My baby just turned 10 months and after all this time, I am proud to say that she’s still purely breastfed. I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this feat without my handy dandy Unimom Forte.
The Unimom Forte is not exactly ‘handy dandy’. With its size and weight (4.4 oz), it’s not exactly comfortable to bring along. That’s why, my pump stays in the office for most of the week. However, at times when I do need to attend long out-of-office meetings, I bring it with me and keep it in the car. I used to think that this kind of pump cannot be used in public. But I guess continuous breastfeeding and pumping for 10 months pretty much erased all my inhibitions. I lag it with me and plug it in Starbucks for all I care, lol… I’d rather do this than endure the pain of swollen breasts. Most of the time, my friends are more squeamish than me, which is rather funny really.
Anyway, I super highly recommend Unimom Forte to all working/breastfeeding moms out there. It’s hospital grade therefore highly durable. I used the Unimom Allegro before and even though it was easy to use and comfortable, it cannot handle multiple pumpings in a day. Switching to Forte is the best choice I made. I don’t think I would be able to sustain breastfeeding this long without the Forte.
Basically, the following are the plus points for me:
1) reliable and durable
2) relatively cheap as compared to other dual electric pumps
3) quiet and private
4) parts easy to clean
5) comes with a 1 yr warranty from babymama.ph
The only disadvantage I see is that it is not exactly portable. It is quite heavy and not battery operated. Other than this, it’s the best!
I cannot exactly tell how long I will be able to breastfeed my baby but hopefully, my Unimom Forte can bring me to a longer and happier nursing journey with my baby!

Unimom Allegro Breastpump easily fits the criteria for BEST breastpump.  It is powerful, portable, and most importantly, affordable!  This breastpump costs about 4000 pesos- a definite turn on considering the fact that you can even convert it to dual pumping.  I guess, its low cost is undoubtedly one of its major attractions.  Honestly, I do not understand why bigtime brands out there need to jack up their prices to the detriment of working mommies who only want to provide the best milk for their kids, while they are away.  I mean, if these manufacturers honestly advocate breastfeeding, shouldn’t they at least come up with better products at friendly costs? Thankfully, a Korean company named Unimom considered the dilemma of tight-budgetted mommies like me and came up with a great product!

I love the Allegro!  I can bring it with me anywhere and it’s not a burden at all because it is very light.  Also, you can use 4 AA batteries if ever you need to pump while travelling. However, the Allegro is not meant for heavy use- which I realized soon enough because it suddenly broke down.  I did not worry though because it was still under warranty (3 months warranty from babymama) and thankfully, the pretty seller (who is also my breastfeeding counselor) easily replaced the item.

If you will be pumping heavily (like for example you have a longer work sched and you need to pump every 3hours), it is better to get a hospital-grade pump.  Which I did…;-)  Now I have a new Unimom- this time the Forte, and it’s been a harmonious relationship ever since!

I started to write about this topic two months ago… right about when I started marveling about the wonders of breastfeeding- and how you can sustain it even while working.
Honestly, if I had known this was possible, I would not have stopped breastfeeding my two older kids. I love breastfeeding! However, my adoration towards it (if ever anybody is interested in reading it) is detailed in another article Musings of A Happy Breastfeeding Working Mom. Also, in a separate article, which I hopefully would be starting to write soon, I will be reviewing a breastfeeding mommy’s bestfriend- the one and only breast pump. I’ve had a few experiences about them and I am dying to start sharing my stories to other mommies out there… well, that’s for next time.
Let me stay right on the topic and talk about how mommies can continue to breastfeed, even after your maternity leave. Of course, the only solution here is to have a reliable and handy breastpump. I, for one, have regarded my breastpump as a necessary accessory. I never leave for work without it because I know I have to pump for three important reasons:
1) I need to store milk for my baby.
2) I need to keep my milk supply and pumping milk out enables the breasts to produce more.
3) It will hurt like hell if I don’t (Sometimes, I even experience horrible flu-like symptoms!).
Yes, a breastpump is the one and only thing that you will need to enjoy the best of both worlds- working and being a mom.
Just recently, I was fascinated by what my working mom friend has shared about their company. She said, that she breastfed her daughter for quite a long time and instead of becoming a hindrance, her company even supported her in this endeavor. This one-of-a-kind Philippine company strongly advocates breastfeeding- surprisingly even suggesting that formula milk is taboo and a no,no… In fact, they have set up breastfeeding stations for lactating mothers… so cool! Thankfully, even if I do not work in this company, I still am privileged in a way. We own the school where I work at and so I can have a flexible pumping schedule. Also, I get to go home for lunch breaks sometimes and breastfeed my baby directly.
For mommies who are interested to embark on the same journey, I suggest talking to a certified breastfeeding counselor. Mi Ann of babymama.ph has helped and encouraged me a lot and I am sure she is willing to be of assistance to other mothers, too… Check out babymama.ph for great advices and fab finds!