Breastfeeding 1-2-3 reader Laurie wrote to me to share a picture of the sling she sewed from these ring sling instructions. Laurie said she had a Christmas party at her home when her son Andrew was seven weeks old. She carried him around in the sling all night and he slept most of the time! That’s yet another example of how baby-wearing makes for a happy baby and a happy mother! Here is a picture of the home-sewn sling in action.

Doesn’t Laurie look great just seven weeks postpartum?! Thanks for sharing the picture, Laurie, and great job on the sling!
For …read more

Last week I listed five tips for nursing in public. One of those suggestions was to come up with a combination of clothing that makes you feel most comfortable breastfeeding in public.
5 Alternatives to Regular Nursing Clothing
While it’s great if you can afford nursing clothing (see Where to Find Nursing Clothes) and can find styles that you like, there are other options.
1. Layer a button-down blouse over a tank top. When you lift up (or pull down) the tank top to nurse, the sides of the open blouse will offer coverage.
2. Layer a regular shirt over a loose-necked tank …read more

Recently I asked readers to share pictures of their completed do-it-yourself projects. Angel sent this great picture of a ring sling! She wrote:
It took some time, and much begging and learning and ironing, but with the help of family and friends we have sewn our first (of probably many) slings. We’re still debating on the length of tail we want as I’d like for my preschooler to be able to hold onto it on walks and when we’re out and about (it gives him a sense of freedom). Any suggestions on making it more hand friendly? We were just going …read more

Inspired by this post on designing a nursing necklace, two Breastfeeding 1-2-3 readers crafted their own nursing necklaces! Check out the lovely creations of Hobo Mama (photo and discussion) and Digiscrappin’ Life (photo and discussion). Thanks for posting pictures, ladies!
Have you been inspired by any of the following do-it-yourself projects?
~ Nursing Cover
~ Knitted Nursing Tank Top
~ Pullover Crew Neck Baby Bib
~ Baby Bib with Neck Ties
~ Ring Sling
~ Nursing Necklace
~ Nursing Pads
~ Baby Booties
~ Cloth Diapers
~ Nursing Pillow, Nursing Shirt, Nursing Bra and Pumping Bra, Cloth Diapers, and More
Email me a picture and I will post it here sometime! Or …read more

There is something for everyone (breastfeeding or not) in the mix of the Breastfeeding 1-2-3 highlights from April 2008:
~ Free Pattern for Sewing Your Own Crew Neck Over-the-Head Baby Bibs
~ Judge Denies FLDS Request to Keep Mothers with Nursing Babies
~ World Health Day 2008: Protecting Health from Climate Change
~ Breastfeeding Basics Checklist for a Good Breastfeeding Latch
~ Gentian Violet and Grapefruit Seed Extract as Thrush Remedies
~ Breastfeeding and International Travel
~ Top Five Breastfeeding Interviews

After I posted instructions for how to sew your own baby bib with extra-long ties around the neck, a reader posted a comment asking for a pattern for a crew neck over-the-head baby bib. In the wonderful way of the internet and the breastfeeding community, reader Elizabeth jumped in with an offer to email her pattern out. After the seventh request for the pattern (eight if you count yesterday’s!), I asked Elizabeth if she would mind sharing the pattern directly on the blog, and she happily agreed! Thanks Elizabeth for sharing your instructions and photos for a free over-the-head bib …read more

The other day I wrote about Using Cloth Diapers. While using cloth diapers can help a family save money in the long run (see this savings calculator), the initial investment can be quite expensive depending on the cloth diapering system and brand you choose. I bought my Fuzzi Bunz diapers used on eBay. I’ve had friends who have had success with the sales forums at diaperpin.com (one friend advised that it’s best to create your username and password and login before searching for diapers because the items listed often sell quickly and you’ll want to get the contact information and …read more

Things have gotten so crafty around here lately with all sorts of patterns and instructions for how to make lots of breastfeeding and baby accessories. When I saw these adorable baby booties and the free downloadable pattern from Heather Bailey (via Kiddley), I couldn’t resist sharing them too. You can make these Bitty Booties from any combination of thick wool suiting, high-quality felt, leather or ultra-suede. The instructions offer patterns for sizes 0-3 months and 3-6 months but I suspect you could readily adapt the pattern for larger sizes. For inspiration and wonderfully creative ideas for how to decorate your …read more

This fun, easy and inexpensive sewing project makes a great baby shower gift. Maybe you’d like to sew these for yourself if your baby is ready to start on solid foods. Step-by-step instructions and picture illustrations guide you through to a rewarding finished product. A few different fabric combinations give ideas for boy, girl and unisex bibs. The measurements are readily adaptable but these produce a bib with extra coverage and long bib ties for ease of use.