Here is the complete break down.

Please take a moment to vote in the new poll!

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What about you? Have you borrowed a used pump from a friend? Would you or have you bought a used pump from a stranger? What do you think?

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

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 for breastfeeding-related items, see the “how-to” category.

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As it turns out, Amazon sells four different subscriptions to breastfeeding magazines for delivery in the U.S. Amazon doesn’t have any reviews of these magazines, so if you have any knowledge of them, please leave a comment to share your opinion. Are they worth the subscription price? What is the target audience for each magazine (breastfeeding mothers, lactation consultants)? It seems that at least two of them — Essence and the ABM newsletter — are much like NEW BEGINNINGS in that they cater to the breastfeeding mothers who are members of those associations (and thus they would appeal to all breastfeeding mothers).

First there is Breastfeeding Outlook. It appears to offer continuing education to lactation consultants. It puts out four issues per year for US $29.00. Check out this sample issue.

Next there is the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Newsletter. The ABM is a charity in the United Kingdom. Its newsletter comes out four times per year at a price of US $22.46.
Then there is Essence: the Magazine of the Australian Breastfeeding Association. It’s a bi-monthly magazine for US $72.62 per year.

Finally there is the Breastfeeding Review. It is also put out by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, with three issues per year for US $54.22.

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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 California Flammability Law tag. Slipcovers sold in clear vinyl packages are labeled Boppy® Luxe.

Color Combination:

Blue/Green Velvet, UPC Code 769662 30802 1, Date Code 05/2006 and 06/2006
Pink/ Orange Velvet, UPC Code 769662 30801 4, Date Code 05/2006 and 06/2006
Pastel Blue Velvet, UPC Code 769662 30705 5, Date Code 05/2006

Slipcovers recalled due excessive levels of lead paint were sold in four colors and have the following UPC and date codes found on the care instructions label and on the exterior of the packaging. Slipcovers sold in display boxes are labeled Boppy® Soothing.

Color:

Pastel Blue “Boa,” UPC Code 769662 32544 8, Date Code: 07030
Bright Pink Velvet, UPC Code 769662 32542 4, Date Code: 07030
Navy Blue Velvet, UPC Code 769662 32542 4, Date Code 07030
Sage Green Velvet 769662 32709 1 07030

Sold at: Slipcovers recalled due to choking hazard were sold at discount department stores nationwide from July 2006 through September 2007 for about $16. Slipcovers recalled due to lead paint were sold at discount department stores nationwide from February 2007 through September 2007 for between $15 and $17.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these products immediately and contact The Boppy Company for a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For information on identifying and/or exchanging the recalled slipcovers, call The Boppy Company at (888) 713-3916 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.boppy.com

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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 (everyone else can click on the link to watch the slide show).

MotheringDotCommune (MDC) Mothering On-line offers a single-page 11″ by 17″ glossy calendar for just U.S. $3.99.

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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. 1 vote, 2 percent
All women should use them. 1 vote, 2 percent
I tried one and didn’t like it. 0 votes, 0 percent
A blanket works just as well. 5 votes, 11 percent
They draw unwanted attention to the fact that you’re nursing. 6 votes, 13 percent
Women shouldn’t have to hide. 4 votes, 9 percent
Use one if it makes you feel comfortable, but personally I don’t like them. 17 votes, 36 percent
I’ve got mixed feelings. 1 vote, 2 percent
I’m not sure. 1 vote, 2 percent.

Please take a moment to vote in the new poll in the side bar. I’ve posted a question about whether or not you choose to have your child vaccinated — and that one has far fewer choices for responses and should generate some really interesting results!

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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!

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“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 that I’ve used when I’ve felt the need to exercise a little discretion. I won’t lie; initially I used it to camouflage more of the belly rolls than the boobs, but it has come in handy at least a few times in places more atmospheric (posh restaurant) than nursing-friendly (most everywhere else). I actually have a friend who nurses with hers at all times — even when in the confines of her house — because baby Sydney is too distracted at 10 months of age to nurse nicely and the cover helps her to focus.

The lila bean website is gorgeous. It’s a company founded by a nursing mom, which I love, and the covers themselves look like they’re of superior quality and function. They’re available in cotton and silk (though the silk covers are “dry clean only” which can be tricky) and come with a small matching pouch in which to stuff them.

It might be that I’m not that coordinated, but I had a bit of a hard time with the cover. My right side has the most milk, so I tried that first. The lila bean nursing cover is different from others in that the entire edge is elasticized — presumably, it’s meant to work like a hammock or little cocoon for baby. I just couldn’t get Sam in there decently and wished that the cover came with instructions to help with positioning. I tried to get his whole body in there, and managed well enough, save for one foot. He nursed happily, and while I didn’t feel genuinely covered, my husband said that you couldn’t see anything. Sam was content and focused, which was nice. I was wearing a nursing camisole at the time, but if not for that, the belly rolls would have been on glorious display.

Switching to the left side didn’t go as smoothly. Sam was excited, I was confused and couldn’t manage to get much of him inside the cover. I tried butt-only, thinking he could hang out a little, but my lack of coordination skills got the best of me and I gave up.

I feel bad because I wanted to LOVE the cover — maybe it takes practice and I’m sure some people do love using theirs. I think that for the easily-distractible baby, the lila bean makes for an excellent quiet environment for baby to nestle in and focus. Because of the gathered edge, there’s no risk of baby flailing and sweeping the cover aside, as Sam likes to do with the Hooter Hider, (our hilarious “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” routine). For the mom who’s looking to also hide her stomach, I’m not sure this is the cover of choice. 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.”

Thanks for your review, Amanda! If any other readers use a nursing cover, please post a comment and let us know which one you use and whether or not you recommend it!

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If you’re in the market for some nursing clothes, there are several sources out there.

In Stores

If you want to try on nursing clothes before you buy, check out the few retailers who have actual stores. In the United States, two main ones are Motherhood and Mimi Maternity. Target offers a basic selection of nursing bras and tank tops, and many major department stores will also carry nursing bras.

On-Line

Two of the major on-line retailers are Motherwear (see affiliate link in the side bar) and Expressiva (not affiliated). There is also quite a selection of nursing clothing available on Amazon.com (affiliate).

Smaller retailers include:

www.breast-is-best.com
www.evalillian.com
www.milkface.com
www.onehotmama.com

Cost Saving Options

I have seen gently-used nursing clothing in the maternity section of thrift shops such as the Salvation Army. A quick search on eBay for “nursing” under “Clothing, Shoes and Accessories” finds a wide selection of offerings. The only caution I have about buying used nursing clothing is that thrush can be transmitted through clothing, and anything you buy should be washed in very hot water (with bleach if the fabric allows) if the item will be in direct contact with the breast and not worn with another nursing bra or pad or tank top underneath.

One other option is to sew your own nursing clothing.

Reader Feedback

What’s your favorite source for breastfeeding clothes? Leave a comment!

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