Mum's Journey: Introducing Valentina

Valentina is a  Digital Creator who is passionate in the social Media Marketing space. She is also a mama to the simply beautiful Abigél.

Medela recently sat down with Valentina to talk about all things Motherhood, Medela and how she juggles it all.

Let’s start with the basics. What’s it like being a mum?

Well, I’m not sure if I could put this into words what it feels like.

I believe it is truly a blessing from God to become a mother and to give birth to a beautiful little angel who becomes your entire world as soon as she/he arrives. I always knew this is something I want to experience in life but I never thought it will feel so incredible and natural.

Of course some days it can be quite challenging but those cuddles and love that you receive will make up for it! 😊

We know you love Medela products, tell us which is your favourite and why. 

freestyle_hands-free

Oh where should I even start… probably I will say I guess what most mums would say, the Freestyle™ Hands-free double electric breastpump - when I had first seen the advertisement that it is coming out and especially as it was from Medela I knew this is going to be something that I would need on the side! 

Now I know it is absolutely a revolutionary product being able to pump wherever and whenever, it is discreet and I just love multitasking and saving so much time while pumping and doing the dishes or just watching a TV show.

Are you comfortable with feeding in front of others with the new Freestyle Hands-free Breast Pump?

Absolutely! Bring on dates and lunching out with the girls there are no more excuses and the best thing some people wouldn’t even notice it if I’m wearing a baggy dress!

Tell us how the new pump has helped you as a mum working in the digital space?

As I mentioned previously it did reduce the time I spent just sitting and pumping and not being able to do anything else. It felt way too much for me pumping, it was not easy.

Now, with the Freestyle™ Hands-free double electric breastpump on the side I can multitask - I can write blogs and edit my content so easily since both of my hands are free while I am pumping.

We know you are loving the 3in 1 Hands-free Pumping and Nursing Bra. Why is making it your life easier?

Firstly, I have bought a few different style nursing bra from other brands and then of course I do have a pumping bra but that is not fun at all that you have to keep changing them.

I love the 3in 1 Hands-free Pumping and Nursing Bra not only because it feels so perfect and comfortable, but also because it takes just a second to change from breastfeeding to pumping and using the pump which perfectly fits in there.

It feels so lightweight, I’m loving it! 

Breastfeeding. We all know it can be hard but tell us why you found it hard and how you overcame those issues.

So breastfeeding… where should I even begin. All mothers tell you that what a beautiful experience it is but no one really prepares you other than in your breastfeeding courses, how challenging it could be especially in the first few weeks. 

I was so lucky because my milk came in the very first few days and my milk supply increased very quickly due to having Medela breast pump on the side however I did have engorgement issues in the beginning which was quite painful. But since then I have worked out my routine, how much I should be pumping and when exactly to pump so as to not experience it again.

With the Freestyle™ Hands-free double electric breast pump it is also just so much easier since it also has an App therefore I know exactly when and how much I have pumped! A life changer!

When did you decide to start your pumping journey? Before or after birth? When did you get your first pump and why?

I heard it from friends that is a great way to increase your milk supply so I had it on my baby shower list well before giving birth.

I started pumping on day 5 - after giving birth to increase my milk supply. Thankfully my milk came in so I could reduce the pumping sessions which was taking much longer with the old fashioned wired pumps.

Now, since I have the Freestyle™ Hands-free double electric breast pump I feel like it just changed the whole concept of pumping, and the way I think about it since it gives me so much flexibility.

We love that you are a wellness and beauty advocate. Tell us why you find it important to continue nurturing yourself when you have a new baby in the house.

I’m a big believer that Mumma’s need to nurture themselves firstly so they can also nurture their babies. Especially when someone is breastfeeding this motherly advice becomes reality since in the first 12 weeks of having a newborn in the house can be mentally and physically exhausting and it is crucial to nurture yourself so that your body will be able to heal quicker and also will be able to cope with the sleepless nights. Thankfully, my family was nearby so we eat nutritious food each day however I would also recommend on stocking up some postpartum meal delivery services. 

Tell us three words you would use to describe Medela.

Giving you freedom!

If you can give the mums out there reading this interview one piece of motherly advice, what would it be?

You are doing great! I know there are difficult days especially in the first 6 weeks both mentally and physically but listen to your mother instinct and remember that it does get easier (especially by having Medela's Freestyle™ Hands-free breast pump on the side)!

To learn more about Valentina and her experiences as a mother, follow her on Instagram.

To join the conversation or be featured on this blog yourself, let's connect on Instagram and Facebook. You can also join our closed Facebook group here.

And make sure you download the Medela Family App to keep track of everything your baby needs!

Get it on Google Play

Get it on iOS