What’s the best nursing bra for large breasts?

I know you’re feeling those changes in your breast since you started breastfeeding.

They’re tender, leaking, and constantly growing and shrinking.

As a big-busted lady, you know that your breasts need a lot of support, but even more so when breastfeeding.

We’ve searched through hundreds of plus-size bra designs to bring you the best.

Let’s look at our picks.

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7 Best Nursing Bra for Large Breasts

1. Everyday Nursing Bra

When you’re nursing your breasts will occasionally feel uncomfortable. You don’t want your bra adding to that.

An everyday nursing bra is one that is suitable enough for you to wear comfortably for long periods.

Your bra should be soft and breathable, so you don’t get the dreaded boob rash.

Everyday nursing bras are usually non-wired to prevent wires from digging in and causing blocked ducts.

Best Everyday Nursing Bra for Large Breasts  – Bravado! Essential Embrace

The Bravado Essential Embrace is best nursing bra for big busts. The bra is made up to a band size 44inches and cup size M.

It’s made from a layer of bonded fabric to give you support without being uncomfortable or hot to wear. The cups are smooth so you won’t have any annoying seam rubbing over tender nipples.

We love that it comes with a complimentary bra extender for when your breast size fluctuates in the first few weeks of nursing.

2. Supportive Nursing Bra

Your large bust means you’re used to wearing very supportive bras. When you are nursing your breasts will become heavier.

So you know that some flimsy wireless nursing bra isn’t going to cut it for you.

What you need is strong support for your back and breast tissue.

A wired nursing bra is the best option to provide structure and support for your breasts.

Best Supportive Nursing Bra for Large Breasts – Anita Underwire #5068

The Anita #5068 is the best performing underwired nursing bra. The bra fits band sizes 44 inches and cup size H.

The soft cups are very supportive, pushing your breast outward rather than pulling them toward your arms. It’s suitable to wear under a t-shirt as the cups are completely smooth, although it’s un-padded so be aware of nipple showing if you’re not wearing pads.

We love that it comes in the usual basic colors of black, white, and nude, with a funky raspberry red option for variety.

3. Sleep Nursing Bra

Large breasts can make it difficult to sleep, without them being full of milk. You’ll probably need to wear a sleep bra to offer light support. 

If you leak during the night, you may need a sleep bra to keep nursing pads in place.

A good nursing bra should allow easy access for your baby to feed overnight. A lightweight, seamless bra without any tags will be comfortable enough to wear without digging in.

Best Sleep Nursing Bra for Large Breasts – Kindred Beverly French Terry Bra

The Kindred Beverly Soft Terry Bra is the best sleep bra for large busts. The sizing option for the bra start at a B cup and goes right up to a I cup. You can get it in a chest size 28-42 inches.

The cross-over design makes this one the best wireless nursing bra for large breasts.

Easy access without any plastic clips digging allows you to quickly feed your baby during the night. 

Ideally, you were probably looking for a cotton nursing bra? But Kindred Beverly has gone one better with high-end bamboo fabric.

Bamboo is softer, stronger, and more breathable than cotton. This means that this nursing bra is very comfortable to wear when sleeping and keeps you cool.

Plus, bamboo is more eco-friendly to source than cotton and provides stretch for when your breasts full.

4. Pumping Bra

If you plan to use a breast pump, then you need to get a pumping bra.

It’s an extra expense, but it will free up so much time for you. Without a pumping bra, you have to sit and hold the pump horns in place.

A pumping bra will do that for you, leaving your hands free to get on with other tasks as you pump.

These are excellent for when you return to working or have other little ones to look after.

Best Pumping Bra for Large Breasts – Simple Wishes D*Lite

The Simple Wishes D*Lite bra is the best pump bra for large breasts. The L-plus size will fit chest sizes up to 48 inches and cup size J.

The back is attached with strong Velcro so you can adjust it as your chest changes size. This bra is extremely secure and will hold two collection bottles full of milk without them sagging.

For more advice on pumping bras check out our buying guide here.

5. Pretty Nursing Bra

Finding pretty bras for larger boobs can be difficult. Most styles end up looking like grandma bras because of the wide straps and supportive materials.

There are some brands out there such as Cake and Hot Milk that are making nursing bras look a lot more attractive to wear.

Best Pretty Nursing Bra for Large Breasts – Hot Milk Luminous

The Hot Milk Luminous is a gorgeous nursing bra suitable large breasts. The sizes range from a petite 32B- 42H.

The fabric is a lovely champagne satin with a pretty lace frill around the cups. The bra doesn’t have wire but provides a lot of lift, shape, and separation in the supportive cups and band.

We love that it has a large bra extension on the back for you to adjust to size when your breasts grow.

6. Sexy Nursing Bra

That sounds like a bit of an oxymoron. A sexy nursing bra? Do they even exist?

Well just like the pretty styles, there are brands that are working on it.

Bra companies have noticed a huge gap in the market, for women who want to feel sexy and have a little practicality thrown into the mix.

Best Sexy Nursing Bra for Large Breasts – Le Mystere Sexy Mama

The Le Mystere Sexy Mama bra is like something straight out of a Victoria Secrets catalogue.

It’s a beautiful lace bra with thin nude padding to give it the appearance of being see-through. It’s a plunge style with molded cups that separate and support so your breasts look nice and full.

If you want to step away from an unflattering uni-boob look, then treat yourself to this bra.

7. Sports Nursing Bra

Breastfeeding doesn’t mean you need to give up exercising. A good sports bra is always essential when you have a large chest.

A sports nursing bra gives you all the support you need while being able to feed your baby easily.

t’s important the bra gives good support and prevents rubbing when you move around. These bras are usually designed to be anti-bounce with great back support.

Best Sport Nursing Bra for Large Breasts – Cake Lingerie High-Impact Bra

The Cake High Intensity bra is great if you’re an active mom with a large chest. It has a fabric between cups to prevent your breast bouncing out as you jump around.

The wide straps and racerback, support your upper body in all the right areas to prevent strain. The straps can also be unclipped to wear as a normal bra. This bra will fit sizes 32B up to 40L.

The only downside? It’s really pricey, so make sure you’ll get plenty of use from it.

The post 7 Best Nursing Bra for Large Breasts appeared first on Stork Mama.

Are you looking for the best nursing cover?

Breastfeeding in public can be daunting for a new mom. You’re fiddling around attaching your baby with the fear that everyone will be staring at your boobs or postpartum tum.

A good nursing cover can offer you modest coverage for you and baby to do your thing in private.

If you type nursing cover into google, you’ll see hundreds of options to buy. So it’s handy to know what you want from your nursing cover. We created this guide to help you find a nursing cover that will fit your needs.

In this guide, we’ll discuss:

• Choosing a nursing cover
• 5 Best Nursing Cover Reviews
• Nursing cover alternative
• Types of nursing cover
• Nursing cover buying guide
• Benefits of nursing cover
• Disadvantages of nursing covers

First, let’s start by looking at what we think is essential for all nursing covers to have.

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Choosing a Nursing Cover

Breastfeeding covers come in various styles with different uses. However, there are three basic functions a nursing cover must have to be of any use to you at all. This is what you need to look for:

Coverage

The whole point of buying nursing cover is to help you feed discreetly. You’ll need to consider how much coverage you want for you and baby.

Air flow

Without good airflow, it can be difficult for your baby to breathe. Remember to consider the weather too. When it’s hot outside the heat can really build up under a nursing cover. Look for breathable fabrics or air flow features.

Portability

Since you’ll mainly use it when you’re in public places, you’ll need to carry it with you. You may need to fold it into a bag, so make sure it’s not too bulky to carry around. Some covers can be worn as an item of clothing.

Now let’s check out our favorite nursing covers.

5 Best Nursing Cover Reviews

The nursing covers we’ve picked here are all great buys. They’ve all been thoroughly road-tested by thousands of moms, who have rated them highly.

1. Copper Pearl 5 in 1 Cover

• Style: All in one
• Colors: 19 patterns

The Copper Pearl 5 in 1 is a fantastic multi-use cover. It’s a lot like the popular Milk Snob, but with a huge range of designs and cheaper. You can wear it as an infinity scarf, then unravel to use as a nursing cover. It can also be used as a canopy, cart cover and high chair cover. They are great for using to prevent your baby from having to sit in a grubby public baby chair. The stretchy rayon fabric is soft, comfortable to wear, allowing airflow and keeping you cool.

What we love

The variety of modern designs which aren’t ‘mumsy’. There is a lot to choose from; you’ll find a color or print to match your own style. The only trouble is having to choose which one.

What we dislike

You need to be quite careful with the lightweight material as it can be prone to getting holes when snagged. You should care for this like a quality t-shirt; otherwise it won’t last long.

2. Kiddocare Nursing Cover

• Style: All in one
• Colors: 7 patterns

The Kiddocare nursing cover is a great basic and affordable option. It’s designed to be worn as an infinity scarf that folds down into a nursing cover. It’s available in 7 basic designs, which will match pretty much everything in your wardrobe. The versatility of this scarf is ideal for all new moms. You can look effortlessly stylish and have your nursing cover to hand at all time for pure convenience. Plus it can be used as a sunshade, car seat cover or a swaddle blanket if you’re not keen on using it as a wardrobe piece.

What we love

There is a lot of material, and more than enough for full coverage if you are plus-sized. We would highly recommend this if you are breastfeeding twins. The material is super soft and flexible enough to give you coverage to feed both babies.

What we dislike

Although good quality, the material is quite thin. It’s great for keeping you and baby cool, but can be slightly see-through in some lights.

3. EnBabies 360 Full Coverage Cover

• Style: Poncho
• Colors: 3 stripe colors in black, Grey and Navy

The EnBabies 360 full coverage is the best option if you want maximum coverage. It’s a poncho design which you can throw over your regular clothing, and it just looks like a normal top. Whether you have a petite or large frame, there will be no need to adjust it.  The simple stripe design won’t draw any attention to you as you feed. This nursing cover is of high quality and not transparent, even in bright light. The jersey fabric makes it extremely lightweight to carry around, wear when it’s hot out and machine wash.

What we love

The coverage this cover provides is fantastic. It’s ideal for feeding an older baby who won’t stay still for too long. This design covers you all the way around, making it difficult for your baby to pull it off or randomly expose you during a feed.

What we dislike

This cover is quite pricey compared to our other top picks. Although the neck is more than wide enough to see your baby, you will need to pull the material forward.

4. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover

• Style: Apron
• Colors: 15 patterns

The Bebe Au Lait nursing cover is a high-quality option. There are so many designs and colors to choose from, you’ll find one to suit your tastes. Although they are quite heavily patterns, they are a lot more subtle than the udder cover designs. It comes with a rigid neckline so you can see your baby as you feed. The neck strap is adjustable to offer modestly for your frame size. Compared to the Uddercover, it’s larger. We’d recommend this for regular, plus-sized and tall women. Lengthwise it may swamp petite frames with too much fabric.

What we love

It had handy little extra terry toweling corners. They act as cloths to mop up any baby spit without having to search around of a burp cloth. The corners also double as pockets to hold something small like breast pads, nipple shield or a pacifier.

What we dislike

The price really fluctuates depending upon the design you get. Some will cost you around $35 and others you get for around $21. You can pretty much buy another nursing cover for the difference you’ll pay.

5. Intimom Cover

• Style: Apron
• Colors: 2 patterns

The Intimom Cover is the most popular apron style cover on the market. For starters, it’s a lot cheaper than most nursing covers, and you can pick one up for under $20.  This cover is a large rectangle sheet of fabric with an adjustable neck strap. It’s made from 100% cotton, which will keep you and baby cool when it’s hot outside. It’s available in 2 different patterned designs.

What we love

This cover makes it really easy to see your baby when feeding. The neckline is rigid; this helps to keep it off your chest without having to pull the material back.

What we dislike

The cover is quite small. This makes it easier to carry around. However, if you want lots of coverage or are plus-sized, we wouldn’t recommend this cover.

Awesome Alternative

Swaddle Blankets

If you feel that a nursing cover isn’t for you, don’t despair mama. A large swaddle cloth is a handy alternative. You can buy these in packs of three for around the same price you’d pay for a nursing cover. They are amazingly versatile for general baby care. The fabrics are very lightweight with excellent airflow for baby.  We love theZiggy baby swaddle blankets. They come in a pack of three, and you can choose whether you want a modern or baby design. They are large enough to knot two corners together and sling over your shoulder as baby feeds.

Types of Nursing Cover

There are three types of nursing cover you can choose from. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s find out which one is right for you.

Apron

Like an oversized apron, it’s a large square or rectangle of fabric with a neck attachment. This style provides a lot of coverage for the front and sides of your body. They are usually the best designs for seeing your baby, as modern styles have curved necklines for you to look down. This makes it easier to have eye contact with your baby. You’ll also see what you’re doing when putting your baby on the breast.

The drawback of an apron style is that they don’t provide full coverage. This means there is a slight risk of exposure if you have a wiggly baby or are still getting used to breastfeeding. Apron styles are more obvious as a nursing cover, so they may attract more attention than any other style.

Poncho

A poncho nursing cover is designed to go over your head and cover your whole upper body. This style is best for super discreet feeding as most will look like a regular top. The oversized design makes them a ‘one size fits all’ solution. We would recommend them for all sizes and moms of multiples who need lots of coverage.

The drawback of poncho covers is that they can be quite pricey to buy a good-quality brand. You can get cheaper versions, but they are often made from low-quality materials, which are not durable.

All in one

As the name suggests this style can be used for more than a simple nursing cover. They are made from stretchy jersey fabric designed to wear as a fashionable infinity scarf. The fabric can then be opened up to a larger shawl size. You can use the fabric to cover your car seat, high chairs, baby swings and shopping carts. They protect your baby from the grubby surfaces or protect the surface from your messy baby. They are the most modern nursing covers and will certainly get you lots of compliments.

The biggest drawback is that the fabric has a tendency to cling to you. This can make you or baby feel quite restricted when feeding especially if you are plus-sized.

Nursing Cover Buying Guide

There is a lot to think about before you buy a nursing cover. We’ve designed this buying guide to help you find a nursing cover that best suits your lifestyle. These categories will help you to narrow down your favorites.

Fit

• Size – The size of the nursing cover will have a big impact on how much it covers. Ponchos are a great option if you don’t want to worry about it fitting a small or plus-sized frame.

• Adjustability – Some nursing cover can be adjusted to adapt to your body size. This is handy if you need a better view of baby, whilst keeping your modesty intact. Make sure they adjust easily, and with one hand as you may need to fix the cover when your baby is feeding.

Ease of use

• Wear – Having a cover which is instantly accessible will make it so much easier to use. Think of how your cope searching in a bag, and putting on the cover with a screaming, hungry baby. If you want convenience, pick a cover which can be worn a clothing.

• Portability – You’ll be using the cover when you’re out of the house. That means it will have you be easy to carry around with you. Most will fit into a baby changing bag. Some covers can be worn as clothing or as a cover for baby gear, making it easy to carry around.

• Baby View – Having a good view of your baby under the cover will make thing so much easier. Baby will be less likely to pull on the fabric. For beginner feeders, you get a better view of what are doing when attaching baby.

• Weather Appropriate – Consider the usual weather you’ll be feeding your baby in. If you live somewhere really hot, you won’t want to be wearing a poncho or scarf all day. On the other hand, stretchy covers offer a snug fit, without the risk of blowing around in windy weather.

Design

• Coverage – You’ll want your nursing cover to provide as much fabric as you need. If you only want front coverage, then opt for an apron style. If you want full coverage a poncho or all in one cover is your best option.

• Print – You may totally love the funky color and patterns, but remember they have a tendency to draw attention to you feeding. For discreet feeding opt for plain color or patterns, which look similar to everyday clothing.

• Flexibility – Nursing covers with a bit of stretch or extra fabric offer you a lot of flexibility. You can easily move baby around without any risk of exposure. This is especially ideal if you want to change baby’s position during a feed.

Fabric

• Comfort – A lightweight fabric will be most comfortable for you and baby. The fabric should be soft and free from any harsh seams, buckles or tags, which can rub.

• Cleaning – You’ll need to keep your cover nice and clean to prevent it getting smelly or staining. Most can be machine washed, but you may want to put them in with delicate clothing. This will keep lightweight fabrics lasting longer.

• Air Flow – one of our essential for buying a nursing cover. You do not want your baby to overheat as they will get cranky and won’t feed. Look out for moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton, bamboo or rayon.

Benefits of Nursing Covers

Let’s look at the benefits you get from using a nursing cover.

Help To Feed In Public

We all know there is still a huge stigma attached to breastfeeding in public. Plus breastfeeding is hard enough to get to grips with. You don’t need people ogling you or making you feel like an exhibitionist. The privacy a nursing cover offers you, help you feel more relaxed when feeding in public. Making you and baby lest stressed and will help your let-down reflex.

Cover Up Leaks

Until your milk supply is established (i.e. more settled) you will leak, a lot. It will happen at the most inconvenient times and is downright embarrassing. IF you are caught short with your trusty nursing pads, then you can disguise it with a nursing cover. Although we wouldn’t recommend this with an apron style, it might look a little strange.

No Need for Alternatives

Using a nursing cover means your baby can exclusively breastfeed, without the worry of where you are. If you choose not to feed your baby in public, you have two options. The first is to never go out for longer than 2-3 hours when your baby needs to feed. The other is to express milk or use formula when you are out. The easiest way to do this is by a bottle, which can open up to a whole host of breastfeeding problems.

Soothe Baby

For some babies, the privacy of a nursing cover can be really soothing. Babies can be extremely sensitive to sensory overload. When out in public too much noise, sounds, and smells can make them cranky and looking for reassurance. A nursing cover gives them a womb-like den where they can just focus on you and be calmed by feeding.

Modest Feeding

I find that most moms don’t care about other knowing they are breastfeeding. They simply don’t want others to see their body. A nursing cover is a great way to discreetly feed without your breasts or tummy being on show. This is particularly important if you have large breasts and feel that you can’t be discreet as moms with small breasts.

Nosey Baby

As your baby gets older, they will get distracted during feeds. This often results in the randomly pulling off your nipple and leaving it completely exposed. A nursing cover won’t stop your baby from becoming distracted, but it can help you if baby catches you off guard during a feed.

Attachment Issues

Breastfeeding is a learning process, especially for new moms. In the first few weeks, you’ll probably fiddle about with your breast, baby or changing position. This all takes time and a lot of new moms won’t nurse in public during this time. A nursing cover can help you to take your time with your baby, whilst building up your confidence of feeding baby in front of other.

Good for Expressing

If your plan to express a nursing cover can be just as useful. You can pump hands-free in your car using a nursing cover. None of your fellow road users will be any the wiser. For working moms, you can wear it when expressing at work. This will save any embarrassment if any of your colleagues accidentally walk in on whilst using your pump.

Feeding Multiples

When you feed multiples you literally have it all on show. You have to when using both breasts at the same time. It’s much harder to be discreet about breastfeeding. Using a nursing cover can help you to feed two babies at once, without having to bare all in the process.

Disadvantages of Nursing Covers

Nursing covers are great; however, there are a few drawbacks we think you should know.

Your baby may not like it

Unfortunately, some babies hate having their head covered. This usually happens more with older babies who want to see more. The only way you will know is to try one and see.

Attracting Attention

Nothing screams ‘I’m breastfeeding’ like a woman with a large piece of fabric over her in a 90-degree heat.  We’ve already mentioned that apron style covers and bold designs are much more likely to draw attention to you feeding. If you feel this will make you anxious we highly recommend opting for a wearable nursing cover with a plain color or subtle print.

Hiding Role Models

This is more a societal issue than anything. Once you’ve mastered breastfeeding, give it a try without the nursing cover. You can absolutely inspire other moms to do the same. The more we normalize breastfeeding in public, the sooner it becomes a ‘norm’ for everyone. This would undoubtedly help breastfeeding rates and impact on the health of a whole future generation.

The post Best Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding In Public – Reviews & Guide appeared first on Stork Mama.

It’s common for babies to have attachment issues when breastfeeding. You may be recommended to use a nipple shield or heard other moms talking about them.

Made from a soft, flexible silicone, a nipple shield fits over the top of your nipple as your baby feeds.

They’ve had a bad reputation in the past, so it can be confusing to know whether you should use them or not you.

We’ve developed this guide for you to learn everything you need to know about using nipple shields when breastfeeding.

Ultimate Guide to Using Nipple Shields

In this guide we’ll discuss:

• How nipple shields work
• Who should use nipple shields
• Types of nipple shield
• Best nipple shield reviews
• How to Use a nipple shield
• Weaning from a nipple shield
• Benefits of nipple shields
• Disadvantages of nipple shields

There is a lot of information to take in, so pin or bookmark this article for later reference. Let’s get started.

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How Nipple Shields Work

Nipple shields work in a few different ways, including:

Forming the nipple

Nipple shields are placed over the nipple, which is pulled down the shield teat as baby sucks. This is particularly useful for issues when the nipple cannot be physically pulled forward by your baby.

Positioning it correct

The length of a nipple shield helps to position in baby’s mouth. The ideal area is at the soft part of the roof of baby’s mouth. This stimulates your baby to suckle better. Premature babies often benefit from using nipple shields.

Offering firmness

The silicone gives your baby a firmer surface to grip onto than soft breast tissue. This gives your baby’s tongue more stimulation to suck.

Create a barrier

There are many breastfeeding issues, which can cause sore nipples. Shields will not resolve the problem causing your sore nipples. Even if they can be used for short-term to feed until you find a solution to your problem, and you can face breastfeeding without them.

Control Flow

The barrier between nipple and teat can help to control your milk flow into baby’s mouth. This is ideal when your baby cannot cope with fast milk flow or have issues coordinating suck and swallow.

Who should use nipple shields?

If other strategies don’t work to resolve breastfeeding issues, nipple shields can be helpful for the following feeding issues:

• Babies struggling the latch on
• Babies with a weak suck
• Baby Tongue Issues such as tongue thrust or retracted tongue
• Baby with Neurological problems
• Flat or inverted nipples
• Nipple-teat confusion
• Over-active Let Down
• Teething Baby

Types of Nipple Shield

There are two basic types of nipple shields you can buy. Let’s look into the differences between them so you know which one is right for you.

Circular Nipple Shield

This type of shield had a thin circular base with a thicker protruding middle. They remind me of a tiny little clear sombrero hat. This type of shield is better for women with larger nipples and breasts as the base gets a full grip of the breast. They are also preferred by women with flat or inverted nipples as it gives an area of suction as baby feeds.

Contact Nipple Shield

The contact nipple is similar to a circular shield with a dipped cut out area. The missing part of the nipple is intended for baby’s nose to touch the breast as they feed. This gives you and baby skin-to-skin during a feed and prevents the shield curling back over your baby’s nose.

Best Nipple Shield Reviews

You’ll find lots of nipple shields available to buy. Finding the right one can be a bit of information overload. You may have to opt for a system of trial and error to find the perfect one for you and baby. To get you started, we’ve selected our top 3 favorite nipple shields, check them out.

Medela Contact Shield

The Medela contact shields are by far the most popular nipple shields to buy. The silicone is very thin and allows for excellent attachment to the breast.

The cut out gives plenty of space for baby to get a good area of skin to skin hen feeding. The base is quite large compared with other brands, so they are more suited to women with larger breast for better fit.

You only get one shield per pack,  you’ll need to buy two if you want to have a spare, or feed multiples.  We found that the base of the contact shield tends to flip over which can be annoying to fix. The Medela circular nipple shields are better at stopping this happening if this is a deal breaker for you.

Lansinoh Contact Shield

The Lansinoh contact shields are a great alternative to the Medela shields. You get two in a pack for the same price as one Medela shield.

Plus they come in a handy storage box, making them really portable. These are particularly good for a fast let down, as the holds are slightly smaller than the Medela shields.

Although this may be more frustrating for a baby who has a weak suck.

The material is very thin and easy to apply to the nipple. The shield bases are smaller in size than the Medela shields and better for small to medium breasts.

Purifyou Nipple Shield

The Purifyou Nipple shields are a great money saving alternative. The pack comes with 3 shields and a little cotton bag to store them.

We highly recommend these shields if you have a small breast. They are a lot narrower than the Medela or Lansinoh shields. This also makes them a lot easier to use for premature babies who have suck or attachment issues.

These shields are very soft, easy to apply and thin enough to allow good breast stimulation during a feed.

How to Use a Nipple Shield

Before using a nipple shield we recommend having a consultation with a lactation specialist. They can show you strategies to try before opting to use a nipple shield.

To get the best use of a nipple shield you need to know how to use them properly.

Correct Fit for Baby

Before you use the nipple shield, it must be the right size for your baby’s mouth. A shield that is too long will cause your baby to gag when feeding.

One that is too short will not position the nipple right for a good suckling. The best way to measure this is to let your baby suck on a clean finger.

Position it into baby’s mouth and run it along the roof. Stop once you reach the part where it changes from hard to soft. Mark the length on your finger and measure it. This is the ideal length of the nipple shield for your baby.

Correct Fit for Breast

The nipple shield should also be the correct size for your nipple. The problem usually occurs when you need a small teat for baby but larger or your nipples size. Measure your nipple across the diameter to find your correct size. A regular sized shield is 24mm; however, some brands such as Medela make various sizes.

Application

Some moms simply put the nipple shield directly over the nipple and hold the edges in pace as baby feeds. For a more secure fit try folding over the base, positioning the teat part over the nipple, then smoothing down the edges over your breast.

Another tip is to turn the teat hallway inside out and place over the nipple. As the teat flip back to its shape your nipple is pulled upwards into the teat by suction.

To keep the base in place, you can use warm water, breast milk or nipple cream. This helps the base edges stick to your breast skin and stops the sides rolling over as baby feeds.

Baby Attachment

Checking for good attachment is essential to get the best use of a nipple shield. The baby should have a large open mouth and take the shield teat right to the back of their mouth.

If you see any of the teat parts of the shield your baby isn’t on properly.  A well-attached baby should make swallowing noises (not clicking sounds), and your breast should begin to soften as they feed.

We recommend having a lactation expert observe you feeding baby with the shield on.

Monitoring Supply

It’s recommended you regularly monitor your baby’s weight and diaper output for signs they are feeding well with the shield. You may want to express any excess milk from your breasts after feeding with a nipple shield.

This means you can keep your supply high, as it can take a slight drop when you switch to shields. You’ll also have a supply of breast milk to supplement this with if they are not breastfeeding properly with the shield and losing weight.

Cleaning

Just like any breastfeeding product you need to keep nipple shields clean and sterile for baby. The shield is going into their mouth make it an easy way in for any lurking bacteria.

A good rinse in soapy water will remove the milk, then sterilize the shield for any babies under 6 months old. Sterilizing a shield is the only way to completely kill any traces of fungal yeast causing breastfeeding thrush.

Length of use

Your baby should use the shield as long as it is helping them to feed effectively. This may be only for a few days, weeks or sometimes months. It will vary depending on whether the initial problem has resolved or not.

A premature baby should be encouraged to use a nipple shield for as long as needed. Ideally, they should begin to feed well at the breast without one when they get to their corrected age at 40 weeks. This is a good time to think about weaning baby from the shield.

Weaning from a Nipple Shield

The success of weaning your baby from the nipple shield will depend on whether the initial problem has resolved. Your issue may resolve simply by baby get older, stronger and more experienced at feeding. Here are our tips to wean your baby from a nipple shield.

• If you feel your baby is ready, start a feed with them on the shield. Stop a few minutes after your milk ‘lets down’, then try your baby on the breast without the shield.

• You can also try switch nursing. This is when you feed your baby at one breast with the shield, then swap them to the other breast without the shield.

• Try nipple stimulation or cold therapy (ice or cold compress) to extract the nipple just before baby tries to feed.

• Try baby in different positions to see if they feed better without using the shield. This is ideal once you feel more confident with breastfeeding and holding your baby.

• Make sure your baby is relaxed and not aggravated and hungry for a feed. This will cause you both to stress and likely fail.

• If baby does not take the breast at all, it is unlikely the initial feeding issues have resolved.

• Try offering baby breast without the shield every few days.

• Do not follow old-fashioned advice of cutting off the end of the shield teat. This can cause a sharp edge and lead to damage in baby’s mouth.

• Be patient. If your baby is feeding well and your milk supply is good, there is no need to rush to stop using a nipple shield.

Benefits of Nipple Shields

These are some amazing benefits that nipple shields can offer you and baby:

Continued breastfeeding

When you’ve tried everything to resolve your feeding issues, they can save to giving up. Regardless of any advice, it’s better to have a baby who feds well with a shield than not at all. That can save you a lot of guilt down the road, about giving up of breastfeeding.

Baby still suckles

There are so many benefits of suckling for a baby. First off, it helps to comfort baby. It also helps to develop their jaws and facial muscles. Feeding baby by a bottle uses a different suckling technique to breastfeeding. This makes it easier to wean baby from a shield than to switch them between breast and bottle.

Skin to skin

Your baby still gets all the bonding benefits of breastfeeding. The release of oxytocin has huge befits for you and baby. Contact nipple shields with cut out areas try to help offer you and baby a bit more skin to skin when feeding.

Avoid alternative feeding methods

If you decide to give baby expressed milk you need to consider how you’ll feed it to your baby. You can cup feed or use a supplemental nurser; however, these may not be suitable for your baby.

Bottles are an alternative feeding method but may lead to more issues when you try to get baby back onto the breast.

Benefits premmies

Premature babies often struggle to breastfeed as they have immature suck reflex. As they grow a nipple shield is highly beneficial to help them on the path to breastfeeding without assistance. Studies have shown that premature babies who use nipple shields tend to take in more milk than those who don’t.

Disadvantages of Nipple Shields

It’s important for you to know about the drawbacks of using nipple shields.

Reduced milk supply

Nipple shields are still associated with a reduced milk supply. Thin, flexible, modern nipple shields are a far cry from the old thick rubber ones which really affect your supply.

The issue remains that there is a barrier to your baby suckling on your skin. This is an important factor in milk production. Many moms still make a good milk supply but do be aware that it can cause a drop. That’s not ideal if you already have issues with low milk supply.

Baby preference

Some babies take a real shine to the nipple shield and refuse to wean. That means you might have to use it for the whole duration of breastfeeding. If your baby is gaining weight, developing and has good diaper output, then this shouldn’t be a problem.

Temporary solution

Remember that nipple shields are only a temporary situation to some problems. Issues such as sore nipples will not be resolved unless you find the root of the problem. This means that one you stop using the shield the same issues may happen again.

Poor fit

Nipple shields are not suitable for every mom and baby. If your baby requires a small teat size, but you have a large nipple, it can be almost impossible to find the tight fit. In this case, a nipple shield is unsuitable for you.

Have you used a nipple shield? Let us know what your thoughts are below.

The post Using Nipple Shields – Ultimate Guide For Breastfeeding Problems appeared first on Stork Mama.

Expressing milk can take up a lot of time in busy day. How about pumping whilst you after your toddler, do the dishes, send emails or put on a load of washing.

A good hand free pumping bra can give you the best of both worlds, and make you feel like super mom.

Pin for later

Now when it comes to buying a pumping bra you’ll have a lot of choice. That’s not a bad thing, but you may not know where to start.

I’ve researched all you need to know about buying a pumping bra. It’s crammed into this handy, one-stop buying guide, so you don’t need to waste time looking for what you need.

In this guide you’ll find:

• 6 Best Pump Bra Reviews
• Pumping Bra Buying Guide
• Benefits of a Pumping Bra

Let’s start by looking at my favorite pumping bras.

6 Best Pumping Bra Reviews

1. Simple Wishes Pumping Bra

• Style: Bandeau
• Colors: Black, Soft Pink
• Sizes: XS-L or XL Plus (flexible sizing)

Suitable for Nursing: No

Suitable for Massage: Yes

Our Verdict

The Simple Wishes Pumping bra is the most popular one to buy online. This bra is highly rated as it offers amazing support.

It works well because of the two layers of supportive fabric which doesn’t sag, even when holding two full collection bottles.

The style of opening makes it suitable to use with all popular breast pumps. This bra is adjustable and fits most sizes.

The back fastening is Velcro and the front fastening is a zipper. If you need extra support it comes with removable multi-way straps.

It’s quick and easy to put on over the top of a nursing bra. Plus it’s machine washable for easy cleaning.

This bra is made from a thicker fabric, (for support) which means it’s harder to massage the breast. It’s not impossible but a little trickier than some of our other top picks.

Plus the dual opening means it’s not suitable to use as a nursing bra. It’s reasonably priced compared to other pump bras and you should get one for under $35.

2. Rumina Relaxed Pumping Bra

• Style: Full Bra
• Colors: Black, White, Nude
• Sizes: 5 Sizes from XS to XL

Suitable for Nursing: Yes

Suitable for Massage: Yes

Our Verdict

The Rumina Pumping bra is perfect if you want a nursing bra that also suitable for pumping.

The 2 in 1 design will save you a lot of money from having to buy two separate bras. Plus it will save you time from having to switch between bras when using your pump. 

The bra design is simple and seamless, so you can even use it as a sleep bra. The support is light to moderate, giving it a bit more flexibility than the Simply Wishes Bra. 

The two-layer fabric system will fit most breast pump horns. We love that this bra allows the flexibility of pumping, nursing, breast massage, and hand expressing.

The biggest downside to this bra was that it does start to sag when the milk bottle fill. You may need to use this bra when you are doing seated tasks with little pull from gravity.

This pumping bra is also reasonably priced and you should get it for around $30.

3. Dairy Fairy Ayla

• Style: Full Bra
• Colors: Black, cream, pink, grey
• Sizes: 6 Sizes from XS to XXL to fit sizes 30A-40G

Suitable for Nursing: Yes

Suitable for Massage: Yes

Our Verdict

The Dairy Fairy Ayla Bra is hands down the best design of all our picks. The lace fabric makes you feel like you’re wearing regular, pretty underwear rather than a frumpy nursing bra.

If you have a larger chest your benefit from the supportive underwire. The bra is worn just like a regular nursing bra with a hook closure to adjust to size.

 There is an overlap of fabric that slips down to insert the breast pump flange. This does leave a ‘ridge’ under your tops, just so you’re aware if you prefer a seamless look.

The support is firm, and won’t sag or lose suction as the bottle fill. As it’s a dual pump and nursing bra, you can feed, pump, and massage with ease.

Expect to pay the price for the amazing combination of design and function.

This bra will set you back around $55. If you can afford it, do splash out as it’s more than worth the money.

4. Pump Ease Bra

• Style: Bandeau
• Colors: 13 different colors and patterns
• Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large to fit sizes 32AA-48H

Suitable for Nursing: Yes

Suitable for Massage: Yes

Our Verdict

The Pump Ease bra is very highly rated by other moms. The range has a large selection of fun, rockabilly, and classic designs, it’s hard to choose which one to pick.

Dr. Sears commented how the patterns can help to develop your baby’s eyesight. The opening is just a simple split layer, which means it’s suitable for all breast pumps.

Getting the right bra size is important as it a hook closer which isn’t adjustable once the bra is on.

We would highly recommend this for moms pumping at work as you can wear it over a nursing bra. Plus it’s very portable to carry in a pump bag without being bulky.

This bra is moderately supportive, once the bottles start to become full, they will need support. Otherwise, the bra will sag and you’ll lose pump suction.

You can use this bra whilst nursing, however, you need to pull your nipple through the opening. We wouldn’t recommend doing this often as restricting the breast tissue can lead to blocked ducts.

A pump ease bra costs around $40 to buy.

5. Lactamed Simplicity Bra Kit

• Style: Strap Bra
• Colors: 12 colors
• Sizes: One Size fits all

Suitable for Nursing: Yes

Suitable for Massage: Yes

Our Verdict

The Lactamed Simplicity bra kit is the perfect budget pumping bra. This is perfect if you want to skip the bells and whistles and just want a quality, functional pump holder.

You don’t need to worry about finding the right size as it’s fully adjustable to fit all sizes. It’s designed to use with your regular nursing bra.

It’s so simple to use, place it over your top and quickly adjust the toggles to hold the breast pump horns in place.

The toggle adjusts making it suitable to use with any breast pump, and won’t sag as it fills as you can pull it tighter. The lack of fabric means that nursing baby and massaging are easy to do whilst you pump.

The main issue this simplicity bra is durability due to the lack of material. There is a bit of a learning curve to use it, although there are instructions and videos to learn how to do it all at first.

The Lactamed Simplicity bra costs around $15 to buy, although some colors may cost a few dollars more.

6. Pump Strap

• Style: Bandeau
• Colors: Beige, Black, Pink, Purple, Turquoise
• Sizes: XS – XXXL

Suitable for Nursing: Yes

Suitable for Massage: Yes

Our Verdict

The Pump Strap is the highest-rated bra on our list. The bra is made from a thick band of thick neoprene. This makes it very support for even breast pumps with thicker sizes pump horns.

The material is machine washable, but also easy to spot clean between uses. With a velcro back it can be adjusted to fir most sizes ranging from an A to J cup.

For larger chest sizes it has a removable strap for extra support. It’s really durable and they even offer a one-year guarantee on the velcro.

The band is designed to help with breast compression and massage to get more milk during your pump.

The large openings also make it easy to nurse your baby on one side as you pump on the other.

This bra isn’t really discreet and can get quite hot. We wouldn’t advise you wear it all day. You’ll need to put it on and take it off with each pump session.

However, it is really quick and easy to wear alone or over a nursing bra.

The pump strap bra costs just under $33 to buy.

Pumping Bra Buying Guide

Before you buy your pumping bra you should know which features are available to help you choose between brands. The bra which scores high in the areas important to you will be the best match for you.

Bra Type

There are three different types of pumping bra. The one type you need will depend on what you need from your breastfeeding lifestyle.

Pump only – This type of pumping bra is one that is only really suitable to use when pumping milk. If you want a pumping bra to use only when your baby is not around e.g. returning to work, then this is the type to get.

Nursing – If you like to pump and breastfeed at the same time, you need a dual-purpose pump bra. These bras will be designed to have easy access to the breast for your baby to feed and able to hold a pumping horn.

Massage – Breast massage during a feed helps to release more milk. Look out for a pumping bra that is suitable for massage, they are usually made from thinner fabric or have little coverage.

Style

You can get your pumping bra in a variety of styles, let’s look at the benefits of each one.

Bandeau – This is a pumping bra intended to be used over a regular nursing bra. Rather than wearing all day, they are designed to be put on only when you pump. They are usually the most supportive but take time to put on and take off.

Bra – These bras are dual-action as a nursing bra and a pumping bra. They are simple to use as you can just pump straight away. You can also easily nurse at the same time. The downside is they don’t offer as much support as a bandeau or strap.

Strap – This type of bra is a made of thin strap and adjuster to hold your pump in place. They are easy to use and often the most affordable option. The downside is they lack durability and don’t offer any coverage when pumping.

Fit

The Fit of a pumping bra is important to how it performs when you use it with your pump.

Size – Obviously any bra you buy will need to fit your bra size. If you have a smaller or larger chest you may be restricted by the brands you can buy.

Adjustability – You will want a nice snug fit from your bra to keep it in place. This is important as the weight of a full bottle holds down on it. Options for adjustment include velcro or toggles, depending on the bra type you buy.

Fastening – The type of fastening may affect how comfortable or easy the bra is to use. Popular fastening includes velcro and hooks and plastic clasps. Some bras are slip-on, with no fastener.

Ease of Use

Consider how easy the bra will be to use in everyday life. If it’s not practical for regular use it’s not the right fit for you.

Wear – Do you need to wear your bra under your clothes, or do you have the chance to put it over clothes before using it? This is important to consider if you’re using the bra in public places such as work.

Portability – If you need to carry the bra around with you does it need to be compact? A thick bandeau will take up a lot of space in a bag compared to a strap bra.

Pump compatibility – It’s important to make sure your breast pump horn (or flange) will fit through the bra opening. Most regular-sized horns for popular models will. You may use a larger-sized horn for your pump, so make sure it’s compatible.

Design

The design of the bra is important, especially if you need to use it often.

Support – This is essential if you want the bra to provide you with hands-free pumping. Thick supportive fabric will hold onto full collection bottles, without you losing suction for the pump, or sagging the bra.

Coverage – If you need to be discreet when pumping you need coverage from your bra. Bandeau’s and full bra style provide most coverage with almost no breast or nipple showing. Strap bras give almost no coverage and will need to be used with a nursing bra or vest to make them more discreet to use.

Style – You may want a bra that is a little more than a boring piece of white fabric. You can get some really lovely patterns and designs which are fun or pretty to wear.

Materials

The materials of the bra will make a huge difference to how you feel when you wear it.

Comfort – This is important, especially if you need to wear it all day. Cotton bras are great for keeping your breast cool and comfortable. Strong, supportive pump bras are better for short-term use and may be quite uncomfortable to wear over long periods.

Quality – When you are paying good money for a pumping bra you want it to last. You may get a bra for a bargain price but it may be of poor quality, then you end up paying more overall.

Machine washable – For convenience, a pumping bra that is machine washable will save a lot of time. Good laundry care will help your bra to last longer.

Benefits of a Pump Bra

Pumps bras are a fairly new piece of mom gear, but they can totally change your pumping life. Let’s look at the reasons pump bras are pretty awesome.

Hands-Free Pumping

The main reason most moms buy a pumping bra is to free up their hands. Chasing after toddlers, putting on makeup, or even pumping whilst driving, are all possible. It frees up so much of your time by tackling two tasks at once.

Discreet Coverage

When you are pumping in public places, you’ll want to be more discreet. Using a pumping bra with coverage means that there is minimal embarrassment should someone accidentally walk in on you as you pump. Your modesty will be intact, and you’ll be least worried about the possibility as you pump.

Prevent Arm Ache

A pump session can last around 20-30 minutes. That means holding collection bottles to your breast the whole time. Staying in that position can lead to arm ache as moving can make you lose suction.

Easy Double Pumping

Attempting to double pump is quite fiddly without a pumping bra. It often ends up quite messy as you try to fiddle with the pump controls and position the pump horns at the same time.

Pump and Feed

If you like to breastfeed and pump at the same time a pumping bra can make it easier. Slip the pump on one side and your hands are free to tend to your baby or change their position during a feed.

Hands-on Pumping

This is a method of pumping that gets a greater yield. The idea is that you massage your breast and hand express before, during, and after expressing. A pumping bra frees up your hands to do this on both breasts to get as much milk as possible from each session.

The post Best Pumping Bra Reviews for Hands Free Expressing appeared first on Stork Mama.

Pin for later

5 Best Baby Carrier for Breastfeeding

For Newborn

A young baby is unable to hold their neck unaided. You need to use the sling to aid your baby’s back and neck just as your arms would. The best slings will position your baby into a supported upright or adapted cradle hold. These are our top picks for newborn breastfeeding.

Ring sling

A ring sling is our number one choice for breastfeeding sling. They are extremely versatile when positioning baby. The rings make it very easy to adjust the fabric quickly and easily. They are the reason that many cultures successfully breastfeed for long periods of time. The fabric is great for discreet breastfeeding in public, so no need for an additional breastfeeding scarf.

We Recommend – Hip Baby Wrap

The Hip Baby Wrap is the best quality for the price on the market. They are fair-traded and handmade in India from 100% cotton. We love how soft and lightweight the material is. It’s ideal for hotter weather and won’t leave you or baby overheated. With 24 bright patterns, you’re sure to find one you like. The rings are excellent quality, super durable yet easy to adjust. When it’s not in use, you can pack it up to a compact size an put it in your diaper bag.

The only downside is that ring slings need a bit of practice to adjust. You may want to try wearing it just to carry baby, so you can get comfortable using it. Then you can you attempt to breastfeed in the sling.

Check out this video for a walk through of how to breastfeed in a ring sling.

Wrap Carrier

A wrap sling can be made from either stretchy or firm women material. They are ideal for breastfeeding as they offer a lot of coverage and support. This makes feeding a newborn in an upright position a lot easier. You can pre wrap them and position baby inside so no need to fiddle around with baby and a sling at the same time. We rate these carrier second place to a ring sling as they can be harder to make adjustments.

We Recommend – Moby Wrap

The Moby wrap is the bestselling stretchy baby wrap available. Made form 100% cotton, it’s soft and breathable to wear, like a t-shirt. The wide shoulder straps make it extremely comfortable to wear, especially if you have a larger frame. It take a little bit of practice to learn to tie, but easy one you know how. Like the ring sling its super lightweight, portable and easy to machine wash for convenience.

The downside of this wrap is the learning curve.  You should not attempt to breastfeed baby in it unless you are comfortable with a regular carry. It will take another period of learning to make any adjustments when baby is in the sling, for feeding comfort.

For more information on how to breastfeed in a wrap carrier check out this video.

For Older Babies

Older babies are able to hold their neck unaided. When breastfeeding an older baby in a sling the issue is more with comfortable positioning for baby. We recommend opting for a sling which baby can feed in an upright position. That way their head is free to move and look around as they feed.

Mei Tai

A mei tei wrap is a traditional Asian style. Made from a rectangle of material to support baby and long straps to attach to mum. They don’t offer a lot when it comes to coverage. However they are excellent for support baby in an upright feeding position. The various straps mean baby can still be geld firmly in place whilst you make any adjustments to position for nursing.

We Recommend –  Infantino Sash

The Infantino sash is the best quality mei tai on the market. Its excellent quality and provides safe support for your baby. It’s suitable to use from birth right up to toddler. We recommend using it to practice carrying when baby is newborn, before you begin to feed baby. The padded straps make it comfortable to wear over long periods without hurting. The long straps will adjust to fit most sizes which is great for both plus size and petite frames. It’s light, breathable and portable. We particularly love the hood attachment which offer extra nursing privacy.

The biggest drawback of the infantino is that the straps are long. They can become irritating or simple bulky when wearing over long periods of time. Mei tais’ are notorious for losing off so you occasional y have to readjust every so often. This is especially true as you baby get heavier and more weight pull on the straps.

Find out how to breast feed in a mei tai with this video.

Pouch Sling

A pouch baby carrier is a very basic sling style. You simply place baby as you would if carrying on you hip and the sling hold them in place. The biggest advantage of a pouch carrier is that is doesn’t need to be adjusted, but some models can be. Just pop baby inside and you can breastfeed hands free. These carriers are best used with older babies when they are able to sit upright and breastfeed.

We Recommend – Hotslings Pouch

The Hotslings pouch carrier is the highest rated on the market. They are amazingly simply to use. Just place he carrier over your shoulder and the position baby inside. The hot slings pouch can be used as is, or you can adjust it to fit snugly around your baby. It’s suitable to use from birth to around 2 years old. We love the simple variety of patterns you can get with this carrier.

The disadvantages of this sling is that it runs on the smaller side. If you would normally use a regular then opt for the large. That means it’s more suited to petite or regular sized frames. We also found this sling puts a lot of weight on one side of your body. This can lead to upper body aches and pains when worn for long periods.

Watch this video to learn to breastfeeding in a pouch carrier.

Structured carrier

A structured baby carrier is one which is padded, shaped and closes with various clips. These carriers are adjustable by threaded straps. This types of carrier is probably the most difficult to learn to breastfeed, however it is possible. They provide a lot of support for baby, however this also makes it less flexible for adjusting to a feeding position. You may need to wear the carrier a few time until it ‘softens’ and you get used to working with it.

We recommend – LILLEbaby Carrier

The Lillebaby is the most versatile structured carrier to buy. As the Carrier positions baby into a seated position, this is how you will need to master feeding baby. For that reason we recommend using this carrier when baby has good head control. It comes with a clip on head cover for extra privacy during a feed. This carrier is very comfortable to use, padded in all the right places and provides great support for baby. Another great features is the pocket on the front, so you can keep a burp cloth close to hand when baby is feeding. The range is a little pricier than other carrier options. However, they are very durable and will last you for a few babies. We partially love the different pattern style which appeal to all different styles.

The downside of this carrier is that it’s not a portable or simple to wash as other carriers. Again we wouldn’t recommend this carrier for beginner baby wearer to breastfeed in.

If you do want to learn how to breastfeed in a structured carrier check out this video.

5 Tips for feeding in a baby carrier

1. Get used to wearing your carrier first, before attempting to breastfeed in it.
2. In the beginning always tie the sling and attach baby when sitting down.
3. Use a mirror to check baby is properly supported before you stand.
4. Always follow the T.I.C.K.S rules for safe baby wearing.
5. Once baby is finished feeding adjust them to an upright position i.e close enough to kiss.

The post Best Baby Carrier for Breastfeeding Hands Free appeared first on Stork Mama.

Before your baby arrives, there is so much to think about buying.

You’ve probably sorted your nursery, stroller and diapering items, but how about what the breastfeeding and pumping essentials for feeding baby?

Knowing what to buy before baby arrives will save so much stress. Consider yourself need something desperately in the wee hours of the night and already have it to hand.

You can thank me later.

Pin for later

You may not need expressing equipment right now; however, you’ll probably look into it more when you return to working after maternity leave. So pin this guide for later reference. I’ve split the list into a few sections. If you’re in a hurry, use the links below to skip straight to section you need:

• Breast Care
• Style
• Leaking Milk
• Milk Supply
• Feeding Station
• Pumping Essentials

Let’s check out our full list of recommendations.

Breastfeeding Essentials – What do you need for breastfeeding

These are breastfeeding products, which can benefit you and your baby.

How many are essential?

Well, none.

That’s one of the great benefits of breastfeeding; it can be completely free to feed your baby.

Some of these items may become essential if you have feeding problems. The rest are just really handy items, which will make nursing a whole lot easier for you.

Breast Care Essentials

Nipple Cream

The first few days of breastfeeding is tough on your nipples. Your baby will feed at least 8 times a day, suckling for around 5-30 minutes each time. If you have sensitive nipples, you need to get a good nipple cream. You can also use the cream to soothe sore areas caused by poor attachment.

You can check out my guide to choosing the best nipple cream here.

Thermal Pads

Until your milk regulates itself, you’re probably going to suffer from breast engorgement. This is when your breasts are so full of milk, they become hard and painful. Using thermal therapy pads, which heat up will provide you with relief by helping your milk let down. Most brands can also be cooled to provide cold relief for swollen and tender breasts.

For more info, check out my thermal therapy pads buying guide.

Nipple Shields

When you’re having difficulty getting baby to attach, or you have sore nipples try a nipple shield. They look like little clear sombreros, which go over your nipple. The aim is to either create a barrier or shape the nipple for your baby to get a good attachment. These are great if you have inverted or flat nipples. A word of warning, they limit your milk supply, and should only be a short-term solution.

 Check out my nipple shield reviews here.

Breast Shells

This is a breastfeeding product most moms don’t know existed. Breast shells actually have several uses, including collecting leaking milk, preventing chafing of sore nipples and ‘pulling out’ flat or inverted nipples. They are made from a hardened plastic with a hole in the inner edge for your nipple and a curved outer edge. The cupped area helps to keep your clothes off your nipples.

For more information, check out my breast shell buying guide.

Breastfeeding Clothing Essentials

Nursing Bra

You won’t realize how much you need a nursing bra until you try to breastfeed in a regular bra. The beauty of these bras is the ease of access to your breasts when your baby is hungry. A nursing bra gives you proper breast support without causing damage. Sleep nursing bras also keep breast pads in place, preventing you from leaking during the night.

If you don’t know where to start, try my guide on how to buy a nursing bra.

Nursing Tops

Again for ease of access when feeding you’ll want a few nursing tops. Soon after birth, your maternity clothes often too big and you don’t want to stretch out or ruin your regular clothes with milk leaks. You don’t need to replace your whole wardrobe. However, a few basic tops will make feeding so much easier.  There are lots of smart casual styles available, which don’t look overly ‘mumsy’. I mean would you even know that top above was a nursing top?

Nursing Cover

If you don’t want to splurge a lot on breastfeeding clothes, you may want to opt for a nursing cover. These help you make breastfeeding in public discreet by offering your breast privacy. Most passers-by wouldn’t even know you were feeding baby. You can get a variety of styles, including aprons, capes, shawls, and cardigans. Our favorite style is the infinity scarf as it looks just like a regular piece of clothing when you’re not feeding your baby.

Check out my list of favorite nursing covers here.

Nursing Necklace

For older babies, a nursing or breastfeeding necklace, is a great addition to your wardrobe. They look like stylish chunky jewelry, but they are ideal for keeping your baby becoming distracted during a feed. They can also be used as a teether when baby begins to get teeth. This can help you prevent your baby from biting you during a feed.

Leaking Milk

Nursing Pads

Leaking breast milk is one of the side effects of breastfeeding. It will happen at the most inappropriate times and leave you with tell-tale wet patches on your top if you’re not prepared. Breast pads are small pieces of absorbent material, which sits in your bra and soaks up the milk. You can opt for disposable or reusable pads.

Check out my nursing pad reviews and buying guide.

Milk Catchers

If you don’t want to waste any of your leaking milk to a breast pad, why not save it? A milk catcher is a small collection bag which fit into your bra and catchers any drops. They are great for saving milk and building up a supply which can be frozen for later. Ideal if you don’t want to express milk, but may occasionally need to be away from baby for a feed or two.

Bed Pad

To prevent leaking, most moms wear a sleep bra with nursing pads to bed. However, if you find a sleep bra uncomfortable, or want to air your nipples during the night, you’ll need to protect your mattress. The best way to do this is with a waterproof bed pad to soak up any stains or smells. They are comfortable to sleep on and easier to wash than your bed linens and a mattress.

Milk Supply Essentials

Lactation Tea

If you are struggling with your milk supply, why not try an age-old remedy? Lactation teas are crammed full of herbs well known for boosting your milk supply. This tea certainly has an acquired taste, but they do work. If anything, they are a caffeine-free way to keep hydrated. A lot of the herbs used are also great for postpartum healing.

Read my lactation tea reviews to learn more about the benefits.

Water Bottle

Keeping well hydrated is essential for maintaining a good milk supply. Get a large, durable water bottle and get into the habit of drinking regularly. You’ll find you are often thirsty while breastfeeding, so keep it nearby. Drinking more water won’t make you engorged. The main message is not to ignore your thirst but don’t force excessive fluids either as it won’t have any benefit.

Baby  Carrier

Wearing your baby in a carrier offers so many benefits for you and baby when breastfeeding. Having your baby close to your skin will help improve your milk supply. Baby will have easy access to your breast, and feeding won’t feel so time-consuming as both your hands are free. You are also more likely to be responsive to your baby’s hunger cues.

Want to know which baby carrier is best for breastfeeding? Then check out my guide here.

Co-Sleeping Crib

Newborn babies feed a lot, even during the night. The sheer lack of sleep means most breastfeeding moms will bed share with your baby at some point. Most adult beds are unsuitable for bed and can present fatal risks to your baby. Put a stop to unplanned bedsharing by opting for a co-sleeping crib. Your baby can feed regularly through the night, and when they are down, you can pop them back into their own safe sleep space. They are quite expensive but worth every penny for quality sleep and great milk supply when breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Station Essentials

Nursing Pillow

Getting comfortable when feeding your baby can be tricky at first. You may need to experiment with different feeding positions. These may be comfortable for baby, but after a 30-minute feed, you can be left with sore arms and back. A nursing pillow gives you added height and support to keep baby in these positions without the aches.

 For more benefits and my top picks’ check out my nursing pillow guide.

Burp Cloths

Are you prepared for baby spit-up and vomit? Burp cloths are ideal for keeping on hand to deal with this. This often happens when you are winding a baby over your shoulder or upright. Pop a burp cloth over your clothes to save them from getting dirty. They are also handy for sticking in your nursing bra as a way to catch leaking milk from your ‘free’ breast when you don’t have a breast pad to hand.

Breastfeeding Chair

Having a place to feed your baby will give you peace, privacy, and comfort. A breastfeeding chair is designed to offer you back and arm support to position baby for a good attachment. They are quite an investment, but a great touch to add to empty space in your baby’s nursery. Your baby will associate the chair with an area of safety and comfort as they grow.

This guide has great info about choosing the best nursing glider for your needs.

Nursing Stool

If you don’t have the room or budget for a quality nursing chair, then opt for a nursing stool. They can be used with any regular chair.  A nursing stool is designed to raise your legs to support baby positioning during a feed. They are often angle adjustable to suit your needs. These stools are particularly great for reminding you not to slouch as you feed, which helps prevent a backache.

Pumping Essentials

These are the products I recommend you buy for expressing breast milk. Unlike breastfeeding products, you’ll need most of these items. They will help you collect and store the milk safely. When expressing, you need to consider the safety and hygiene aspects of using stored milk for your baby.

Breast Pump

You have three options when expressing breast milk: by hand, manual pump or electric breast pump. The one you use will depend on how often and how quickly you need to pump. Manual pumps are great for using infrequently or when you need to be discreet. Electric pumps are noisy but get good volumes of milk quickly.

Check out my big breast pump buying guide to find out how to pick one that suits your needs.

Feeding Bottles

Once you collect the milk, you’ll need to feed it to your baby. You can use any baby bottle, but you should really consider one that’s good for a breastfed baby. Why does it matter? There is an issue known as nipple confusion. It’s caused by the different suckling motions baby’s use when bottle feeding and breast feeding.

Click to read our top 10 best bottles for breastfeeding babies.

Milk Storage Bags

Once you’ve expressed your milk, you’ll need to store it until you feed your baby. If you feed your baby in a few hours, we recommend keeping it in the collection bottle. If you want to build a large breast milk supply, the best way to store milk is by freezing it. Milk storage bags are a space-saving way to do this long term.

Click here to check out my top storage bag picks.

Sterilizer

Keeping your baby bottles clean and sterile is very important, especially for new-born babies. Bacteria loves to grow in left-over milk. Combine this with a baby’s low immune system and it can lead to an ill baby. You can choose from old fashioned pan boiling, microwave sterilizing or electric sterilizers.

Read this handy article on how to clean and sterilize a breast pump here.

Bottle Drying Rack

Air drying your baby bottles is the best way to prevent the spread of bacteria. Once you’ve washed your baby bottles and pump equipment, laying them out separately to dry will help keep them away from other dishes. Bottle drying racks are often small and can be easily cleaned by hand or dishwasher to keep them free from stagnant water.

Bottle Brush

Bottles are designed with lots of curves and edges to make them easier to hold. However, this makes it easy for old milk to gather and grow bacteria. Using a bottle brush really helps you to get into all these small areas. These brushes are also soft enough to scrub off any milk not removed from soaking, without damaging the bottles.

Check out my step by step guide on how to properly clean a baby bottle.

Breast Pump Bag

If you need to carry your pump around but still look smart, then get yourself a breast pump bag. These bags have been specially designed to look like a regular stylish handbag, but with pockets and fittings suitable to hold a breast pump. These are ideal for working moms. Sarah Wells has a great range of designs. However, I am also loving the ‘New Yorker’ by Charlie G.

Pumping Bra

Using a breast pump can be quite time-consuming, even if it’s electric. It’s difficult to do much as you pump, as at least one of your hands is holding the collection bottle. A breast pump bra is perfect for holding the pump bottle in place and freeing up both hands. We highly recommend one if you have young toddlers and a newborn, or if you need to look after a busy household.

Check out my pumping bra buying guide with my top 6 picks.

The post Breastfeeding Essentials For First Time Moms appeared first on Stork Mama.

Low milk supply is a common concern for new breastfeeding moms. You’ve probably had simple suggestions such as nursing often or drink more water.

These tips certainly do help to increase your supply. But, what if you could give some oomph to your supply?

Herbs have been used for thousands of years to boost breast milk supply. They are a great natural alternative to try before opting for pharmaceutical alternatives.

However, like any parenting product, there is a lot of choices. We’ve developed this guide to help you find the lactation tea which is right for you.

Let’s start with our top 5 recommendations.

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Top 5 Best Lactation Tea Reviews

1. Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk Tea

The Traditional Medicinals Mother Milk Tea is one of the most recommended lactation tea. It’s one mom’s return to with their second and third babies because it works so well.

They recommend you drink 3 cups a day but may see a boost to your supply with even one cup a day. It contains the herb’s fennel, anise, fenugreek, coriander and blessed thistle. The taste is a sweet and bitter licorice flavor, which takes some getting used to.

It’s a great booster for moms who pump as it gets you so much more from each session. Use this tea when your baby is going through a growth spurt.

It gives your supply a helping hand and cuts down on the exhaustion of cluster feeding.

2. Yogi Teas Woman’s Nursing Support

The Yogi Nursing Support tea is an organic blend which contains fenugreek, fennel, chamomile, nettle, anise and lavender. Although it states it has a sweet apple-like flavor, most moms report a fennel or mild licorice taste.

It’s recommended to drink 2-3 cups of the tea per day. With the box contains 16 bags it should last for around a week.

You will notice a difference in their supply soon after drinking this tea. On average, you should produce an extra 1-2oz per session. Although this will be easier to see when expressing your milk.

Moms that took the recommended 3 cups per day, noted they saw a fall in milk production when they don’t drink as much.

3. Pink Stork Liquid Gold

The Pink Stork Liquid Gold is the best lactation tea for helping to double your supply. It’s a little pricey compared to other brands but worth the results.

They recommend 3 cups a day which can be made from the one tea bag. It’s ideal for busy moms as you can make it up as a pot of tea to drink hot or cold.

I found it a bit strange it contained spearmint, as this known to reduce milk supply. However, with the combination of other herbs, the effects are minimized. Plus the spearmint really helps prevent your baby getting gassy.

The flavor of the tea is very sweet, and a lot nicer than the other bitter tasting teas we’ve recommended.

4. Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Milkmaid Tea

Earth Mama Angel Baby Milkmaid Tea is perfect for helping to establish your milk supply. We would recommend this one for new mamas due to the red raspberry leaf content.

This herb is amazing for increasing milk supply and reducing postpartum bleeding and after pains. The flavor is a licorice and fennel taste. However, very mild and bearable if it’s helping to boost your supply.

The effects of this tea are quick. If you drink it at night, you’ll probably wake feeling more engorged than usually by the morning.

The biggest drawback with this tea is that the higher dose of fenugreek can make your baby quite gassy. If you drink this tea and notice your baby getting more irritable, try cutting down.

5. Buddha’s Herbs Milky Cloud Tea

For a Fenugreek-free, option try the Buddha’s herbs Milky Cloud Tea. Fenugreek isn’t suitable for certain medical conditions and can make some babies gassy. Of all our picks, this Tea rates the highest for taste.

The sweet flavor is due to the ingredients of fennel fruit and lemon balm leaves. If you want to avoid the licorice tasting tea, then this is the one to buy.

The effect is quite powerful. Most moms report an increase of 1-2oz per pump session. That’s a fantastic output if you’re struggling with your supply.

Cost wise you get a two-week week supply (3 x cups per day) for under $10. Compared to other brands it’s a great option if you’re watching your budget.

Lactation Tea Buying Guide

For lactation teas to work well, you’ll need to drink 3 cups per day. There are a few factors to consider before buying a Tea brand that’s right for you. This is what you should look out for when buying a lactation tea.

Type

• Tea Bags – Are convenient to use, especially for working moms. The flavor is weaker than loose leaf. However, some brands can be used to brew more than one cup.

• Loose Leaf – Provide a fresh flavored tea with stronger ingredients so you don’t need to drink as much. However, are usually more expensive and require extra equipment to use.

Ingredients

The active ingredients of the lactation tea will determine whether you continue to use it or not. Each brand will have a different strength of each ingredient.

It may be a case of trial and error until you find one that improves your supply. Increased trapped wind in your baby is one of the most common side effects of drinking lactation teas.

If the ingredients don’t agree with you or baby, we suggest to first try cutting dairy from your tea. If that doesn’t work, then try another brand, often fenugreek-free teas work well for babies with colic.

Taste

Lactation Teas are usually packed with a few milk boosting herbs. Fennel and Anise are popular ingredients, which give the teas a licorice flavor.

The teas which rated best for flavor were the Pink stork liquid gold and the Buddha’s herb milky cloud tea.

Cost

The cost of drinking lactation tea can add up quickly. The best way to estimate is to work out the cost per cup.

Say you’re your box has 10 tea bags for $10, but each can be used for 3 cups. That’s 30 servings, which is a month’s supply. Another brand may be $7 for 15 tea bags that are a single serving.

That means a month’s supply will cost you around $14. Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, however, make sure you like the brand first.

10 Best Herbal Teas for Breastfeeding

If a specialist lactation tea isn’t your thing, why not try a herbal tea without the other ingredients. The benefit is that it is can still help to boost your milk supply, without the bitter taste of lactation teas.

1. Alfalfa

Alfalfa tea is great for helping you to increase your energy if you suffer postpartum anemia. Other benefits include relaxation and helping with water retention.

2. Anise

This is the shortened name for aniseed, so if you dislike the flavor, this is one to avoid. The benefits of Anise tea include preventing blocked milk ducts and preventing colic symptoms in baby.

3. Chamomile

Well known for its relaxation properties, chamomile is great for nursing moms. Chamomile tea also has other benefits for postpartum mamas such as protection against infection, hemorrhoids and aches and pains. This is a great option for when your baby begins teething.

4. Fennel

Another popular tea for increasing breast milk supply. Fennel tea is a great choice if you suffer from digestive problems such as IBS. It also helps baby with colic symptoms. It’s a great source of vitamin c and will give you the immune boosting benefits.

5. Fenugreek

The most common herb used for increasing breast milk. Fenugreek tea truly helps to boost milk supply. Plus if you get a lot of after pains, it really helps to ease these.

6. Goats Rue

This is a very popular herb used in Europe to boost milk supply. Goats Rue tea has very similar properties to other herbs on this list including helping blood sugars, being antibacterial and improving water retention.

7. Marshmallow root

Apart from being totally delicious, marshmallow tea is great for nursing moms. If you suffer from IBS or urine infections, it can really help keep them at bay. It’s also great for keeping infection at bay, so great if you have any type of stitches.

8. Milk Thistle

The milk thistle plant has been used in Europe and Asia for centuries by nursing moms. The biggest benefit of milk thistle tea is detoxification of the liver. A great option for helping with skin health.

9. Nettle Tea

Tea from the common stinging nettle has lots of benefits for after birth. Nettle tea will help you boost your milk supply as well as being a great source of calcium, vitamin A and K. It’s an anti-inflammatory, like a natural version of Advil. As a diuretic, it will help prevent that dread post pregnancy bloat.

10. Red raspberry leaf

A herb often used in pregnancy to help speed up labor. Red raspberry leaf tea amazing for postpartum too. It helps to shrink your uterus, control bleeding and ease any general aches and pains whilst you recover.

Benefits of Nursing Tea

Let’s look at the benefits you can gain from adding a nursing tea into your daily routine.

Increase Supply

This is the benefits most moms want from their tea. It’s often a worry when your start breastfeeding or pumping that your supply isn’t enough. Even if you need to give it a little boost to get a bit more milk. Most moms will benefit from the milk-boosting effects of the herbs in lactation teas.

Keep Hydrated

When you have a new baby, it can be difficult to remember to keep yourself fed and hydrated. Drinking your lactation tea regularly will take care of around 3 of your recommended glasses of water per day. If your fluid intake is usually poor, that alone should help your milk supply.

Less Colic for Baby

Herbal ingredients such as fennel, anise and a small amount of fenugreek can really help reduce colic in babies. These help to calm the digestive system and reduce the muscle spasms as a side effect of colic.

Quick Healing

The herbs used to improve lactation are effective because they are similar to female hormones. A boost of these helps you through the postpartum period. This includes reducing aches, cramps, infection and bleeding. They can also give you a boost of vitamins to help your energy levels.

Aid Sleep

Tea which contains relaxing properties will really help to increase your quality of sleep. Nursing is fantastic for getting great quality of sleep, even if it is little and often. The longer you can prolong that, the better for your physical and mental health.

Caffeine Free

If you cut back on tea drinking due to caffeine, you’ll be happy to know lactation teas are caffeine free. This means you can drink them without worrying about the effects on your baby.

Disadvantages of Herbal Teas

Although herbal teas have been used for centuries, it’s important to remember a lot of the information we have about them is anecdotal. Due to lack of strict scientific testing or smaller studies, it’s difficult to know how safe herbs are for certain conditions. Please be aware of the following before you buy any herbal teas.

Medical conditions

If you have any severe medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, digestive or metabolic disorders, please consult with your doctor. Small amounts may not be harmful. However, certain herbs are known to be incompatible with these conditions.

Medications

Also if you take any regular medications, please make sure they are compatible with the tea ingredients. Some herbs may block your medication from being effective or increase any side effects. Discuss this with your doctor beforehand.

Oversupply

If you need a slight boost to your supply, we suggest only taking the tea until it gets to this level. You can then maintain the supply with frequent feeding or pumping. Oversupply of milk without regular emptying of the breast can lead to engorgement and mastitis. Left untreated these conditions can severely affect your health and require urgent medical treatment.

The post Best Lactation Tea Reviews to Supercharge Your Milk Supply appeared first on Stork Mama.

Are you looking for the best nursing pillow to feed your baby?

A new-born feeds around 8-12 times a day, and without proper positioning can quickly lead to a backache or sore arms. A good quality nursing pillow will give you much-needed height and support to nurse your baby comfortably.

When it comes to buying nursing pillows there is a lot of choices out there; it’s handy to know what you’re looking for. Expressing Mama have done all the hard work, researched what’s available on the market and created this resource. In this article, we’ll discuss our:

• Top 6 nursing pillows
• Criteria for selecting a great nursing pillow
• Nursing pillow buying guide
• Advantages of a nursing pillow

Let’s start by checking out a comparison table of the most popular nursing pillows to buy.

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Nursing Pillow Comparison Chart

Nursing Pillow	Model	Shape	Belt	Price	Rating	popularity
	My Brest Friend	O Shape	Yes	$	4.4 Stars	1107
	Leachco Cuddle-U	C Shape	Yes	$	4.6 Stars	747
	Boppy Nursing Pillow	C Shape	No	$	4.6 Stars	393
	NurSit Nursing Pillow	C Shape	No	$	4.4 Stars	263
	Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow	Crescent	No	$	4.3 Stars	171
	Luna Lullaby	Crescent	No	$$	4.6 Stars	116
	The Twin Z Pillow	m Shape	Yes	$$$	4.6 Stars	116
	The Nesting Pillow	Crescent	No	$$$	4.8 Stars	49

6 Best Nursing Pillow Reviews

My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow

Shape: O shape
Belt: Yes

• Storage pocket
• 100% cotton
• Supports back and arms

Our Verdict

The My Breast Friend is the best-selling nursing pillow in the USA and even recommend by lactation consultants. The pillow is made of foam and wraps right around the body to support your arm and back while feeding. It has a storage pocket which is hand for extra such as burp cloths or nipple cream. The flat shape of the pillow makes it ideal if you had a C-section as protects your wound.

The clip allows you to wear the pillow without it slipping, so you can even feed your baby when standing. The cover is removable for easy cleaning of the odd burping mishap, although it’s a bit fiddly to get off and on. You can also buy extra slipcovers so you can change the design. The foam inserts help this pillow to hold its shape over time. There is also a twin version available.

Leachco Cuddle-U

Shape: C shape
Belt: Yes

• Inexpensive
• Made in the USA
• Multipurpose with a seat wrap

Our Verdict

The Leachco Cuddle-U is our most affordable nursing pillow option. We love that even at a low price you get the multi-function of a nursing pillow and baby support. The inbuilt seat wrap makes it invaluable for that stage when your baby is almost sitting but still wobbles backward. As a nursing pillow, it contains enough stuffing to prevent your baby from rolling and provide height and arm support.

The pillow is light and easy to carry around without taking up much room. The only issue we found was that the cover isn’t removable so cleaning can be an issue. We recommend coving with a blanket when using or placing the whole pillow in the washer. However, this may misshape the stuffing.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

Shape: C shape
Belt: No

• Easy to use
• Adjustable stretch band
• Lots of cover designs

Our Verdict

The Boppy nursing pillow is the bestselling option on our list. Most moms add this to their baby registry, and we bet at least one of your friends owns one. It’s a basic feeding pillow which can be customised with various cute slip covers which are sold separately). The covers are easy to remove so you can machine was any mess baby makes. The stuffing is similar to a well-stuffed cushion or bed pillow.

The Boppy has an adjustable stretch center which shapes to both small and larger waist sizes for comfort. Use this pillow propping baby, tummy time and sitting to build their upper body muscles without falling onto a hard floor. If you need a nursing pillow which is convenient and flexible opt for the Boppy.

Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow

Shape: crescent shape
Belt: No

• Angled design
• Compact
• Allows different feeding positions

Our Verdict

The Dr. Browns’ Gia nursing pillow is the best option if you need thickness and flexibility. If your baby suffers from bad wind or reflux, the angled incline positions them upright to aid feeding. The pillows are made from a 100% natural cotton which is machine washable. You can also buy slip covers to make cleaning easier and choose your design.

We love that the design of this pillow encourages various breastfeeding positions. The pillow is firm enough to offer support for your back and holds its shape well even after washing. The only addition we would make is for a clip for a close fit around the waist.

The Twin Z Pillow

Shape: m shape
Belt: yes

• Tandem Breastfeeding
• Removable Cover
• Twin Propping features

Our Verdict

If you have twins, triplets or are tandem feeding then the Twin Z pillow is invaluable. It has a unique m shape design which props your babies up on each side while the middle provides back support. The fabric is so soft and comfortable and can be removed to switch up the design or to clean.

You can use the pillow to prop both babies at the same time or sitting support as they grow. It also allows babies to have tummy time side by side. Wins often find comfort in being close together and this pillow allows that. It’s quite expensive, but we think it’s a great investment to make as it will last right through the toddler years.

The Nesting Pillow

Shape: crescent shape
Belt: No

• 100% organic
• Contours to baby
• Easy cleaning and sanitizing

Our Verdict

The Nesting Pillow is our favourite luxury feeding pillow. If your eco-minded the nesting pillow is cotton filled with buckwheat hulls. The unique bean-bag like filling gives flexible support for you and baby. As air can easily circulate through the pillow, it prevents overheating, ideal if you live in hot climates.

The slipcover is removable for easy washing, and the pillow can be sanitized by tumble drying. We love the additional use suggestion for the pillow including a laptop prop and sibling holding prop. The pillow is made in the USA, and all materials are 100% recyclable.

Review Criteria

There is a lot of choices when it comes to nursing pillows for your baby. We used the following criteria to discover how well each feeding pillow performed. Certain features will be a high priority for you, and therefore you should choose a nursing pillow which performs well in this category.

1. Ease of use – When testing a nursing pillow we consider how easy it is to use in daily life. The size and shape are important for a good fit for both small and large waists. A belt is good for adjusting the size or keep baby strapped in. We also considered the portability of the pillow if you are not just using it at home.

2. Comfort – The whole point of a nursing pillow is to provide a comfortable feeding position for you and baby. We considered how much support a pillow gives for your arms and back. Some pillows offer flexibility, while others a more rigid filling.

3. Cleaning – Feeding your baby can get messy with spills, spit up and even the occasional swipe of nipple cream. It’s important that a nursing pillow can be cleaned easily. We checked for chairs which were made from materials which could be spot cleaned. A removable slipcover was also important for easy cleaning and replacing worn out covers.

4. Durability – The durability of the pillow was dependent on the materials which had been used. Some pillows are soft and flexible, and other are firmer to use depending on the support required. Eco-friendly brands make nursing pillows made from natural fibers. You’ll find some pillows will withstand machine washes, whereas some may lose shape or flatted the filling.

Nursing Pillow Buying Guide

Before you buy a nursing pillow you should know which features to look out for that will provide the most benefit for you and your baby.

Age Range

• Short-Term – If you are looking for a nursing pillow for only the feeding stage then a basic pillow will see your baby through from birth to around 18 months.

• Long-Term – Investing is a high-quality nursing pillow will get you use from birth until around 5 years old or for future babies. These nursing pillows are multi-functional and can be used as props or positional pillows for children.

Shape

Nursing pillows come in a few various shapes which offer different benefits.

• Crescent – This pillow is designed for curving around your side. It’s great for height and arm support, especially for larger women. We wouldn’t recommend this for smaller women or if you need back support.

• C Shape – This shape will provide arm support for both arms, making it easy for changing feeding position. This shape is much better suited to smaller waists. However, it does not provide back support.

• O Shape – The style wraps right around your body to provide support for your back and arms. They are adjustable to accommodate both small and large sizes. The only downside is they tend to be bulky and inflexible.

• M shape – This style is like a double c shape nursing pillow. It allows you to feed two babies at a time and is the best option for twins, multiples or tandem feeding. These pillows are quite expensive, but they are a fantastic investment.

Fit

• Length – Your torso length will affect how the pillow will fit around your waist. A long torso will benefit from a well-stuffed or longer pillow. A short torso will benefit from a flexible filling or short length.

• Adjustability – You want a nice snug fit between the pillow and your body, so baby doesn’t roll through the gap. Look out for a pillow which can be adjusted for a comfortable fit.

• Fastener – A clip belt is a useful feature as it allows the pillow to be strapped to your body or baby’s body to prevent slipping.

Ease of use

Consider how easy your nursing pillow will be to use when you have a wriggly, hungry baby in one arm and trying to position the pillow. It may look good but is it practical for daily use?

• Portability – Lightweight and compact nursing pillows are best used for seated nursing but can be carried around for traveling. Firm and bulky pillows are best for feeding in the house for convenience. They are great for feeding baby while walking around.

• Footprint – Consider how much room your pillow will take up, especially if you’re using on a nursery glider. A large pillow offers more height and padding but too oversized, and it can be uncomfortable if you are petite.

• Storage – If you prefer to store your pillow after use it’s best to look for a compact size with flexible stuffing. Pillows made from firm, foam will take up a lot of room when storing.

Cleaning

• Machine washable – A nursing pillow which is machine washable will make cleaning more convenient. A basic pillow should be able to withstand a spot clean.

• Removable covers – These are handy for protecting your pillow from stains and can be switched around so you can still use the pillow while one is being washed.

• Stain resistant – Some pillows come with a stain resistant fabric. This will prevent unsightly marks on your pillow as well as nasty smells from old milk or baby spit up.

Materials

• Eco-Friendly – If you are concerned about using man-made fibers there are all natural nursing pillows. The natural options such as cotton or buckwheat are recyclable and don’t overheat baby like polyester fillings.

• Protectant – Some nursing pillows are made with fire retardant materials to prevent accidents. These can often leave an unpleasant chemical smell on the pillow. Some brands avoid these retardants to avoid your baby being placed in contact with these chemicals.

• Quality – A thick, well-made fabric will withstand long-term use as well as washing for a few years. Poor quality fabrics may need to be replaced after a few months due to staining or rips.

Comfort

• Padding – The volume of padding used in the pillow will affect your comfort levels. You may need a firm pillow to hold your baby in place but can often be bulky. A soft filled pillow can add height and are flexible.

• Support – If you struggle to get your baby to the correct level of your breast without arm ache, all pillow shapes will help with this. If you get a backache when feeding its best to opt for an O or an m shape nursing pillow.

• Flexibility – A firm nursing pillow with a clip can be used when standing. However, they don’t contour to your baby when feeding. A soft and flexible material is great for flexibility but doesn’t rate as highly for support.

Cost

You’ll find a nursing pillow to fit most budgets. Budget pillows are great for short term use, or you may want to invest in a luxury option which will withstand daily use and last for years. Expect to pay between $25 and $100 for a nursing pillow.

Benefits of a Nursing Pillow

Still undecided about whether to buy a nursing pillow? Check out the benefits of using a nursing pillow for your baby.

Correct Positioning

This is essential for preventing sore nipples or low milk supply when breastfeeding. You baby needs to be in held the proper potion to allow them to attach to your nipple without causing friction. A nursing pillow can provide the extra height that you may need.

Preventing Pain

Baby feeding will take up a lot of your time in the early weeks. You can be feeding your baby for several hours a day. Without proper support for your arms or back, this can quickly lead to pain and fatigue. This is something you want to avoid especially when your sleep deprived and recovered from birth.

Floor Pillow

A nursing pillow can also be used as a floor cushion so baby can have some tummy time. This activity is heavily recommend by health professionals to prevent your baby from developing a flat head caused by lying on their back or in a bouncer. As you baby grows, they can use it to lie down and read books or watch movies.

Strengthen Muscles

Your baby will soon want to sit upright, but until their muscles are developed, they will occasionally fall back. A nursing pillow allows your baby the freedom to build up those back muscles, with surrounding protection should they fall back.

Promote Bonding

Poor attachment, positioning, and pain can strain a breastfeeding relationship. A nursing pillow can provide support, assist different breastfeeding positions and promote lots of skin to skin. This all helps to promote your milk supply and increase bonding hormones.

Family Feeding

If your partner or a family member want to feed your baby, a nursing pillow can help to hold them in the position you do when you breastfeed. These pillows are also great for supporting younger siblings to hold new born baby’s on their own but with supervision.

Pregnancy Use

We recommend buying a nursing pillow while pregnant as it can be used to support your growing bump in the last trimester. At this stage, sleeping positions can be very difficult, and a nursing pillow can support side-lying positions. We also love it for optimal fetal positioning to get your baby into the right position for birth.

The post Best Nursing Pillow Reviews for Breastfeeding appeared first on Stork Mama.

You probably already know what to look for when buying a breast pump to find one that suits your needs.

If not check out our breast pump buying guide.

You may have already heard of big brands such as Medela, Philips Avent or Ameda. Well, we have a new contender in town: Spectra Baby.

The brand was set up by a registered nurse and lactation consultant looking to provide women with great performing pumps for all needs.

The brand started out in the UK and Australia and had taken them by storm, going head to head with Medela for the best breast pump awards.

We’re going to review the full range to help you decide which Spectra baby breast pump is best for you. Check out what we found.

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Spectra Breast Pump Review

1. Spectra Handy Plus

Overview

TheSpectra Handy Plus is a manual breast pump intended for infrequent use. It’s really small and lightweight and fits easily into your purse, great for traveling or if you work part-time. The handle has an ergonomic design which makes it easy and comfortable to use one-handed. The Handy Plus costs around $30.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to use
• No power supply needed
• Quiet
• Powerful suction

Cons:

• Angled shield may be awkward for smaller breasts
• No option for larger/smaller breast shield sizes

Conclusion

The Handy Plus is Spectra’s best option those looking to express on the odd occasion and don’t want to shell out too much on a breast pump. You don’t expect a manual pump to perform as well as an electric pump, but the handy plus does perform highly. It has a suction pressure up to 350mmHg which is as good as high-end electric pumps. If you can keep a consistent pump rate, then you should expect to get around 3-4oz with a 20-30 minute pump. We wouldn’t recommend this pump if you’re looking to pump regularly. However it’s great for using for occasional separation with your baby, or as an emergency back up to your electric pump.

2. Spectra M1

Overview

The M1 model is a fantastic budget double breast pump for regular expressing (up to twice daily pumping). This pump is extremely lightweight at under only 14oz, and compact enough to fit into your regular handbag. With its double expression phases, it’s a direct rival to the Medela swing. It has few parts, making it easy to maintain and use, no fiddling around, just plug and go. Retail price for this pump is $199 but expect to pay around $130, anything less is a bargain.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• Quiet
• Rechargeable battery or mains power supply
• Use as a single or double pump

Cons:

• Not hospital grade
• Cannot control the suction strength and speed independently

Conclusion

This is easily among the best breast pump for regular expressing because it gets so many things right. You can get this at an affordable price, and it performs well. The suction strength reaches up to 300mmHG which is very effective, combined with a suction cycle of 30-46 sucks per minute it can mimic baby well. Although it performs well, we would have like the suction strength and speed to be controlled separately as with this model they increase and decrease together.

You can use this pump as a single or a double pump depending on your needs. It’s a really easy setup. We love that it comes with a backflow valve on the breast shield to prevent milk entering the motor part. This makes sure the machine is a closed system and cannot grow mold or bacteria in the parts which cannot be seen or washed. It’s a great performing pump but don’t opt for this pump if you are expressing more than twice a day or your burn out the motor quickly. We suggest choosing one of Spectra hospital grade pumps.

3. Spectra 9 Plus

Overview

The Spectra 9 Plus is a double pump with a small portable motor. If used with an expressing bra it’s a true hand free expressing option. The motor is compact, modern design and will remind you of an early MP3 player with its easy to read LCD screen. The list price for this pump is around $275 but expect to pay around $190 or less.

Pros:

• Very portable (great for hand free expressing)
• Easy to use digital display with a nightlight
• Rechargeable
• Massage function to help your let down
• Last Use memory

Cons:

• Loud

Conclusion

The Spectra 9 plus is giving the Medela Freestyle a run for its money. It’s great to have more ‘hands-free’ options on the market. This pump is a great option for regular expression, especially if you have other children and need the freedom to move around freely when expressing.

The compact size of the motor means it’s not a hospital grade but still performs well. It’s powerful enough for pumping a few times a week but daily expressing will make the motor burn out quicker. Expect to express around 5-6oz with the double pump in use for 20 minutes. The biggest drawback with this pump is that it’s quite loud to use which is surprising considering all other Spectra models rate highly for noise.

4. Spectra Dew 350

Overview

The Spectra Dew 350 model is the first of Spectra hospital grade models suitable for expressing occasional right up to exclusive pumping. It’s quite basic but has a powerful suction ranging from 0-350mmHG. It’s compact, fairly portable and a lot cheaper than hospital grade breast pumps form other brands. The pump is available in both a pink and blue color. Expect to pay around $170 for a Spectra Dew, but it can vary up to the list price of $250.

Pros:

• Affordable hospital grade pump
• Easy to use
• Double pump
• Available in two colors
• Very Quiet

Cons:

• Suction speed not adjustable
• No massage function

Conclusion

We wanted to like the Spectra dew as ultimately it’s a hospital grade pump which is around 8 times cheaper than other brands. It’s fairly compact for how well it works. Do we have to point out that the pink version looks a bit like a giant boob, perhaps a bit of an oversight by Spectra? The suction strength is one of the most powerful of all the models. However, you cannot adjust the suction speed which is disappointing for a pump of this price. Ultimately we think the Spectra S2 performs just as well and has more features, for around the same price, or cheaper, depending on what offers are available.

5. Spectra S2

Overview

The Spectra S2 is another hospital grade, double pump, closed system model. We highly recommend this pump if you need to pump regularly (at least 3 times per day). It’s so easy to use and is great for night use, virtually noise free and a handy night light. It has a digital display which makes it easy to control both suction speed and strength. This pump cost around $165.

Pros:

• Extremely quiet
• Adjustable suction strength and speed
• Use single or double
• Massage mode to improve your let down

Cons:

• Heavy
• No battery option

Conclusion

We think the Spectra S2 is the better option when compared to the Spectra Dew 350. The max suction is slightly less at 320mmHG but still hospital grade. The adjustable suction strength and speed make it much more comfortable to use and helps you to relax while pumping. It’s quite heavy, and you won’t want to carry it around much, but it’s a sturdy workhorse with a guaranteed 1500hr motor life. All in all, this is a sound product with a good lifespan.

6. Spectra S1

Overview

The mother of all Spectra models is the S1 a hospital grade, double breast pump with a rechargeable battery. It’s perfect for frequent and exclusive pumping as it pretty much covers all bases. Undoubtedly his is the quietest breast pump on the market and is virtually silent. The list price for this pump is $370, but you’ll find it priced online for around $260 or under.

Pros:

• Effective pump with adjustable suction
• Great for night use
• Portable
• Rechargeable battery and mains power
• Quiet

Cons:

• Cheap collection bottles for the price

Conclusion

We are super impressed with the Spectra; it will see moms through most breastfeeding issues such as inverted nipples, engorgement, low milk supply, multiple or premature babies. If you need to pump a lot, then opt for this one. It’s a great piece of equipment if you can get it for under $300. The biggest drawback is that we dislike the collection bottles, the material seems cheap, and we wouldn’t recommend storing milk in them. If you buy this pump, we suggest purchasing a set of good quality baby bottle, preferably glass ones.

Spectra Breast Pump Comparison

Spectra USA Breast Pump	Handy Plus Manual	Spectra M1	Spectra 9 Plus	Spectra Dew 350	Spectra S2	Spectra S1
Type of Use
Occasional use (weekly)	X	X	X	X	X	X
Daily		X	X	X	X	X
Double Pumping		X	X	X	X	X
Multiple Babies				X	X	X
Performance Use
Rechargeable Battery		X	X			X
Digital Display			X		X	X
Adjustable Suction		X	X	X	X	X
Adjustable speed			X		X	X
Lightweight	X	X	X
Massage Mode		X	X		X	X
Nightlight and Timer					X	X
Medical Conditions
Flat/ inverted nipples	X	X	X	X	X	X
Sore nipples/ engorgement		X	X	X	X	X
Attachment /breast issues		X	X	X	X	X
Low milky supply				X	X	X
Premature or ill baby				X	X	X

Summary

The best buy Spectra pump is the Spectra 2 which scores best for features, performance, and price. A close second is the Spectra 1 which improves on the S2 with a rechargeable battery, but we don’t think it justifies a $100 difference in price. Third place has to go to the Spectra 9 Plus, apart from the noise it’s a great all-rounder and great for frequent pumping. The remaining pumps are runners-up and choice will ultimately come down to what you need from a pump, i.e. there is no point shelling out over $100 for an electric pump if a $30 manual will suffice.

The post Discover the Best Spectra Breast Pump Review appeared first on Stork Mama.

Breast engorgement relief is something new mom’s need to know about whether to you choose to breastfeed or not. The sensation can range from uncomfortable to downright painful. There is no avoiding it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t manage it right?

In this article, we’re going to find out more about thermal therapy pads specifically designed for breast engorgement relief when nursing or expressing. Find out why you should consider using these pads and what features to look out for.

Let’s jump right in and discover the best engorgement therapy pads on the market.

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 7 Best Breast Therapy Pads

1. Bamboobies Boob-Ease Soothing Therapy Pillows

If you want a great performing thermal pack made from natural materials then check out our tip picks – the Bamboobies Boob Ease pillows. With a name like that who could resist? Bamboobies makes fantastic breastfeeding products which are great performers, and the therapy pillow is no different. You have the option of either soft, cozy bamboo fleece on one side, or smooth, cool cotton on the other. Your breast will feel like they are cocooned with these on. They are filled with flax seeds as an alternative to gel, so they are perfectly safe if they happen to get burst by an over eager pet or baby.

You can freeze them for cool relief for engorged breasts or sore nipples, lastly around 20 minutes. For heat relief pop in the microwave for around 40 seconds and you get heat for around 15-30 minutes. A perfect solution to help you stimulate your let down before breastfeeding or pumping. As you can’t get the pillows wet, you need to use them with breast pads, but they include a pair in the pack which is a bonus.

Pros: Soft, high quality, natural, recyclable, heat quickly
Cons: Bulky, expensive, cannot get wet.

2. Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy

These Lansinoh TheraPearl are the bestselling therapy pads in our list. Lansinoh is a well-trusted breastfeeding brand, and TheraPearl is well known for sports therapy relief products. We particularly love the design of these pads as it makes them very easy to use. The small beads help the packs to mold to the shape of your breasts, aided by the segments. The packs are circular with an opening which enables you to use these packs at the same time as pumping.

Made from 100% polyester, which is BPA and latex free, they are reusable and easy to wipe clean. For heat therapy heat in the microwave for 15 seconds which hold the heat for around 10-15 minutes. You can also pop in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours which will provide cool relief again for around 10-15 minutes.

Pros: wipe clean, use while pumping, budget-friendly, comfortable
Cons: Poor heat retention, Lansinoh no longer provide felt storage bags,

3. Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes

The Booby Tubes are like a mash-up of the Boob Ease and the Lansinoh TheraPearl. Made from all natural cotton fiber and filled with flax seeds, with a ‘cut’ circle design. These therapy packs are flexible to use and can accommodate all breast sizes from small to large.

Heat them easily in the microwave or oven, although they only hold heat for around 10 minutes. They can be cooled in the freezer and worn for cooling relief between feeds. Once placed in your bra, they’ll remain cold for around 10 minutes.

Again as these pads are filled with seeds you can’t wash them, so its wipe clean only. Compared to the Boob ease they are a lot cheaper but don’t retain the heat/cold for as long.

Pros: Great for all breast sizes, soft, breathable fabric, recyclable, can be used with a breast pump, budget friendly
Cons: Don’t retain heat/cold long, not washable

4. Mommyz Love Breastfeeding Gel Pads

These gel pads from Mommyz Love have a basic U shaped design with an opening for your nipple or a breast pump. The pads are plastic outer with a gel filling, and they come with a protective cover. They are large and will easily accommodate breasts up to a D/E cup.

The pads can be heated in warm water or microwave. I’d suggest skipping the microwave as they have a tendency to explode if the wattage is too high. You can use them for cool relief by placing in the fridge.

The gel inside is fairly flexible which helps them to cup around the breast. They are easy to maintain by wiping clean or washing with soapy water.

Pros: Good heat therapy, budget-friendly, washable, flexible, great for larger size breasts
Cons: can take a while to heat up

5. Philips AVENT Thermal Gel Pads

A similar design to the Mommyz Love is the Philips Avent Thermal pads. The designs are similar with the large circular gel-filled pad. The Avent Thermal pads perform much better with the cooling therapy side, but not with the heat therapy. They take around 20 minutes to heat in water and ultimately perform as well as a warmed face cloth, which is a shame.

If you plan to use only for the first few days after birth or an infrequent case of engorgement. If you suffer from engorgement regularly, we recommend opting for either the Bamboobies, Lansinoh or Pariday gel packs.

Pros: Low price, great for large breasts, flexible, great for cooling, can be used with your breast pump
Cons: Take too long to heat, bulky for smaller breasts

6. Gerber Breast Therapy Relief Pack

We live the contoured shape of these Gerber breast therapy packs; although they are strictly home use only, they may look a bit strange in your bra at home. They are made from soft fabric which is washable as it has a gel filling, unlike the boob-ease or booby tubes. There is a circle in the middle which exposes your nipple or slot in a breast pump. Be sure to watch placement if your nipples are sore as the edges can rub.

The heat option performs well, a few seconds in the microwave provides around 20 minutes of heat. The cooling option is great because they can fit snugly into your bra between feeds.

Pros: Washable cloth, contoured, heat quickly, can be used with a pump
Cons: Expensive, nipple cut out can rub on sore nipples

7. Pariday TendHer Pillows

The TendHer pillow from Pariday are intended to tackle three breastfeeding issues in one. If you have issues with engorgement, poor let down, plugged ducts as well as sore nipples then consider these. You’ll pay around $25 for two pillows which for 4 weeks before needing to be replaced. That’s almost double the time of other popular hydrogel pads.

The pillows consist of a gel pad made from vegetarian food grade gel, which is placed inside a soft cloth ‘pillowcase’. The case helps to provide a soft fabric for sore nipples, and the plastic backing helps keep your clothes dry when leaking.

Heat the pads in hot water or place in the fridge for heat or cool relief. We highly recommend these for tackling engorgement when you have sore nipples.

Pros: Great for sore nipples, washable cover, prevents leaks, comfortable to wear
Cons: Only last 4 weeks, expensive

Read: Best Nipple Cream For Sore Nipples

Thermal Therapy Pad Basics

Buying Guide

Before you buy a pack of thermal breast therapy pads you should know which features to look out for that will provide the most benefit for you.

Design – You’ll need to consider if the pads are suitable for your breast size whether large or small. Are the contoured or flexible to use, can you use them while pumping?

Heating method – Pads will vary with how they are designed to heat. Some therapy pad can be quickly popped into the microwave and ready in under a minute. Other designs require waiting up to 20 minutes left in the oven or hot water before they are ready.

Therapy time – How long does the pad provide relief for? Some pads perform better for heat therapy and other for cool therapy.

Fabric – Would you prefer a washable plastic material or a natural soft fabric which you can clean?

Reusable – All the pads are reusable, but it usually boils down to how hygienic they are to use. Plastic pads tend to last longer as the cloth type are ruined once they get wet.

Price – Expect to pay anything between $7 -$30 for a set of thermal breast therapy pads.

Advantages of Thermal Therapy Pads

Eases Engorgement – Cold pad therapy will help to soothe swelling caused by engorgement between feeds.

Reduced pump time – Improved let down aided by heated pads, helps you to empty the breasts quicker. We recommend combining with hand massage while feeding or pumping to combat engorgement and blocked ducts.

Designed for breasts – Thermal breast pads are sized and shaped to fit comfortably into your bra. Some thermal pads are designed to cup the breast and allow room for a breast pump shield.

Help let down – Using heated pads will help your milk to ‘let down’ quicker while feeding or expressing, relieving the fullness and discomfort caused by engorgement.

Raynaud’s Relief – Breastfeeding nipples are often affected by Raynaud’s phenomenon due to a poor blood supply. Using heat can help to soothe the painful sensation.

Disadvantages of Thermal Breast Pads

Aggravation – It’s best to use cool therapy for engorgement and heat to improve let down before a feed. We recommend avoiding using heat when engorged as it can intensify the swelling.

Preventing let down – Using cold relief before you feed or express can inhibit your let down. It’s best to use a cool pad after a feed and switch to using heat for 10-15 minutes before the next nursing session.

Cost – Natural fabric thermal pads are more comfortable to wear, however, are expensive to replace if they get wet. Plastic pads are a cheaper option, but care is needed when heating not to melt the outer case.

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