Whittlestone products
Based in Antioch, California, Whittlestone products have, since their americanization in 1998, carved a niche for themselves in the babycare market in the U.S.
It was Dr Walter Whittlestone, who hit upon the brilliant idea of stimulating engorged breasts to let down using a process that is more natural than the then traditionally available breast pumps in 1967. A noted scientist and expert on mothercare, his experiments focussed on simulating the natural, inborn reflex of the infant's sucking-releasing-relaxing cycle. For the first time, mothers got, along with the breast pump, breast cups that had superior-quality liners, that gently massaged the breast, creating a sense as if the child is at the breast, for the inner anatomy of the mother to produce more milk.
The experiments of Dr Whittlestone have been innovated upon, packaged conveniently, and introduced to discerning mothers across the U.S. and the world. In its new avatar as Whittlestone, Inc., the company has positioned itself as a leading brand in the quality-conscious health industry.
A scientific approach towards all the creature comforts that a mother requires during the process of expression makes the company's range of products stand out in the crowded market aisles. The company seems to have its business finger on its customer's pulse - the breastfeeding mom, and this reflects in its responses to their demands. Be it a portable breast expresser, or a rented option, their focus is on providing that additional value that attract their customers towards them.
Their Breast Expresser has been offered as a sale or a rented item. Mothers just have to walk into their retail outlets and pick up a piece, selecting either option. This convenience has made the product quite popular amongst the breastfeeding mother community.
Their mascot product - the Expresser - is supported by accessories. The mother can pick up a double collection kit, which consists of two kits actually; each kit having a bottle along with its own supporting pieces, such as washers, filter cap, etc. A cleaning brush and an extra washer has been thoughtfully inserted in the kit, too!
Mothers who wish to travel along with the breast pump can do so using the Carrying Bag, designed exclusively for this particular equipment. The bag is quite sturdy and comfortable, and all the components fit in snugly. The shoulder strap is quite comfortable, making long hauls on the road a breeze.
The company's repertoire also has milk collection bottles and milk storage bags that can be separately, and additionally purchased. This is quite useful when the mom has to be away from the child for an extended period of time. It is advisable to label each bottle with the dates when the milk was expressed and collected, so that the oldest collection is consumed first. The storage bags are puncture-resistant; any odd, sharp edges hitting the bags would make no difference.
First-time moms always undergo the usual trepidations about how the whole post-partal scene will pan out; despite reassuring noises made by supportive nurses, doctors and the relatives. To calm those edgy nerves, and to help the mom be mentally-prepared about atleast the breastfeeding activity, Whittlestone has come out with an instructional video. This video provides information on usage of the breastpump, along with instructions and tips on keeping it clean. There is also a booklet titled "Breastfeeding, Your Guide to a Healty, Happy Baby", written by Amy Spangler, the lactation expert, for the more studious mom who wants to know the complete detail of nature's ways and means of rearing its children.
The Breast pads have been produced from one hundred percent cotton, keeping in mind the ultra- sensitive nature of the breast skin. Pad carriers with two compartments - one for clean pads and the other for damp ones - come in quite handy for the working mom.
A major source of embarrassment for the self-conscious mother is nursing the child in full public view. This is overcome by the breastfeeding blanket which covers the child such that it is not distracted by the ambient noise, and can go about its job of filling the stomach with full concentration!
Pillows, one would have thought, are just that - pillows. Well, the company has done enough research on mother comfort, to the extent that it has a special-purpose, breastfeeding pillow, as well as a special-purpose, pregnancy pillow! With all this attention showered on the mom, one would not blame her for feeling oh-so pampered!