18 months and 5 days old- Nursing after a boo-boo

Everett has been breastfeeding for 18 months and 6 days.  My first son Fletcher weaned at 18 months and 5 days old.  I can still vividly remember the moment I realized he would never nurse again.  We were rocking together in the glider and each night I would nurse him while doing so to get him to fall asleep.  That night he didn’t need to nurse to fall asleep and he never did again.  I shed a few tears as an important chapter of our lives came to a close.

Today means I have been nursing Everett one day longer than his brother did and weaning seems like a faraway concept and there are no plans in place.  He is still my baby!  I still wear him in my ring sling, I still nurse him many times a day and night, he still sleeps in my bed, and he even still looks like a baby to me!  When Fletcher was this age he seemed so much older.  I believe part of this is because he had quite a bit more hair and part was that he was my first and I wanted him to be “older” because his little brother would be earthside soon.

With no plans for another baby I want to keep Everett mine as long as I can.  I don’t know how long we will nurse but I don’t think it will be initiated by me.  We both find a great deal of comfort in our nursing sessions and he is easily soothed when a boo-boo happens or his brother hurts his feelings.

We’ve beaten tongue-tie, work trips away, new teeth, and even the dangers of toddlerdom (ya know, crazy acrobatics at the breast, ninja kicks, fun stuff like that) to make it this far.

I’ve put together a gallery of my favorite photos from our nursing adventure so far starting with a photo from his first latch all the way up to yesterday.  (I did the same for Fletcher to celebrate our 1 year milestone) You might see a boob (or two)- be warned.

My family and I just returned home from a short notice trip to Tampa, Florida.  This was our first plane trip as an entire family since Everett joined us.  I’ve been places with just Everett, and prior to him being born we have taken many plane trips with just Fletcher.  Having two children can certainly make things logistically challenging.  We chose to take 2 car seats and check them, plus luggage for 2 adults, two kids, diaper bag for the plane trip, laptop bag for husband’s work, snacks, and a few toys.

I’ll be talking about why we went to Tampa at a later date, but for now I’d like to list out a few of the tips I use for flying with kids that have been successful.  Flying was the least stressful part of our trip considering we were almost stuck in Orlando, 1.5 hours from our hotel, with no way to rent a car or leave the airport.  LONG STORY, but believe me when I tell you it would make a great new movie in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series…

Tip 1:  Bring a Ring Sling!

Unless you are really keen on back carries a ring sling is the perfect airport carrier.  It can be compacted and rolled into your diaper bag, it works for any age baby, can be used for a hip carry, tummy to tummy, and the kangaroo hold (for younger babies with head support).  Not only is it good to keep your hands free at the airport- it doubles as a nursing cover if you want one, and I even use it to wrap around myself and the baby while they sit in your lap.  Talk about versatile!  Oh….. and if you need to cover the little one or need a makeshift pillow it can do that too.  I love my Soft-Structure Carriers like my Boba but with the buckles and bulk it isn’t quite as convenient at the airport.

I used my ring sling to cover the top of my breast while Ev nursed

Tip 2:  Let em’ Roam

I hate flying with crawling age babies because I am a firm believer in letting them roam while waiting for the plane, whether it be before the first flight or on a layover.  Babies and toddlers can’t grasp the concept of “sitting still” as well as we do, so giving them plenty of exercise before a flight will hopefully “get the wiggles” out enough that they are willing to sit and read books, color, or play a game.  This trip my husband and I took turns walking the aisles of the airport.  At one point my boys started holding hands and walking…. trust me when I tell you that this sight made the day of many travelers and weary pilots.  Everyone that passed let out an “awwwww…”

Roaming the halls

Tip 3:  Find a Safe Play Area

Tip 3 goes right along with Tip 2.  For non mobile and crawling babies, if you can find an airport play area, use it.  If it is disgusting beyond belief then make a judgement call.  Not every airport has a play area though.  I ASSUMED Orlando would have one considering it probably has more pint sized travelers than any other airport in the US but I was wrong.  They did have an arcade and we chose this as our play area… Fletcher got to play some games and even Steven and I got to kill time and play games like air hockey and pinball.  Everett was entertained by the flashing lights and noise.  Win/Win/Win.

Tip 4: Bring Strategic Entertainment

In the past my diaper bag has been packed to max capacity with activities for Fletcher.  I even brought a puppet at one point…. With two boys I had to think in terms of what items they could both share and what would entertain them the longest.  For Fletcher we let him pack his own tiny backpack that he would carry around.  He chose to bring a few tiny trains, a monster truck, a sticker, a lego train, a train book, and a piece of his motorcycle game.  I packed Everett’s 2 favorite board books and some snacks (including pouches which are the perfect airport snack food for both boys).  The final piece of the entertainment puzzle was the iPad.  It is space saving and contains more than enough games to occupy both boys.  We also have a few shows for the really desperate times.  The books for Everett and the tiny trains for Fletcher were the most used.  I read and re-read Quiet, Loud 100 times.  You can also get creative- whn the light was just right we did shadow puppets!

Tip 5:  Let the Kid have the Window

If you have a child with a seat then let them have the window.  It will give them a wall to rest their head if they sleep, and they might like seeing the view.  If they are terrified then you can always switch places and close the window.

Tip 6:  Bring Noise Cancelling Headphones/ Ear Plugs

The first flight with Fletcher had him yelling that he didn’t like the airplane.  In the airport he explained that he thought it was loud.  On our return trip we gave him the noise cancelling headphones and he promptly fell asleep.  If your kid will let you put in ear plugs you can try that too.

Fletcher wearing headphones and sleeping

Tip 7: Forget the Routine

If your life is dictated by naps schedules and set meal and snack times then you may want to lose your watch.  If 12:00 rolls around and you make your child nap at the airport while waiting for the plane then they will be wired and ready to roll once boarding comes.  I always keep them up as long as possible before we board, even if they look like zombies.  This paid off big time when it was time for our second flight on the way home.  By take-off Everett had already passed out on my lap.  Even after napping far later than normal they still went to bed at a reasonable time that night.

Both kids snoozing soundly on me

I’ve learned over the years to care less about the other passengers and just worry with making the trip as easy and enjoyable as possible for my kids. I used to be so tense and stressed if one child cried or yelled that my energy was spent frantically making them stop. Of course crying isn’t good but it is normal, especially during take-off and landing. if you are nursing then putting the baby on the breast during those times will help their ears pop. Older kids can be given a drink or snack to swallow. Bigger kids can have gum if you allow it.

What are your favorite travel tips with children or babies?

{Email subscribers should click over to see the embedded video} I love spending time with my family during the Holidays.  This means there are get togethers and maybe even a party or two.  These events, at least in my family, are LOUD and packed with people you see only once or twice a year and some people you see often.

As much as I advocate for women to nurse in public I will admit that I am nervous about nursing in front of my own family.  I haven’t put my finger on the reason.  Part of it could be that I am not very comfortable around some of my family members to begin with, and part could be the fear of slipping and showing more of my breast than I would like to.

I do not use covers and don’t plan to start now.  Everett wouldn’t have it either.  He is also a very distracted nurser so I have to either find a quiet place to nurse him, or come armed with items that make it easier for him to nurse without popping off every 5 seconds and exposing my nipple.

When I went to the ABC Kids Expo I was fortunate enough to find a few things (and came home with them too!) that do just that.  I show them off on my video embedded above, but I’ve also written more about them.

The first is the Toni Top designed by the same woman who masterminded the (uh-ma-zing) Pumpease Handsfree Nursing Bra.  The Toni Top is meant to be worn by women who are pregnant, nursing, or not nursing.  It doesn’t look like a maternity or breastfeeding top.  In fact, it is one of the most stylish tops in my wardrobe right now.  The criss-crossed panels move up or down to allow you to nurse discreetly.  I demo-ed the top at ABC and was able to easily keep myself covered whenever Ev decided, on a whim, to pop off.  It makes nursing a distracted toddler easy.  I will say that you have to find just the right nursing bra to work with the top since it is cut in a diamond shape.  Your bra will need straps that are wider set.  I have found my HOTMilk and Cake Lingerie to be the best fit, however they still can show.  I do usually just  put a black tank top with 1 inch straps on under.  These will cover my straps.  I would also love for it to come in an XS and more colors, perhaps a goldenrod yellow or avocado green?! (I just saw that Smoke is the next color and they will have a pencil skirt to match.  I need them BOTH!)

My second “MUST HAVE” for nursing in public and keeping Everett happy and contained is my Mommy Necklace.  I’ve been a fan since I discovered them early in my first son’s life, so almost 3 years ago now.  I only have a couple but I could easily buy more if my wallet let me.  Mommy Necklaces are designed to be handled by babies but look stylish.  They have various styles, lengths, and pendant choices.  I prefer the dangling donut myself.

When you really need a baby to be entertained you will want to bring out the big guns…. the Nourish.  Nourish is the classier cousin of the Snazzy.  I used to use the Snazzy when I was flying and needed to keep the little hands occupied.  Nourish is a more toned down version of  Snazzy.  It still has a lot of color to it, but it keeps to a jewel tone family and not primary colors and rainbows.  The beads are more rounded in case you are babywearing (the Snazzy had a few square beads and Raelynn explained her reason for changing this was for babywearing in case the baby was laying on it) but it is still a fun necklace for the baby to explore.

Another option in the necklace department would be Teething Bling.  It is more simple than a Mommy Necklace but provides something for the babies to nibble on and the large donut is easily palmed.  They offer a variety of colors and some patterns.  I have a bronze and black and wear them both; they happen to match most of my wardrobe.

A Mother’s Boutique saw my post of me nursing my son in the Toni Top and said I was so pretty in it (Judy, I had to tell someone!) that she would love me to review it and would love to sponsor a giveaway.  I had planned on posting about the top at some point anyways since I love it so much, so a giveaway in conjunction is just icing on the cake!  In case you aren’t aware, Judy is the Boobie Whisperer and can help any of you find the perfect nursing bra.  She offers virtual fittings too.

Now for the Giveaway!!!  I will be giving a Toni Top away to one lucky DDL reader.  I also have a Nourish Necklace that I was given at ABC Kids to give to one of my readers!  Enter on the Rafflecopter below.  You will need Javascript enabled to enter.

Select links included in this post are affiliate links.  I will receive a small percentage of any purchases made through them , so thank you!

{RSS and Mobile Readers will need to click over to see the video}

Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market?  As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today. Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of usage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

A Soft Structure Carrier is easier to use than Wrap, Mei Tei’s, and Ring Slings in most ways.  Even though they take practice the learning curve is lower.

You can nurse any age baby in the three carriers in the video (Boba weight limit is 15 lbs +) but the adjustments will vary based on the height of your baby and your own build.  Those with larger busts or taller babies might need to loosen their waist belt and push it lower so that the baby can reach the breast.  At times I need to do this with the Boba.

My tips for successful and easy breastfeeding in a SSC.

1. Find the right SSC. Out of the three carriers I use my ERGObaby and Boba the most for front carries.  If I know I will be nursing I definitely skip my Beco.  The ERGO works great for infants up.  You can purchase the infant insert to wear your baby from day one in the ERGO.  The Boba is built for larger babies over 15 pounds or above a year.  Ev can still be nursed in the Boba but he sits low since the back panel is higher than the Ergo.
2. Ensure your straps are adjusted properly. I have found the perfect balace on my SSC’s with my back strap, position and tightness of my waist belt, and arm straps.  With a front carry you have to be able to reach your back clip (unless you clip ahead of time and do the one arm on, squeeze in method.)  You ca tighten the back once you have the baby inside the carrier also.  Incorrect adjustments will be an uncomfortable experience for you and nobody wants that!
3. Getting  instructions and hands on help from another- more experienced- babywearing mama can really speed up the learning curve for any carrier hold and/or trick.  Find a Babywearing International or other trustworthy group to join.  Not only will you enjoy the meetings and learn a lot, you will probably be with your “tribe.”
4. Dress for Success(ful Boob Access).  Breastfeeding in a SSC or any other carrier is far easier when you can pull up and out of your top.  Pulling a shirt up while wearing your baby in a ring sling is not only hard to do but it can be less than flattering to show your stomach openly.  Usually the carrier squishes things down in all the wrong places.  Deep V necks, stretchy tank tops, button-up shirts, nursing tanks, shirts designed for nursing with a lift up or slit opening, anything that can be undone or give access to one boob from the top is perfect.  If you are worried about showing too much remember that the straps cover most of what can be seen. More ideas for dressing to nurse in public in my “How to Nurse in Public” post.
5. Practice makes perfect. Trying this at a crowded fair for the first time isn’t going to work well.  You will be nervous, you may be clumsy, and your baby will be hungry and impatient.  If that hungry baby starts crying they might be harder to latch when you do get them into position.  Try nursing in your SSC in your home and when the baby isn’t hungry yet (and in a good mood).

I have nursed both of my children in the ERGO and Boba (only a few times in the Beco) out in public in about as many places as I have visited.  On Paddle Boats, Subways, Museums, Fairs, Malls, Outdoor Walks, and so on.  I can guarantee you the general public had no clue that I was nursing my baby.  Even though I find it easier to nurse in a ring sling when making adjustments, once I did it a few (billion) times in my SSC I became just as fast when making adjustments.  When I first started it took a while.  Another point to make is that that straps do get more pliable over time so that does affect how well the buckle slides and affects how easy it is to adjust.

I’ll be continuing this series of ERGObaby/ BBII/ Boba videos in the coming weeks.  You can view all of the posts and videos in the series by following the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

If you are looking for an ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, or Boba they can all be found at my affiliate- Granola Babies! Shop at Granola Babies & use code NEW4147 for $7 off $75 first time order.

Please share your own experience with nursing in your SSC (even if it isn’t an ERGO/BBII/Boba) and the fun places you have nursed at!

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful holiday with their family and friends.  Because we are having such a great time visiting family (and my 9 week old won’t let me put him down long enough to type out an entry) things have been sparse here and will continue to be so until I get back into the swing of things.

Fletcher has loved all of the attention from family here.  He also made out very well after Santa came.  His brother Everett hasn’t really let anyone else hold him so it has been a hard trip for me.  I am constantly on the yoga ball bouncing him (which we bought our first night here in desperation).

Xmas day in NC is always a whirlwind.  Presents in the morning, an hour drive to m hometown for my father’s side’s event, then my grandmother’s house, then an hour home for dinner with my in-laws.  I am going to share some photos from our day.  I have to say that I am impressed with the lack of comments or glaring I received while nursing my son at every event.  My aunts talked to me and stared at the baby while he ate, my grandmother (who nursed her own babies) talked to me while I fed him and made a loving comment about him nursing, and everyone there treated us as we wanted to be treated.  I certainly didn’t skulk off to another room or pull out a cover.  We didn’t want to miss the action!

Xmas morning. Feeding baby while Fletcher opened gifts

Riding his new Wheely Bug. His little bro go a little Bee also.

Modeling his new Onesie from his Aunt

My handsome husband and adorable son

Terrible pic, but me chatting with my niece while nursing at a crowded family event

Enjoying his new toys

This review and giveaway is part of the New Baby Event Part 2!

It is absolutely no secret that Bravado is my favorite nursing bra company.  I have become an unofficial evangelist to my readers (you guys) and anyone else I meet in person or online looking for advice on a great nursing bra.  In fact, I recently wrote about my quest to find my perfect nursing bra and how many crummy ones I bought before meeting Bravado.  I also took a belly photo every week wearing a bra and bottoms.  It turns out that I am wearing a Bravado bra in every single photo (and the tank top in my 41 weeker!)  You can view my “ad” for Bravado bras here. It seems I have reviewed almost every bra they make, and they are all fabulous, but my favorite is the Bliss.

Up until recently I had never had the pleasure of trying their Essential Nursing Bra Tank. Recently though, Melissa from Bravado was kind enough to send one for me to review.  Having a newborn means nursing very frequently.  It also means you need easy access and full coverage at home and on the go. A good nursing tank is truly an essential for a new mother!!!

What you’ll love about the Essential Nursing Bra Tank:

• Proprietary design gives you a full support (molded) bra on the inside, a beautiful shape and cottony comfort, all in one!
• Perfect to wear every day as you are out and about, around the house, going to yoga class, lounging or as sleepwear.
• Imagine…you’ll look terrific, feel great and it is easy to nurse in public because it provides tummy coverage where you need it.
• Fabric gently stretches while retaining its shape after washing. A two for one value because it is easy to find your tank size while pregnant and then continue to wear it after birth
• Soft, high-quality cotton/spandex outer fabric isn’t see through, even in white
• Cups drop down and away from your body, giving baby complete access and providing you and your baby with skin-to-skin contact
• Discrete nursing clips allow full breastfeeding access and only you will know this is a nursing tank
• Long length gives you a beautiful and flattering shape that’s fitted but not clingy, with a great hip length

What makes the Bravado Essential Nursing tank better than the other nursing tank tops I have tried:

No uniboob! Virtually every other tank top I have tried smooshes my girls together to creat one boob.  Not flattering.

Support! While I am not as well endowed as others, I have D cups so I do need a fair amount of support.  This tank keeps them where they belong, above my belly button and then some!

Quality! Bravado products are made extremely well and it shows.  I have no problems wearing this tank top with an open sweater or jacket.  It is visible but doesn’t scream “hey I am a nursing bra!”

Discretion! The nursing clips are discreet and flat.  No one can tell they are there unless you point them out.

Wearing the Essential Tank while in labor

I started wearing this tank top while I was pregnant, probably around 38 weeks when it came in the mail.  It stretched to fit over my belly.  It was so comfortable I chose to put it on while I was in labor after I got out of the shower!  I labored in it for a couple of hours before I got into the birth tub.  (You can see me “modeling” the Essential Tank in photos featured in my homebirth video)

Since giving birth I have worn the Bravado nursing tank over 2 dozen times at least!  Every time I do laundry I make sure this is included.  It usually gets grabbed out of the dryer or basket to be worn right away.

I prefer this tank top for daytime use.  The discreet nursing clips are a little harder to maneuver at night because they twist in rather then a straight pull on clip.  This allows the clips to be completely flat so wearing the tank top out and about is possible without telling the world you are in a nursing top.  I would rather wear a traditional style nursing tank top at night, or another easy to nurse in top.

My favorite time to wear the Bravado nursing tank has to be when I am babywearing.  I pair the tank top with an open over shirt or a button down sweater, something that leaves my tank top exposed at the top.  While wearing my son I can undo the clips and latch him on easily.  The tank top is also pretty slimming and flattering so that doesn’t hurt!

Another reason I love this tank top is that it is a V neck.  Most nursing tank tops I have seen are scoop neck and not as flattering for my bust.  This also has ruching in the center.

And lastly, Bravado Nursing Tanks come in more colors than you can find with other brands.  Besides the wardrobe staples of black and white, there is chocolate, purple, pink, teal, and green.  I chose the chocolate.  It has matched so many of my tops!

I can’t stress this enough: when it comes to nursing attire, spend the money the first time on a product that works!  I promise, if you buy the Essential Nursing Bra Tank you will wear it twice a week or more for the entirety of your nursing career.  And if you are like me, you are in it for the long haul.  49.00 is nothing for 1-2 years of comfort and quality.  Plus, you can continue wearing if long after nursing thanks to the discreet clips.  If you are having more kids, it is an even better investment piece for your wardrobe.

Bravado always has amazing sweepstakes going on.  Click the image to enter!

Bravado Designs is also sponsoring a giveaway for an Essential Nursing Tank for one lucky DDL Reader!

Mandatory Entry:

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For extra entries do any or all of the following.  Leave a comment for each you do.

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An Essential Nursing Bra Tank Top was sent for the purposes of this review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are 100% my own and genuine.  Seriously!  Giveaway ends on Dec 7. 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*

After all of the troubles I had nursing my first son in the beginning, I had looked forward to a very easy go of it with baby number 2.  I knew how to get a baby latched, all of the different positions, what breastfeeding pillow worked best for me, and so on.  On the second day of nursing my nipples started to blister.  I was in terrible pain by the afternoon!  I tweeted about my problems and a few people responded: “Is your baby tongue tied?”

I had heard of this before but had not thought to check.  According to tonguetie.net it is:

Tongue Tie – also known as ‘Ankyloglossia’ or ‘anchored tongue’ – is a common but often overlooked condition.

It is seen at birth and causes a wide range of difficulties that affect the sufferer in different ways. Diagnosis and assessment are essential before taking any remedial action. In the past, there was little besides observation or anecdotal evidence to guide us towards a decision about whether to intervene. Now, both diagnosis and assessment of a tongue tie can be made by informed and qualified professionals.

Sure enough, I looked at the underside of my son’s tongue and saw that the “frenum” (thingy that anchors your tongue) extended to the very tip.  He could not extend his tongue past his bottom lip.

So now what?

I know tongue tied babies could have the frenum “clipped.”  I was 100% sure he was tongue tied, so I called my pediatrician.  We were in a pickle since my pediatrician didn’t even know we had another baby!  We had planned on waiting over a week to call.  Our midwife advised us that most peds are not homebirth friendly and if we called earlier, would demand us to bring him in sooner.

The phone conversation was awkward.

“So…….. we had a baby a couple of days ago and need to have him seen.  We think he is tongue tied and would like to see about having it clipped.”

“What is his name?  Where was he born? etc..”

“Everett R. Home.”

*chirp chirp*

They were able to see us in 30 minutes so we rushed to get ready.  This was Everett’s first time out of the house.

Once there, the reaction of the receptionist and nurse regarding the lack of paperwork that the office had on our baby was a little funny.  They weighed him and all of that fun stuff.  Then the doctor showed up and immediately said “We don’t clip tongues.”

Really?!

He did get a phone call into an Ear Nose and Throat doctor that he felt sure clipped tongues.  She was able to see us in a couple of hours.  Our baby was given a clean bill of health from the pediatrician, who said he was beautiful and the picture of health, and we left for the next doctor.

The ENT saw our son after a very long wait.  I had to nurse my son in public for the first time in the waiting room here.  Considering my nipples were raw, this was very difficult.  I had to use the football hold in a waiting room chair.

As soon as she saw my son she confirmed he was definitely tongue tied.  He was a 3 out of 4 regarding the severity.  Great.  No wonder my nipples were screaming in pain.

She let us know that she could clip him that day in the office.  We asked a few questions.  My main concern was the pain and how it would affect his nursing afterwards.  She assured me that the clipping would hurt very little, and only for a moment.  I was going to wait outside and my husband held him for the procedure.  They did apply a topical numbing agent.  It took seconds, I heard a cry, and I was called back in.  I immediately dropped my nursing tank and latched him on, bloody mouth and all.

He calmed down instantly and nursed.  Literally, the moment he latched I could tell he was nursing better.  While it still hurt because my nipples were blistered and raw, it only hurt while he latched.

Once he was finished we packed him in the car seat and drove home.  I felt such relief about our decision to clip his tongue.  I was also grateful we caught it early.  Prior to the clipping, nursing was so painful I winced and tensed up for the entire session, especially on my left side.  Had I not called that day my nipples would have gotten even worse.  In situations like this, the sooner you can clip the tongue, the better.

Eating from "righty"

Today I can happily say I am 95% pain free! My right side has healed completely and I can latch him in any position now, even while wearing him and walking around!  My left side was worse so it still has a little healing to do.  I still get less pain when I use the football hold or cradle.  Side lying in bed is harder and can still cause a wince, but at night I am too lazy to sit up and nurse so I have just dealt with it.  I believe by tomorrow I am going to be 100% ok.  I did favor my left side by pumping on occasion to give my nipple a break, and I used a nipple shield a few times when it was very painful.

To those who have never heard of this condition, it sounds barbaric to clip a piece of the tongue.  I understand.  It seems harsh.  However, I have seen with my own eyes how quickly the pain disappears.  To me, nothing is more important that salvaging the nursing relationship.  I worked for over a month with Lactation Consultants to perfect my first son’s latch.  This time, a small medical procedure was needed.  Even though he was getting enough milk, over time it could have affected my supply.  And of course, me being in extreme pain would have made continuing breastfeeding very hard.

If you suspect your baby is tongue tied, due to a painful and shallow latch, or of course, if you notice their tongue is anchored underneath, it is very wise to at least have them looked at.  I promise, it sounds terrible, but clipping their tongue will be worth it.  Other than breastfeeding problems, tongue tied babies can have trouble eating solids and can even develop speech problems.

image courtesy of Stanford Medical.

Picture it: Syracuse NY, 2008.  The snow is falling and I have a brand new infant in my home who is nursing non stop.  I also only own 1 nursing tank and no nursing bras.  So my husband and I venture out to Walmart in search of an emergency bra and other supplies while my sister watches my son.  It was my first time leaving him (for less than 1 hour, but still) and it was all for a bra.  The store was lacking in nursing bras, but what was I expecting?  I bought another nursing tank and one hideous grey nursing bra in a size that apparently was not mine.  I thought it was though.

Repeat this scenario another 9 times (minus the snow and Walmart) and you see what I am getting at.  I was constantly on the lookout for the perfect nursing bra.  I shopped at Target, A Pea in the Pod, and other department stores.  I tried buying one online.  The sizes varied.  I originally believed I was a 36 C.  I tried others on that “felt” right at the time.  I have other bras in various sizes, going up to 38 D.

While cleaning out my dresser I kept coming across nursing bras from days of yore.  I was shaking my head at the money I wasted and the torture I had put myself through.

My main problem with most of the bra’s I had purchased was cup spillage.  I have never considered myself to have a large chest.  In high school I was a 34 A.  In college I graduated to a 34 B, and by the time I graduated I was a 36 C.  This was probably due to weight gain.  While pregnant with my first son I did notice growth.  After my milk came in things were looking quite a bit larger!  I had no clue what I was, and my choice in bras showed it.

A nursing mother NEEDS a nursing bra.  I refuse to wrangle my breast out of a sports bra and stretch it out, or live in nursing tank tops.  Having graduated to larger boobs meant the nursing tanks left me mostly unsupported and looking like I had one boob, not two.

The retired bras

This is my nursing bra history:

First purchase: Hideous grey sports bra/underwire hybrid thing with removeable wires.  I removed them.  The band underneath was too wide.  While I had no cup spillage, this thing couldn’t turn on a man who had spent his last 20 years in jail.  The straps had padding…… hello?

Next: Pull over style bra from Target.  Clearanced for 5.00.  Probably one size too small, but it was on sale!  Not the worst bra in the world, but decent for sleeping.  Not enough support.  Also, somehow weird tiny balls wound up in between the fabric.  Made it unwearable since you could see those in tight shirts.

Then I went to Target again and found another underwire nursing bra in cotton.  There were tiny rhinestones where the underwire clipped in, and I removed those, leaving weird rhinestone things.  My cups runneth over in these.  I believe it was a 36 C also.  Because nursing gave me larger than average nipples, those were visible in whenever my boobs wanted to pop out.  I am sure I areola slipped some folks as I bent over.

Next came a weird one piece bra in white with lace at the top.  I have no clue where I got it.  No support whatsoever, and also hideous.

In Texas I went to a Maternity store.  My Mother in Law believed I was near the end of my nursing days at this time and questioned why I would want to look at nursing tops and bras.  Little did she know……  I found what I believed to be an awesome bra.  It was quite pricey, it seemed to fit great, and it was beige.  Not gorgeous…..  not ugly.  Just beige.  The fabric felt nice.  I also found a SEXY Elle Macphereson nursing bra in black lace.   This was the prettiest nursing bra I had ever seen.  They only had one, it was on clearance, and I wanted it.  It was SNUG but I was going to make it work.  In the end neither of these worked out for long.  I had cup spillage in the Pea in the Pod beige bra, same for the Elle Macphereson.  Lesson: fitting rooms lie and never buy something on clearance that you think you can make work.  No matter how awesome.  Boobs don’t shrink.

Finally, I bought 2 bras online.  What possesed me to do this?  I still had no clue what size I was.  But they were a great deal…..  The beige lace one I bought was a 38 D.  By now I assumed my cup spillage was due to the cup being too small.  And I figured 34/36/38, what is the big deal about those numbers?  So Wrong!  While D was correct, getting a 38 was a mistake.  This bra made my boobs push so far apart I could fit a basketball in between them!  I wore it once.  The other beige one also gave me cup spillage.

Then Twitter saved me.  I discovered a brand called Bravado. I worked with a Bravado rep who had me size myself, correctly.  She helped me determine that I was a 32 D.  I never would have guessed it.  I had lost a ton of weight after my son (almost 50 pounds).  Still, 32?  and D?  I had been stuffing myself into C’s or wearing 36′s that were too big for my back.  They sent a bra for me to review.  I fell in love.  I finally knew what proper support and coverage felt like.  We established a working relationship and since then I have reviewed several of their bras.  While I did end up growing back up to a 34 and had to retire my 32′s until I lose my baby weight, I have been living in the one 34 D Bravado bra that I own.  Even though I didn’t pay for these bras since they were sent for review, I would.  Over and over.  And I did actually buy more (in 32, so I can’t wear them right now!).  And, if I never lose enough weight to get back in my 32′s I will buy more 34 D’s by Bravado because these bras are amazing.

So why am I telling you this?

I spent about 125.00 on all of those bras, give or take. I could easily have purchased 3 great bras for the same amount.  3 bras is plenty, trust me.  I am wearing one bra every day of the week.  I am only not wearing it while it is being washed.  Then it goes right back on.  I am a deal seeker.  I love saving money.  It took me 10 bras to learn that discount and sale nursing bras suck.  From now on I will spend the money on a good bra when I need one, nursing or not.  The other lesson is that bra fittings are worth it.  Mine was done by my husband using online instructions, and interpreted by a Bravado rep.  You don’t need to go to a department store and have a questionable older lady measuring your boobs!

I was not asked to write this post nor was I paid to.  I just love Bravado!  Full disclosure: in the past I have received free bras for review.