Glamourmom Mbody Starter Nursing Bra [giveaway]

Third time around and I’m still in awe of the miracle of breastfeeding. I’m wonderstruck that my body somehow creates this perfect food for my baby – in the perfect quantity. The milk heals and protects – guarding her from illness, giving her all of the nutrients her mind & body needs.

glamourmom mbody starter nursing bra Glamourmom Mbody Starter Nursing Bra [giveaway]That said, breastfeeding isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it’s downright hard. There’s a definite “adjustment period.”

And certain products do make it easier…

For example, I really appreciated having the Glamourmom Mbody Starter Nursing Bra on-hand these past few weeks. The bra offers especially great support for when your milk comes in. It’s stretchy and soft so it’s ideal for day or night use…and the clasps are super easy so you don’t have to struggle in your nighttime nursing stupor. Also, the bra has a higher cut than most (more like a sports bra) so it’s more modest. Available in nude or black, the bra is available for sizes 34B through 40G.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Glamourmom Mbody Starter Nursing Bra ($39)! To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Thursday, May 17 at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!” or “Love it” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a US mailing address.

* Thanks to Glamourmom for providing two bras – one for review and one for this giveaway. 

*UPDATE* The winner is #65 Danielle K. Congratulations!

“Does breastfeeding hurt?” [the painful truth]

Most nursing sessions begin like this:

I turn on music, clench my lips, gather my courage from way down deep, and muffle a scream as she latches. I breathe. My shoulders tense. Sometimes I cry, tears splashing down my chest. I ALWAYS pray – for mercy, for strength. Most of all – for healing of my sore nipples.

After the worst passes, I relax and stare into her blue eyes, seeing my reflection there. “Don’t worry,” I whisper, “I’ll always feed you. We can do this together.”

newborn sleeping Does breastfeeding hurt? [the painful truth] newborn feet Does breastfeeding hurt? [the painful truth]

When she drifts into sleep, I google things on my iPhone. Things that I wish I didn’t have to google. Like what to do about blood and cracks, do soothies work, how long will this last?!?. And I look at latch pictures for the millionth time – even though the lactation consultants and nurses say it’s “perfect.” Even though I have Tim check it constantly – “Does her mouth look like a fish?

And, more than anything, I come across this one piece of terrible advice. You may have heard it? It’s splashed over almost every breastfeeding website: “Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.” I always want to scream at the screen at that point. I think the medical industry needs a good scolding, to be honest. Everything is “the latch this, the latch that” – with no acknowledgement that it just might take a bit of time to get accustomed to sucking every 1-4 hours around the clock.

Better advice would be this: There’s a good chance that breastfeeding will hurt for the first few weeks. For most women, it ranges from mild discomfort to absolute agony. BUT it is worth it. You CAN do it. One day – very soon – you’ll be able to nurse pain-free. Don’t hesitate to see a lactation consultant, but KNOW that you might be doing everything exactly right and it still might hurt at first.

More than ever, I admire women who breastfeed (oh, how I commend you) AND I understand when women don’t (because this pain? Oh – it’s somethin’ else).

In the mornings, my 3-year-old peers at her tiny sister and asks sweetly, “Are your boobs all better now?” “Not yet,” I reply, “…but soon.” She prays for me and I pray right along with her, saying the “Amen” out loud with my lips and my everything.

Today is day twelve. A few nights ago, I told Tim, “I’m not sure I can do this anymore.” But it’s really just hyperbole. I know I can. I’ve been here twice before and I am confident that it’s all going to work out in the end.

(In the meantime, bring on the ibuprofen).

Did you experience breastfeeding pain? How would you rate it on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = mild discomfort; 10 = excruciating pain)? if you chose not to breastfeed, was pain a contributing factor? 

She weaned last night.

pose by a tree She weaned last night.The last few weeks, she’s only been nursing right before bed.

Nurse me, peas,” she’d say at bedtime in the sweetest of voices.

But last night, she fell asleep while I was reading “The Indian in the Cupboard” out loud (Amazing book, by the way…we’re all enchanted by it). Tonight was the exact same scenario.

I looked at her as I left the room – long lashes, rounded cheeks, pursed lips. Still my baby, yet growing up into herself too. Like bittersweet chocolate.

Weaning has been pretty seamless this time,” I told Tim, wistfully, happily. “You said that last time too,” he said. “True,” I replied, “but this time was even more peaceful…because she’s a bit older.”

At what age did your baby wean? What was the process like for you?

The (secret) benefits of extended breastfeeding

sweetest smile 19 months The (secret) benefits of extended breastfeedingIn the mornings, when the sun begins shooting gentle rays through the cracks in the blinds, my 19-month-old begins to squirm beside me. I look at the clock and the hands tell me it’s still a little early yet. So I lay a gentle hand on her back, “Shhh…Mama’s got you.” Her body curls into mine and she latches on comfortably, relaxing into me.

We wake up at 8:00 on most mornings; 7:30 occasionally. My older daughter was the same at this age. Breastfeeding is my secret sleeping-in tactic.

It’s also my favorite defensive and offensive strategy against sickness. Breastmilk is the ultimate medicine for every ailment. I’ve never once taken my youngest to the doctor for being ill [that milk is magic, I'm telling you].

With my older daughter, I felt a little uncomfortable that she was still nursing after age 1. This time around, I feel confident in our decision. Not in an “I’m-going-to-talk-about-it-a-lot” way. Most people don’t even know she’s still nursing, actually. It’s just a quiet confidence in knowing that this is what is right for our family.

dance moves The (secret) benefits of extended breastfeeding strike a pose The (secret) benefits of extended breastfeeding

Did you nurse (or are you currently nursing) beyond age 1? If so, what are the benefits for you and your toddler?

Summer Fashion: Bravado! Designs

im logo Summer Fashion: Bravado! DesignsRecently overheard on Facebook: “I still haven’t found a nursing bra that I really like.”

Of course, I chimed in and said, “Have you tried Bravado?

LMB Black 170x200 127x150 Summer Fashion: Bravado! DesignsBravado! Designs was started by two moms in 1992…and they definitely “get” what nursing moms want – simplicity, comfort, support, and style.

I’ve had the Lifestyle Microfiber Bra ($39; $25 in hot pink) for over a year now and it is definitely one of the very first bras that I pull from my closet…when it’s clean, that is! (I’m constantly washing and wearing it!).

Sublime Cherry 170x200 127x150 Summer Fashion: Bravado! DesignsNow, I have another new favorite: the Sublime Nursing Bra in Black Cherry ($49). It’s super pretty, sublimely stretchy, and wonderfully supportive – without pinching or poking (I can’t stand underwire, by the way…so I appreciate that this bra offers “lift without lead”).

Need a few other reasons to love Bravado? The company is committed to green business practices and is diligent about giving back to the community. Plus, they’re running a Summer Pampering Sweepstakes right now, giving away a total of $600 worth of prizes (enter before July 24!).

P.S. If you would like to stay connected with BD, I suggest that you: Follow Bravado! Designs on Twitter.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Sublime Nursing Bra ($49.00; pictured above). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, July 17th at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a US mailing address.

* Bravado! Designs sent me a sample for review purposes and is also providing 1 nursing bra for the giveaway.

*UPDATE* The winner is #71 Christy. Congratulations!

Summer Fashion: Cake Lingerie

There used to be a day when nursing bras were boring. Beige and white were the only color options available. If you were lucky, you *might* find a black bra at a specialty boutique. The sizes were wonky, the fits were all wrong, and they certainly weren’t alluring.

cake lingerie logo Summer Fashion: Cake LingerieFortunately, we live in a brave new world. Designers have stepped up and created beautiful lingerie options for new mums.

Case-in-point: Cake Lingerie. The Sydney-based company was established in 2008 by a new mother who found herself disenchanted by the underwear options for nursing mothers.

If you’re a pregnant or nursing mom, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options: frills, lace, polka dots, pink, red, blue, black, cream, more.

Beside bras and panties, you’ll find gowns, robes, and camisoles. Prices for all pieces start at $29.90 on up.

Screen shot 2010 07 06 at 10.44.41 PM Summer Fashion: Cake Lingerie

If you would like to stay connected w/ the brand, I suggest that you:

Like Cake Lingerie on Facebook or Follow Cake Lingerie on Twitter.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Plum Pudding Set ($87.80; pictured above). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, July 17th at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a US mailing address.

* Cake Lingerie sent me a sample for review purposes and is also providing 1 lingerie set for the giveaway.

*UPDATE* The winner is #61 The Jacobsen Family. Congratulations!

SLY Awards: Glamourmom

Screen shot 2010 03 16 at 9.05.16 PM SLY Awards: GlamourmomSLY Award recipient Kristen McGee nursed her son for a full year and I know she is looking forward to offering that same gift to her baby girl (due in late May).

Kristen is the best kind of breastfeeding advocate because she willingly and humbly shares her breastfeeding experiences with other new moms and moms-to-be. She’s not pushy about it though; just helpful and supportive. The world needs more moms like that.

I am happy to be gifting Kristen with a Nursing Bra Tank or Top of her choice from Glamourmom.

Nursing Tank ruby red lg SLY Awards: GlamourmomGlamourmom’s tanks and tops “feature a built-in nursing bra that offers superior breast support and tummy coverage for discretion.” Invented by a mom of three small children, the tanks are available in a wide variety of colors and lengths. I particularly like this ruby red color…

Glamourmom also sells nursing sleepwear, a nursing bra slip dress, and a long-sleeved nursing shirt.

YOUR TURN: Have you ever bought a Gamourmom nursing tank? If so, what did you like/not like about it? What other nursing tanks do you love?

Logo 150x53 SLY Awards: GlamourmomWIN IT! One winner will receive a Nursing Bra Tank (Style A1) or Nursing Bra Top (Style B1) from Glamourmom. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Wednesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a U.S. or Canadian mailing address.

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sly awards SLY Awards: GlamourmomGlamourmom has generously donated 2 nursing tanks for this SLY Awards promotion – one for Kristen and one for the giveaway. I received no product or monetary compensation for this post. I’m just excited to celebrate Kristen and…you.

*UPDATE* The winner is #10 mrs. p. Congratulations!