Breastfeeding

I have never run across anything directed to the post-partum mommy. At Bella Blu maternity, there’s an After the Baby Wear line providing clothes to the mom who is tired of wearing maternity clothes but wants a stylish choice for that “I don’t fit my regular stuff” stage.

The designer of the line has put a lot of thought into what mommies need. Covering the tummy, nursing, stretch, and comfort come into play. I like pretty much everything offered, from the nursing to workout gear, and especially the comfy and pretty Mama Nursing Tank.

Mamas simply lift up the overlying tank and pull down the top of the underlying tank to expose breasts for nursing but keep the belly completely out of sight! To have a look at all the stylish and useful choices, or to buy this tank for $49.00, click on bellablumaternity.com.

I’m absolutely in love with this witty shirt, although I’m not sure I have the guts to actually wear it. This ringer tee is made of 100% cotton jersey for optimal comfort. It features contrasting ribbing at the neck and sleeves and sports the hilarious slogan “Breasts: Not just for selling cars anymore.”

The woman who wears this shirt definitely shows her commitment to nursing and her sense of humor. The shirt is available in pink, yellow, and green. You can purchase one for $22.99 at cafepress.com.

Rumored to be be among Ashlee Simpson’s first purchases for her baby-to-be, these onesies are sweet and witty. Their silly sayings, which include classics such as “New,” “I’m a Girl,” or “My Mom says I’m special,” have won over other celebrity parents such as Britney Spears and Matthew McConaughey and have been featured in People Magazine.

I am particularly fond of this pro-breastfeeding onesie which reads “I like my milk fresh from the source.” Each onesie costs $24, with a portion of the profits from each purchase going to SickKids Foundation. You can buy one at huddybuddy.com. These would also make great gifts for anyone with a sense of humor.

Neither of my daughters has ever wanted anything to do with a nursing cover/canopy. I’ve just gotten used to nursing discretely without one. I will say that I was intrigued by this nursing hat by MoBoleez.

The idea is that the wide brim of the hat provides privacy for nursing without covering the baby’s face. It also helps block distracting lights and noises that can interrupt the baby or cause her to painfully jerk her head around while nursing.

I’m not sure that my kids would have tolerated the hat entirely, but in some ways it seems easier than a canopy. If you are someone who likes a little extra privacy for nursing, you might want to give this a try. You can buy one for $33 at oliebollen.com.

The MoBoleez nursing hat was also reviewed at The Mom to Be Depot Blog and Boutique Cafe.

You could always throw a baby blanket over your front while nursing your baby but it will slip with the baby’s movements and your own. Here’s a simple solution in this Nursery Cover by Mayfair. The cover has a strap that fits comfortably around your neck, keeping the cover in place for your comfort and privacy.

Made of lightweight terry cloth and machine washable (delicate) it folds easily away during your outings. There are plenty of patterns to choose from. It’s handmade in the USA. You can find this item online at Forest and Zoe website: www.forestandzoe.com. Price: $35.00.

Check out our previous reviews of the Bebe Au Lait nursing cover and Peanut Shell nursing cover.

I have never really felt the need for a pillow when nursing, but I know many women who swear by them. The problem, of course, is that it isn’t exactly easy to carry one with you on the go. That is the idea behind this smart little invention from Gr8x.

This Gr8x self-inflating feeding pillow comes in a compact case that you can carry with you or hang on your stroller. It then quickly self inflates for use. It is covered in soft velour to pamper your child while you nurse him or her.

If this feeding pillow becomes soiled, the cover can be removed and machine washed. The striped print is available in three different colors: pink, blank, or green. You can buy one on sale for $39.99 at barebabies.com. I am definitely going to be passing this link along to some of my friends.

Have a toddler who is interested in what is happening when your new baby is breastfeeding? Simply want to advocate breastfeeding and raise your child’s awareness of it? Made with a magnet in baby’s mouth and one in mama’s breast, the Mini Mama Breastfeeding Doll is for anyone wishing to advocate nursing.

With swaddled baby wrapped around the mommy doll, the doll also promotes baby-wearing and, with the breastfeeding friendly handmade clothing mama is wearing, living in an eco-friendly way. Custom made to your specifications, mama and baby dolls will come in the hair, skin, and eye color you prefer.

At about 12” or 13” tall with baby at 6”, let your child drag the doll all over the place or use it to decorate a nursery (with the baby who lives in it made to look just like the baby doll.) Found at whereswaldorf.com.

Wonderful for the all-natural mom on your list, the Baby Gift Basket by Momma’s Baby is not only neutral in color but totally organic. Long or short sleeve organic body suit, teething toy, and organic pants for baby are wrapped up with a simple but elegant ribbon.

Everything is set in a basket that is lined with an organic burp cloth, which can be reused as a storage container. Sizes only run from NB-3M, so it’s perfect as a shower gift or new arrival gift. I like the sweet bear teething toy that tops the whole thing off; he’s pretty and textured with a serene look about him.

I would consider adding a couple cloth diapers to the basket, to really top it off, or perhaps an organic hat. You can dress your own gift basket up for mama-to-be at mommasbaby.com for $52.00.

While the debate about breastfeeding in public continues on, one thing is for sure; mothers who want to breastfeed are looking for a hassle-free way to do so. Glamourmom.com has responded with a product that provides simple style and functionality: a tank top with a built-in nursing bra.

No more heaving up the shirt and fiddling with the nursing bra here. There are simple snaps on either side that can be undone one-handed (I’ve practiced on mine a few times) adjustable straps, and a mesh lining in the shelf bra for nursing pads. It offers a bit more discretion than a nursing bra, as it only exposes what the baby needs.

There are a few simple varieties of the nursing top, including long sleeve and swimsuit versions. The nursing bra tanks start at $34, although you can purchase cheaper ones by selecting their color of the month. I opted for this and ordered an apple green color that screamed ‘I’m a discount color’ right away. The only other option for a discount is to choose a fabric design that may attract unwanted attention even when you’re not breastfeeding.

Purchases can be made online, but to save on shipping you can search for a retail store near you on their website at glamourmom.com. I’m anxious to give it a try on my soon-to-be-born son, and I get a feeling that I might be snagging a few more of these convenient tanks in the near future.

The Diaper Clutch and Burp Cloth gift set certainly is lovely, tied with a ribbon and coordinated in lovely patterns and designer material. The diaper clutch holds about 2 or 3 diapers and a wipes case, making it great for short trips that don’t require a big diaper bag. The burp cloth is made from Indian cotton and is suggested for use as burp cloth or change pad. I would give this set as an eye-catching gift at a baby shower or for after baby’s birth. You can’t go wrong with something this upscale from swankybabyboutique.com. Priced at $45.00 and matched to perfection, this set’s a grab-and-go delight.

While I have used a Boppy pillow with both of my girls, I have never been completely satisfied with it. This adorable Donkey appears to be a fun alternative. As I read about this product, several things immediately jumped out at me. Not only is it cute beyond belief, but it is adaptable in ways that a Boppy is not. It is made of two semi-circles that can either be put together to make a full circle for a younger baby, or stacked on top of each other to help support babies who are learning to sit. It, like Boppy, can also be used as a support for breastfeeding. The 100% cotton shell is machine washable. The original retail was $120, but they are currently on sale for $79.99 at fao.com. A Frog Prince version is also available.

I had a bottle warmer with my son and would very much have appreciated the added bonus of a food warmer as well. The Philips Avent Express Bottle and Baby Food Warmer warms without the dreaded hot spots mommies worry about the microwave causing and apparently, gets the job done in less than four minutes. It even comes with a little spoon and container for storage. I’m not the kind of mom who will patiently wait (while baby screams) for the bottle or food to warm up in a cup of hot water, so this is right up my alley. I like the low-key colors and the simple shape, great for easily fitting in any kitchen décor. For $39.99 at toysrus.com, I think the price is right for convenience.

Not only does this Peanut Shell Nursing Cover provide privacy (and keeps noises and distractions at bay) for mom and baby while nursing, but it can be used as a cover for baby on the stroller or bassinet. Who doesn’t love multi-purpose items? It comes with a free burp cloth as well, in a matching material and who doesn’t like free stuff? There are multiple patterns to be chosen from and I’ve featured a designer black and white print called Royalty, knowing it’s fairly neutral but still stylish. There are other funky prints I’m partial to as well, including the Flor Café and Pink Couture. Both are pretty and follow current graphic print trends hitting the market everywhere. Matching diaper bags can be purchased on the babyadventuregear.com site as well, but for a much higher price; the nursing cover will run you about $29.00 but diaper bags run in the hundreds.

Nursing necklaces keep little hands at bay and promote hand/eye coordination, according to mynursingwear.com. This pretty example, called the Dragonfly Splendor necklace, is made with Jade and Sterling Silver and is certainly eye-catching, something one wants when choosing nursing jewellery. Why be drab and dull when the idea is to distract baby from pulling hair (or worse) and wiggling? The necklace costs $35.99 and can be matched to the collection’s own striped nursing top for $29.99 (or less when on sale.) A convenient site with its coordinated pieces, needless to say, but are the items geared toward the trendy mom? For the most part, though there are a few great wrap dresses, I have to give the clothing offered thumbs down and suggest perhaps a redesign in the future of My Nursing Wear.com!

I have never understood why there are so few nice nursing clothes on the market. It seems like there are tons of nursing pajamas, but nothing designed for work or for more formal functions. A few years ago I had so much trouble finding a nursing dress to wear to a friend’s wedding that I ended up buying a maternity dress. I wish I had discovered Majamas back then. This line makes a lot of fun pajamas, but they also make some great tops and dresses. I love this Koi Nursing Dress. The cut is very flattering and I like the way the accenting around the bodice draws attention away from the nursing openings. It definitely doesn’t look like the traditional, dowdy nursing dresses I am used to seeing! It also has a built in bra, so you don’t have to fumble with a nursing bra. If you are as impressed as I was, you can buy one for $69.99 from mommygear.com.