MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump from BabyMama

Around May last year, my friend Mi'Ann Reyes-Oblea of BabyMama and myself had a fun contest here in the blog. 16 entries, 1 winner, a little over a year and 11,690 Facebook Likes later, Mi'Ann and BabyMama have become synonymous with breastfeeding advocacy. The BabyMama page has become a nurturing and encouraging online community of breastfeeding families, and MFO is happy to have played a part in growing a forum for everyone to talk about breastfeeding!

Since August, my anniversary month, also falls during Breastfeeding Awareness Month, this contest sponsored by BabyMama is for breastfeeding mommies, moms-to-be and family & friends of nursing moms and moms-to-be.  

Here's what you may win for yourself or your loved one, an Ameda Purely Yours Dual Breast Pump valued at Php8,800:

- Individually adjustable cycle and suction controls
- Closed system design prevents milk and moisture from entering tubing
- Keeps outside air away from milk
- Weighs less than 1 pound
- Can run on A/C adapter or 6 AA batteries
- BPA-free
- Comes with 220v Euro plug
- Parts made in China; Assembled in Mexico

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the BabyMama Breast Pump Giveaway. If you would like to win the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like BabyMama and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Why should women breast feed?
- What are the challenges of breast feeding?
- What is the best advice one can give to encourage a mom to breast feed?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO BabyMama Breast Pump Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, this is great!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

Congratulations Michelle! And Thanks Mommies!

We would like to congratulate Michelle for winning the MFO x Baby Mama giveaway!

Michelle shared with us how much she needed a breast pump since she was only borrowing from a friend. As she and her hubby are missionaries for Couples for Christ, she admits it can be a challenge finance wise. But now that she's won, she doesn't have to worry about buying a breast pump anymore! God sure does have His ways of providing!

And Mommies! Thanks so much for being so game and fun! You've all been so generous in sharing your adventures and misadventures in breastfeeding that reading it has been such a delight. It's a shame the contest has ended. If it's any consolation, I'd like to think sharing our stories here have inspired other moms and moms-to-be to breastfeed. And I am sure the single girls who have read our funny anecdotes derived a lot of amusement out of us!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

Blog Weekend Giveaway: MFO x Baby Mama Voting Begins!

Dearest Karla, Anon, Car, Nora, Pre-Pre, Louina, Kristina, Irene, Aileen, Jenny, Margate, Myra, Michelle, Pearlsha, Rye and Ann,

Thank you so much for your entries! You have no idea how inspiring your stories are. We can only hope for other moms and moms-to-be to read and learn from your experiences. You are such devoted mothers and I know your resoluteness to breastfeed will pay you such wonderful dividends not only now but in the years ahead.

I can honestly say we had such a blast reading your anecdotes. It's both touching and funny to see how far you'd go for the love of your children and breastfeeding!

I wish we can give each of you the prize, but since we can only have one winner, I strongly encourage you to spread the word to your family and friends to go to Facebook to vote for your entry so you can bring home the goodies!

To My Dear Readers,

Please support our "Breastfeeding and Proud of it Mommies" and join us in the electoral process!

Here's the --> Baby Mama Facebook page! Voting begins today and ends June 6, 2010.

We'll announce the winner by June 7, 2010! Good luck Mommies!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #17: One Tough Mama at the Firing Range

(Picture: That's me being timed by the instructor.Oh, I got the highest score from among the trainees -- not bad for a lactating mom!)

The weirdest place I ever expressed milk in was at the Philippine Air Force Firing Range in Villamor Air Base. I was then employed in an office that required gun-training before I could be assigned my own gun. I could not go more than 4 hours without pumping. So after a few hours as a gun-slinging tough-guy, I had to retreat to the ladies room for nursing-mommy duties. The firing range apparently did not have many women users -- the ladies' room was dark (no working lights), dusty, and waterless. There wasn't even a door lock! I positioned myself near the door so no one could come in while I pumped. Thank goodness for baby wipes, alcohol and hand sanitizer. I must have used up an entire pack of each!

Ann

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #16: Everywhere, Thanks to the Kindness of Strangers

I've just about breastfed my daughter everywhere that I could think of. From public places such as airports, airplanes, taxis, buses, bus stations, restaurants, zoo, church to the private such a restroom in Greenbelt standing up, our own bathroom/toilet because Euna and I were alone the first few months of her life and I couldn't very well let her cry when all she needs from me is to feed her. But the craziest/weirdest for me among them wouldn't be where but how.

One Sunday we were in Market! Market! when Euna started fussing, I made a beeline for the breastfeeding station on the 3rd floor only to find out that it's closed. I found an ultrasound clinic nearby and asked if the breastfeeding station was closed (I thought whoever was looking after it must be on a break or something). Turns out they only operate Mondays to Saturdays. The good thing is that the woman manning the clinic (I think they were closed already for the day), realizing our need, offered the clinic's backroom so that Euna and I could get some privacy.

That wasn't the only time. The same thing also happened at David's Salon in Waltermart Makati while my husband was having his hair cut. We were waiting for him at the waiting area when Euna started getting fussy. I went to my husband while the hairdresser was still cutting away his hair and told him that I needed to feed Euna soon. The hairdresser, listening in to our conversation, offered the salon's facial room so that my daughter and I could get some privacy.

What really strikes me among all these is the kindness of strangers. Normally, I'm used to indifference from people in big cities but when they see a child in need, these same strangers would go to lengths to satisfy/accommodate that need. Thank you for making life easier for us breastfeeding moms and breastfeeding children.

Rye
Hungry for the World

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #15: A Cubao X Event, In Front of Friends

At a Cubao X event, Luis and Yvette, friends I hadn't seen in ages, dropped in and we talked while I carried Sof in my arms. Only at the very last minute did they notice that I'd been breastfeeding her the whole time we were chatting. I've always been insecure about my boobs, but this was one of the rare times I was thankful for their inconspicuous size!

Pearlsha

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #14: Toilet with a Bout of LBM

This is embarassing but the weirdest place I've breastfed my baby, Sev Philip was in the CR, while I was sitting on the TOILET SEAT struggling from a very bad case of LBM (Loose Bowel Movement). He was just 10 days old then. I've been running to the CR often to relieve myself but at one point, my husband couldn't pacify him from crying very hard and I couldn't leave the toilet since I wasn't finished yet. We didn't have a choice but bring Sev inside and breastfeed him there.

When my son gets old and reads this, he will surely scream in utmost disgust!

Oh, for the love of Full Breastfeeding!

Michelle

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #13: The Beach

After 7 months of exclusively breastfeeding Franco, I've already become comfortable breastfeeding in public. But this was tested on his 8th month when we went out of town with friends.

We went on a trip to Montemar and like in all our trips, siyempre we brought Franco along with us. As soon as we arrived in Montemar, we went straight to the beach, leaving our stuff in the car (including the cooler where I packed my milk supply). After playing in the sand, Franco suddenly got hungry so I had no choice but to breastfeed him with just his lampin as cover! So right there, in the middle of a crowded beach (with a group people having their company teambuilding), sitting on a lounge chair with my feet touching the sand while chatting with our friends, I breastfed my hungry baby until he was satisfied :)

Myra

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #12: Singapore's Night Safari

(Photo from photos-singapore.com)

I guess the weirdest place that I breastfed my daughter was inside the tram in Singapore's Night Safari. After a very tiring day, because prior to the Night Safari ride we went first to Singapore Zoo. . . my baby was already so hungry. By the time we rode the tram, in the dark and creepy ride in the tram, I secretly breastfed her. It was so weird knowing that there were so many animals around and the tram was such a very open ride. But then again, who cares, I wouldn't let my baby go hungry!

Margate

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #11: Everywhere, Even a Wedding

After more than 2 years of breastfeeding (and still going), I have breastfed in several regular and strange places - on a public beach, at weddings (before a wedding and during a wedding at Manila Cathedral)...

...at the Legarda Mansion (La Cocina de Tita Moning), at the grocery, on the metro on the way to disney HK, while shopping in the mall and in a plane - several times!  I even have an entire blog post about nursing in public!  I've realized that Filipinos are more accepting of the fact that babies do need to it and have the right NOT to do eat in a toilet.  In fact, I've actually influenced my daughter to nurse her own "child"! :)

From Jenny Ong

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom - fabnaima.blogspot.com

 Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #10: Dubai Airport

 (Photo from americangirlinkuwait.com)

Crazy? Dunno. But definitely scary. I breastfed at one of the gates at Dubai Airport. I was really scared cos I didn't know if it was forbidden. It's a Muslim country and kissing in public is not allowed so I guess the same goes for breast exposure. I risked it because I refuse to breastfeed in the bathroom. Duh! Grown-ups don't eat in the bathroom and so why should babies have to?

Aileen

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #8: Leaders Conference in Araneta Coliseum + Everywhere!

I breastfed my eldest son for 2 years and 4 months (he's now 3 years and 7 months), and am currently BF my daughter, for almost 11 months now. The craziest place I've breastfed both of them in is inside the Araneta Coliseum during our community's annual Leaders Conference, where thousands of people usually attend. Most of the time I've done it a few rows away from the stage, surrounded by lots of other people, who by God's grace, always seemed to be oblivious to my BF! (Except for those other moms who were also doing the same thing!)

P.S. I've also experienced BF on tricycles, jeeps, buses, airplanes, boats, cars, LRT in the Philippines, MRT in Singapore, at KL International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Bali International Airport, Brunei International Airport, several malls in the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, several churches (although I do go outside of course!) in the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia, AND almost every place I've been to in East Timor! Not to mention countless other places. I love BFing! :)

Kristina

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #7: Salon

(Photo from thebeautycoach.files.wordpress.com)

Getting a root touch-up and treatment takes such a long time. And I find it sayang to leave baby home (and use up the frozen milk) when all I'll be doing is flipping through magazines. So my baby boy is my monthly salon companion. He and the yaya go around the mall and come back whenever he's hungry.

Mi'Ann

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #6: The Sea in Bohol

(Photo from csbriones at trekearth.com)

Just last week, we were in Bohol for our clan's grand reunion. It was a whole day event filled with fun, foods and games at the beach. Its already afternoon and we were playing in the sea with my baby (11 months). Suddenly, he cried and my mother said that he was hungry. So right there in the middle of the sea while I stand facing the deep sea I breastfeed my baby despite the waves that made it difficult for him to latch.

Louina

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #5: Ukay Ukay + River

(Photos from Pre-Pre)

Hello,

I have breastfed my first baby in an Ukay Ukay store. Also in a river while we were out for a picnic and also when i was pregnant with my second baby. Heheheh...Tnx

Pre-Pre

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #4: Mall

 (Photo from skyscrapercity.com)

Hello.. I am Nora... and I have an 8 month old daughter. The craziest place that I've breastfed was at the MALL when we were shopping for my baby's things and then she suddenly cried.. and I breast fed her inside the mall without any hesitations.

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #3: Jeepney

 (Photo from ultimatecarpage.com)

Hi...

To answer the question. The craziest place that I've breastfed with my kid is every time we go to a place and ride in a jeep...she usually will say to me... "mama dede"...and she has a habit of holding the other side of my nipple, playing with it....

Car

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #2: Movie House

 (Photo from onbroadwaytheater.com)

A mom pumped milk inside the movie theater while the movie was playing

- Anonymous

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

MFO x Baby Mama Entry #1: Shower Stall

(Photo from dallasnews.com)

Hi,

I've been exclusively breastfeeding my 13.5-month old daughter and will continue to do so until both of us are ready to let go.

The weirdest place I've breastfed is in the shower stall of Celebrity Sports Club while taking a shower! It was a hot summer day and my daughter and I have been swimming for the whole afternoon. I guess she was tired and hungry after so that when I was carrying her to take a shower after swimming, she bent her head and latched onto my breast and started drinking. She didn't mind that we were still taking a bath, she was THAT hungry!

Hope you find our story amusing because we certainly did!

Thanks,
Karla

Baby Mama Contest ongoing! Please continue sending your entries to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com! Contest details --> here!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

Blog Weekend Giveaway: Baby Mama Breast Pump & Milk Bags

Worth Php 11,000 can you imagine! Thanks Baby Mama for sponsoring such a generous prize!

So breastfeeding mommies, moms-to-be and family & friends of nursing moms and moms-to-be, listen up, here's what you (yes you!) may win for yourself or your loved one:

A compact, lightweight and rechargeable Spectra 9 Breast Pump which retails for Php 9,000. Here are the specs:

* Toggle between 2 modes: massage (to enable letdown) and pumping modes
* Portable
* 2 breastshield kits included
* 1 year warranty
* Dual controls let you easily adjust cycle length and suction strength
* BPA-free
* Recommended accessories: breastkit, milk bags, Avent/Dr Brown/Pigeon bottle converter, milk storage bottles

Along with that of course are 10 boxes of breastmilk bags worth Php 2,000:

Ok, so how does this go? How do you bring home the prize? Simple!

Send us a photo and tell us of the weirdest/craziest places you've breastfed or seen a mom breastfeed! Was it the church, grocery, park, airport? Tell us in one to five sentences! No actual breastfeeding photos needed! Let me start off and show you how:

Photo taken by Dear Hubby

I don't know if this is sacrilege, but I've breastfed inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. I was walking down Fifth Avenue with my baby when she started signing that she wanted milk! Knowing that the church was dark and quiet at that time of day, I went inside and sat on a pew by a pillar and let her drink her milk. I knew God would understand that I can't let my baby go hungry!

Please email your photos and short caption to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com and we'll post your entries here and in Baby Mama's Facebook page! There, we'll ask everyone to vote for their favorite entry and the winner with the most votes wins!

CONTEST TIMELINE:
Entry submissions: May 23 to May 30.
Voting: May 31 to June 6
Announcement of winner: June 7

Contest is limited to Philippine residents only.

Baby Mama offers a range of breastpumps and accessories to help breastfeeding moms continue breastfeeding especially while leading a busy life. This is the place to find the best quality pumps at reasonable prices, as well as customer-oriented service and personal breastfeeding advice. 

Baby Mama carries Spectra and Unimom breast pumps and storage bottles, Lansinoh cream, and ice packs. For their complete product range, visit their website - www.babymama.ph

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO