Playtex Baby Disclosure Dear Diary,

Tomorrow, my little baby–correction, my big girl as Caitlynn calls herself–is starting preschool tomorrow. I’ve heard moms say time flies and enjoy the moment, but I never thought I would be the one giving that advice.  That’s just what I told my blogging buddy Nae Carter from I Choose the Sun who recently became a first time mom and welcomed her daughter into the world. I’m still in shock about the start of school, but unfortunately I can’t freeze the hands of time. I can however reflect on my memories. That’s just what I did when I interviewed Nae about a couple Playtex Baby products she tried out. She reviewed Playtex® Nurser with Drop-Ins Liners and VentAire bottles.

Playtex1

The VentAire® is uniquely designed to reduce colic through a bottom venting system that helps reduce air ingestion. The angled bottle design promotes a semi-upright feeding position, recommended by pediatricians to help prevent ear infections. If you baby suffers infant acid reflux like my daughter did, this isn’t just a bottle–it’s a lifesaver!

Heather: Why did you decide to breastfeed your daughter? And how is it coming along?

Nae: Breast milk offers the best nutrition for her. The experience has been more challenging than I expected but well worth it. I love that I can provide nourishment to help my baby grow and share in a bonding experience. I hope to breastfeed for 18-months, but would be satisfied with a year.

Heather: Did you face any challenges, like low milk production, latching pain, etc.? If so, how are you overcoming any of those issues?

Nae: We faced several challenges. The first of which began when my baby was given formula by the NICU against my wishes. As a result, I second-guessed nature when my milk didn’t come in right away and feared that my low birth weight baby would starve. Upon coming home, I attempted to exclusively breastfeed, but I couldn’t shake my perception of low milk production and pumping was not effective. I drank Mother’s Milk tea and took fenugreek pills and brewer’s yeast all in an attempt to increase my production.  I don’t pump, but I do supplement with formula.

Playtex2

Heather: Did you feel guilty giving her formula? Some moms do. I didn’t want to make the switch when my daughter turned ten months old, however I underwent a surgery and took a prescription medicine. Looking back, I think I was too hard on myself! I did it for as long as I did, and that’s what mattered most!

Nae: Initially I felt guilty about not exclusively breastfeeding, but I’ve recently accepted that our situation is what is best for us. I am so grateful that my daughter continues to want to nurse.

Heather: You talked about why you love breastfeeding. What do you like about bottle feeding? I was happy to get in some extra sleep or me time at a girls night out event.

Nae: I like that bottle feeding allows my husband to have quality feeding time with her. I am fortunate to work from home, but on the occasion have to go into the office. When I do, my mom can feed her.

Playtex3

Heather: My daughter suffered from infant acid reflux, so she threw up a lot until I found a bottle that worked well for her sensitive stomach. Did your little have any problems like that or with colic?

Nae: Yes, our daughter had painful gas episodes for the first couple of months. We switched to a gentler formula, removed dairy from my diet and tried different bottles. In the end, her digestion became easier as her system matured.

Heather: What did you like or not like about the Playtex®  products?

Nae: I loved the angled bottle, and the vent for keeping the air away from the nipple. I also like the convenient and sanitary nature of the drop- in liners. I would definitely recommend the products to another first time mom.

Heather: The VentAire® is compatible with all Playtex® nipples and caps for greater feeding flexibility. It’s easy to mix and match bottles and nipples for the perfect combination that fits your babies evolving preferences. That’s scores points with a mom like me, who misplaces the different parts of sippy cups all the time.

I like the fact that the liners make cleaning so simple, especially when your feeding in public. So, I forgot to ask–how old is your little princess now, and does she enjoy feeding time?

Nae: Ameenah is 4-months. She was born April 10, 2014. She loves feeding time, she loves to eat whether bottle or breast. S he does not discriminate!

Heather: What feeding advice would you give other new moms?

Nae: Follow your child’s specific cues and don’t pressure yourself.

Heather: That’s so key! Sometimes new moms listen to everyone’s advice over our own intuition.

Hey DFTM Moms–What have you done to ease your little one’s colic? What are your must-have feeding products?

About The Author

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.