I have to admit that I am a bottle-feeder.
I tried to breastfeed my daughter, and several days of pain (on my part) and starvation (on hers), I demanded the nurses bring me a bottle. My request was met with disdain, but I knew in my gut that breast was not best for us.
That doesn't mean I think breastfeeding is bad. On the contrary; if it works for you, I applaud you and support your right to feed your babe where ever and whenever you choose.
But even breastfeeding moms need to bottle-feed now and then, and since I am a bottle (self-proclaimed) bottle expert, I happily agreed to review a set of MilkBank Bottles for the Parent Bloggers Network.
MilkBank is actually a complete breast milk storage system. A set comes with a vacuum-pump, three storage caps, one 2.5-ounce storage/feeding bottle, and two in the 5-ounce size. It also includes one outer-insulated bottle.
So what makes MilkBank better than the rest? The vacuum storage helps preserve the quality and flavor of your breast milk, making it healthier for your baby. Traditional milk storage bags allow oxygen to get inside the milk, often spoiling it.
The bottles are insulated, making it easier to keep the milk warm, much as it is when you feed from the breast, and the triple-vented bottles help reduce colic and prevent leaking.
So just what do I know about breast milk? Not much. But I do know a thing or two about bottles, considering that I've fed two kids that way.
My son has a condition that restricts his airway, and so for us, vented bottles were a must. We started off on Dr. Browns, because that was the only brand we knew of that was vented. They've served their purpose, but man, do they leak like the dickens.
Over the holidays we spent 15 hours in our car, and let me tell you, a leaking bottle of soy formula all over the back seat is NOT something you want. That bad-boy is gonna stink come summertime.
Not to mention that formula gets all over our furniture, and our clothes and the baby's duds.
Along came MilkBank—I can tell you, those suckers (hehheh) DO NOT LEAK. And the venting system is great. Not even a burp after a feeding, and my son's condition makes him gulp a lot more than the average kid.
While my baby didn't love the nipple, I would imagine this would be ideal for a breastfeeding mom, or any mom who wanted to give her kid a great, BPA-free bottle with a very natural nipple, no matter what is inside it.
I attribute my son's rejection of the nipple simply to the fact that he's been using a more traditional vented bottle since birth.
I highly recommend giving MilkBank a try. And hey! Guess what? I've got a set to give away!
WIN IT: We have ONE MILKBANK SYSTEM to award to a lucky reader of The Full Mommy (retail value $29.99). To enter, send an e-mail to winfullmommy (at) gmail (dot) com with "MILKBANK SYSTEM 2" in the subject line, by FRIDAY, FEB. 27, 2009 with the answer to the question below. The winner will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.
ENTRY QUESTION: How does MilkBank prevent air from getting into its bottles? Visit MilkBank for the answer!
