When I asked “Should eBay allow the sale of used single-user breast pumps?” the vast majority of voters answered “yes,” with 40 percent believing it is buyer-beware, and 30 percent believing that eBay should post a warning of the risk of disease transmission from single-user pumps.

Here is the complete break down.

Please take a moment to vote in the new poll!

What do you think about the petitions going around like this one and this one that ask eBay to ban the sale of used single-user breast pumps (not the kind that are intended for safe use by multiple users)? Previously I have pointed readers to the FDA’s breast pump website for information on the risk of contracting communicable diseases like HIV or hepatitis through the use of shared single-user breast pumps (and for tips on how to get help paying for a pump or pump rental). I know, though, that many women feel very strongly that the sale of used …read more

Want to save money on nursing pads and help save the environment too? Several sources provide very simple instructions for making reusable nursing pads from flannel receiving blankets, old cotton t-shirts, or fleece fabric. Check out these options:
NJW of Associated Content — uses a CD as a circle pattern to make reusable nursing pads out of flannel
Frugal Families — suggests four layers of flannel rather than two
Frugal Baby Tips — uses old cotton t-shirts
mistymq on eHow — uses fleece and t-shirt cotton or flannel, and adds a waterproof fabric layer (PUL, drapery lining or plastic diaper cover-ups)
For more “do-it-yourself” projects …read more

Remember when my sweet husband ordered me some “nursing” magazines? It occurred to me today to search for breastfeeding magazines on Amazon. After all, I love the NEW BEGINNINGS magazine that I receive bi-monthly as part of my membership to La Leche League. (Each time I think I’ll donate my latest copy to a LLL group for others to read, but my copy gets too wrinkled from my reading it cover-to-cover during my hot soak in the bathtub LOL!)
As it turns out, Amazon sells four different subscriptions to breastfeeding magazines for delivery in the U.S. Amazon doesn’t have any reviews …read more

Approximately 38,000 Boppy Slipcovers are being recalled due to zipper pulls that can break and pose a choking hazard. The zippers also pose a danger due to excessive levels of lead in the paint. Here are the full details from the voluntary recall issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Boppy Company of Boulder, Colorado:
This recall involves velvet and boa slipcovers intended for use with the Boppy® Bare Naked nursing and support pillow.
Slipcovers recalled due to a choking hazard were sold in three color combinations and have the following UPC and date codes found on the …read more

How did it get to be that time of year again? This year’s round-up of the 2008 breastfeeding calendars offers an opportunity to see some beautiful breastfeeding pictures and to let your calendar shopping make a difference.
The International Baby Food Action Network Breastfeeding Calendar sells for £7 each (£6 if you buy 10 or more). Add £2 shipping for orders outside the UK.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association Calendar priced at AUD $15 features the winners of the ABA calendar photo contest.
Inhabitants of Sonoma County, California might find paper versions of the 2008 Breastfeeding Calendar at area hospitals and health clinics …read more

Answers to the question “What do you think of nursing covers?” ran the gamut from “I won’t nurse in public without one” to “Women shouldn’t have to hide!” Coming in at 36%, the most popular response was “Use one if it makes you feel comfortable, but personally I don’t like them.” In second place at 15% was “I use one occasionally” followed at 13% by “They draw unwanted attention to the fact that you’re nursing.”
Here’s the complete breakdown:
I won’t nurse in public without one! 4 votes, 9 percent
I use one occasionally. 7 votes, 15 percent
Great for the new nurser. …read more

Earlier this week I posted a reader’s review of the lila bean nursing cover. In that review, the breastfeeding mother concluded with the statement:
There’s also the whole argument that nursing covers call more attention to the whole process, but that’s probably a story for another posting.
Well, let’s talk about that! How do you all feel about nursing covers? Love ‘em, hate ‘em, think they put pressure on other mothers to cover up in public? Please vote in the poll and feel free to leave a comment as well!
{democracy:31}

Today’s breastfeeding product review comes from Amanda, a mother whose nursling Sam celebrates his first birthday this week! Amanda tried out the lila bean nursing cover a few months ago and shared her thoughts with me.
“Hi, my name is Amanda and I nurse in public.
I was so excited when I was asked to review the lila bean nursing cover. Sam and I have overcome many breastfeeding challenges and are heading into our — gasp — 9th month of nursing.
While I have no problem “whipping it out” as my dear husband likes to say, I do have a Hooter Hider …read more

Shopping for nursing clothes can be difficult, especially if you want something both stylish and affordable (is that too much to ask?!) Some women forgo nursing clothes altogether (they’re certainly not necessary) but some enjoy the added comfort of nursing clothing for breastfeeding in public. Personally I liked wearing nursing clothing in the early months, but eventually transitioned into regular clothing as I became more comfortable with breastfeeding in public. Only a few times recently (weddings, funerals especially) have I wished for a nursing dress!
If you’re in the market for some nursing clothes, there are several sources out there.
In Stores
If …read more