Nursing... Part 1... clothing

Nursing or breastfeeding is one of those things mommies do...it's NOT easy and I for sure don't judge people who choose not to or can't.  It's a difficult/time-consuming/painful/frustrating experience although the benefits for me FAR outweigh the negatives.

I will share over the course of several posts some things about nursing and pumping that I have found out or what works for me.  I hope you find these things helpful, too!!

I'm starting with the "fun" post, clothing...

I have this shirt and it's Fab!!

Nursing clothes... this is one of the things I love to hate.  With #1, I thought- what a waste of money, plus I saw NONE that I liked and they were super duper expensive.  With #2, I have bought quite a few items.  However, I am stingy and picky about what I get.  I bought a couple and I was HOOKED!  Nursing tops make nursing so much EASIER!! Here are some pointers about buying nursing  tops and some brands I have found.  I really wish I had bought some of these when I had #1.

What is a nursing top?  It's a fabulous invention that alows you to nurse by just moving a part of your shirt... you are not exposed to the elements and you feel much more "covered".  Most have a panel that covers your belly and you just move a panel and unhook your bra and you are nursing.  All of the tops I have I can do it all one handed (definate plus with a squirming infant in your arms and a 2 year old climbing on your lap).
1. Use the "deal of the day" sites to get good stuff.  All of the websites will send you an email (if you want) to tell you what the new deals are.  However, if you REALLY want something (especially from babysteals, you have to get on WHEN they put up a steal). Here are my favorites...

• http://www.babysteals.com/  - 1 deal at a time and it's hit or miss what it will be.  However, they do have nursing tops occasionally and they are great quality.
• http://www.totsy.com/ - more than 1 deal at a time, has lots of kids stuff too. -- you have to have an invite to get right on this site... use this link http://www.totsy.com/join/emmyann419
• ww.zulily.com - more than 1 deal at a time, has lots of kids stuff, too.  This site tends to have "higher end" merchandise.  You have to have an invite for this site, too.  Use this link to get right to the site:  http://www.zulily.com/invite/emoore929
• http://www.thebump.com/ - this is 1 deal at a time and it is either maternity or nursing, hit or miss.

2.  I have gotten all of my nursing gear either at Target (for bras & cami's) or these deal of the day.  Target has the best price on Cami's.  Look on the clearance rack for really good deals, otherwise you can get them at Target.com (much better selection), this is my favorite tank.  I think they run a little small in the chest, so I have gotten bigger sizes.

3. Brands... there are a ton!  However, they all run a little "small" (read tight) and for my self-consious self and baby belly & boobs, I always order a size up.

• milkstars (these are about $70 retail, I got mine for under $30 from babysteals)
• Everly Grey (again retail for well over $70 and get them for less than 30- run a little small)
• Annee Matthew ($75 retail, got them for $28 and they fit so nice... flattering even for not so flat tummies)
• CT Maternity is another, very reasonable
• Bravado- nursing bras
• Undercover mama - cami that you attach to your nursing bra, really comfy!

4.  Yes, there is shipping, but it's reasonable!!  Plus, no tax. :)

5.  I do not care for the styles or bras from Motherhood Maternity.  My boobs fall out of the bras (especially when they are full) and for the price, the clothing is not stylish.

6.  Nursing Bras- YOU NEED THESE if you are nursing.  Don't get underwires, get a good bra.  They are awesome, because you don't have to take off your bra in order to nurse (or pump), it has a little snap and it hooks on (usually) with one hand.  Awesome.

I have 3 brands... Motherhood (see #5), Bravado and Target's Gilligan & O'Malley.  I have Ds when not nursing, so I need something that holds up!  I used my Bravado for almost 12 months with #1 and they are still in great shape (I'm a single use bra wearer, so they were washed often - especially with milk involved...).  Around here I can't get anything good- so I order it all online and usually there is some kind of free shipping.


Next post... pumping supplies.