Pregnancy support and advice » nursing tops

Pregnancy Birth – The Gala Preparations Are Underway

Saurabh K Jain — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:28:36 +0000

The final stages of week by week pregnancy are here. The long journey that began with anxiety and excitement has finally reached its conclusive stages when in just a few days a lovely child would fill your world with joy. A new chapter would soon begin and if this is your first pregnancy, then be thoroughly prepared to take up the new roles and responsibilities life has to offer. If you thought pregnancy was a tiring time and pregnancy delivery could be difficult, then wait until you undergo the awaited change. Life would soon impart a new perspective for you to see & analyze situations differently.

Are You All Set?

Approximately 36 weeks of week by week pregnancy have passed. With just a few days left, give a final check to all the preparations.

Have you secured an appointment with the doctor?

Has the room been reserved?

Is the bag that must be carried to the hospital ready?

Have you made a final decision regarding the painless pregnancy delivery option?

Is the baby’s nursery decorated?

Are all important numbers noted in the phone diary?

Is post pregnancy shopping through? You would soon require breastfeeding pillow, nursing pajamas, nursing gown, breastfeeding tops, nursing tops, breastfeeding cover, breastfeeding pump and 100 more such things.

The Body Prepares For ‘D’ Day

In these last days of your week-by-week pregnancy, the baby must have occupied a lower slot i.e. the entire mass inside must have shifted to the lower region in the pelvis area. This process is known as lightening and lightens up the situation for the mother. This shifting down imparts much more room to the pregnant woman’s internal organs thus facilitating easier breathing movements. First time mothers can expect lightening slightly earlier than those who have already undergone the process before.

Another process that soon follows, while the body prepares for childbirth, is effacement. It entails effacing of cervix, this however, can be noticed only by the health care practitioner. Dilation i.e. opening up of the cervix is next in line. Many of you, during these days or rather just before the final day, might feel highly energetic and active.

To accompany all these processes, are Braxton Hicks contractions. These are the body’s signal indicating preparations for labor. These are usually painless contractions that become stronger and more painful as the much awaited due date approaches. However, do not consider the stronger and painful contractions as definite indicator of expected pregnancy birth. They could simply be a false alarm. Nevertheless you must be fully prepared all through these last days of week by week pregnancy.

Author: Saurabh K Jain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Nursing Clothes – How To Maintain Function And Fashion

Rylee James — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:26:21 +0000

The controversy surrounding breastfeeding in public is something every new mother faces. Anyone interested in this issue has heard of the woman forced to leave the airplane because she was breastfeeding on board. Or they’ve heard of women asked to leave a shopping mall or other public setting because they were breastfeeding. Whatever side of the controversy you choose, there is no disputing the health benefits of breastfeeding. The debate is more about where you choose to feed your baby and how discreet you choose to be.

I myself am a huge advocate of breastfeeding. The benefits for both mother and baby are undeniable. And I know this act of bonding between mother and baby is a beautiful thing. Yet I find it slightly unnecessary when a woman lets it all hang out when there are so many options in affordable, comfortable and fashionable nursing clothes available. There are many options available for mothers with various lifestyles and fashion sense.

The earthy, natural mama can wear an organic cotton shirt with hidden slits or a flowing tunic. The working woman can wear a button up blouse underneath her suit jacket. The athletic mother can wear a cotton tank with detachable straps and built in sports bra. The trendy mama can wear a wrap shirt or dress in a clingy, sexy material.

If you don’t want to wear nursing tops after baby comes but still want some coverage there are other options available to you. A BellySock is one option that is like a tube top, which you wear below your bust line. This will layer underneath any style of shirt you choose to wear – nursing top or not – and still keep your stomach covered when breastfeeding. There also are fashionable options available in nursing covers and ponchos, which you can wear over various styles of shirts.

Ideally, when choosing nursing clothing you want functional fashion. Select fabrics that breathe well and allow good air circulation. Also, it is smart to choose material that does not wrinkle easily as you will be pulling on it frequently throughout the day. Tops that are darker or patterned are more forgiving for any unplanned leakage.

Author: Rylee James
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Comforts Of Nursing Pajamas

Saurabh K Jain — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:55:40 +0000

Nursing pajamas are one of the most comfortable and practical things to wear and enjoy during motherhood. These pajamas are so cozy in fact that many start wearing them even during pregnancy.

The first few months after delivery are some of the most exhausting and tiresome months what with interrupted sleep at nights as well as coping with child birth and the toll it takes on the body. Women are psychologically and physically very vulnerable at this stage and care must be taken to ensure that they are as comfortable as they can be. This is possible if appropriate cloths are worn and if the women are able to relax and enjoy bonding with their infant.

Some women feel that child birth is the time when they are drained and tired, well, it is not so! In fact it is just the beginning, as the after effects of child birth such as back pain, weakness, restless nights spent in nursing the baby can be one of the most tiring periods in a woman’s life.

It is thus best if mothers-to-be make preparation early and purchase necessary items such as nursing pajamas, well before childbirth, as later they may not have much time! Shopping can be fun especially if you can do it from the comfort of your home. The numerous online stores ensure that women have a huge variety of choice. There are nursing pajamas in an amazing range of fabrics as well as styles.

Selecting Comfortable Nursing Pajamas

While choosing your nursing pajamas, care has to be taken to buy the appropriate material and size to ensure that you feel comfortable and can relax in it. It is no fun getting a smaller sized pajama set and end up feeling pinched and uncomfortable nor can you feel good in an over-sized pajama. The material has to be comfortable such that it is suitable for both mother and child. If the pajama has too many large buttons or has a belt it can be uncomfortable to sleep in or feed the baby. Many women buy brightly colored pajamas as they look attractive as well as makes them look slimmer. Many women buy many nursing tops and pajamas and wear them creating their own combinations.

Another important aspect is to opt for pajamas that will be easy to maintain and wash. Most of them are machine washable, but be sure to study any instructions that may accompany the pajamas such as cold wash only etc.

Conservative nursing mothers may choose regular nursing pajamas, while those who desire to look trendier can opt for a fashionable version. There are sleeveless Pjs and there are long sleeve Pjs, there are silk pajamas, satin, flannel and cotton pajamas. So go ahead and shop for your pajamas and make nursing your baby more comfortable while you feel relaxed and presentable in a well chosen pajama set. When the mother is relaxed, sleeps well and feels good about herself, she can take better care of her baby. Nursing pajamas are recommended to make nursing days more comfortable and relaxing.

Author: Saurabh K Jain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Planning Your Postnatal Wardrobe – 10 Tips For What to Wear Post-Baby

Kirsten Jane Baxter — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:43:30 +0000

1. Whilst your pre-pregnancy jeans and trousers may still be a little way off, resist the temptation to continue wearing your maternity trousers. Baggy oversized trousers will do little for your self-esteem and will add pounds to your appearance. Soft waisted, stretchy or drawstring trousers and skirts will be comfy and avoid giving you post-pregnancy muffin top. Soft loungewear trousers are perfect, smart enough to wear out whilst running round with your baby yet comfy enough to catch up on napping whilst your baby sleeps.

2. Ensure you have a capsule breastfeeding wardrobe which can be mixed and matched, which then eliminates any fuss in the mornings. Wardrobe staples include nursing camisoles, a good breastfeeding dress and a couple of versatile nursing tops. These can be accessorised with items from your existing wardrobe to mix, match and pretty up your look. Look through your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and see if you have anything which could be used during your post-natal period; floaty tops, cardigans, wrap dresses, loose shirts, wraparound tops are all good.

3. Patterned and darker coloured breastfeeding tops will hide any spit-up from your baby and leaking milk and will also hide nursing pads. Brilliant for when you are out with your little one.

4. Using nursing vests as layering pieces extends your post-natal wardrobe options and can also help balance your figure. Some nursing vests feature a body-shaping panel which holds in your tummy, shapes your waist and makes you thinner. Belly Bands can also be used for a similar effect, and are also good at keeping your tummy covered whilst nursing. A selection of tops or bands in staple colours like black, white and grey will give you great basics to build your outfits around. Don’t overlook funky colours though, as a flash of colour under another top is a great way to bring your style up to date.

5. Draw the eyes upwards with interesting necklines and/or pretty necklaces – directing attention away from new mum tum and towards your new mama glow

6. Ruching, shirring and draped fabrics which softly disguise any post-natal pounds are a new mum’s best friend. Look for tops with deep vee and scooped necklines which flatter your new mum boobs by showing off your dcolletage.

7. Choose natural fabrics which will work with your body to keep you cool and comfortable. Cottons are great, and fabrics made from naturally occurring fibres such as viscose, bamboo and modal are also a good option.

8. Black in moderation! Whilst black can be super slimming, resist the temptation to wear it top to toe. Wearing too much black can be draining to the complexion and leave you looking in need of a good night’s sleep, so try midnight blue, plum, wine or chocolate brown as a dark but flattering alternative.

9. A pop of colour can also lift your mood, so try adding a brightly coloured top, chunky piece of jewellery, scarf or belt to your outfit.

10. Be kind to yourself and your body, it has been through a lot in creating new life. Remember you have just had a baby and keep in mind the “nine months up, nine months down” mantra. Love your body, be confident and stylish and above all enjoy your days as a new mum!

Author: Kirsten Jane Baxter
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Nursing Tops Can Be Stylish!

Jo Garrett — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:43:28 +0000

Maternity tops are specially made so that your baby can get feeding access without you lifting your top. Breastfeeding tops are ideal if you want to wear a fitted or long top. Types vary – a fabric cross-over at the front is a classic breastfeeding top style, simply because it is so easy to use one-handed.

Other styles for nursing tops include tunic tops – not usually an option for the nursing mum, but new styles have cleverly designed access for feeding so you can make the most of the current tunic trend.

The best maternity tops are, of course, designed to flatter the New Mum shape – bigger around the boob and not clingy across the tummy. Look for stretchy fabric, if the material contains elastane, it will always look good. Team with slim jeans and boots for stylish winter feeding. Breastfeeding tops with bold patterns give your new mum wardrobe variety, while plain nursing tops, including navy or black, will go with anything.

Remember that maternity accessories such as a pashmina can also help screen yourself from neighbours as you latch baby on.

And of course, remember your underwear! Nursing underwear is a must. Key points to remember are that you need to be able to unfasten quickly without fiddly clasps and hooks. Of course, you must get something that fits properly. Try ordering a few styles of nursing underwear in a few different sizes. Try everything on, jiggle about and keep only those that really fit and feel comfortable.

Author: Jo Garrett
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Nursing Tank Tops Are All the Rage – Why?

J A Johnson — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:12 +0000

If you’ve had a child and are or have breastfed than you are able to appreciate the challenges that await the mom that selects this method. One of those challenges is getting hold of clothing that not only permits momma to conveniently feed her baby but clothing that lets her look and feel great about herself. Nursing tank tops are one of those must have items for all breastfeeding mothers. They allow mommy to look great wearing styles that she wore before the pregnancy yet have the convenience of beeing able to feed easily and comfortably.

These nursing tank tops, you will find, are a great addition to any nursing mom’s wardrobe. These tops can be used with so many different outfits, which is why they are a must have. The particular brand that is reviewed is the line from Comfy Kangaroo, which is generally considered to have the best functioning and most comfortable nursing bra tank top combos available. There are many different colors to pick from and I’m sure you will discover something in their line that fits your own personal style.

About now you may be curious about just how these tops work. I’ll fill you in. The breastfeeding top would generally be worn with a nursing bra, which is included, but that’s completely elective. You can go braless! No bra is needed. They will work fine without one, however you may want to still wear a nursing pad (leakage and all). Ok, so the way these nursing tank tops work is by having the ability to unstrap either side of the top and fold it down to facilitate feeding baby. One of the aspects of the tank tops that most wet-nursing mothers love so much is that these tops seem like any other tank top. It doesn’t look or feel like you are wearing a top specifically designed for breastfeeding, even though you are!

Now, the Comfy Kangaroo nursing tops are not the only ones out there, however I feel they are the best (and apparently many other nursing moms agree). Take a look around at what is available and you’ll certainly find something to suit your sense of taste and style. Different strokes for different folks and all. Definitely have a look at the Comfy Kangaroo line of nursing tank tops (In case you can’t tell I really enjoy them). Have fun with your new baby and consider that just because you’re a new mommy and nursing, you can still have great style and flair.

Author: J A Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com