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I was eight months pregnant when I discovered that one of my favorite rock artists would perform his first major concert. Juan Karlos Labajo, who sang the 2018 hit song Buwan and the infamous Ere, made headlines last year when he showed concern for a baby brought by his parents to his gig.
The concert date was November 29, and I would be two months postpartum by then. I thought, "Baka naman pwede na lumabas si Nanay?" But I also thought, "What kind of mother am I to even entertain the thought of attending a concert when I have a 2-month-old baby whose only source of nourishment is me?"
I posted this on my Instagram story in September, a call for help.
For context, I’ve been an advocate of breastfeeding since I gave birth to my first child. I breastfed her for more than four years; she only weaned when I became pregnant with my second child. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about breastfeeding and parenthood over the years, it’s this: a mother doesn’t have to deprive herself of her needs because of breastfeeding. Because breastfeeding is already challenging, moms deserve to take breaks for their mental health, without compromising their child's needs, of course.
With the proper tools and a good support system, I wanted to prove that breastfeeding doesn’t mean moms have to sacrifice the things that give them joy. Padede moms like me can enjoy and have fun, too.
POV: I wanted to enjoy myself, but I’m breastfeeding
When I gave birth to my child via caesarean section last September, I knew I deserved something for myself. In other countries, moms who just gave birth receive push presents like bags or shoes. Going to the concert would be mine. I wanted to go, but only if I could find a way to do it without guilt. I asked my husband for his opinion, and he was okay with it. My mom also made herself available to help so I could enjoy myself, even just for a few hours. Plus, I already had enough breast milk stashed in the freezer to cover for me.
With their green light, I calculated the time I’d be away: an hour driving to the venue, two hours at the concert, and another hour to drive back home. At least four hours. My baby feeds every two hours, so my breasts would be engorged by then. I have a bulky hospital-grade breast pump and a Haakaa. I’d need an insulated bag, ice packs, and breast milk storage bags. What a hassle. Should I risk my breast milk supply for two hours of fun?
I realized that the only way I could leave the house for four hours without guilt was if I had a hands-free, wearable breast pump. As a multitasking mama who wants to do everything at once, I imagined myself pumping milk during the concert, saving time and liquid gold in one go.
What helped me: A compact, wearable, hands-free breast pump
I’d heard good reviews and seen ads about the Supermama Lab Double Air Plus Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump even before my second pregnancy. A fellow mom who swore by it shared that she even used it during office meetings because it's so discreet and has a remote control. Whoa. I made a mental note to buy one if I got pregnant again.
So when I finally got my hands on the breast pump, I was amazed. It’s compact, aesthetic, and lightweight. Exactly what I needed to make my concert dreams a reality.
Trying Out the Supermama Lab Breast Pump
Quality: Easy to use and durable
What I love about the Supermama Lab's breast pump is how user-friendly it is. The instructions and packaging are designed with moms in mind—easy to understand and convenient to use. First-time users can even book a session with a customer care specialist for additional support. I wasn't able to try this, but it's available on Supermama Lab's Facebook and Instagram pages.
Assembling the pump was intimidating because of its many parts, but once I got the hang of it, it was easy, like putting together a Kinder Joy toy. The milk container is fall-resistant and made from Tritan, an unbreakable plastic material that looks like glass.
Innovation: Comfort and noise level considered
The pump kit comes with flange inserts in various sizes (17mm, 19mm, 21mm), which ensures a good fit for different nipple sizes. The flange inserts helped protect my nipples, so I didn’t feel any pain. I didn’t need a special nursing or pumping bra—just a comfortable one would do!
Look! There are free stickers so you can customize your pump!
The pump is also incredibly discreet. Its noise level (56 dB) is much quieter than my previous electric pump, making it perfect to bring not just for concerts but also for the office, travel, or social events like weddings and parties. A full-charged breast pump can last four to five pumps (1,200 mAh).
I rejoiced: Finally, wala nang fear of missing out (FOMO) ang mga padede moms!
My milk output when I first tried using the Supermama Lab breast pump 3 weeks postpartum
Cleaning and sterilizing pump parts can be daunting, but the kit includes a cleaning brush for added convenience. Some parts are not meant to be sterilized but can simply be washed in warm water. Overall, cleaning and storing the parts was straightforward.
Value for money: Affordable and sulit
The Supermama Lab Air Plus set with two pumps complete with its inclusions is available on Shopee, Lazada, and on its website for a sale price of Php 10,888.00. For its convenience, durability, and functionality, its price is competitive with other wearable and hands-free electric breast pumps, which range from Php 2,000 to Php 9,000.
The set includes:
- The Supermama Lab Air Plus wearable breast pump (2 pumps)
- Bluetooth remote control
- 4 Bottles: 2x 140ml bottles and 2x large 180 ml bottles
- 4 Breast shields: 2x 24mm Extended (suitable for elastic nipples) and 2x 27mm shields
- Flange inserts: 2x each of the 17/ 19/ 21mm inserts
- 2 sealing caps
- 4 back-flow protectors
- 4 valves
- Cleaning brush
- USB-C cable
Putting the breast pump to the test
On the night of the concert, I left home after feeding my baby at around 5 PM. It was my first time driving again after giving birth, and the supposed one-hour drive from Quezon City to Pasay turned into a three-hour drive due to payday Friday night traffic and full parking lots. Imagine how engorged my breasts were by the time I arrived!
Still, I made it. Because the breast pump is slim and cordless, I only needed my usual bag to bring it to the concert. It went through the scanner without issue, and we were in. Whew.
I went with my sister and my bestie, and we had the best time seated at the upper box with an amazing view. A few songs in, I discreetly placed the breast pump under my shirt, and no one even noticed. After 15 minutes of pumping (about five songs), I collected enough milk so I just removed the pump, sealed the storage bottles (yes, you can do that), put those in my bag, then I enjoyed the rest of the night. No need to transfer the milk to breast milk bags!
The author (center) with Cherrie Julian, Smart Parenting video director (left) and the author's sister Erin (right) after the concert
The verdict: Breast milk collected, core memories made
Thanks to this pump, my breasts were empty, but my heart was full. I didn’t miss the concert, even as a “padede mom” who initially felt guilty about putting herself first. I went home with milk for my baby, videos of the concert to rewatch, and core memories I will treasure during the hard days.
The storage bottle with my breast milk output after using the Supermama Lab breast pump at the concert.
When I got home, my baby was sleeping soundly. He's okay, and Nanay's okay, too. Is the guilt still there? I guess it won't go away, but at least, I enjoyed myself for even just a couple of hours.
To all moms—breastfeeding or not—remember that you deserve to take up space and do what makes you happy. With the right tools and a solid support system, we can do the things that make us happy—whether it's going to a concert, going on a quick date with your partner, or getting a massage for a few hours. Remember that you deserve help, and you can get help. Because what Kate delos Reyes, founder of Beacon, says is true, "Well mothers mother well."
Need breastfeeding support? These online communities can help you. Read here.