Everyone swears by Bravado nursing bras. My one experience with their basic model wasn’t stellar, but I recently saw this one online and liked the look of it immediately. The biggest draw, I think, is that it doesn’t look like a nursing bra. It had a much more flattering design and fit than the one I had I love the “black cherry” color, too. This bra features a soft cup and easy to use clips for easy access when it is time to feed. You can purchase one in a whole range of sizes for $45 at breakoutbras.stores.yahoo.net. A matching brief retails for $18.

Here is a great deal if you are looking for a high quality nursing bra that won’t destroy your budget. Made by Second Nature, this bra is available in a number of sizes. Designed by Anna Cecilia, its zippered cups are made to be comfortable and easy to use. It is made of microfiber for comfort and quick drying. At $10.49, this bra is a steal–especially since you will pay more for a nursing bra at a discount store like Target or Walmart. The original retail was $39.99. You can purchase one at kidsurplus.com.

I’ve never had much luck with nursing shawls, but that doesn’t stop me from admiring them. My eyes were recently drawn to these cute 4-in-1 Nursing Shawls by L’oved Baby. While it was actually the cute pouch that initially caught my attention, the shawl itself is quite functional. It offers full coverage for moms who need to nurse on the go, and it folds down quite small so it is easy to take along wherever you go. Available in a number of colors, this shawl retails for $29.95. You can purchase one at lovedbaby.com. This would make a considerate gift for a nursing mom.

How would you like a free patterned nursing cover? Just pay shipping and handling after you enter the promo code “Thanks”! I’ve been told to just go to UdderCovers.com, choose Shop Now, pick the product you want (even on the 3-piece gift sets), and you’ll find yourself at the center of the page where you can type in the promo code. Using this code gives you a $32 discount every time you make a transaction. What could be better than that? There are some really pretty patterns to be had. If you’re not currently nursing, these covers make great baby shower presents.

Many moms I know rely on kellymom.com for their baby questions. Not only is the site attachment parenting and breastfeeding friendly, the advice works for the modern mom who doesn’t want to just go with what everyone is telling her. It’s for the mom who wants a different point of view than the archaic versions she gets outside her home. Any site that lets me know that maybe it’s normal that my one-year-old isn’t sleeping through the night (rather than the pressure I’m getting from everyone else to let him cry it out) is a site that gets a thumbs up from me. It answered a lot of my nursing questions when I was a newbie to the whole process as well.

Here’s a practical and fashionable idea for breastfeeding moms. The BoobBangle bracelet, created by mom/founder Kelly Russack, is a bracelet made of semi-precious stones strung on elastic. It’s designed to be easily switched from wrist to wrist to remind mom which side to begin feeding next time. Although not yet available online, select boutiques carry the BoobBangle, including A Pea in the Pod stores in Boston (Newbury Street), Bal Harbour, FL, Palmyra, NJ, Beverly Hills, CA, and Madison Avenue, NYC. They sell for $18.

MilkStars is a company that was created by breastfeeding mom Jamie Rubin who couldn’t find anything fashionable to wear post-maternity. She created a line of shirts perfect for breastfeeding, practical, yet stylish as well. The tops are made of soft rayon/spandex, very absorbent, and designed to accommodate a breast pump.  MilkStars online shop just went live. You can view the variety of styles and colors available there. They run about $60 each. UpscaleBaby readers can get an extra $5 off their order using the code UBCOUPON, which is valid until October 22, 2009.

The Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bustier is a unique piece of intimate apparel that actually helps breastfeeding moms a break from the breast pump so they can use their hands to do other things. This bustier is designed to be comfortable enough to wear all day under clothing, and can be worn in halter, racerback, or tank style. Its four way layering support system helps to secure and maintain a tight fit for the breast shields, which are adjustable. You can view this innovative product at SimpleWishes.com, where it sells for $35.

I had picked these breast-like Adiri bottles out as my first choice when pregnant with my youngest daughter, but no stores near me carried them. I wanted to see them in person before buying them and paying a shipping fee that would nearly double their price. I ended up using the glass Born Free bottles instead because my local Target carries them. I was recently in the breastfeeding aisle at Target and was surprised to see they now carry these Adiri Nursers in-store. We’re well established with the Born Free bottles, but for a moment I secretly wished we weren’t. I’ll never get the chance to try these out, but their wider availability will hopefully be a boon for other nursing moms. You can purchase them in stores for $12.99 for a single bottle or $22.99 for a twin pack, although they were on sale for less when I saw them. You can also check them out online at target.com.

The Go Pillow was designed to cradle baby during breast or bottle feedings. This portable pillow looks like an elongated tube and uses stretchable elastic bands to fit around the user’s mid-wrist, elbow, and mid/upper arm. It also has a retractable, built-in blanket in a compartment in the pillow for extra breastfeeding privacy. The Go Pillow can also be used as a changing surface, and by toddlers for naps. Washable and perfect for all kinds of uses, it looks like a great, versatile travel aid for moms everywhere. You can view the Go Pillow at SimplyNecessary.com, where it comes in pink or blue and sells for $29.95.

I have found that comfortable and attractive nursing tops are hard to find. Far fewer styles are available than are maternity tops, and many of the choices are downright dowdy. Mostly, I’ve given up and purchased regular shirts. This shirt from Motherhood, however, is a definite winner. Black, of course, is slimming, which every new mother will appreciate. The cowl neck is flattering as well, while the  drape of the top will help conceal what remains of the baby weight. This top is available in sizes from S-XL, and retails for a reasonable $24.95. You can purchase one at motherhood.com.

I recently saw this product in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine and thought it looks like a great idea.  The first few weeks of nursing my younger two daughters were absolutely miserable. If I hadn’t had a better experience with my first, I’m not sure I would have made it through. After my youngest was born, I specifically remember dreading getting in the shower because even the pressure of water on my nipples was almost unbearable. Made by Belmama and Cherub, the Shower Hug is designed exactly to combat this problem. Made from soft knit terry velour, it promises comfort and support in (or out) of the shower. Although I’m well passed the point of needing one now, I would gladly have paid $29.95 for one of these back in December. The product is available with pink or blue trim and can be purchased at showerhug.com. It would make a  thoughtful gift for a nursing mom.

The Pumpin’ Pal Hands Free Breast Pumping Strap is designed to make breast pumping easier and less cumbersome. It supports bottles vertically using the suction of the breast pump. It also doesn’t require the user to remove a shirt or bra. This would be a great gift for a new breastfeeding mom. It is supposed to adjust to any body size and shape, and works with any type of breast pump. You can view this unique product at PumpinPal.com, where it sells for just $9.95.

Here is a truly unique product: the HeartString Baby’s Companion is designed as a breastfeeding aid, pendant, and teether, all in one. It is a touchable, tuggable, teethable product you can wear and baby can enjoy during breastfeeding, as a teether, or just as another way to bond with baby. When feeding or breastfeeding, it’s designed to keep baby’s interest where it belongs - at the breast. Likewise, Dad can wear it around his neck at feeding time to keep continuity between Mom feeding and Dad feeding, and also to keep baby interested. HeartString Baby’s Companion is non-toxic, containing no BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead or latex. It comes in a drawstring pouch, and is available in a number of colors. You can purchase one for $27.95 CAD (about $24 USD) at HeartStringCompanions.com. It would also make a great gift idea for a new parent.

Our infant has reached an awkward stage where she’s too big and too mobile for the cradle, but not yet ready to sleep in her own room. After finally getting my middle daughter out of our bed, I’m hopping not to start that habit this time around. Although I’m not sure how long we will be able to contain her in it, we decided our best bet is a co-sleeper. Because of space concerns, the Mini was our best bet. We’ve been using it for about a week now, and I’m quite pleased. You can use it either as a freestanding bassinet or a co-sleeper. Getting it attached securely to the bed is a bit complicated, so I wouldn’t recommend trying to switch between the two modes on a regular basis. Overall, I would recommend this product to new parents, although I miss being able to use our movement monitor because it lacks the necessary wood bottom. You can purchase the Mini for $154 at armsreach.com.