Shannon O'Donnell - President of Pumpin' Pal International (PPI)

Shannon O'Donnell comments on Salma Hayek Pinault breastfeeding another's baby

2010-06-14T20:40:00.003-07:00

Like Salma, my mom used to tell me about how my great-aunt and her friend used to babysit and breastfreed each other's babies while the other worked. At that time, 80+ years ago, there was no such thing as "formula" nor the ultra-efficient double-electric breast pumps we have today. These women depended on and supported each other by taking care of each other's babies in every sense of the word.

When faced with a similar situation, my own mothering instinct kicked in . . . and in giving I truly received. Here's my story:

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Congratulations to Tiffany B. Petty - Winner of our Mother's Day Giveaway

2010-05-11T11:18:00.004-07:00

We appreciate everyone who entered our contest! Look for more giveaway contests in the future!!

Free Giveaway Contest to Celebrate Mother's Day for all Pumping Moms!

2010-04-30T11:11:00.005-07:00

Next Sunday, May 9th, is Mother’s Day, and what a great time to celebrate all moms who pump to provide breast milk for their babies! Pumpin’ Pal is sponsoring our first official giveaway contest. We know moms who are uncomfortable pumping are more likely to quit. Our NAPPA Gold Award-winning Pumpin’ Comfort Breast Pumping Necessity Kit makes all the difference in the world!

Pregnant? Enter our contest to win so you’ll be ready to pump comfortably once you deliver!
Already pumping? Our pumping accessories (necessities!!!) will make your pump sessions a lot more comfortable!
Have a pregnant friend or co-worker? Our Pumpin’ Comfort Kit makes the perfect shower gift!

Contest ends at midnight on Sunday, May 9th. If you purchase our Pumpin’ Comfort Kit between now and May 9th and then you’re chosen as the lucky winner, we will refund your purchase price!! To enter this contest, visit our website (Pumpin’ Pal International) and then come back here and leave a comment letting us know why our Pumpin’ Comfort Breast Pumping Necessity Kit would be helpful for you or a friend. Be sure to include your email address so we can notify you if you win! This is mandatory in order to be considered for a prize. One lucky winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the contest.

Once you’ve entered by visiting our website and leaving a comment, you can increase your chance of winning by doing any of the following activities (you can do as many as you’d like – but remember to leave a comment about each one and provide a link!):

1) Become a fan of Pumpin’ Pal International on Facebook
2) Follow @PumpinPal_Pres on Twitter
3) Tweet your friends and followers – include a link back to this page and include
@PumpinPal_Pres in your tweet (you can do this once a day for additional entries) Tell all your
friends about it!!
4) Blog about this giveaway! Remember to come back here and leave a comment and a link to
your post (we like reading blogs, too!!)
5) Not on Facebook, Twitter, etc.? That’s ok! Simply email your friends – cc: us on your email
(contest@pumpinpal.com) and leave a comment here as well. We promise not to add anyone
to our mailing list.

Like our products and want to order but would rather wait to see if you win? Go ahead and order – if you win we’ll refund your money!

Our contest is open to everyone with a US mailing address ONLY. All entrants must complete the initial entry before completing any of the additional entries. Again, our contest ends at midnight on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. Winner will be notified by email by Friday, 5/14/10. Winner must respond to our email notification within 48 hours; otherwise, we reserve the right to choose another winner. Please do not contact us to find out if you won - winner will be posted on the blog and again, winner will be notified by email.

Olives and other reminders our kids are growing up right before our eyes

2010-04-26T11:04:00.002-07:00

I originally published this blog a year ago in my other blog. However, I'm trying to simplify my life so I can spend more energy being me - noticing and writing about the things in life that are the most important without having to compartmentalize. This week I had one of these special "mommy moments" when my 7 year old wanted to play at the mall play area. He's way taller than the sign but I was all for it. And I smiled inside when he asked for quarters to ride a kiddie ride. Not surprising that big brother wasn't with us :).

If you're a mom, I'm sure you'll relate to this one. Enjoy . . .

Some of my greatest joys and sorrows as a mom are days when something happens and I realize (really realize) my boys are growing up. Not that I don't want them to grow up. I get a lot of joy watching their progress and seeing them take their "next step," but it's often bittersweet.Take olives, for example . . .From the time they were first sitting up at the dinner table, both of my boys would put an olive on every single finger to eat them off, plucking them into their mouth, one finger at a time. I loved doing it as a kid and make sure we have plenty of olives so they can do it time and again. Somewhere along the line Ryan, my oldest, stopped doing it. But I didn't pay all that much attention because Sean was still happily topping his little fingers with olives, and then biting them off, one finger at a time.

A couple nights ago he started to put olives on his fingers. But when he got to his thumb, oh no . . . the olive didn't fit. Instead, it broke right open as he tried to push it on. He was amused. And I was sad. Ugh. It was a sad mommy moment. My boys thought it was silly that I was sad. But I knew that moms and dads everywhere knew the feeling I was experiencing, and would experience multiple times throughout the years. I know that when I serve olives, they'll continue to stuff them on the fingers, oblivious to the fact that they break open -- and I'll remember the night when his little thumb broke through because he was no longer my tiny little boy with tiny little fingers.

We Take Turns

2010-04-23T15:26:00.002-07:00

As a mom, our hearts run the gamut from overflowing with joy to aching with pain. Today, mine did both. I was helping at our school’s “Exploration Friday,” a special day held every few months, where the kids have the opportunity to participate in special classes and activities led by parents and other community leaders.

Today I was helping a parent whose group was making Mother’s Day cards. I know first-hand the specialness of those adorable hand-made gifts – names written on multiple lines because they run out of room before they run out of letters, lots and lots and lots of glue, pieces coming off the page, etc. Little kids’ Mother’s Day cards and gifts are the best!!

Glue, markers, scissors, instructions . . . some kids pick it up quickly and are off and running. Others need step-by-step guidance as they carefully complete each task.

As I sat down next to a five year old who was struggling, I started asking him what type of flower he wanted to cut out for his mom. He said, “I don’t have a mom.” Pause. “My mom died.” Oh my. “Ok,” I said to myself, “How am I supposed to respond?” Seeing that he seemed to have accepted it and was smiling as he worked, I suggested he make the card for his dad. He happily continued on. I was still stunned and sad.

As the next class started working on their Mother’s Day cards, another little boy just sat there, seemingly “stuck.” The teacher came over and asked him what he was going to make for his mom. “I never see my mom. She works until midnight every night,” and then he mumbled something about wanting to make it for his dad. The teacher glanced at me, both of us noticing his reluctance and sadness. And we both sensed that he was looking for acceptance - permission to validate the person who was truly his “mom” in the sense of the everyday. Grateful for my earlier experience, I casually let him know that another boy in the prior class had made his card for his dad, too. This seemed to free him up. The teacher and I locked eyes, both saddened by his reality and aware of his internal struggled to come to grips with his own confusion about the feelings he was experiencing.

I don’t know his mom, and I don’t know his situation. All I could think was that his mom’s heart most likely breaks many nights when she comes home and her kids are sleeping. She, too, probably vacillates between being glad she has a job to help put food on the table, and anger and sadness that it’s at the expense of being with her kids. I’m quite sure many dads experience the same thing.

I know that parenting is an ongoing challenge. We all make sacrifices and do the best we can. I walked away grateful that I have a home office and am usually there in the morning and throughout the day, and then I have the privilege of tucking our kids in bed each night, alongside my husband. If you saw my facebook post earlier today, you may have noticed my prayer – it’s that I can be a loving, nurturing parent to kids when their parents aren’t there. As my friend said a few hours ago (I had tears in my eyes as I told her the story), “We take turns.” Yes, we do. And I’m grateful for the men and women who are there for my kids when I’m not, whether it’s because I’m actually gone or I’m having a bad day and the kids have a grump for a mom!! We take turns.

Happy New Year - Here's to Playing and Celebrating Life in Every Way

2010-01-06T09:09:00.003-07:00

Like everyone else, I am always surprised and caught a bit off-guard when we start a new year, asking, "Where did the time go? I can't believe we're already through the holidays." It sneaks up time after time; you'd think after 45 years I wouldn't be as surprised, but I am!

What does this year hold? The promise of amazement, awareness, and wonder. Having two kids (and now a dog!), I often notice how they are so "in the moment" -- just living and playing and being. I have to make an effort to "play," whereas it's effortless for my kids and my husband. Sometimes I'm a bit hard on myself for not being very good at it. Other times, I simply accept that my skills and gifts show up in other areas (like cooking a great dinner they come in and enjoy after playing hard all day!)

And then there's Bo, our new dog, who's as gentle and playful as can be. He bounds joyfully and effortlessly into my lap when I sit down in the morning to pray and meditate, his warm little body resting easily in my lap. Simple pleasures, simple gifts . . . celebrating the "everyday-ness" of life.

Happy New Year. May you be blessed with comfort, acceptance, and a warm little friend to help slow your breathing and help you recognize the beauty all around and in you.

Courage is the Price Life Exacts for Granting Peace

2009-11-09T22:21:00.004-07:00

Here's my guest blog written for Mommy News & Views' Blogiversary Celebration -- Happy Blogiversary, Judy Masucci, of a Mom's Boutique!

http://mommynewsblog.com/courage-is-the-price-life-exacts-for-granting-peace/

And here's to every woman creating a supporting "village" of her own!!!

Yes, there is a very special bond between breastfeeding mothers!

2009-10-09T10:51:00.004-07:00

This morning I received a news feed that caught my eye and my heart. It was written by Melissa Kotlen Nagin who writes for About.com. In her blog, she's talking about the weekly breastfeeding support group she runs in Manhattan:

". . .The moms who attend are absolutely lovely and very warm to one another, whether they are regulars or newbies. There's no question that there is a special camaraderie amongst women who breastfeed. We're all part of a clique (a good one!), worldwide, and I'm sure you would be hard-pressed to find any breastfeeding woman who would disagree."

I have noticed this same thing, a similar special bond, amongst pumping moms. In both cases, we've been (many still are) "in the trenches." As moms, we innately have the sense of compassion and empathy, knowing we're doing everything in our power to provide for our babies. And even if we fall short sometimes, we can rest assured, knowing that our efforts are making a difference in ways we'll never know.

Thank you, Melissa, for this beautiful reminder.

Thank you to Alejandra in Costa Rica!

2009-09-21T14:04:00.005-07:00

I love my job. I just absolutely love my job.

I recently received an email from a mom in Costa Rica, Alejandra Araya, who is studying to become an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactatin Consultant) as well as a La Leche League Leader. She has begun selling breastfeeding-related products and will soon be carrying Pumpin' Pal products as part of her line (www.derdavale.webs.com). Alejandra is a mom like me, committed to helping other moms. Through her own breastfeeding experience, she realized that there are many women in her country who quit breastfeeding when they return to work because they either don't know about pumping and/or simply don't have the tools and support network to help them pump to provide breast milk while they're away from their babies.

Alejandra's email touched me -- I could hear her commitment and warmth in her email.

Thank you, Alejandra. And thank you to all the women out there helping other women breastfeed, pump, and sometimes, just get through a tough day. We need each other. I love being a part of this wonderful circle of women around the world.

World Breastfeeding Week - Supporting Moms Through the Initial Pain of Breastfeeding

2009-08-01T11:31:00.012-07:00

It's World Breastfeeding Week. Professionals everywhere are working toward the goal of increasing awareness for moms everywhere of the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk.

msnbc.com reported that the lives of 1.3 million babies could be saved annually if more moms worldwide would breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of their babies' lives (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32234145/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/from/ET)

If I could change one thing I’ve ever read and heard about breastfeeding, it’s what moms are told: “If a baby is latching on correctly, it shouldn’t hurt.” Well, for many women, it hurts a lot, especially in the beginning. At least it did for me!

When I started breastfeeding my first son almost 10 years ago, my nipples were excruciatingly sore for 8 weeks (yes, 8 long, painful weeks!) I went to a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) twice because I was in so much pain and thought he wasn’t latching on correctly, something was wrong, etc. She said he was nursing perfectly, all was well, and I shouldn't be in pain. Sounds good, but I was in pain.

I made it through those difficult first 8 weeks only because of the support of my sister-in-law who had had difficulties breastfeeding her first baby 5 months earlier. I didn't give up and successfully breastfed for 4 years (yes, I know that that's way too long for most people's comfort, especially here in the US).

For most moms, this painful timeframe is a lot shorter – 1-4 weeks – but the pain can still be excruciating. When you have to re-experience it every 2-3 hours for 2-4 weeks and you’re post-partum (i.e., extremely hormonal, tired, and overwhelmed), it feels like a lifetime. And if you have another child (or children) demanding your attention, it’s even more difficult. Many moms give up altogether -- they throw in the towel and give the baby a bottle of formula.

It's important to acknowledge that yes, it can be very painful, even when baby's breastfeeding correctly. Breastfeeding education and ongoing support is essential. Moms may still need help with correct latching, help with plugged ducts, and more.

We need to support women THROUGH the painful, difficult time, reassuring them that the pain will subside completely, rather than make them think that something’s not right – either with them or with their baby. It’s also important to reassure moms that even though for the first 3-4 months they’ll be breastfeeding every 2-3 hours, as the baby gets older, the frequency decreases.

Continually reminding and reassuring moms would help them get through it, rather than give up. It’s also important to focus on the benefits of continued breastfeeding – after 6 months, breastfeeding becomes very easy and it’s pain-free. Plus, it's inexpensive and "green" -- no additional waste in landfills.

The physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk for both mom and baby are well-documented. We need to support moms through the difficult times so both can receive these benefits.

"Jennifer" by Pumpin' Pal

2009-07-31T08:57:00.004-07:00

Jennifer, Jen, Jenna, Jena, Jeni . . . all versions of Jennifer.

Turns out, 17% of all Pumpin' Pal website orders are from moms named Jennifer (or a derivative)! Our IT Department actually started a "Jen Meter" because we get so many orders from Jennifers. So, when we decided to create a cartoon character showing how our products can help moms, we simply had to call her "Jennifer". (As it turns out, Jennifer was the name of the woman in the movie "Love Story," starring Ryan O'Neal.)

We now have multiple renditions . . . any way you look at it, Jennifer is more comfortable and happy pumping while using our Pumpin' Pal products. We have now come to realize that our products are breast pumping essentials!

It IS a Small World After All!

2009-07-31T08:39:00.003-07:00

Last week we attended the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) annual conference held in Orlando, FL.

After working together via email for the past three and a half years, our Southeast Asia distributors, Valerie Ng and Juliet Chan of Mumsfairy (Singapore), became our friends. We had the opportunity to discuss ways to bring our products to even more breastfeeding/pumping moms throughout Southeast Asia. We also got to see another friend/distributor we met last October at VELB in Vienna -- Kamariah, of Mom's Little Ones.

Jon, Valerie, Juliet, and I spent a fun evening at Downtown Disney. We're all simply an email away, even though we're on opposite sides of the earth. Pretty amazing. I simply couldn't (ok, can't) resist singing, "It's a small world after all." Because it is!

Pumpin' Pal Super Shields at ILCA - We've come a long way, baby!

2009-07-28T08:58:00.008-07:00

Five years ago, we introduced our revolutionary new angled flange, our Super Shield, to the lactation community when we attended the 2004 International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. No one had every heard of such a thing! We didn't even have product -- just a prototype, a great idea, and a lot of passion and enthusiasm!

The next year we had product and showed our wares at ILCA in Chicago. Because we weren't one of the "big" pump companies, LCs were skeptical -- they knew moms were uncomfortable leaning forward, but they were reluctant to try our Super Shields.

The following year, ILCA in Philadelphia. Then San Diego. Then Las Vegas. And this year Orlando.

The difference? Each year, more and more LCs learned about our products, tried them and worked with moms who had tremendous success with our innovative design. Lactation consultants now thank us at every ICLA Conference for making great products that help their moms.

We are proud (with appreciation and humility) to say that our Super Shields are now recommended by lactation consultants, including for the relief of plugged ducts.

Super Shields are included in two new breastfeeding-related books:

Selecting and Using Breastfeeding Tools
by Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC

The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk
by Diana West, BA, IBCLC and Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC

Thank you, lactation consultants. Thank you moms. Thank you to our retailers and distributors here in the US as well as in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. A particular thanks to Valerie Ng and Juliet Chan of Mumsfairy in Singapore -- your efforts are paying off!

It's been a long haul -- an adventure to say the least. And we've only just begun. So many moms still have yet to learn about our innovative products to help them pump more comfortably.

We truly have come a long way, baby! Yippee!!!!

About.com Review of Pumpin' Pal Super Shields by Melissa Kotlen Nagin

2009-07-14T11:15:00.003-07:00

Last night I received a link to the (very complimentary) review of our Pumpin' Pal Super Shields written by Melissa Nagin IBCLC (About.com Guide to Breastfeeding) - http://breastfeeding.about.com/od/pumpingandsupplementing/gr/pumpinpal.htm.

Melissa is an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) and works as a private-practice lactation consultant in NYC. Melissa knows first-hand the difficulties moms experience when breast pumping. As a former pumper, I acknowledge, respect, and appreciate Melissa's commitment "to provide support, solutions and confidence to women as they endeavor to provide this great, natural gift to their children."

We're here to help moms in this endeavor as well.

Is balance possible? Choose harmony instead

2009-07-13T10:10:00.004-07:00

Today I was reading Brooke Burke's (winner of Dancing with the Stars) blog post (http://www.modernmom.com/blogs/brookeburke/4114). I definitely agree that trying to maintain balance is often unrealistic. Like Brooke, I had an older wise woman once tell me (long before I had kids and knew what true chaos is!), "Serenity isn't the absence of the storm. It's finding peace amidst the storm."

And for those times when I'm having a hard time striking a balance or finding harmony, it helps if I can at least keep a sense of humor and know that "this too shall pass." Calling a good friend and venting, followed by a good night's sleep can often make all the difference in the world!

Getting back on the horse (in this case, my blog)

2009-07-08T22:39:00.003-07:00

Ok, I fell off the horse and haven't blogged in a very long time! No excuses (well, yes, I can think of a lot), but the truth is that once I got away from blogging, I simply stayed away. And, like a few projects around my house (including helping my kids clean their dressers), once I fell off, it's been hard to get back on.

Two days ago my husband rounded up the kids and tackled their dressers -- so I've rounded up my courage and have come back to my blog. Maybe that's how it is as a mom . . . even it takes awhile, it's ok to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back on.

Even in Italy, pumping moms have to hold bottles!

2009-03-25T12:27:00.003-07:00

Today is exciting for all of us here at Pumpin' Pal. We received our first order from a mom in Italy -- the Hands-Free Strap Jon designed for Janene 10+ years ago when she was exclusively pumping, nodding off in the middle of the night, almost dropping the bottles.

Love it. Love sharing our products with moms everywhere so they can pump comfortably and in this case, simply relax and not hold bottles. Welcome Federica. Thanks for choosing our product!

What I Learned From My Son's Preschool Teacher

2009-03-11T23:20:00.004-07:00

Teacher Josie was an icon at our little preschool -- she'd been there forever, finally retiring last year after 25 years of teaching three year olds (oh my!) Opinionated as can be, she loved those kids with all her might. Sometimes, though, I think she was there more for us parents.

When you've taught for 25 years, you learn a lot about kids and the effects of parenting both in the short-term and the long-term. One of the most important things I ever remember Josie saying was, "There are 100 kids and 100 ways of parenting. My job is to help you parent in the way that works best for you and your family." And she meant it.

I know that I can get caught up in what's right and what's wrong, sitting in judgment because I think I know what's best, most effective, etc. It helps me to remember Josie's comment so I can humbly walk hand-in-hand with my fellow moms and women. We're different -- we have different needs, different goals, and different ways of doing and thinking. But, as I've heard it said before, all anyone wants is to be truly happy. And as a parent, this goes for my children as well. I want them to be happy (and healthy).

So, here's to many different ways of working toward the same ultimate goal and enjoying (yes, even enjoying) watching the diversity of others who do it differently.

Quick reminder for pumping moms to check membranes/valves on your pump . . .

2009-03-09T21:39:00.002-07:00

This is just a quick reminder for moms using a pump with replaceable valves/membranes to replace them every so often, even if they are not torn or damaged. Over time they can become worn and cause a decrease in pumping volume without you ever realizing what's happening.

Pumpin' Pal on YouTube

2009-03-08T20:29:00.002-07:00

Shannon O'Donnell, President of Pumpin' Pal International, appears as a guest on AZTV's "The Chat Room" with Helen Gibson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eid-gM6nj00.

Asking for Help - and Helping in Return

2009-03-06T14:07:00.002-07:00

It's interesting how difficult it can sometimes be to ask for help. And it's not always difficult saying the words; it's difficult being nice to ourselves when we ask for it. Like somehow we're inept or even a "klutz" because some things are more difficult for us than for others.

My own inner struggle was brought to light today by an email I received from a mom who was inadvertently aplogizing for the fact that this weekend she was going to ask her husband to help her figure something out. Reflecting on her email, I realized that I, too, sometimes need or want my husband's help on things that, yes, I could do, but don't want to take the time to figure out. Or, I know that he'd figure it out quickly and easily, whereas I might struggle for awhile.

It's about seeing both of our values -- our strengths as a team -- and giving myself permission to play the role that comes easiest. Not to say that I'm not willing to pitch in and give more. I certainly am. But sometimes the things that come easiest to me, are just exactly the things that he has absolutely no interest in doing. Interdependence. Yes, I want to continue learning that skill, so my children can see their own value both as an individual as well as their innate gifts within a team.

Oh Those Personal Questions on our Internet Order Form!!!

2009-03-05T10:29:00.004-07:00

"You want me to answer what?? My bra size? My cup size? -- wayyyyy too personal!!"

I'm smiling as I write this blog. Once in awhile we receive an email from a mom who's uncomfortable with the questions we ask when ordering from our website. So I thought I'd take a minute and explain why we ask them.

Our Super Shields are very different from any flange on the market. The current standard sizing protocols are based on nipple diameter. When we first designed our Super Shields, we assumed we'd be using the same sizing protocols. However, since ours are tapered, nipple diameter alone wasn't an effective way for us to accurately size them. We wondered if it was actually based on bra/cup size. We tried that for awhile. No, that wasn't the ticket. Then we started combining both parameters -- bra/cup size and nipple diamater. Our accuracy rate skyrocketed.

We followed up with every single mom who ordered from our website, gathering information on bra and cup sizes, nipple diameter, and what size Super Shield was the most comfortable and produced the most breast milk. Using this information, we put together our Sizing Chart.

Some moms with the same parameters (bra/cup size and nipple diameter) actually found different sizes more comfortable (that's why there are overlaps on our chart). And some moms wrote in to tell us that at different times of the day they prefer different sizes. We also had moms who use one size on one breast and another on another breast.

At that point, we began to offer combo packages (M/L and L/XL) so that moms whose sizes overlapped wouldn't have to pay full price for two different sizes. Our duo packs (two pair of the same size) soon followed -- again as a courtesy so that moms who wanted to order two pair of the same size could receive the same pricing as moms ordering the combo packs.

But with that said, there are still many moms who choose the size based on what they're currently using. For example, a mom who wears a 34B bra and has very large nipples may be using an extra-large in another brand so she may order our XLarge. We know from the vast amount of information we've gathered our XLarge will definitely not work for her. We can then contact her prior to shipping and help her choose the correct size so that she can start using them immediately upon receiving her order.

And why do we ask how you heard about us? For a couple reasons: We like to thank hospitals and lactation consultants when they refer moms to our website. Also, many lactation consultants (LCs) refer moms to our website regularly after fitting consults. We know that if a LC refers a mom after a fitting, the mom is definitely choosing the correct size.

We are very limited in the information we can print in our shopping cart -- hence, I'm writing this blog to explain in more detail. It's all about doing our very best to provide excellent customer service so that moms can pump comfortably from the minute they open their shipment.

Thank you for your compliments on our customer service!

2009-02-25T11:13:00.005-07:00

Every day we receive emails from moms and retailers complimenting us on our customer service, including our fast shipping, follow-up, and attention to detail. As you can imagine, we enjoy reading the emails. But more than that, we appreciate that you notice and that our efforts mean a lot to you.

I grew up in a small town as did Pumpin' Pal's founder and CEO, Jon Gillan. We both came from families who owned businesses in these towns (my family still lives in the same town and last year celebrated 75 years in the same business). And Jon tells stories of being up late night-after-night during the holidays, helping put together toys and tools in his family's hardware store so that families would have them in time for Christmas. The values we share are honesty, integrity and utmost concern for doing what's right by and for our customers. In a small town, if you don't take care of your customers, your business simply won't thrive.

From the very beginning, Pumpin' Pal International has internalized these values. I love hearing from and corresponding with moms. It's not about "big business" -- it's about working with and caring for one mom, one retailer, one hospital at a time -- to become a big business with small-town values.

Do we make mistakes? Yes, every once in awhile we ship the wrong product or forget to send an invoice, etc., but we do our best to own our mistakes and do what it takes to make it right. And thank you for your gracious responses when we do make mistakes. It's about being human. That's what I like about this business and our company . . . we're all human beings doing our best at any given moment.

Here's to taking care of things important to all of us!

A Mom in Greece Will Soon be Pumping Comfortably!

2009-02-22T12:03:00.009-07:00

When we created our Super Shields five years ago, I remember thinking that other moms around the world were experiencing the same back pain and discomfort I experienced by having to lean forward. At the time, we were just beginning to introduce our products to lactation consultants in the United States and trying to gain their acceptance of our products. It was an uphill journey -- since we weren't affiliated with the large pump companies, many were skeptical about our products, especially our Super Shields. It took a few years, but the tides began to turn as more and more began using our products to help their moms. Now, many lactation consultants actually come to our booth at lactation conferences and stand there telling their colleagues how helpful and indispensable our products are (we love every minute of these unsolicited "campaigns!")

Last October, we showed our products at an international lactation conference called VELB, held in Vienna, Austria. We realized that our products could help moms everywhere and decided to introduce them to the lactation community in Europe, just as we had done when we started here in the US.

We also began to realize that it's moms talking with other moms, one friend to another, that has most helped (and continues to help) us in our efforts. As moms have shared, other bloggers and those who publish books to help pumpers have learned about our Super Shields and Hands-Free Strap as invaluable tools.

This past week, a mom who lives in Greece ordered from our website. It was very exciting for us and for me personally. As President of Pumpin' Pal International, it's truly my goal to educate and help moms worldwide. Presently, our products are helping moms in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, UK, The Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, France, Canada, and Germany.

I am simply a mom. Yes, a working mom, but never-the-less a mom. A mom who enjoys and appreciates other moms and women in my life. I value their input and feedback, and enjoy mutual relationships based on trust and respect. So, that's what I bring to Pumpin' Pal -- myself as a mom, woman, and friend. Not everything that works for me will work for others, just as some things that work for my friends don't work for me or simply don't fit with my lifestyle and choices.

And with that I'll close by saying thank you to all the moms and lactation consultants who have shared our products with their friends, fellow pumpers, colleagues, and moms. And welcome to our newest friend in Greece!

Nursing / Pumping Moms: Remember to Eat!

2009-02-18T17:25:00.006-07:00

Being a mom is all-consuming, especially when you are breastfeeding and/or pumping. It's easy to lose sight of the fact that it's important to take good care of yourself -- with the same loving care as you are taking with your little one. I remember just wanting to sleep. Really SLEEP. Uninterrupted. And for more than a couple hours at a time. With my second baby, I felt even more desperate. Just when I'd get my little one fed and sleeping, my toddler wanted to play.

So, what does it have to do with eating? It's often hard to prioritize eating when there are so many other things to do in between nursing and pumping. But in the long run, taking the time to consume some healthy calories will pay off. A breastfeeding/pumping mom needs an additional 300-500 calories every day in order to continue to produce milk (you probably already know that). And I don't know about you, but I had on my extra "baby weight" and was eager to fit in my pre-baby clothes (as opposed to staying in my husband's jeans which were the only pants I could fit into for a long time!) But now's not the time to drastically cut calories. As a matter of fact, many moms who struggle with their milk supply aren't aware that they need to be eating healthy and eating an appropriate amount of food in order for their bodies to produce breast milk (yes, when I learned that I remember wondering how malnourished moms in undeveloped countries could maintain their milk supply . . . still don't know the answer but I do know that healthy eating can play a significant role).

To make it easier, try packing nutritious snacks in small snack bags all at once on Sunday night and place on a specific shelf in the cupboard or refrigerator, before the week begins. Here are some ideas:
· Plain mixed nuts
· Raisins with peanuts
· Plain almonds with dried cranberries
· Peanut butter crackers
· Sliced apples with a dash of cinnamon
· Carrot and celery sticks with a small side of ranch
· Plain yogurt and a bit of granola
· Hard-boiled eggs
· Bananas
· Triscuits and a cheese stick
· Cottage cheese with fruit

Even if you have to eat on the run, healthy foods will help you be at your best -- and that's a win for both you and your baby!

Plugged Ducts / Mastitis

2009-02-03T11:24:00.011-07:00

Ouch! Your breast is tender, red and very sore. What's going on? Or even worse, you're suddenly overcome with an extremely quick onset of shaking, shivering and a fever! You may have a plugged duct (if it's just red and sore) or mastitis. I experienced both during the times I breastfed my boys.

As you may pick up as you read my "story" on our website (http://www.pumpinpal.com/html/about_shannon_odonnell.htm), I tend to be an "alternative medicine before western medicine"-type mom (we had home births with both boys). When I experienced mastitis, I didn't want to go my doctor right away. I was concerned he would tell me I had to stop breastfeeding (not knowing his beliefs/recommendations for treating plugged ducts and mastitis and having heard other women's experiences of their doctors telling them to stop breastfeeding immediately, etc.) However, with that said, I don't hesitate in the least to seek medical treatment when necessary and have immense gratitude for modern medicine and medical procedures.

Anyway, I didn't know what was happening the first time my breast became red and very tender in a certain area. I called a breastfeeding friend who told me I had a plugged duct. She told me that I needed to get it unplugged immediately. Her recommendation: soak my breast in a bowl of warm water for about five minutes and then gently massage it from the area closest to my chest outward toward the nipple, trying to gently "push" the milk out of the duct. Also, she told me to check my nipple and see if I could see a little hard "plug" which I might be able to remove. I used a glass bowl and noticed the breast milk suddenly rush out of my breast as I gently "pushed" toward the nipple and the duct unplugged (this didn't happen right away but took several minutes of massaging and sometimes several bouts of soaking my breast).

I also called my midwife (she'd had six children and had delivered thousands of babies and I trusted her immensely). In addition to soaking/massaging, she recommended placing a moist washcloth over my breast and then putting a heating pad on top to add moist heat. She also told me to continue breastfeeding (very important!), placing my baby's chin toward the area of the plugged duct.

Sometimes when I'd experience plugged ducts in different areas, it meant leaning over my baby on the bed -- being careful not to cover his nose with my body or breast -- so his chin could face the plugged duct. Yep, it was a bit awkward at times, but thankfully, the combination of soaking my breast, massaging it while it was in the warm water to push the milk out of the duct, removing the visible plug in the nipple, moist compresses, and breastfeeding my baby with his chin facing the tender area helped me unplug the ducts each time, including when I had mastitis.

Speaking of mastitis: Thank goodness for my sister who'd experienced a bout of mastitis with her baby. She had told me that if all of the sudden I got the chills and felt like I had flu-like symptoms, I might have mastitis. Well, it happened. And when it came on, it came on IMMEDIATELY! I knew I needed to get the duct unplugged and went into my routine. Once I got the duct unplugged, the symptoms subsided.

After having my second baby I got mastitis twice in one week. The second time it happened, my husband was standing there when I told him I thought was getting mastitis. He told me to get in my jammies. Within seconds (literally!), I couldn't undo my bra because I was shaking so badly. Again, calling my midwife in a bit of panic, she reassured me that I didn't have to rush to the doctor right away and again suggested the same things. But, she also "grounded me" -- she told me I had to go to bed and rest, saying that if I'd experienced two bouts of mastitis in one week, my body was telling me to slow down and rest. I'd had an easy birth with my second baby and felt wonderful. With a toddler at home, it was hard to rest, especially since I felt great. I started crying, unsure of how I was going to stay in bed and take care of my toddler at the same time. Somehow it worked out (thanks to my husband, I might add). And I didn't experience another bout of mastitis after that.

So what about exclusive pumpers? Some moms have found relief for chronic plugged ducts and mastitis by using our angled flanges (Super Shields http://www.pumpinpal.com/html/super_shields.htm). They are certainly worth trying if you're experiencing chronic plugged ducts. When using them, try turning them from a direct up and down position (12 o'clock/6 o'clock) to an off-center position (11 o'clock/5 o'clock, 10 o'clock/4 o'clock), etc. to mimic placing your baby's chin toward the plugged duct.

Before I close, here's a link from kellymom.com addressing plugged ducts and mastitis that may be helpful. Kelly Bonyata is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html. "kellymom" has a lot of helpful information on her website.

Until next time . . . . happy pumping!

Pumpin' Pal's new "page" on facebook

2009-01-26T13:38:00.002-07:00

Pumpin' Pal Internation now has a page on facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pumpin-Pal-Intl-PPI-Accessories-for-Todays-Breast-Pumping-Moms/49714523745. Check it out and become a "fan" on our facebook page!

Our facebook page also offers you an opportunity to share your own experiences related to breastfeeding and pumping as well as ask other moms for feedback on current concerns you're struggling with.

Over the years as my own children have grown from infants to children, I've learned to ask mom friends if they've experienced certain situations and if so, how they dealt with it. Once I hear from a few moms, I get a sense of what might work for me, rather than asking someone for their "advice". I trust my "tummy voice," as I describe it to my kids. But sometimes it's very helpful to hear other women . . . give my "tummy" the opportunity to recognize what I on some level already knows.

Welcome to Pumpin' Pal's new blog site!

2009-01-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pumpin' Pal's new blog site. We've had many moms request that we start a blog -- so you'll have to bear with me as I learn to "blog". The internal joke is that I'm never short on words (truly, never!) . . . As time goes on, I'll become more "blog-savvy."

Please feel free to ask questions/make comment about our products or suggest new topics (I'm happy to do a bit of research or suggest alternate websites for additional information).

As many of you have heard, I often say that first and foremost I'm a mom. My boys are now six and nine years old, but every time I speak with a mom who's struggling with pumping issues, I'm right back there, pumping in my family room, leaning forward VERY UNCOMFORTABLY! I truly care about the moms who purchase our products, and our company does, too! We continually receive emails from moms whose lives have been changed by using our products; and everyone in our company has asked to receive copies of them.

Thanks for visiting our new Pumpin' Pal blog.