christchurch the pain has eased and with some self diagnosis I now love feeding my baby. I am absolutely certain I had Raynand's phenomenon but I only worked that out after reading an article in the newspaper. 

 

For the first time I actually see light at the end of the tunnel because of the support your site has provided in more ways than one. Caring for Eddie has been great but breastfeeding has been a huge challenge. I remember thinking my degrees mean nothing but if I can only breastfeed with confidence, be pain free and to have a comfortable bra that I am not popping out of would be my greatest achievement... Your la leache bra provided that for me. 

 

So, I just want to say thank-you very much. You are doing a wonderful job. 

 

Regards

Becky

Badger Night Night Balm for Kids (review)

Nikki recently trialled the  Night Night Balm and gave us her review:

 

“The husband and I were both a little sceptical about whether this would work. Our 10 month old has been sick all week and this has resulted in one middle of the night wake up by our little guy for the past 5 nights. We've used the balm on ourselves and our little man once we have him changed and settled, and we've all gone back to sleep straight away! I normally struggle to get back to sleep if I'm ever woken so I think this product is fantastic and I would definitely recommend it!”

 

 

#Breastmates Review

Received this message from Michelle today, thrilled!

"I have been meaning to email you to say I love your clothing, all items fit and I really like the fabric used and that they are machine washable.

 

Your customer service is wonderful....all the best for a long and prosperous business.

www.breastmates.co.nz

Breastfeeding Covers

Review from Carolyn (Breastfeeding Covers)

 

This is for my friend who is about to pop (she was due on Sunday) and after seeing another friend of mine who I was with yesterday feeding in a cafe I just thought it really is such a great thing for everyone involved. I think it gives mums (especially new mums) a bit of confidence too!

Medela pump improved...

I have heard a rumor, from mums that are using Medela Breast Pumps and retrofitting them with an Avent Pump Valve to increase performance.

 

"For those ep or part time pumping mums out there: if you use a Medela I have been let in on an amazing trick! Try replacing the yellow valves and membranes with the white 'v' shaped valves from an Avent pump. They fit perfectly into the Medela parts and improve suction! For me they have cut my pumping time in half! This tip was shared on an ep group I'm in, and there have been many positive reports back from women who have tried it "

 

Well, if you want to try it then we do have the suitable Avent Valve at our website here – though I must inform you that this particular valve is limited in supply, as Avent have a new range of pump called the Comfort Natural which unfortunately means it has different shaped spare parts.

 

 

 

#breastfeeding top

Thank you Sarah for this nice product review:

 

Nourish Maternity Nursing Top

 

Love this top, purchased it just before the lil man came along, so wore it at the end of my pregnancy when little fit, but now it's become my wardrobe staple. Super flattering and a rich winter colour, just love it.

Hope it stays in the line, other colours would be great.

 

Breastmates Dress

Review received from Sue today!!!

 

 

Stripelicous Dress

: Honestly Franny. Everything I have ordered from you (I really mean everything) has been amazing. This dress is my favourite item so far, fits beautifully and is of fabulous quality. Thanks so much!

 

 

Bottle feeding stories

An encouraging email from Nicola today:



I just wanted to say how happy I was to find the section on your website, on
bottle feeding.

It is rare indeed to find a company willing to promote it in order to be
unbiased.

I came across the stories page when I was having a bad day, and it was
incredibly comforting to read of others' struggles.

I have my own story I would love to share, in the hope it may help another
mother in a time of need. Please let me know how I could do this, if
possible.

Kind regards,
Nicola

Breastmates Clothing

A nice review from Rachel today:

 

My order arrived today.  I so love your stuff!  I am 37wks pregnant with our fourth and so over wearing the same thing over and over again.  I find it hard going out shopping and haven't found any other clothing that I love as much as yours.  So comfy!  And it has dual wear, maternity and breast feeding!!!

 

www.breastmates.co.nz

#Breastmates

This email from Jess, just made my day!

“I'm expecting baby number 3, and your website has been my number one for maternity clothes and Breastfeeding clothes! It's the first thing I recommend to newly pregnant mums (:
Feel like I'm returning to an old friend- 3 years between each pregnancy, so it's nice to be shopping again!
Thanks so much.”
www.breastmates.co.nz      

#BreastmatesCustomerService

Ange said I could quote her on this, so here is the quote:

"I will most definitely order from you again, the nursing tops are gorgeous, and they work!  Your customer service is outstanding! A rare find in this online shopping world. Franny, you can quote that in your website too!"

Thanks again,
Ange

Try for yourself at www.breastmates.co.nz

Breastfeeding Top

#Breastfeeding Top Review

 

A lovely email from Bea to start the day:

 

“Hi Franny

Just wanted to let you know I received my order this morning and it not only fits perfectly, it looks and feels great too.

Thank you so much, big fan.”

 

 

#mumpreneur

Breastmates Revive Tunic

my revive tunic arrived and is so lovely. 

 I am going to a women's breakfast this weekend, my friend is the guest speaker, and I will be wearing it.  

My Mum also just bought me the zesty ruffles top in navy for my b'day.

I love having suitable clothes for this stage of motherhood, I only wish I had not waited till the fifth baby to make sure I was comfortable and looked good too.

Thanks for having a great selection at attainable prices.

 

 

#Breastmates Review

From Kylie:

 

"So happy with the clothes I ordered from you! Great quality clothes, and wonderful service with great communication. Will definitely recommend your site to friends.

Thank you

Kylie"

http://www.breastmates.co.nz

#SportsNursingBra review

Thank you Dal for your honest review of the Sports Nursing Bra.   I like your review so I’ll share it to my blog too!

 

“ Love this bra, I don't think it would be supportive enough for me for sports but then I'm not expecting to find any maternity bra that would be supportive enough for me for that being a 16F! I love it because it's comfortable and I feel more covered than a maternity bra plus I feel it can cope with the change in boob sizes easily. Love it. Have the white and grey and now want the black! “

 

Review: Breastmates Maternity Dress

Received this nice email from Nicola who has been wearing our Breastmates Glamour Maternity / Breastfeeding dress for some functions!

 

Cute photo too, thanks Nicola!

"Also attached is a picture of the glamour dress in use at a wedding in March (also worn to another wedding in April and a function last night 8 wks post baby), is great to wear, so comfy and breastfeeding is easy and discreet whilst wearing, thanks heaps!"

 

#Unimom and Medela Breast Pumps

I just wrote an article about Unimom and Medela Breast pumps.  You can read about it here:  Unimom and Medela

 

#MaternityClothes

#Breastmates Review from Jessica

 

“Thanks so much for your great service! You have amazing products and beautiful clothes, it is impossible to find flattering breast feeding clothes here in Whakatane, if any breast feeding clothes at all! So love your website.

Yes I have you on Facebook, and I always recommend your website to friends, family and on advice pages : )

And I would just like to say that when I wore the Dress I purchased back in March to my brothers wedding everyone was so impressed and commented on how I could easily feed my son in it plus it was gorgeous : ) so that was a bonus!”

Breastmates

 

#Breastmates Revievw

Oh a nice email from Linda to start the day!

Hi Franny,
Got the parcel yesterday- am really happy with everything I ordered. I thought there would be at least one thing that didn't fit but your size guide is really good! Love the fabric and the way you package things. Will buy again- like supporting small nz run businesses and you are doing a great job!
Thankyou,
Linda

 

www.breastmates.co.nz

Unimom Double Pump

Unimom Forte double pump review from Jenna:

 

: I was hesitant to buy this pump after using the Medea swing and the Medea Latina Rental. This pump is amazing quick 10 minute pumping sessions now whereas on the other pumps it was taking e 20 to 30 minutes. Only difference is that medulla looks better but the union is a lot quieter....

 

What Bottle Gear Do I Need?

A new article on my website, about the items you might need if you are planning on expressing to do bottle feeding; or for formula feeding.

http://www.breastmates.co.nz/advice--tips/bottle-feeding/what-bottle-feeding-gear-do-i-need.aspx

 

Black Maternity Pants (Breastmates)

A great review from Debbie today, about our black maternity pants.

 

Arrived today! Have fallen in love with them. I'm usually a 8-10 but bought medium as i usually put weight on my thighs and they are perfect! I am currently 18 weeks preg with number eight so tend to be bigger earlier hopefully will last most if not all the way through. Love the fabric.

 

#mumpreneur Q&A

here is the link where I did a Q&A session a few weeks ago:  https://www.facebook.com/breastmates/posts/10152157927598651

 

Review for Clip-on Cami

Thanks Jill for your review of our Clip on Cami!

 

 

‘These are so fantastic - no faffing about with extra straps and layers!  I bought two and loved the simplicity so much I grabbed an extra three in different colours!  If there's one breastfeeding clothing item must have - it's this one!’

 

Breastmates Reviews

Thanks Melanie for your lovely feedback today, this is so encouraging!!

 

Thanku so much for my speedy order.It arrived first thing this morning.I want to say how impressed I am with your high quality of service especially the contact on the shipping/time frame of the order etc.Then when receiving today the special little touches in the packaging & the luvly pen.Its the little things that count & you  & your team make shopping on line hassle free.As I work in retail & dont normally buy lots on line as like to support local.But your company is a pleasure to shop with.I luv the feeding cami & will definately spread the word.

Thanks again Franny

:-):-):-);-):-)

Mel

 

 

www.breastmates.co.nz

 

#clip-on-cami Review

Thanks Jess for your lovely review today!

 

Clip-on-Cami

Just received my order 3 of these camis and other bits today and I'm wrapped with them! But most of all so impressed with the special touch that you have taken to put together my parcel, as well as the super quick delivery! Can't wait for my next purchase, definitely now my choice of online maternity shopping in nz. Many thanks, Jess X

 

 

Breastmates Review Tunic Review

Breastfeeding Top Review Breastmates

Review from Debbie:

“ Love this breastfeeding top. Ingenious, hidden access for feeding, lovely material and cut, and love the cute pocket, very handy! Fantastic next day delivery to Dunedin too.”

 

Breastmates Review

#customerlove from Charlotte today:

 

 

Hi Franny,

Just wanted to say I am 39 weeks pregnant and have worn all my purchases that were purchased in thought of once baby is born for breastfeeding. The garments all fit great after doing measurements and ordering off your sizing guide. The fit and styles are great, fabric great and great value for money. In a time I feel so frumpy you have made me feel comfortable in some clothes :) thanks so much

Charlotte

 

www.breastmates.co.nz

#BreastfeedingTunic

Thanks Tanya for your review about our Revive Tunic Breastfeeding Maternity Tunic

 

 

“A wonderfully designed and quality made tunic. Really comfy and easy to wear. I have had lots of compliments in my first week of wearing. Washed and dried really well too. Thanks Franny! “

 

#Breastmates Review

#customer love from Kate today!  J

 

About my store: www.breastmates.co.nz

 

“ Thanks for my parcel of long sleeve breastfeeding tops & baby bibs that arrived promptly today! They all fit great, no need to send any back! They are very flattering styles and feel comfortable too. Again you've done a great job on your winter designs. One thing I've been meaning to let you know is that all my summer tops have worn really well.   Thanks again for being the best place in NZ to buy breastfeeding tops and related stuff,
Kind regards, Kate

Breastmates Breast Pads

Thankyou Leeza for this nice review on our Breastmates Breast Pads

 

“Amazing service, and the pads are great. Highly recommend them as an alternative/cost effective to disposables, really soft and absorbent. Will be buying another set when we have another baby, because they're just really handy.”

 

#Maternity Website Review

Customer Love from Sarah.  (She sent this to me at 3am)

 

Hi Frances,

I just wanted to tell you how please I am that I came across your business during the last few months.

I've had several orders and I am rubbish at leaving feedback! But love everything that has arrived! The service is fantastic and I don't bother looking at any other website unless you don't stock it!

And now we are on day 6 with my new bundle ( first time mum) I was reading your bumpf on sore nipples... My next orders in :) we'll get that knocked on the head before it starts!

Like I say, I don't usually  bother leaving feedback but at 3am it suddenly feels really important that I say you have a fantastic business and really useful website ;) Keep it up, Sarah

 

http://www.breastmates.co.nz

Unimom Pump Review

Thanks Chris for your review of the Unimom Forte Double Pump.

 

Unimom Hospital Grade Double Pump

I LOVE this pump!!! It's comfortable,  quiet, and powerful. Have owned the pump for 2 months now and I use it up to 6 times a day everyday as my baby is exclusively bottlefed. I've been told that using a double is better for your prolactin hormones which encourage milk production and noticed an increase since using the pump. Also good is that it is a closed system so it's quite easy to clean and assemble

 

                                                                                                                                                    

#MaternityDress

Thanks Janine for your nice feedback!

 

 

I love my breastmates dresses so much. Wish I had discovered breastmates while I was preg and not wasted $ on maternity dresses I can't feed in!

 

Janine

 

www.breastmates.co.nz

 

#BreastfeedingTops

Thank you Fiona, for this nice review about our Breastfeeding Top

 

ProductName: Goddess Drape Top

Rating: 5

This is my favourite breast feeding top . It looks good, the material feels nice and it's quick and easy to open up when you have a hungry baby demanding a feed. Please please make this in more colours

 

Breastfeeding Sweatshirt Review

A HUGE thanks to Sophie @sophiemoo2 for her review of our Chillax Breastfeeding Sweatshirt.

 

You can read about it on her blog here:

http://www.sophieslim.co.nz/2014/05/chillax-wearing-breastmates.html

 

 

#NoteToSelf

Note to  myself for future reference.   [To read on days of self doubt]

 

 

“This breastfeeding journey will be nearing an end soon (some time?) and it's been an absolute pleasure to work with Breastmates for over a year now. I still wear each piece of clothing I have had the pleasure of trying, and although its been worn and worn and washed and washed, the quality and style have all stood the test of time. I continue to love Breastmates, and wear their designs week to week.”

@sophiemoo2

 

#maternityDressReview

Thankyou Rachel for this lovely review about our Maternity Dress: Weave Front Maxi Dress (which also has hidden breastfeeding openings)

 

Rating: 5

Comment: Such a comfortable dress. This is the most flattering maternity item I have purchased. It fits well and I feel amazing in it!

Maternity Pants

#customer love from Kim about our  Zen Maternity Pants

 

These are great value for money and fit perfectly! I usually wear a medium (size 10-12 when not pregnant) and ordered these in medium and even at 34 weeks pregnant, they fit so comfortably. They are long enough for my height (176cm) without dragging on the ground and the waist-band that comes up over bump is loose enough to feel good whilst tight enough to not roll down! The fabric is also thin enough to not be stifling like my regular trackies. Thanks for this result =>

 

 

Hotmilk Bra

Oooh a new bra just popped up on my website!  I just unloaded the stock this afternoon, and reloaded my racks.  (excuse the pun!!)

Hotmilk Eternal Bra.  This is quite a basic black bra, (in terms of the Hotmilk standard which usually has some bling and lace).  Perfectly simple!

 

Click here for more info:  HOTMILK NURSING BRA

 

 

Feedback about Breastmates Tunic

Some #customerlove from Jodie.  Quite relieved to read this actually, as its for one of my  own designs (by Franny) for winter!

 

"I ordered a tunic from Breastmates and I love it! The material is lovely and soft, great quality too. I ordered Tuesday morning and it arrived Wednesday mornimg - wow! It's the little personalized touches that also impress me - lovely little note and wrapped so nicely, thanks Franny" 

 

I invited some friends to 'like' your Facebook page and have told our ante natal group about your site  : ) 

 

Definitely love the red sleeves!!!!! 

 

: ) Jodie 

Kai Carrier Revivew

Thank you Sarah for this product review about the: Kai Carrier

 

Having a baby with food sensitivities means that we tend to make most of her food.  These Kai carriers have made life so much easier.  Great distraction snack to help get around the supermarket.  And she likes to hold on to it and feed herself (7mth old) which she can do without too much mess.  I've found the best way to wash them is by using a bottle brush

 

Chuchu Teat Review

Customer review of the ChuChu teat that we have. 

 

 

I thought you would like to know that I had great success with the chu chu teats which were suggested by Plunket to help my baby breast feed.  She had been started on bottles initially as she couldn't latch and two weeks down the line I was having lots of difficulty getting her to breast feed. After 24 hours of using the teats, I tried her again at the breast and she just got it!  That was over a week ago and we haven't looked back since!  I have told the other mums in my coffee group and my midwife.

 

 

Hydrogel Breast Discs , these are the #1 item that I recommend any preggie mum packs into her hospital bag.

Comment received from Sarah

 

Hydrogel Breast Discs

 

 

Everyone should get some of these.  They are so soothing and really sped up the recovery of my really cracked nipples.  Had felt like I wasn't getting anywhere with using lanolin cream.  Once I used these gel pads I saw a dramatic improvement in a really short time.  I was stoked and my midwife was impressed too.  

 

I gave some to my sister-I-L.  She initially didn't think that she had enough of a reason to use them.  I insisted she tried them, the next day I got an excited text message saying that they were amazing!! Took the discomfort of getting latching sorted away.

 

Note To Self

A note to myself for future reference.  

Dear Franny - remember that people think you are nice. 

Quote from Jess "I think you’re doing an incredible job, and that Breastmates is an incredible business that you do so well at promoting. You do a wonderful job of being a friendly face behind your company, so that we all know you are a lovely woman and not just a faceless company!

breastfeeding Sweater

#customer love from Krystle

 

 

Thankyou so much for my new tops they are soooooo awesome especially the mellow sweater it is the best breast feeding top I have ever come across absolutely love it!!! Would love to see more tops through in the pink it's such a great colour.

 

Krystle

Nappy Bag Review

#customer love

Thank you Stephanie for this nice review about Nappy Bag Mode

Rating: 5

 

 

I just got this and have really enjoyed the first couple of days of 'road tests.'  It's got lots of room for my baby's spare nappies and clothing change, plus my bits and pieces, and little extras like some small toys and a library book.  The straps are comfortable to wear over my shoulder.  I ended up not using the clip ons to attach the bag to a pram because it doesn't suit my pram design well, but they're useful for hanging toys off.

 

Levels of service-wise, I'm very happy with Breastmates - delivery was in three working days with an email when the package got sent.  The clothes I ordered at the same time came wrapped in tissue paper for that 'treat' feeling.

 

Kids Sandwich Cutters

Gina shared a photo today of the cute sandwiches she made for her daughter at preschool.

 

Click here to buy your own sandwich cutter

 

 

Clip on Cami Review

#customer love.  Thank you Sue for this nice feedback:

 

 

Clip-on-Cami

Rating: 5

I have two of these Nursing Camis and I am about to purchase another couple ! I can't stand the feeding singlets with a bulky built in bra that does nothing ! However this is perfect - I get to wear a nice supportive feeding bra and have a nice practical layer that keeps me modestly covered, I am a size 12 and M is a perfect fit. And Franny's customer service is impeccable :)

 

 

Pregnancy Full Knickers

Thankyou Zeena for your kind review of these pregnancy knickers.  They’re not glam, but so comfy and smooth profile under clothes ay!

 

 

 

Pregnancy Brief

Rating: 5

Comment: These are amazing! it is so comfortable, it stretches with your grwoing body doesnt feel like youre wearing anything! highly recommend!