Moms… you are amazing. First you carry life inside you. Forty weeks you wait, then birth life into this world with a strength terrifying and unimaginable. You’d think the work should be done but then? … you feed that life from your own tired body for weeks, months, sometimes years.
From day one, mothers are giving of themselves. That’s why I wanted to bring together an amazing giveaway for breastfeeding moms. And… I’m happy to note many if not all of these prizes could be used by moms who are NOT breastfeeding… because although I’m glad there are specialty products to support breastfeeding moms… ALL moms are amazing in their own right!
Each sponsor sent me a complimentary item, and each are offering a fabulous prize!! Please take the time to read about these brands and their products as they were so kind to sponsor my Latch On 4 Breastfeeding Awareness series this year! You’ll see some old favorites and meet some new brands too!
Glamourmom 
Since those first moments relaxing in the nursing bra nightgown, I’ve been hooked on the soft fabrics and easy-open clasps of Glamourmom nursing wear. Find comfortable and durable tops, tanks, bras, and sleepwear for those long days and nights of nursing. I’ve enjoyed the longer length of their tanks to give coverage to a post-partum tummy! Their Nursing Bra Full Bust Long Top has a built-in nursing bra with adjustable chest band for transitioning through sizes. BONUS: In August, Glamourmom has a “Buy One, Give One” donation program with KIDS – up to $1 million in tank donations to moms in need! So do some shopping!
Boppy
Who hasn’t heard of the U-shaped pillow that supports both mom and baby for breastfeeding and beyond? The
Boppy® Feeding and Infant Support Pillow
is America’s #1 Baby Product! I’ve used our Boppy pillow for everything from nursing, to photo shoot prop, to tummy time support! The cottony slipcovers (can be purchased separately) are easy to wash and to switch out if you need a fresh look or have another baby!
Due Maternity
Every mom could use pampering no matter what stage of motherhood… but especially during post-partum and early breastfeeding days! Try Bella B. gift sets – the Mom Essentials pack comes in a zipper pouch and includes Tummy Honey Butter, Nipple Nurture Butter, Body Buzz Cream, and Perineal Spray. Made with organic ingredients and a light floral scent, I especially like that the nipple butter is lanolin, petroleum, and paraben free! Check out all the gift sets for moms and babies at Due Maternity, as well as their line of maternity and nursing clothing – they have everything for mom and baby!
Mothers En Vogue
What stands out about Mothers En Vogue is their fashion-forward styles for pregnant and nursing mothers. Many of their styles transition from maternity to nursing, so you can feel comfortable with your wardrobe immediately after giving birth! Chic pieces feature bubble hems, pleats, tunics, and soft bamboo eco-fabrics. The Britney Bubble Tank I’m wearing is airy and cool for summer months, and a great layer under cardis too… plus the side openings are easy for nursing the baby while looking fabulous out and about. MEV also has a fun line of mom/tot clothing including their Supply and Demand Tee and Onesie sets! Clever, right? The tee has a hem-lift nursing access, and the onesie has expandable shoulders for comfort.
Pretty – Bras for Nursing Moms & Pretty By JL
JL is a designer who loves pretty things… she’s developing a line of attractive and comfortable nursing bras – find out more on the Pretty-Bras for Nursing Moms website. The PBfNM’s mission is: to help each woman soften the challenges of breastfeeding by celebrating her body and satisfying her spirit of self. Finding the PRETTY in motherhood is JL’s forte, and she’s found the PRETTY in developing a business by creating handmade silk and sterling jewelry to help fund her business. My Watermelon Limeade stacked braided bracelet is so lovely I keep forgetting to take it off until I have to shower or wash dishes! These bracelets make a delightful gift for anyone, but especially a nursing mom – maybe she could use it to keep track of which side she nursed on last by switching the bracelet from one wrist to another? Every PRETTY by JL item purchased helps JL get closer to her dream of making moms like us PRETTY things to wear! Read more on the PRETTYblog.
Chewbeads
Have I mentioned how our baby loves to eat everything in sight? Well…that includes my clothing and jewelry. I was delighted to receive a Chewbeads necklace for him to play with and chew on. Chewbeads come in six different styles from the classic and simple Jane, to the chunkier Perry. Each necklace is made of 100% silicone beads (like pacifiers or nipples) to be soft on babies gums and emerging teeth. I liked how each bead is knotted into place on the sturdy ribbon strand, and the breakaway clasp really works (but not too easily so it’s not falling off you constantly!). Beyond being great for a baby to touch and feel as a sensory object while nursing, these necklaces are just fabulously fashionable!
Leading Lady
Finally, nothing says comfortable nursing like a comfortable nursing bra! I’ve mentioned before how I have gone through a zillion trying to find something that just didn’t drive! me! crazy! Leading Lady has become a top go-to brand for me to find comfortable undergarments specifically for breastfeeding. Family owned and operated, I’m pleasantly surprised at the afforablility of this brand, as they don’t sacrifice style or comfort! You’ll find bras, sleepwear, camis and other intimate apparel. I recommend the Santoni Wirefree Nursing Bra or Cotton Front-Closure Leisure Bra (a.k.a. The Most Comfortable Bra in America) for supportive wear. Plus, Leading Lady supports “Leading Ladies with products, programs and philanthropic efforts. Follow Leading Lady on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to each and every sponsor for helping make this a fabulous giveaway prize!! We appreciate the support of companies like yours that design and create products to help mothers achieve breastfeeding success!
Don’t get discouraged & ask for help if you need it!
This is my first pregnancy so I really don’t know what breastfeeding questions to ask.
I haven’t been pregnant… yet! 😉 I definitely want to breastfeed, but is it possible that some women can’t breastfeed at all? The unknown freaks me out!
I am still breastfeeding my daughter. I encourage other moms to try extended breastfeeding. For encouragement, I would say try not to get discouraged. Baby is getting just the right amount of milk and it is the good stuff.
Relax. Stresses terrible for supply. We are struggling with supply and I keep reminding myself not to stress.
Best advice would be to stick with it! The first weeks can be difficult and exhausting, but it gets so much easier. If you’re having trouble, find an IBCLC to help, they make a world of difference.
Beginning weeks even months can be rough but never give up! It was until my baby was 4 months old that I could finally say me & her got the hang of it!
It gets better! Like anything new it takes practice for both you and baby. From what I’ve read and experienced myself there are always little challenges (if not big ones) but hang in there because you eventually get to a comfortable spot and realize how amazing it is! And then they start walking and all new challenges begin (the ‘can’t stop moving phase!’)!
It’s hard in the beginning but it gets much easier. It is so nice not to have to prepare/wash bottles all the time (especially in the middle of the night or when your spouse isn’t around). If you need help or are struggling, find a lactation consultant.
And regarding pumping, if you have to pump, find a friend that has been successful at pumping to give you helpful tips and advice. Dialogue is easier than reading (although that is helpful too).
b/c its so great for the baby
Wear your newborn skin to skin as much as possible in the beginning and stay hydrated/snack while nursing.
Stock up on lanolin. It really helps during those first painful weeks.
It’s not always easy, my son had a dairy allergy but after two months he was nursing great! Keep at it and if you’re having problems don’t be afraid to call a lactaction consultant for help!
newborns NURSE alot but it does get better! baby may want to eat ALL the time but it is only helping your supply build up don’t give up, it will get easier and it is what is best 🙂
My biggest piece of advice is to not let anything rattle your confidence, know that babies know what they’re doing, and be patient… those first few weeks are a getting-to-know-you period of time and it will take a while for both mum and baby to get adjusted. It isn’t exactly comfortable from the get-go and then once adjusted, it’s incredibly easy and convenient! Give it time. 🙂 (Mother of three BF babes).