Nursing Essentials watercolor wrap dress / off the shoulder dress / motherlove cream / utility shirt
pajama shirt / cake nursing bra / gratlin nursing bra / lalabu soothe shirt
split back top/ plaid shirt / wrap cardigan

6 (almost) months into breastfeeding and I’m the first to admit it’s so much more work than I ever imagined. When other moms mentioned that it was hard I just always assumed they meant painful. Oh no, it’s the time demand and patience that they were talking about. I’ve always had an open mind to breastfeeding and plan to continue doing it as long as it works for our family, but I’m a firm believer that ‘fed is best’ and supporting mama’s! My workdays are typically spent driving to client meetings all over town, so mastering the pumping while driving act took some getting used to. Thank goodness for winter and loose sweaters – ha!

Over time I’ve realized what works when it comes to nursing. Most of my tops when I have Olivia for the day are button-ups, loose, flowing tops or ones that can easily be shifted to the side. In the beginning I stuck to thicker fabric for shirts (skip the silk) to avoid any leaks when your supply is still coming in and balancing out. These nursing pads also helped me feel a little more prepared should anything happen. This cream is amazing to apply in the beginning (ouch…) when you’re just getting started and they become sore and cracked. I brought this with me to the hospital and started using it as soon as Olivia was born.

I’ve tried out a few different nursing bras and found two great options that I rotate between. These Cake nursing bras are super comfortable, easy to adjust and a great sleeping option. I lived in these the first few months. This option by Gratlin is another favorite that’s priced so well! It’s great for days when you want a more “bra” like feel and added support. For around the house or under cardigans/sweaters this nursing tank feels like butter on and is awesome.

Wrap and off the shoulder dresses are by far the easiest options in the warm weather months! I just wore a normal strapless bra with any off the shoulder styles. Get yourself a good pair of button up pajamas too! This shirt and this long sleeve set are ones I wear nightly and they make those middle of the night feedings in the beginning so much easier.

xx

 

 

6 Comments

  1. Ally Harding
    January 18, 2018 / 6:56 am

    You are the second person to recommend that nipple cream in one day! I can’t believe I have never heard of it. I just used lanolin but definitely will check out Motherlove for baby #2! Good for you for still going strong with breastfeeding! It is SO hard and just like you said no one gets till you go through it! For pumping at work I loved the Dairy Fairy bras. Made it so much easier!

    • Ashley
      Author
      January 18, 2018 / 7:55 am

      I really liked it! Also bonus that the ingredients are safe and don’t need to be washed off before feeding again!

  2. January 18, 2018 / 9:33 am

    Girllll breastfeeding and pumping is no joke! Why doesn’t anyone prepare us for what it truly demands? Once I went back to work, it was much harder lugging the pump and equipment back and forth every day. It was so worth it, but I wish people would prepare soon to be mother’s about how hard it will be. That nipple cream was a lifesaver, and loving that wrap cardigan! Perfect for on the go pumping! <3
    Green Fashionista

  3. January 19, 2018 / 10:04 am

    One of my girlfriends who just had a baby and I were talking about things at the store that are nursing friendly! I’ll have to share this post with her.

    Zelle | Southern Style 

  4. January 19, 2018 / 11:09 am

    I have those bras and love them! Nursing friendly clothes can be so tough, especially in the Winter!

  5. Sarah Roy
    January 25, 2018 / 7:12 pm

    Hands down that is my favorite nipple cream! Lanolin is wayyyy too thick! I too love that the ingriedients are safe and natural, plus it feels amazing.

    Do you actually own that baby wearing tank top? What are your thoughts on it?

    Thanks!


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