Motherhood // Medela Recycles

Motherhood has been an experience that has changed me as a person. From what is visibly noticeable on the outside (I think I'll always have a little extra flab in my tummy area) to what I feel and experience on the inside, it has changed me in every beautiful and powerful way. I never knew that I could love as much as I do now. I have experienced exhaustion in a way I didn't know existed, yet I have still pushed on. It has changed my priorities, my marriage, my friendships, and even the way that I view myself -- for better or for worse, motherhood has changed it all.
There are days when I can't believe I have two kids of my own. I'm approaching my mid-30s at this point and yet part of me still feels that same naivete as when I was 16. Parenting is one of the most rewarding and also one of the most challenging jobs. While there are days when my patience is tested and I don't end of crossing anything off my to-do list for the day, yet at the end of it all, I cannot imagine my life without my little ones and love them more than words can describe.

I'm excited to announce today that I'm partnering up with Medela as an ambassador for their Medela Recycles program. Medela understands the highs and lows of being a mom and is a brand that stands for many things that I also believe in. From being proponents of normalizing breastfeeding to providing tips on parenting, pumping, and going back to work, Medela has always been on the forefront of supporting moms through their motherhood journey.
Medela recently announced their Medela Recycles program and it is one that really speaks to me on many fronts. For moms who have finished their breastfeeding journey, Medela is accepting donations of their unneeded pumps. For every pump the program receives, Medela will be donating a new hospital-grade, multi-use breastpump to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Ronald McDonald Houses provide a home-away-from-home for families who have babies in the NICU so that they can stay close to their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The Medela Recycles goal is to provide moms staying at a Ronald McDonald House with the same high-quality equipment they use at the hospital during their time at the house.
Childbirth on its own is hard enough and I simply cannot imagine having to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of seeing your baby in the NICU. It's heartwarming to see a company like Medela reaching out and doing something to help to help. You can donate your breastpump online but if you live in the DFW area, I encourage you to attend a donation drive that I will be hosting! I will be at the RMHC in Dallas on Wednesday, March 25th from 4:00pm - 5:30pm during a New Mom's Group meeting and I would love to meet you!

Thank you again to Medela for allowing me to be a part of their Medela Recycles program and I hope you will take part in their campaign to help other moms out there too! For more, check out my interview on Medela's blog. You can join in on the conversation via social media as well via #MedelaRecycles!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Medela but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!

P.S. In case you missed it:

Ann Taylor LOFT Sale - It's 40% off at two of my favorite stores! See my picks and update your wardrobe for spring at a bargain!

Kileen Valenzuela

Motherhood // Medela Recycles