Breastfeeding is one of the BEST things you can do for your baby! To read about the many benefits of breastfeeding, click here. My nursing cover has helped me so much because it makes me feel comfortable to nurse in public, which makes breastfeeding disrupt my life a little less than it would if I always had to leave the room or go sit in the car to nurse my baby. My nursing cover is very stylish and most people think the baby is just sleeping. I have also been asked if I'm wearing an apron. :)
Here is a picture of the nursing cover that I made for the baby shower.
It has boning in the top so you can easily look down and see your sweet babe's face. It also has adjustable straps on D-rings so that the baby can't pull it off like he could a blanket. This is a must have when babies reach 5-6 months and are grabbing at EVERYTHING!
On the interior is a chocolate brown minky pocket to hold nursing pads. It can also be used as a handy burp cloth to wipe the baby's face if he is a sloppy eater like Little Man.
Because I have a weakness for cute ribbons, I had to make her a coordinating pacifier clip. Now I know that pacifiers aren't the most "natural" thing, but they sure do help out a lot when baby just wants to suck and mama is sore or needs to get some things done. Just make sure not to overuse the pacifier or you might risk a decrease in your milk supply.
Here was my baby shower gift ready to be given. And she loved it! I am so happy for her and can't wait to meet her precious little one.
I hope that all of you mamas-to-be give breastfeeding a chance. It is wonderful! Here were some of my favorite websites when I was just starting out and had a lot of questions.
Dr. Sears and kellymom
In addition to using a stylish nursing cover, here are a few more tips I can give:
- Educate yourself on breastfeeding so that you know what to expect. A great book to read is The Breastfeeding Book.
- Nurse on cue following baby's hunger signs rather than a schedule
- Try co-sleeping with your baby. I co-slept with Buddy and now with Little Man and I have NEVER had to get up in the middle of the night with a fussy baby. The baby is so content to sleep next to mama and nurse at his convenience while mama sleeps. And Buddy transitioned into his "big boy bed" just fine when he turned two and Little Man was born. I highly recommend it!
- Become friends with other nursing mamas so that you have a community of support. If you don't know anyone who is breastfeeding, get involved with your local La Leche group or join an online community such as Diaper Swappers, which has a great Breastfeeding Support forum.
If you are currently breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding in the future, I would love to offer you support and encouragement! Please feel free to email me anytime at naturallychicmama@gmail.com.
Happy nursing!
Always,
Amanda
Always,
Amanda
