After almost 4 years of parenting I have discovered the secret to getting a baby to sleep through the night: never go to bed yourself!

The longer I stay awake in anticipation of my son waking for the first time, usually between 11 PM and 12:30 AM, the longer he waits. If he hasn’t woken up by 12:30 I usually wait longer. Once I decide to give up, typically around 1 AM, he starts to cry as soon as my head hits the pillow.

Coincidence? I think not. More like a conspiracy to rob mothers of their sleep even when they are sleeping.

Damned if they do {sleep}, damned if they don’t {sleep}.

I’ve been learning how to shoot in Manual Mode on my Nikon D80 for the past 2 weeks in earnest (inspired by Jill from Baby Rabies). After shooting a few photos of my guy I laid the camera down on the bed and he signed for milk. I crawled in bed with him and cuddled up for a nursing session. With the camera within reach I grabbed it and took this shot. Thankfully the settings worked fairly well since we were in the same lighting as before. I’m sure I’ll cherish this photo forever as a lasting reminder of the 16+ months we have been in a nursing relationship. Everett is 16.5 months and not even close to weaning. I’m OK with that.

PS:  I just made the “Cloth Rocks” t-shirt he is wearing available for sale in white or black on http://shopddl.com.

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?

Twitter has changed my life in so many ways for the better.  I can’t tell you how many amazing women I have met by being involved with the many interests in my life.  #breastfeeding or #bfing folks on Twitter have also played a huge role in my nursing experience.  When I was lamenting about finding a good fitting nursing bra Judy, owner of A Mother’s Boutique and Nursing Bra Expert, chimed in to help.  She wasn’t out to “sell” me on anything, or even her store.  I could tell that more than anything she wanted me to find the bra that worked for me.  She offered her opinion on a few, and based on her recommendations I chose a brand to try.  Ever since I have always suggested her store to my friends and have shopped there myself.  She really knows her stuff and she carries a huge selection of nursing bras.  In fact, she has the best selection of bras for the “bustier” crowd than any other store I have come across.

She is a cheerleader too! Judy loves breastfeeding and watching mothers hit milestones with their babies.  She nursed her own son for quite a while.

When Judy wrote to me and asked if I would be interested in hosting a “Virtual” Bra Fitting on my blog I didn’t hesitate.  ”YES!”  I was wearing the wrong size before I was virtually fitted, and I can bet that most of you are as well.

At A Mother’s Boutique you can find a few DDL favorites. Pumping mamas can find the Pumpease, an amazing bra that lets you pump hands free.  Ginni reviewed this bra for us and said it changed her life!  I wear a Glamourmom tank and love the easy, one handed access and the excellent support it provides.  Bamboobies are another fav here; they provide nursing mothers with super soft bamboo reusable breast pads backed with a waterproof layer to keep those letdowns from showing on your top!  And before writing this I had no idea they carry one of my favorite ring sling brands, Maya Wrap! I lurve my Maya Sling and it is very affordable too!

Here is what is being given away, and I hope you are as excited as I am!

Winner #1 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $55 value)
Winner #2 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $30 value)
Winner #3 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $25 value)
Winner #4 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $15 value)
Winner #5 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $15 value)

Judy will help each winner be fitted and I guarantee she will help you find the right size!  She is the booby whisperer!  A Mother’s Boutique has a gazzilion nursing bra brands, ranging from Fully Supportive to Sexy!  Yeah, you heard correctly, there ARE sexy nursing bras you just have to know where to look!

So let A Mother’s Boutique help you find the perfect nursing bra!

I am simplifying all of my giveaways for this week.

Mandatory Entry:

(1 Entry) Visit A Mother’s Boutique and browse the extensive selection of nursing apparel, bras, and other goodies for lactating mamas!  Come back and tell me which nursing bra you would choose if you won!  Leave an email for me to reach you or sign in to leave your comment.

Not Mandatory, but encouraged entry

(1 Entry) We would also love for you to “like” A Mother’s Boutique on Facebook and say “Hi!” on the wall!  Their Facebook page is a wonderful place to be.  Amy, a CLC, and Judy, the Booby Whisperer, are there to help with your breastfeeding and nursingwear questions.

Extra Entries:

(1 Entry) Do any of these: Follow @KimRosas on Twitter, follow @MommyNews on Twitter, “Like” Dirty Diaper Laundry on Facebook.   Let me know that you did.  You can only do one, or do all.  Tell me which one(s) you did as well.

(1 Entry) Do any of these: Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter, Subscribe to Mommy News Blog by email, Subscribe to my blog by email, subscribe to the A Mother’s Boutique newsletter.  Let me know you did at least one, but hopefully you will choose a few more ways to show you care!  Leave it as a comment.

(1 Entry) Tweet about this giveaway and reply to @KimRosas and @MommyNews and link it. You can tweet one time a day until the contest ends.

The fine print: Open to US and Canadian Residents.  If you have won something from A Mother’s Boutique in the last 6 months you are not eligible, sorry!  I use “and the winner is…” to randomly draw winners.  Giveaway is open until April 30.  Prizes will be drawn and given in order: First draw gets prize #1, second #2, etc.  I am an affiliate of A Mother’s Boutique and some links provided are affiliates.

Because everyone I know online is pregnant I have been hearing a lot about their labors.  Some were hospital births, some were at home, and many were even VBACs.  Luckily, most of my friends are pretty informed about pregnancy, labor, and delivery.  This meant that most of them waited for the baby to come when the baby was ready.  Many of these babies decided they wanted to wait until after their “due date.”

This is what I noticed.  These “overdue” babies gave their mamas a short labor.  All labors, whether they are an hour or 20, hurt.  If I were given a choice, I would rather have a relatively quick and intense labor like the one I had with my second son, than the 20 hour slow starting, induced labor of my first.

Everett was born at home at 41 weeks and 3 days.  My labor was 4 hours and 45 minutes including 20 minutes of pushing.

Friend A was 41 weeks and 3 days with her third baby (her second HBAC), and her labor was 6 hours.

Jill from Baby Rabies recently gave birth to her second baby at 41 weeks.  She walked into the hospital at a 7 and delivered 2 hours after checking in after an intense and fast labor. Her birth story.

We were all “overdue,” very large, uncomfortable, and ready to have a baby.  We waited a long time

One of my theories is that my babies need to bake longer than the “40 week” mark.  Every woman is different, every pregnancy is different.  Why is there so much importance placed on this magic 40 week mark?  The reason I say this is because of the differences I saw in my first son after birth compared to my second.

My first son was induced when I was 39 weeks 3 days.  To most pregnant people they would assume this is plenty of time to bake a baby.  My OB decided to induce me because I had Gestational Diabetes and was told going 1 day over 40 wasn’t an option (pshaw… wish I had known) and because at my growth scans they noticed my baby’s abdomen was measuring small (but consistently small, why worry?).  The day we went in for a follow up scan they told me to pack my bags and come in the next day because, and I quote, “the baby has baked long enough.”

I had a pitocin induced labor which took over 20 hours from start to finish.  I couldn’t take the humpback contractions and opted for the epidural.  To this day I am amazed I ended up with a vaginal birth now that I know the statistics for inductions and long labors.

Fletcher was 7 lbs 2 0z and 19.5 inches long.  He was coated with thick vernix.  Why do I mention this?  Typically, full term babies have already sloughed off most or all of their vernix.

A very cheesey newborn

Fletcher was very drowsy and we had an insanely difficult time with nursing.  He didn’t latch properly and would fall asleep at the breast in minutes.  Instead of cuddling my new baby I was forced to torture him to stay awake in order to eat.  I undressed him, flicked his feet, blew on his face, all to get food in his belly by order of the nurses.

He was also fairly small and rag dollish.  He became jaundiced but not severe enough to need lights.  He looked like a stick figure baby when I look back at photos.

In comparison, my “overdue” baby, Everett, was born at 41 weeks 3 days (2 full weeks more than Fletcher).  He weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

He also had vernix, but a much lighter coating.

He was alert and ready to nurse.

He had the head control of a 1 month old and could lift his head off my chest at a few minutes old.

His latch was perfect (but he was tongue tied which we had clipped, more on that here)

He also slept great from day 1 (at night that is)

I am not saying every problem I had with my first son was related to him being born too early, nor am I saying every thing right with my second has to do with him being born overdue.  My boys both also had very different birth experiences.  Fletcher was induced, put through a long labor and a very long pushing phase (3 hours) and was born while I was on an Epidural.  Everett came when he was ready, he had a calm labor lasting less than 5 hours with a 20 minute push phase.  Part of their difference in labor is probably because second labors are typically faster as well, so I can’t blame everything on being induced.

My wish for all women is that they not have to even deal with the pressure to be induced.  With the staggering rate of C-Sections, babies born too soon thanks to being induced before the baby was ready (you can read a recent article in Time magazine to that effect, which is ironic since I wrote this a week ago, good timing!), and the high rate of Maternal deaths in the US, women need to educate themselves and possibly prepare to butt heads with their care provider.

I wasn’t exactly thrilled about being 41 weeks and 3 days pregnant but I trusted my body and my baby. I had a very routine (and easy) pregnancy other than my gestational diabetes, which was well under control.  My baby made a grand entrance into the world and kept us all anxiously waiting.  I’m so thankful for our supportive midwives and the internet for informing me that I am in charge of my body, not my OB GYN.

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

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.

This review was written and performed by Kristen, DDL Contributor.

Bamboobies Reusable Nursing Pads are soft, ultra-thin, and form fitting for underneath bras.  Plus. these pads are made in Colorado!  We love supporting US made and Mom made businesses!

I was given the opportunity to review Bamboobies Nursing Pads.  If you have read any of my other reviews on nursing pads, I think I have established pretty well that I leak…a LOT.  My daughter is almost 9 months old, and contrary to popular belief, my boobs never seemed to understand how not to leak.

That all being said, I have had a hard time finding nursing pads that work for me.  I have yet to have a leak in either the daytime heart-shaped Bamboobies pads that I was given to review, or the circular overnight Bamboobies pads.  They are both SUPER soft and feel great against your skin.  I had mixed feelings about the shape of the heart ones.  I felt a little weird wearing heart-shaped nursing pads, I’m not really a “hearts” kind of a girl.  I do see how the shape of the heart helps to mold the pad closer to your body, making it less noticeable.  I found that the circular shaped pad (the overnight one) did bunch up quite a bit, and I initially was wearing them during the day, however I stopped because I was noticing the wrinkling of them through my clothing.  But since those are designed to work overnight that makes sense, no one cares if there are visible pads at night, only that they are absorbent!

I have tried so many different types of nursing pads and these are far better than the disposable ones for so many reasons…the fact that you can reuse them, the softness, and the absorption.  And for many of the same reasons they are better than cotton pads as well.  My tried and true are still my wool nursing pads but the Bamboobies Nursing Pads are my close second.

Where to buy: Bamboobies.com

DDL Readers can save 20% by using the code DDL20 at checkout!

Bamboobies is also going to give one lucky reader a 2 Pack of Bamboobies (winner’s choice of overnight or day)

Mandatory Entry: Which Bamboobies (overnight or daytime) would you prefer if you won? Leave answer as a comment.

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

(1 entry) Follow @KimRosas on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Please tweet, “Win a pair of the softest reusable nursing pads ever: @Bamboobies! Ends Oct 14 #bfing #giveaway @kimrosas”  Leave a comment with a link to your status.

You can tweet once a day for the duration of the contest. Leave a comment with your status for each tweet. 1 entry per day.

(1 Entry) Follow @bamboobies on Twitter. Leave a comment.

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(2 entries) Blog about this giveaway and link to it. Post a link in the comment.

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Kristen received Bamboobies nursing pads free of charge for the purposes of this review.  All opinions are her own.  No other compensation was received.  Giveaway ends on Oct 14. 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*