If you're an expectant mama planning to breastfeed, chances are you are considering adding a breastfeeding chair to your nursery.  My own mother was horrified when I told her that we planned to spend a 200 dollars on a comfy rocking chair for me to breastfeed in.  Our baby budget was small, we already had a grand total of four wooden rocking chairs in our small home, and weren't there more important things to buy?  As it turned out, that breastfeeding chair has been one of our favorite purchases.  I'm sure you'd appreciate yours as well! Why a Breastfeeding Chair? Nursing a newborn takes time.  A lot of time.  Having a comfortable place to … [Read more...]

If you're new to the world of making breast milk, it can be pretty overwhelming! Some say it's completely natural, but a walk down the nursing-accessory aisle at the baby store can certainly say otherwise. So which breastfeeding products do you really need? Well, I'm gonna say none. I know, I know. Breastfeeding really is natural and usually doesn't require anything other than breasts and a baby (or babies - I nursed triplets!). But sometimes it's fun and even helpful to have some of these items on hand. Other times it becomes a necessity to have some of these (or similar products). And you know what? That's okay! You may be a … [Read more...]

If you're new to the world of making breast milk, it can be pretty overwhelming! Some say it's completely natural, but a walk down this aisle at the baby store can certainly say otherwise. So which breastfeeding products do you really need? Well, I'm gonna say none. I know, I know. But breastfeeding really is natural and usually doesn't require anything other than breasts and a baby (or babies - I nursed triplets!). But sometimes it's fun and even helpful to have some of these items on hand. Other times it does become a necessity to have some of these (or similar products). And you know what? That's ok! You may be a breastfeeding … [Read more...]

I will never forget the first trip we made to the mall as new parents. We had our (nursing) newborn little boy in arms, and we were joined by visiting family who were less-than-familiar with the breastfeeding life. Of course, I myself was new to this whole breastfeeding thing, but leaky bosoms and all, I was determined to "get out" and enjoy time with family. When our little man began to fuss to be fed, I plunked down on a bench and tried to "be subtle" as we wrestled into position. Less than sure how to act about this new-to-them normal, my sweet family members headed off to a store to give us some space. When they returned, I was all … [Read more...]

I am currently nursing my fourth child. He is 13 months old, full of energy, and still breastfeeding like a champ. Throughout the years, I've come to fine tune my nursing regime, so to speak. I know what works and what doesn't and I have always said that my breastfeeding pillow was my top favorite nursing accessory. I've used mine with every child and for extended periods of time.  I will be sad when I no longer need one because I have weaned my last nursling. I thought it would be helpful to expecting mamas to compile a list of the available options for nursing pillows. You have a great variety of choices and you really can't go wrong … [Read more...]

Welcome to the Great Mama's Milk Giveaway coordinated by Measuring Flower! This is a HUGE giveaway event that will be awarding two lucky winners some amazing breastfeeding and pumping supplies with a total value of more than $1,400! Read on below to discover what these incredible prizes are and enter towards the bottom of this post. The Grand Prize Pack This prize pack, consisting of $1,130 in prizes, will be awarded to ONE super lucky winner. Below is a list of each of the prizes. Spectra S1 Double Breast Pump--$319.99 Value Dairy Fairy Arden All-in-One Hands Free Nursing and Pumping Bra--$68 Value Pumpin' Pal Set of Three … [Read more...]

For most breastfeeding women, nursing pads are a necessity. Leaking happens. We've all wanted to keep from being embarrassed by having a wet shirt, so breast pads can become one of our new best friends.  The cost of disposable breast pads adds up, plus they can be uncomfortable. Buying reusable breast pads requires an upfront cost, and for some women, the pads can be too small. What's the solution to spending a lot of money on breast pads? Make your own breast pads. Making your own breast pads is simple, cheap, and eco-friendly. Supplies needed to make your own breast pads Fabric (you can use a lot of different kinds; I've put some … [Read more...]

There are so many expenses when a new baby arrives, especially with your first child. Car seats, diapers, clothing, baby carriers, nursery items, and more abound. It can be so tempting for the breastfeeding mom to settle for cheap nursing bras so that money can be spent on other things! Yes, that was me.  In fact, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it took me five babies to finally give up my cheap nursing bra habit. For nine years I couldn't justify spending more than $20 on such a small amount of fabric! But you know what? By the fifth time around I finally decided that I'm done buying and using cheap nursing bras. They are a pain. … [Read more...]

There are a variety of teething and breastfeeding, or nursing, necklaces available nowadays. If your little one likes to play with your shirt, your nose, or your other breast, you may want to look at a breastfeeding necklace as a way to occupy little hands. For me, it's also a way to get my nursling to focus and calm down. She likes to play around with it and will eventually fall asleep holding it. The Makings of a Breastfeeding Necklace Some necklaces are wood, others crocheted, some silicone, and yet others made of food grade plastics. While there are several designs and styles on the market, if you can tie a knot, you can create your own … [Read more...]