The constant battle against time-consuming traditional sterilizing methods can be a real hassle for busy parents. As we navigate the delightful chaos of raising our little ones, the struggle to keep baby products clean and safe often becomes a dreaded task. Enter our UV/LED Multifunction Sterilizer & Dryer – a game-changer that not only ensures your baby's well-being but also frees you from the tedious routines of traditional sterilization. Let's explore how this innovative solution simplifies your life, offering convenience and efficiency like never before.   Simple and Co ..read more

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Keeping your breast pump clean is crucial to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of cleaning your breast pump, with a special focus on incorporating a UV steriliser for an extra layer of protection. Step 1: Gather Your Supplies Before you begin cleaning your breast pump, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand: Dish soap or a specialized breast pump c ..read more

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, joy, and, of course, its unique challenges. One such challenge many mums face is maintaining a robust milk supply while juggling the demands of daily life. Enter Milkbar Lactation Cookies – a delightful treat crafted with love and purpose to support breastfeeding mums in their nourishing journey. Follow along as we share the secrets to creating these scrumptious cookies that not only taste heavenly but also contribute to a healthy lactation experience. Ingredients: 120g butter, softened 100g white sugar 100g soft brown sugar 1 tbsp ground flaxseed/lin ..read more

Breastfeeding is a natural process that provides countless benefits for both mums and babies. However, for some families, the cost of a breast pump can be a financial burden. Fortunately, the New Zealand government offers a Special Needs Grant to assist with essential or emergency costs, including the purchase of a breast pump. To be eligible for the grant, you must have an essential or emergency cost, which can include a breast pump, that you cannot pay for through other means.  Additionally, you must be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or have a residence class visa, and inte ..read more

Breastfeeding is not only a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby but also a vital aspect of nurturing and nourishing the little one. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of breastfeeding, including essential terminology, the benefits, challenges, and practical tips for new mothers. Let's dive in! What is breastfeeding and why is it important? Breastfeeding is the natural process of providing infants with vital nutrients, antibodies, and emotional connection through the mother's milk. It offers numerous benefits, such as: Optimal nutrition: Breast milk c ..read more

Welcoming a premature baby into the world can be both a joyous and challenging experience for new mothers. The journey of breastfeeding may take a different path, but with the right support and knowledge, it is possible to provide your little one with the incredible benefits of breast milk. In this blog post, we will explore the unique experience of having a premature baby and how it can affect your breastfeeding plans. We'll also provide practical advice and emotional support to empower you on this extraordinary journey. Understanding the Challenges: Having a premature baby can present variou ..read more

Sometimes, despite our hopes or best intentions, our experience with breastfeeding doesn’t quite work out the way we had planned. For whatever reason, whether you’re unable to nurse, your baby won’t latch, you’re facing separation from your baby or need to return to work, exclusive pumping is a good alternative for mothers who still want to provide the nourishment of breastmilk. I’ve put together my tips to help mums through their journey with exclusive breast pumping and help answer any concerns you may have about deciding to exclusively breast pump! Acknowledge your emotions Before we even ..read more

Night wakes and feeds are all the more common in the breastfed baby - many studies have shown this and it comes down to several factors including breast milk digesting faster, breastfeeding for comfort, feeding and sleep associations and many more.    Here are my top tips for getting through the season of wakeful nights!   Prepare yourself mentally for a crappy night I found that when I thought we would have a great night, because all the naps and stars aligned - we would have an awful night - and vice versa. Now, every night I prepare myself for a crappy night and if it is, tha ..read more

Attention busy mums! Did you know that resting during a pumping session could greatly improve your milk expression efficiency? As if there isn't enough to worry about while juggling motherhood, work, and personal life, we are here to shed light on the importance of taking the time to relax during your pumping sessions. In this post, we will guide you through the various ways in which combining rest and relaxation while expressing milk can lead to a more effective process, ultimately making it a win-win situation for you and your baby!   Why is relaxation important during pumping? One fact ..read more

Hello Milkbar Mamas! I'm Laura, the Director of Milkbar, and I'm thrilled to share a little about myself with you. I'm engaged to Todd and proud mama to Billy, Taylor, and Jackson. When I'm not busy running Milkbar, you can find me outdoors, surfing, spending time with family and friends, or in our large vege garden trying to grow our own edibles!   My life has been full of incredible experiences so far, including achieving a black belt in martial arts, placing first in a national police surf competition, and qualifying as a Detective. But the most rewarding role I've had to date is being ..read more