Baby Bond Stylish and Discreet Nursing Cover Review and Giveaway
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This review was written and performed by DDL contributor, Kristen, and is part of March’s New Baby Event.
I think the Baby Bond Nursing Sash is very possibly one of the most useful baby items I have. I am exclusively breastfeeding my second daughter, which was my goal, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go through with it. I am a very active person who can’t stand sitting around the house. I am also a very modest/conservative dresser and was very apprehensive about nursing in public places. It is one of the reasons why I was not able to exclusively breastfeed my first daughter. I wasn’t comfortable breastfeeding without a cover but I wasn’t comfortable using a cover because I felt like it was glaringly obvious what I was doing. So, this time around I was determined to find some way to overcome being uncomfortable nursing in public so that I could exclusively breastfeed.
The Baby Bond nursing sash has made that possible for me because it is a sash that goes around you with two fabric pieces in the front, one to each side of your breast and your baby can latch on in between while the fabric hides all of your breast. It’s great because you can see what you are doing, which is important for me because both times my girls have had trouble latching and with my first, it was so hard to get the latch right while trying to hide under a cover.
BabyBond™ nursing accessories cover mom, not her baby. Mom is able to maintain her modesty. Baby remains uncovered benefiting from the infinite opportunity to make eye contact, interact, and communicate. After all, dining is social.
It is also fantastic because it isn’t really obvious what it is or what you are doing. Most people will just think you are holding your baby, which makes me more comfortable with nursing in public.
The Baby Bond comes in 3 styles: original, flex and couture. The original and flex appear to be a similar style, with a closed fabric sash that can be used for nursing from the top of your shirt. They both also come with a built in terry velour burp cloth. The couture was the one I reviewed and it can either be worn as a cover for when you nurse from the top, or you can wear it as a belly band if you lift your shirt up to nurse and want to cover your belly. The original and flex come with a matching storage pouch, and the couture rolls up into a self storing pouch for neat and compact storage, which is nice. It comes in a variety of basic colors to choose from, but it would be nice to see a larger variety in the original and flex styles.
I love my Baby Bond nursing sash and make sure to always have it in my diaper bag and ready to use. I think it will be one of the best products for someone who wants to keep their modesty and be able to nurse discreetly without having to cover their baby under a nursing cover.
Baby Bond would like to give one lucky DDL reader their own nursing sash!
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Babybond.com and tell me either your favorite Sash style and why, or something about the designer.
For extra entries do any or all of the following. Leave a comment for each you do.
Follow @KimRosas on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Please tweet, “@KimRosas and @babybond want you to win a fab Baby Bond Nursing Sash. http://ikmm3.th8.us #bfing Ends March 22” Leave a comment with a link to your status.
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Giveaway ends on March 22. Winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.
***Open to US and Canada***
The reviewer was not compensated for this post however the product sent for review was kept.
Radical Parenting- My Summary of Discovery Health’s Show on AP parents
I was very late to the party. I only learned about Discovery Health’s show Radical Parenting a few days before it aired, after catching a tweet about it. I immediately set my DVR to record but ended up watching it live: a rarity in my home.
Before the show aired I learned about the controversy over the term “radical parenting.” The show itself featured three families: an “unschooling” family, a family who practiced “attachment parenting,” and a family who raises their children in a “gender neutral” environment.
I will admit to not being into homeschooling, and definitely not unschooling. I still watched the segment with an open mind, hoping to have it prove to me that unschooling is a viable method to educate children. Frankly, that didn’t happen. While I support families making choices for their families that work for them, I know unschooling is not for me. I was happy to see that both parents were very well educated, so they have the tools to teach their children. And, in a way, knowing they had both been to college and made the decision to unschool did carry some weight with me that maybe it wasn’t completely crazy!
The second segment followed an AP family. If there was a rule book for AP living, I believe this family would be following it completely. The highlight of this portion of the show was seeing a child ECing! They were so good at EC that they didn’t use diapers, and never had. Part of their success had to be contributed to the fact that their son was worn in a sling the majority of his life. His cues partly involved squirming out of his sling when he needed to go to the potty. Extended breastfeeding was also discussed, and the mother was even shown actually nursing! Pretty cool! This family also coslept with their younger children, something I was also happy to see on TV. They did have to bust out the “crazy” a little. A placenta was involved, but not to be eaten, just to plant. A-ok with me.
The final segment had The Feminist Breeder’s family talking about their lives as a “gender neutral” family. They happened to come off as the most “normal” of the three, and had a very likeable family. Their purpose was to raise boys who were feminist minded. They allowed their boys to play with boy and girl toys, and liked to show both parents playing male and female roles interchangeably. I agreed with everything they did, but I think calling it a name was not needed. It seems to me it is something most parents do. I personally allow my son to play with whatever he wants, be it a boy or girl toy. Because he has an affinity for necklaces and hugging boys I do joke about his preferences, and I would love him no matter what!
Overall, I was happy to see these families profiled to let tv viewers see the way the other half lives. I especially love seeing breastfeeding on tv! I heard The Feminist Breeder’s husband was washing cloth diapers but I was tweeting during the show and must have missed it.
PS. If you missed the show it airs again on Discovery Health on March 6 at 1:00 pm. That is today people!
Did you see the show? What did you think?
Hotslings MilkDaze Nursing Cami Review and Giveaway
Hotslings, a company known for their stylish and easy to use babywearing products, have recently launched MilkDaze, a stylish and practical nursing camisole.
Make sure to milk it in our nursing apparel! Designed with mom in mind, our collection aims to make nursing anywhere fashion-forward and as easy as possible. We’ve eliminated the need for clips, snaps or hooks and incorporated pull-aside layers that allow for quick nursing without the fuss. All of the pieces in this growing collection are cut to hit lower on the waist, ensuring full coverage and keeping that postpartum figure in check. Sized on a generic sizing scale, moms will wear the same size in MilkDaze as they would in other mainstream brands.
The MilkDaze nursing camisole is a pull over style, meaning you pull one panel over to reveal the opening, still leaving the base panel that supports your breast and keeps you partially covered. This style has always been hit or miss for me. I like the convenience of it, but I always get one that doesn’t have enough room in the opening, or the panel slides over slowly and gets in the way.
I was happy to find that none of those issues occurred with the MilkDaze Cami. It is simple enough to pull the panel and latch my son on. Then, I push the other panel around his mouth to make sure I am completely covered. Out of all of the nursing tops I have owned, this is the most discreet. Since receiving it to review I have made a point to wear it for every flight I take, and if I know I will be out in a large crowd, I wear it as well.
The best thing about the MilkDaze is the support it gives! Most nursing tank tops I have tried give the dreaded “uniboob,” with the exception of a few notable brands. But those still don’t lift my breasts as much as the MilkDaze. I have, if I say so myself, amazing cleavage in this cami. It gives almost as much support as a regular nursing bra. I love the sweetheart cut too! It is so flattering to my bustline.
The MilkDaze comes in two colors: black and white. I would love to see it come in more neutral tones since I like to wear oranges and browns and deep greens. But, I also wear a ton of black. You could get by having either color, or both, and be able to wear it under most tops. The cami has a generous length to keep your tummy covered too. It gives a nice layering look under other tops.
If you are wondering why Hotslings would make nursing attire, think of how easy it would be to wear your baby in a Hotslings Pouch or Hotslings AP and nurse them while wearing your MilkDaze! Since my son is now at a great age for the hip carry, that is how we babywear and nurse when we need to, and it works fabulously.
Wouldn’t you LOVE to add a MilkDaze to your wardrobe?
Hotslings is giving one lucky DDL reader their own MilkDaze Cami.
For your mandatory entry, tell me where you would use your MilkDaze. Since I have used mine on my travels, I want to know where you would use it! ***no one word answers please, but don’t write a book either, mmk!
For Extra Entries do any or all of the following, remember to leave a separate comment for each entry.
Follow my twitter and tweet this giveaway. Please tweet, “I want to win a MilkDaze Cami from @hotslings and @KimRosas. http://3dq44.th8.us #bfing” Leave a comment with a link to your status.
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The MilkDaze is Buy One Get One Half off until January 5th! Use code MDHalf at check out. Stock up!
Giveaway ends on January 6. Winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn.
***Open to US and Canadian Residents!***
I was not paid to perform this review or host the giveaway. I did receive a sample to review, free of charge, which was kept. All opinions expressed are my own.
“Oh, I’m Sorry, I didn’t realize you were breastfeeding…”
How often do you hear that sentence? In the past month, I have heard it once and experienced it wordlessly one other time.
While flying back from Charlotte NC I was alone with my son. I don’t even want to count how many times we have flown by ourselves. The only way I would consider it is if I am babywearing (godsend for flying, let me tell you) and nursing (godsend for inside of the airplane). Since I am still able to do both it was no biggie.
On the flight from Charlotte to JFK I sat next to a large, but nice and friendly man who was more than happy to make conversation with Fletcher and I. Once the plane took flight I knew what I needed to do to make everyone’s experience positive. Nurse. It was nap nap time for my son, and time for me to watch TV on Jetblue! I was wearing a nursing tank, the Hotslings Milk Daze (which I am reviewing and hosting a giveaway for soon!!!) and I pulled over one layer and latched him on. All the while, the man next to me is chatting us up. I didn’t want to say anything to him, but I assumed he would figure out what I was doing and pay attention to his screen.
Instead, he continued talking to me. He even tried peering over to see if my baby was asleep. He seemed completely oblivious. Since I am not shy at nursing in public, and I knew my nipples were covered by baby and my breast was mostly covered by my tank, I wasn’t offended. Maybe, if I had a regular tank top on and my breast was pulled out of the top, I would have made more of an effort to tell him what was actually happening. ”No sir, my son isn’t asleep yet, but he is breastfeeding.”
Soon, he did go to sleep, and I put on my headphones for the universal sign of “I would like to relax and discontinue conversation, thank you.” Our conversation ended until landing and he never was the wiser.
Just a few days ago, a similar situation occurred. I was at the mall with a friend, and she was chatting with someone she knew. My son was a little hungry, and very grumpy. After the usual tactics to calm him and save my sanity, I went to the tried and true: milkies.
We sat on a bench while they chatted and I pulled my sweater up and unhooked my nursing bra. He laid across my lap and had a light snack. Then, a woman and her 2 year old daughter came to the bench. She stood her daughter up on the bench to outfit her in the proper winter attire to leave the mall. That day, it was a full suit because it was freezing!
Next to me I saw the most adorable shoes I have ever seen. They were Mary Janes with pandas on the tip. I was dying! I struck up a conversation with the woman and commented on her daughter’s shoes. We chatted while they got dressed (the girl also had a matching hat and mittens!). When they were close to leaving my son finished so I sat him up and pulled my sweater down.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were breastfeeding.” I let her know it was no trouble, and nothing to be sorry about. It was a normal thing we were used to doing. Then she let me know she nursed her daughter til she was 16 months, and only weaned at her daughter’s cues. That was a wonderful thing to hear! Not many mothers make it to toddlerhood. I think we had a little “bonding” moment as we gushed about how much we loved nursing our babies. Then we said goodbye.
Encounters like this always make me wonder, what is the big deal about nursing in public? There is always a way to be discreet (unless you simply don’t want to, which is another matter) and nurse with no breast visibility. Maybe, if you are very large busted it is harder or impossible. I have never had one of those so I don’t know!
A Look Back: One Year of Breastfeeding
Since my son will be turning one on the 22nd of November, I am going to reminisce about the past year, and the many things I have learned about breastfeeding. I can now say I am a “pro”, but I didn’t start off that way. These are just random thoughts, musings, tips, advice, and anecdotes about the last year.
Lactation Consultants are your best friend. If it weren’t for Michelle, my LC, who manually expressed colostrum for my baby when he wouldn’t latch, and who called every few days when we were home to offer words of encouragement and advice, I don’t know that we would have made it past the first 2 days. She was able to get my son to latch when I couldn’t, and assured me through my tears and silent screams that I could and would get past this. She let me know that babies need to learn to breastfeed and so do moms. That I was giving my son the best gift I could, and if I worked at it, it would become so. We visited her 2 times after being released in order to wean my son from the nipple shield, and because of her I have made it to one year! I am so grateful to have had what others have called a “breastfeeding nazi” because that is what I needed.
What I didn’t need was a pediatrician who came into my room and explained that not everyone can breastfeed. He told me his wife couldn’t, and pumped for 6 months instead. I almost had my out, and a way to escape the pain, but I still wanted to try.
Nipple shields are the best and worst inventions on the planet. When used correctly, they can save your breastfeeding relationship. I was given one my very last day in the hospital. We used it twice before I was discharged, and he was able to latch successfully and with minimal pain. I was still having pain from the blisters underneath, which were rubbed by his very tight and hard latch. It took 5 weeks to lose the shield completely. This battle was almost as hard as the first 3 days in the hospital. I had to commit to losing it, even though he latched perfectly with it. Essentially, he had to learn how to breastfeed twice. My supply never dropped, like some other moms experienced. I had an abundance of milk. Using a shield is the messiest thing. I remember sitting on my couch at 1 am, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and so on, and unlatching my sleeping baby from the breast, and having to slowly pull the shield off. Milk would leak all over!
The first time Fletcher nursed without a shield successfully was on the way home from my last session with Michelle. She was so encouraging, she made me believe in myself. We did it in the office, with her help. I stopped at Babies ‘R Us and shopped, then used the Mother’s Room. I denied myself the shield, which was tucked into a napkin and in a pocket. I put him on and it clicked. He got on, I was in no pain, and he ate for 15-20 minutes. After that we used the shield 2 times in the next couple of days, and then it was gone. Many times in the middle of the night I wanted it, badly, but I held strong. You have to pull the plug on it.
The revelation: Because our nursing relationship was extremely rocky, I used the ol’ cradle position. I used a Boppy, then bought a My Brest Friend. What a savior that was! It helped my back immensely, and got used a lot for a few more weeks until I decided to just go with a pillow for convenience sake. One day, I was extremely tired. I wanted a nap so badly, but the baby always slept in my arms. I was very anti co-sleeping at that point. I believed the hype that I would kill my baby, and since he only napped on me, the whole “sleep when baby sleeps” thing was out. I decided to try side lying nursing again. I had tried a few times, and failed. Our latch just wasn’t good enough yet. I put his neck on my arm and cuddle him close, then got him securely latched. It worked! I was so proud of myself, and then I fell asleep. It was amazing. I didn’t nap during the day for the first few months of my son’s life, and of course I was up all night breastfeeding him and slowly easing him into his cradle. It was an hour long process at least. Every 3-4 hours. I started using this method in secret during the day; I was afraid my husband would kill me if he knew I was co-sleeping. Eventually, I brought him to bed with me at night. Hubby was wary and insisted I put him back, but I said no. Soon, we were a part time co-sleeping family. In fact, we still are.
Trial by fire: Nursing in public was not something I started out doing. I hid in the nursery when guests were over, and went to a private room when possible when we were on the go. If there was no room, I used a cover. This continued until we took a road trip to NC, a 12 hour turned 15 hour drive. I had to nurse at McDonalds, in a rest stop, in the car, anywhere and everywhere. I stopped using my cover after it became a pain, and never looked back. By the time that trip was over I had learned a few tricks on how to be discreet. Covers are a pain!
At 5 months I decided that I finally had breastfeeding down. Yes, it took 5 months for me to decide this. I could do it anywhere, anytime, anyhow. My son was also great at it, and could find my boob in the dark. He could latch himself if it was available. Unfortunately, this meant I never pumped anymore. I used to occasionally pump milk and have my husband take a feeding so I could sleep. The usual reason was actually to let my breasts get a break since we had soreness in the beginning also. I needed a breather. Once things were 100% pain free, and I no longer resented nursing, it was easier to nurse than pump. This also ruined any chance of me getting out of the home. He forgot how to use a bottle, and if given one, would chew it. I only recently discovered that at 11 months, he will take a bottle of whole milk. I like to stick with sippy cups, but he is not a pro at those. We gave him one bottle recently and he drank a few ounces.
Teeth: Before I was pregnant, I never thought I would breastfeed. The idea seemed kinda gross to me! While pregnant, I figured I would do it. The further along I got the more I wanted to. I dreamed about rocking my baby and nursing him. I also loved that I would be saving lots of money on formula and bottles, and that it was the food he was meant to have. When he was born, I knew I would nurse him until he got teeth. My LC assured me teeth could be overcome, but I was doubtful. However, after realizing how hard we worked to be successful, I decided we would overcome teeth. I set my goal to 1 year, and anything after was icing on the cake. I also have a secret limit of 2, but we shall see. He got 2 bottom teeth first, so his tongue covered them. Soon after came 2 top teeth. He was very good at not biting on purpose, but it happened. I would quickly unlatch him and say a firm “no.” I wouldn’t put him back on for a time. He got two more teeth, and then started forcefully latching. I got small bruises on my right areola from the middle two teeth rubbing, and the force at which he latched. This lasted a few days. Currently, he is still latching on hard but the pain is minimal and short lived. It is definitely better than full on biting!
Time: In the beginning, nursing sessions would last over an hour, and they came what seemed like every half hour to hour. I was a 24/7 milk machine. I can now proudly (and somewhat sadly) say that we are down to 5-10 minute sessions, and only 3-4 times a day. At night he sleeps with me and nurses 2-6 times, but only for comfort. It lasts 2 minutes and he is asleep. Who knows if he is even getting much milk. While I am a little sad that I am not his only source of food, I see light at the end of the tunnel. I love nursing my son. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have gone through the blood, sweat, and tears I did. But, I am secretly excited about being able to leave him at home with his dad for a few hours. It has happened once. The longest my son has gone without nursing is 10.5 hours! This was an unusual day, but it is good to know he can do it. I have been lucky not to get my period yet, but I know as he eats less and less, it will happen. But it is welcome. Soon, my son will need a little brother or sister, and I will get to start off as an experienced breastfeeding mother!
I am extremely proud of making it to one year. Only 14% of mothers in America do. A sad fact, but I made it. It was easier than I ever thought it would be. The hardest part of breastfeeding only lasts a few weeks. The benefits of making it to one year and beyond last a lifetime. And they benefit you as well. Breastfeeding past one year, and nursing multiple children decreases my own risk of breast cancer. Indeed.
Fun Facts:
I have nursed my son in 10 States. (this includes layovers and driving through)
I have nursed my son in a plane across the United States, and next to complete strangers.
I have nursed my son in a duck boat (a car that can be driven into water)
I have nursed my son in the USS Constitution, the oldest floating naval craft in the US.
I have nursed my son on a paddle boat.
I have nursed my son in a boat on a lake between US and Canada.
I have nursed my son in a cave.
I have nursed my son in a moving vehicle by putting my boob over the carseat, and was seen by a man next to us at a stoplight.
I have nursed my son at the base of a waterfall with my feet in the water.
I have nursed my son next to the ocean in Florida.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, a slideshow with my breastfeeding photos from the past (almost) year.
I’m Breastfeeding all over America. Boston Edition.
Over the long weekend the husband and I drove to Connecticut to visit some friends. They had a labor day party, and so we heard free food and drove 4 hours! To make the most of our drive we also took a day trip to Boston the next day, which was only 1 hour from their home.
After going to the party we stayed in a hotel in Auburn MA. We left around 9:30 am the next morning for Boston. Fletcher was amazing on all of the drives by the way. When we got there Fletcher went into my Ergo and we walked all over Faneiul Hall. I had a delicious lunch of Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Steven went for some New England Clam Chowder! Next we walked to some sites. I stopped to feed Fletcher on a bench. Did I mention it was freezing that day?Steven stopped at a historic Oyster Bar and had a quick bite to eat. Next we visited the Holocaust Memorial, which was very powerful and simple. The grates beneath you emitted hot steam so there is a smokey effect. All of the walls are covered in numbers, and there are quotes from survivors and witnesses.
Our main objective, or my husband’s, was to go on a Duck Toar. A Duck boat can ride on land and water, so you do a 45 minute tour of historic Boston sites on land, then drive directly into the water to tour the harbor. Fletcher nursed on the “boat” and fell asleep. He slept the entire time!
Once we disembarked we headed for the oldest ship still floating, the USS Constitution. I will admit that it was pretty cool to tour such an old boat. We were the last tour of the night and there were sailors everywhere polishing the brass. At one point, Fletcher got hungry. I snuck away from the group and breastfed him in the Ergo. There was a sailor behind me but he didn’t say a word. I find it hilarious that he nursed on such an old boat in front of a sailor!
Now, for the worst part. After the tour we realized all of the trolleys were done for the day. We were stranded across the bridge. We had to hoof it all the way back to our car, which was a 20-30 minute walk. I only had my Ergo and after almost an entire day of wearing him my hips were wearing out. They aren’t 100% healthy. Steven took him for the last leg of the walk. We had a quick bite at McD’s and saw a homeless person shouting match. We caught a street performer for a few minutes. Then we got all the way to the car only to find we needed more cash to pay all the toll roads. I changed Fletcher into his nighttime diaper and jammies for the ride back. We used cloth the entire trip. I love my Planet Wise wet bags! We went back into Faneiul Hall for the ATM. Somehow we walked out with coffee and a Boston Cream Pie! I don’t know what happened! I drove us home and we got back at 1 am. Fletcher slept the entire ride back, as planned. So now I can add MA and CT to my fictitious “Breastfeeding Across America” map. After next week Las Vegas will be added!!!
Know Your Rights! Breastfeeding in Public.
I realize that World Breastfeeding Week is over, but there is something I have been thinking about for a while and wanted to post about. Everytime I nurse my son in a public place, I am always prepared with a witty comeback to defend my rights. But, I am not prepared with what I should be: proof of legality. I am perfectly within my rights to breastfeed in public; covered, uncovered, semi covered, etc. If the manager at Uno’s came to me and asked me to leave I would have choice words for him, but would I be able to justify my right to breastfeed with concrete fact? A few days ago I looked up my rights. La Leche League has a handy list of state laws, which I utilized. Here is the law for New York State:
My BF Card
NY CLS Civ R § 79-e (Article 7 Miscellaneous Provisions).
1994 N.Y. ALS 98; 1994 N.Y. LAWS 98; 1994 N.Y. S.N. 3999§ 79-E. Right To Breast Feed.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mother may breast feed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether or not the nipple of the mother’s breast is covered during or incidental to the breast feeding.
This addresses my right to breastfeed, and addresses the showing of my breast, but what if the manager argues that any of my breast showing is against exposure or obscenity laws? Well, he ya go mister!
NY Penal Laws § 245.01, 245.02
§ 245.01. Exposure of a person
A person is guilty of exposure if he appears in a public place in such a manner that the private or intimate parts of his body are unclothed or exposed. For purposes of this section, the private or intimate parts of a female person shall include that portion of the breast which is below the top of the areola. This section shall not apply to the breastfeeding of infants or to any person entertaining or performing in a play, exhibition, show or entertainment.
Since I am a busy mother of a very busy 8.5 month old, I don’t have time to memorize this. As hilarious as it would be to rattle off penal codes to a very unsuspecting individual, it isn’t going to happen. Instead, I have made myself a handy business card with the law printed on it. This card will be stored in my wallet, and laminated. Since it is a business card, I have opted to use the first law. If you are interested in doing the same, which I highly recommend, and wish to include obscenity laws, perhaps you should make a sheet with all of the applicable laws.
Do you have any ideas on how to protect your rights? Leave a comment, I would love to hear them!
World Breastfeeding Week- How to Nurse in Public
This week, August 1-7, is World Breastfeeding Week! I have been wanting to make a post about it, but I haven’t known what to write. WBW is about drawing attention to breastfeeding during emergencies. I have actually thought about how thankful I am to be breastfeeding for this reason. If our power was out, I would be able to feed my baby with no troubles. If you want to read more about this, the lovely Melodie has a great post about WBW on her blog, Breastfeeding Moms Unite.
In honor of WBW, I am going to talk about nursing in public. I am always amazed to hear the stories of women who encounter negative comments about breastfeeding their babies in public. I have yet to receive a comment, positive or negative, but I am always prepared with a witty comeback just in case. Because of the sexualization of breasts, when they are seen even slightly while nursing our babies, they get looks. No woman should ever have to be asked to feed their baby in a bathroom. Or asked to leave a public place due to nursing their child. I personally believe in modesty when breastfeeding my son. I wear strategic clothing to keep my stomach and breasts covered. I do not, however, use a nursing cover. I also nurse my son while wearing him when convenient and possible.
Here are a few tips I have discovered that could help you nurse your baby comfortably and discreetly in public:
- Plan ahead: If you know that you will be out and you aren’t comfortable nursing your child in public, top them off before leaving your house or in the car before you arrive. I did this often when my son was a newborn. I usually didn’t even have to nurse him on our trips because we planned them short enough that he would eat before we left, and once we got back home.
- Location, location, location: Ideally, every store and public arena would have a room for nursing mothers with comfy couches, a changing table, a refrigerator stocked with cold water, and relaxing music to set the mood. Most of the time I will settle for a bench somewhere out of the way where there is little noise. Your baby is aware of the world around him or her once they get older. Because of this, every passerby, cash register beep, paging intercom, helicopter overhead, and bright light will cause your baby to turn and look. When breastfeeding, this isn’t the best time to be stimulated. Feeding in the quietest place available is best to keep your child latched on for the whole feeding.
- Nursing Necklace: Most moms wear little to no jewelry because their little ones always seems to grab and play with it. It is fun for them, but not for your jewelry or skin. With nursing necklaces, your baby can play while nursing. It may keep them entertained enough to stay latched on, which will keep your breast from peeking out!
- Nursing Attire: You don’t have to buy “nursing tops” or even nursing bras, though they are handy. Sport bras can be pulled over to the side, and so can many soft molded cup bras. This might but extra wear and tear on your bras. Even though I own a few tops designed for nursing, the choices are limited. Here are come dressing combos that I find very handy for nursing in public:
2 layers-
A v neck or low cut tank top: (or a nursing tank top, which unsnaps at the top) under any shirt of your choice: You can pull your breast out from the top and either pull your bra over, or unsnap your nursing bra. This is my combo of choice during the milder temperatures. When nursing, pull the top shirt down around your breast, and there will be nothing visible. It is very discreet!
A button up shirt or sweater, worn over a v neck or low cut tank top or nursing tank top: When you are ready to nurse your child, unbutton and pull your breast from the top. This may show more because your cleavage will not be covered. You can try to pull the opposite side of your sweater over as much as possible to compensate. Buttons are a pain when your child is famished.
1 Layer and 1/2 Layers-
Belly Band- Do you remember that Belly Band your wore while pregnant to keep your pants up? This is a great option to keep your belly covered while nursing as well. Wear the band over your stomach, and top it with whatever top you like. You can pull your top up to nurse, while keeping your mommy tummy hidden. The band may slip around or ride up, but if it is comfortable for you then use it!
1 Layer-
If it is hot, I do not bother with a tank top underneath my shirt. In this case, here are some 1 layer options.
A low cut v neck- I like these because I can pull up and to the side, and just unsnap my nursing bra. While not as discreet because the top of your breast is visible, when it is hot, it’s hot! This does keep your belly covered.
A Nursing Top- There are shirts designed for nursing that have convenient openings. They are meant to keep you very covered, while allowing easy access to your breast. Not all nursing tops are created equal. I have tried a few that just plain didn’t work. The slit was positioned oddly and was too small. Some aren’t as discreet as the tried and true double layer method of a tank underneath and shirt on top. I like nursing tops with hidden panels like this one that you pull over. The only difference between this style and a low cut v neck is that the panel covers the cleavage, and leave you a little more covered.
Other-
Dresses- Sometimes, we need to dress up. Whether for a purpose, or for fun, this is a challenge when nursing. Shopping can be depressing when it comes to dresses. I have actually stopped going to the dress department altogether. The only way to nurse in a dress is to pull up or to the side. You can pull up from a strapless dress. I have done this, but there isn’t much that isn’t showing. The best option is again, a low cut V that you can pull to the side. One day, I will get to wear a pretty dress that isn’t a V neck! There are nursing dresses, but they are hard to find and very expensive.
Babywearing- For convenience, babywearing is one way to nurse that is also discreet. Many mothers swear by ring slings or pouch slings for newborns. I envisioned nursing my son while cradling him in a sling. Unfortunately, my son did not enjoy this position. I have nursed him in a ring sling while wearing him in the tummyy to tummy position, or while he was on my hip. If you use a wrap, there are many ways to nurse. I have yet to try them, but there is a great blog with this video of how to nurse in a wrap: Sling is Love. I have also recently discovered the ease of nursing in my Ergo. When you loosen one strap, you are able to nurse by bringing your breast up to the baby. This will require practice, and also works best with tops you can pull out of from the top. Today I nursed my son in the Ergo while shopping. I checked out with him latched and no one was the wiser! Here is a how to video on how to nurse in an Ergo.
I realize many of my bloggy friends have written posts in honor of WBW. If you have, use Mclinky to add your post and share!
1000 Islands Daytrip
On Saturday the hubby and I finally made it to the 1000 Islands for a little sightseeing. I have been wanting to tour Boldt Castle for ages. Saturday was projected to be a perfect day so we decided this was the day. Our trip was mostly boat and castle related. We took a tour boat to Singer Castle, which was owned my the President of Singer (sewing machines) and is now a tourist stop. Then, we toured Boldt Castle, which was built by the owner of the Waldorf Astoria but never finished. It was a long day, but we had a blast! The pictures turned out great thanks to my talented hubby. The camera helped a bit too. To see the entire image you can click it. They are all cropped to squares. Enjoy!
Breastfeeding Promotion Act
Everyone please click this link-Breastfeeding Promotion Act- and sign your name! Here is what you are signing.
Dear Breastfeeding Supporter:
On June 11, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (NY) and Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) introduced the Breastfeeding Promotion Act in both houses of Congress. This is the first time the bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands already have enacted various laws protecting breastfeeding mothers, but they are not uniform and most are not comprehensive. Ask your Representative and Senators to co-sponsor the Breastfeeding Promotion Act to provide a unified national policy to keep mothers, their children, and their communities healthy.
**TAKE ACTION**
Tell your Representative and Senators to co-sponsor the Breastfeeding Promotion Act:
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5162/t/6359/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1697
We know that breastfeeding is good for mothers, babies, and society. The medical evidence shows that NOT breastfeeding increases the baby’s risk of infections, diarrhea, SIDS, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia, and increases the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers and diabetes.Breastfeeding also has significant economic and environmental benefits for families, employers, and society.
Given all of these benefits, all major medical authorities (including the Department of Health and Human Services), recommend that babies get no food or drink other than breast milk for their first 6 months and continue to breastfeed for at least the first 1-2 years of life. But mothers need more support: only 12% of U.S. mothers are exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months, and only 21% are still breastfeeding at 1 year.
Interest in breastfeeding is at an all-time high: 77% of women breastfeed their infants at birth. But breastfeeding rates drop rapidly after hospital discharge. More than 50% of women with infants less than one year old are in the labor force. Employed mothers are more likely to stop breastfeeding early if they do not receive the support they need in the workplace.
Together we can change this! Tell Congress to support the Breastfeeding Promotion Act to provide the support mothers need!
WRITE TO CONGRESS:
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5162/t/6359/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1697
The Breastfeeding Promotion Act (H.R. 2819, S. 1244) includes five provisions:
- Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect breastfeeding women from being fired or discriminated against in the workplace.
- Provides tax incentives for businesses that establish private lactation areas in the workplace, or provide breastfeeding equipment or consultation services to their employees.
- Provides for a performance standard to ensure breast pumps are safe and effective.
- Allows breastfeeding equipment and consultation services to be tax deductible for families (amends Internal Revenue Code definition of “medical care”).
- Protects the privacy of breastfeeding mothers by ensuring they have break time and a private place to pump (applies to employers with 50 or more employees, see text of legislation for details).
You’ve been making great strides at the state level, and we know we can do it at the national level too! With a few clicks of the mouse today, you can help build critical support for a groundbreaking bill to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in the United States.
We look forward to continuing our important work together to improve the health of mothers and babies, and thank you in advance for your support!
Please Please forward this link to your friends and spread the word. Even though I have personally never run into issues with breastfeeding in public or had to deal with pumping in the workplace, plenty of women had. We have to protect our natural right to feed our babies!
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