Slightly Steady Nursing Bra review

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the nursing mama on your list (or yourself), check out this Bella Materna nursing bra review!

Nursing moms definitely know the meaning of the words “awkward” and “frumpy.” “Awkward” is trying to get a baby latched on while you’re also trying to feed a toddler macaroni, and “frumpy” is usually the nursing bra you’re trying to shove out of the way with one hand.

My first introduction to nursing bras was pretty dismal. We picked up a few at a big box retailer. The colors were white and gray. There was no lining, because every mom wants her nursing pads to be obvious, even under a sweater. The straps were granny-wide, and the cups came up so high that I had to either wear a turtleneck, or just keep worrying that they would show at the neckline – and even boat neck tees weren’t safe, because while they kept the cups covered, the width showed the enormous straps. And support? Nonexistent. They didn’t really do much other than keep my nursing pads in place. I felt pretty frumpy wearing those bras, and for good reason. Wearing them made me feel as if I’d never get to feel pretty, dainty, or sexy again – at least not while I was nursing.

Odd, because nursing is an essentially feminine act – I had imagined I’d feel MORE feminine, not less.

I do feel more like a woman-warrior when I’m nursing now, because I’ve since learned that it’s not the act of nursing that is the problem. It’s the ugly, ungainly, unflattering nursing bras!
That’s why I was pretty much stalking my mailbox from the moment Anne Dimond, owner ofBella Materna, agreed to let me review one of her bras. I love these bras! I got one soon after Baby A was born, and now that I’ve lost over thirty pounds (yay THM and T-Tapp!) my bra was getting pretty loose. I couldn’t wait to get my new (smaller) bra!

I should clarify that Bella Materna bras do grow and shrink with mama pretty well. The first bra I got fit me through the last month of my pregnancy and the first pounds I lost after Baby A was born – it’s only been getting loose the last ten or so pounds (meaning that, all pounds totaled up, it fit me very well for a span of about forty pounds). The band has a huge amount of adjustability to account for how a mom’s ribcage expands and shrinks back+18, which is a big reason I was able to wear it so long.

Look at all those rows! Inches upon inches of adjustable width.

This bra also features “infinity rings,” that convert the nursing bra into a regular bra when nursing ends (*sniff,* it’s a sad thought), and nursing-safe Flexy wires to keep everything in place.

The infinity rings pose as decorative accents until you need them.

I always feel supported and, you know, “lifted” in this bra – a far cry from the loosey-goosey feel of the off-the-rack nursing bras I used to have!

These are wonderful nursing bras – and a fabulous gift idea for any mommy or mommy-to-be!

Link to original post!

 http://www.slightlysteady.com/bella-materna-nursing-bras-review/

Stomach Soothing Smoothies from Wholefoods

Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the perfect time to move toward a healthier lifestyle. We’re here to support you with tips for soothing your stomach, selecting prenatal supplements, and caring for your skin. Plus, we’ve got the widest selection of trusted products without artificial colors, flavors, fragrances or preservatives. Let us help you discover some wonderful, worry-free alternatives for you and your baby!

Soothing Your Stomach

Small but frequent meals and snacks can help keep queasiness at bay. Whether or not you’re feeling nauseated, easy-to-swallow smoothies are a great way to slurp up vital nutrients.

SMOOTHIE TIPS

Add just enough liquid to get things moving in the blender. Then add a bit more if you like! If you prefer your smoothie icy cold, try using frozen fruit or add ice cubes. Mix and match ingredients for your own custom stomach soother.

Must Haves for Mom & Baby {+ Giveaway!}

Sweet Review from Sarah at Must Have Mom!


http://musthavemom.com/2013/10/must-haves-mom-baby-event-bella-materna-nursing-bra-picks-giveaway.html

Must Haves For Mom & Baby Event: Bella Materna Nursing Bra Picks! {+ Giveaway!}

OCTOBER 11, 2013 BY SARAH LEAVE A COMMENT

I love the quality and luxury that Bella Materna offers nursing moms. If you think you will be able to continue wearing your current bras once you have your baby and start nursing then think again. You need a bra that offers easy access for nursing and that is made with nursing breasts in mind. Your breasts need different things when nursing to stay healthy. You don’t want to develop a clogged milk duct or mastitis so wearing the proper bra will help. Not all nursing bras are ugly either! Bella Materna has a fantastic line of bras that will give you all you need while nursing while still looking fabulous and beautiful.

I tried out the plunge t-shirt bra and loved how comfortable it was! I chose this bra because it works great for both maternity and nursing. As your pregnancy progresses you will notice your breasts growing in size and you will likely outgrow your current bra. This bra can take you from maternity to breastfeeding and it’s comfortable and gorgeous!

The Plunge t-shirt bra has moulded cups for smooth coverage and extra support. It also has 3 extra sets of hook and eye closure at back for use as a maternity bra. The wide plush band at the hem offers comfort and support.

Another feature I love about the plunge t-shirt bra is that you can change the configuration of the bra to fit the shirt you are wearing. The convertible racer back hook option is built in. Easily change it to fit whichever shirt you wear that day!

Bella Materna offers a full line of maternity and nursing bras and they are all fabulous! I wore one with my last baby and just loved it. It was comfortable and convenient for nursing while still being beautiful and not at all ugly like so many nursing bras out there!

You can buy the Bella Materna Plunge t-shirt bra and many others on their site! They have a wide range of bras and sizes to choose from!

Win! One reader will win your choice bra from Bella Materna! Enter below. Good luck!

How to balance work & family

How to balance work & family

Balancing work and family can be, well, a balancing act. If you give your all to getting ahead, you're cheating their children. If you take time out for your kids, you're cheating your job.
It seems there's never enough time for both, particularly when problems from one spill over into the other.
To help working parents cope with the pressures of their double lives, I offer you some thoughts from my personal experience.

~ Make each a priority work & family.
Family comes first when you're at home, and work comes first when you are at work.  You'll be happier and more productive if you can enjoy your family time when you're at home and concentrate on getting the job done when you're working.
~Get Organized.
A little planning and organization can go a long way in preventing stress, both at home and on the job.  At home, set out clothes the night before and designate specific places to keep baby things organized.  Use the commute to unwind and be ready for home focus.  If you get to stay home with your little ones, I think these rules still apply! 
~ Set realistic work expectations.
Don't overestimate what you can do at work.  if you have to, negotiate more realistic goals and tasks with your supervisor and be prepared to take time off to deal with important family business.
~Teach children to do it themselves. 
Praise and encourage children to learn to do it themselves, time flies, so start in each little baby step.  As they get older it will be easier for them to get dressed, make their own lunches and organize their own backpacks.
~ Follow a daily routine and set ground rules.
You will start to create a routine with your newborn, of course we love them to sleep all night, so read up on how you can create healthy, balanced sleep patterns for you and your loved one.  As they grow up, the routine to breakfast, dress, teeth etc, will help them to keep their balance.  Of course, moderation in everything including moderation, we have to flex and balance each other.
~ Work together with your spouse or partner.
Dividing housework and parenting tasks fairly and offering both practical and emotional support when needed.  Eventually, get the kids to help out with simple household tasks as they grow up.
~Be choosy about your childcare.
Knowing that your child is safe and happy brings peace of mind at work.  In choosing a daycare or preschool, talk to other parents and make site visits.  do the children look happy and engaged?  How do staff members interact with the kids?  Is the center or school safe and clean?
We always posted ads on craigslit.org and interviewed them, but there are other resources if you can share a nanny or want back ground checks: http://www.care.com/ offers a whole range of services as well.
~ Alternate work and play. 
To give your life balance, take holiday breaks and vacations to engage in recreational activities outside of work. 
~ Switch off negative thoughts.
Instead of "I'll never finish that job", think, "I'm home and off-duty from work".
~Develop a relaxing coming-home routine take 5.
Hug the kids, find out about their day, share how you are feeling, change clothes, lay down for 10 mins.  I know it sounds simple, but I find it is so easy to get into a fixed robot like behavior, not stopping to smell the flowers and the baby's head!

These are my personal experiences, and I cannot promise anything other than my words of experience!
Thanks for reading!        

20-Minute Strength Yoga Class for Moms - CafeMom Yoga Studio

Prenatal Yoga Pregnancy Exercise #1 (+playlist)

Baby Yoga for Gas and Colic Relief

What moms want!

Had a great conversation with long time customer and long term nursing Sasha.  Was such a great conversation as she was complimenting our quality and designs.  She had bought 5 bras from competitor, and returned them all to purchase Bella Materna.  "They are a little more expensive but worth every penny."

We always want to stay informed on what our customers want and need.  Please feel free to contact us anytime Order at BellaMaterna.com !

Lean in Lean out by Sandberg worlds top women in profession

Found this to be worth my watching and reading time (which ends up in my sub-conscious 'entertainment budget'!)  CNN Video of Sandberg challenging women to 'lean in'

A great article and video to highlight our working mother struggles. I found it both inspiring and a relief to feel with other moms - Anne Co-Founder

Jessica Simpson wears Bella Materna on Katie Couric show - I bet....

Jessica has the #1591 Smooth Cup bra on!

I try not to pay too much attention to celebrities and gossip.  

BUT to be honest, I don't toot our horn enough when it comes to our loyal fans!  Especially if everyone knows them! :)  

Anyhow, Jessica ordered over the last months of pregnancy, and also called to ask for any styles we thought would be best for her.  We got the sizes that were working best for her, and sent off several more.   She emailed back: "love, love, love"!

So here is a recent article; that I really appreciated the person Jessica Simpson, not the celebrity.  

Read on!  Excerpt from Katie Couric TV show September 11!

Jessica Simpson has finally debuted her post-baby body on “Katie” -- but don’t call it a big reveal!

“I really didn't want it to be about my weight because I know that everybody has their weight and has their own issues,” said Simpson when talk show host Katie Couric asked about why she did not show a full body shot in her new “Weight Watchers” commercial. “I wanted to talk directly to people so I didn't want the big body reveal moment. It’s not really who I am and Weight Watchers was on board with that thankfully.”

The world has been waiting to see Simpson’s post-baby bod ever since she gave birth to daughter Maxwell Drew on May 1 and announced several days later that she had signed a weight loss deal with Weight Watchers to help her shed the pregnancy pounds. But now that we’ve seen Jess, she doesn't want to tell us how much she’s actually lost.

“And you’ve lost like about 40 pounds right?” asked Couric.

“More!” said Simpson.

“Can you tell me?” pressed Couric.

“No!” said Simpson with her hearty, bubbly laugh. “But it’s really not about the numbers … I’ve lost enough weight to where I can pat myself on the back… it’s a small child!”

Simpson is also aware of the pressure that she’s under to lose her baby weight and the pressure that all new moms feel after giving birth in comparison to celebrity Moms.

“I’ve been the woman who’s looked at the magazines like ‘Oh my gosh! How in the world did she do that?!’   

Now being in that position, I’ve put on more baby weight than I was planning on putting any so I think that I really have to separate myself from the world’s expectations and really just look inside of myself and have a relationship with myself and be healthy with myself,” Simpson explained. “That is really important because I want to be a phenomenal role model for my child and if I get caught up in what the world’s saying and their expectations I would not be here right now as strong as I am right now with the support system that I have.”

A sneak peek of Simpson’s new Weight Watchers commercial aired during her “Katie” interview where she echoed the sentiments of many mothers around the nation – “I’m not a supermodel, I’m just Jessica. Trying to eat real food in the real world.”

And Simpson recognizes that losing the weight is a challenge – one she didn't really think about during her pregnancy.

“It is definitely a challenge. I think during pregnancy I didn't really think about it, I just always had, you know I thought my doctors were telling me that it was just a lot of water and whenever my water broke… my whole entire stomach would go down, but that did not happen! 

“So yeah all the weight did not come out with the baby and I’ve had to really stay focused and focus on my diet and just really concentrate on what I’m putting in my body because obviously I want to be as healthy as I can because I’m a Mom now.”

But what happens when you’re a celebrity mom who’s struggling to lose the weight and you’re getting trashed by the tabloids? You don’t Google your name Simpson says!

“I definitely don’t pick up the magazines and since I’m not traveling as much I’m not in an airport where I don’t really see them. I definitely don’t Google my name ... I try to avoid it completely, but I still subconsciously know that the talk is going on so I think that every day that is a struggle for me.”

article reposted by me from HLNtv.com  

If I knew how; I would repost the personal trainer video check it out here-- great ideas for excersize that are FUN with baby!

Help with proper estimation of maternity bra size

Welcome to the world of motherhood!  

This article states some quick notes we have found to help with proper estimation of maternity bra size.

Whether this is your first baby or your sixth baby, there is always something unique each time.  Our bodies seem to change with each, even more reason for added help when finding a maternity bra, nursing bra or maternity clothes.

Properly fitting bras are especially important for pregnant and nursing mothers’ comfort.  8 out of 10 women need help finding the right size.  This is even truer when your body is changing when you are expecting!!  We try to find you the best bra, which you can get the most use of. 

I usually recommend getting a nursing bra when you are pregnant and cannot fit in your pre-pregnancy bras.  Then you will need another one near the last couple of months.  This bra we hope to fit throughout maternity, and the early months of breastfeeding.  We have many styles with flexible cup size so we can accommodate your changing body needs.

Finding your Maternity Bra & Nursing Bra Size – get out the tape measure and put on the best fitting bra you have!

Maternity Bra notes: Ideally all of your maternity bras has breastfeeding access, so you can wear them again when you have decreased back to this size, and you will have the option to nurse after having the baby.   In our experience for pregnancy, it is best to get your same pre-pregnancy band size and wear it with an extender if one is not already sewn on.  Get it 2 cup sizes larger than your pre-pregnancy cup size.  i.e. If you were a 34D pre-pregnancy we recommend a 34F with an extender.

First, measure under your breasts; parallel to the floor from the front to back, firm but not loose.  The band size is of primary importance for your proper support.   If the band is too loose, the front cannot support you.

Since your cup size is harder to gauge with measures, at about 6 months you will need only 1 cup size increase.  By the last trimester you will need a bra with 2 cup sizes larger than your pre-pregnancy size.   A soft cup, without underwire is a best first nursing bra.  It will flex with your changing body.  Our Anytime collection are best sellers from bras to gowns. See this post on our Bella Materna Blog for more help

Feel free to call us to chat about what you need or email order at BellaMaterna.com 

We are here to help! 1-888-700-8438 M-F 9am 3pm West Coast Time

Personal notes on Breastfeeding: Anne Dimond a 14 year journey of making Nursing Bras and serving new moms all over the world!

Personal notes on Breastfeeding: 
Anne Dimond a 14 year journey of making Nursing Bras and serving new moms all over the world!
Congratulations, if you are reading this you want to breastfeed your little one.  Breastfeeding can be a little harder at first, but it really pays off in the long run (kind of like exercise, or a good pair of shoes you wear in).

My personal journey was unique, just as yours is.  Yes we share some highs and lows but the bond between you and your baby is ideal when you can provide them with breastmilk!  Scientifically even 1 drop of breastmilk makes a difference.   Think how many ounces will nourish them more, we encourage long term breastfeeding: at least 6 months if not 1 Year +.

As someone who started this company (2000) long before having children (2004), I was afraid what if breastfeeding was too hard for me/my baby!  What if I couldn't do it?  Lucky for me, my dear friend Claudine had her first baby just a few months before me and said the 2 words that encouraged me more than anything: "Breastfeeding Rocks!" 

 So let me encourage you now!  Try it: "Breastfeeding Rocks!"

My first baby started to wean earlier than I had hoped.  I took a business trip for Bella Materna nursing bra sales in LA when she was 9 months old, I had stored up breastmilk for my husband and mom to give her while I was gone for 3 days.  I pumped and stored while I travelled; but when I returned she had fallen in love with the bottle - "baabaa" (no she couldn't say that at 10 months!).  I did continue to pump, but her breastfeeding quickly declined after that.  Do I wish I had brought her with me, yes, but in all parenting we try our best.
My second child was not what I was expecting either!  The only thing I made sure to do was (besides have some of the best nursing bras in the world from Bella Materna on hand) was to make sure I had the notes on engorgement on hand my book was Pregnancy & the Newborn here is a link to it on Amazon.  That was where I needed guidance, and was the most painful part the first time was engorgement.  I knew if I had the directions on my nightstand, I would get through it better the 2nd time.  It worked!

Some other thoughts I wish someone had told me: 
Keep in mind, after your little one starts solids, they may/will not feed as often.  Your body will naturally adjust to the amount of breastmilk your baby needs.  I say "needs", because it is a natural process for both of you to wean (or all 3 if you had twins...).
Your baby may only feed at night for the rest of the year, or maybe if you are back at work, a few times a day.  This transition can work for both mom and baby,  It is important to realize, if you wean and your breastmilk decreases, it may not increase again if nursing starts back up.   We encourage you to try to breastfeed longer, as this is a unique opportunity in your life!

Don't feel shamed or negative about your work to breastfeed!  Just try your very best!  There are a lot of moms who are not able to, and I know successful people who have been breastfed or not.

To know Bad Advise can help clarify what is Good Breastfeeding here from The Bump

Worst Breastfeeding Advice -- Ever!

Say what? Bumpies shared the most outlandish breastfeeding tips they’ve ever heard, and then we asked lactation consultant Deirdre McLary, IBCLC, RLC, CD, to explain why the advice is such bad news. Take note -- this is what not to do.

“My dad told me once, ‘You’ll know within two days whether or not breastfeeding is going to work for you.’ He told me this while I was still pregnant -- needless to say, my instinct told me this was bad advice.” -- danienrossWhy it’s bad advice: Breastfeeding usually starts out tough and then gets easier as time goes on. “It can take several days to weeks to feel in balance with meeting the needs of your newborn,” says McLary. “Plus, your milk doesn’t come in until two to four days after the birth, so each day brings a new and different adjustment as you transition.” If you’re struggling, she suggests getting help from a pro -- problems can be corrected with just a single visit to a lactation consultant.

“A pediatrician told me to let my husband give our LO baby formula at night so I could get extra sleep. Apparently he thought extra sleep would increase my low supply.” -- pitterpatter129Why it’s bad advice: The exact opposite is actually true. “Replacing feedings with formula will sabotage your milk supply,” says McLary. “That’s because milk supply relies on supply and demand. If you skip a feeding because some well-intentioned loved one wanted to let you sleep, you’re sending the message to your breasts: ‘Hey, we’re done here. No milk is necessary at this hour.’” And your body, as a result, will make less milk. You don’t want that!

“A friend who’s also a nurse told me to give my baby bottles of water over the summer when it’s hot. She went on and on about how I wouldn’t want to drink milk when it was hot, so obviously baby won’t want to either.” -- tokenhoserWhy it’s bad advice: It’s not a good idea to give your baby water before he’s around six months old. That’s because he could fill up on it and drink less breast milk -- which has the nutrients he really needs. “Breast milk is all that your baby needs during the first six months of life,” says McLary. And as far as quenching baby’s thirst, breast milk will do that too. “It’s actually made of over 85 percent water,” says McLary, and we highly doubt he’ll turn it down when he’s hungry.

“Someone once told me to scrub my nipples with a washcloth to ‘toughen them up’ for nursing. Um, ouch!” -- museummavenWhy it’s bad advice: You won’t do much more than make your nipples sore. “This is a ridiculous old wives’ tale that seems to persist in some cultures,” says McLary. “It’s absolutely unnecessary. The best preparation for breastfeeding is understanding that it is a natural, normal process.” Your body is naturally prepping itself for breastfeeding. All you have to do is, well, do it.

“My mother-in-law said that my breasts were too small to give my baby enough milk and that I should give him formula.” -- k-reneeWhy it’s bad advice: There’s actually no correlation between breast size and milk production. “Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and unless you have glandular development issues (which is rare), your breast size will not compromise your ability to produce milk to meet your baby’s needs,” says McLary.

“My friend gave me this advice: ‘Don’t breastfeed. Breastfeeding makes your breasts saggy and gross.’” -- damabo80Why it’s bad advice: Research shows that saggy boobs are more likely to result from pregnancy in general than from breastfeeding. “Pregnancy and hormones make our breasts victims of gravity,” says McLary. “Breastfeeding has little to do with it.”

“This week, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law both encouraged me to not breastfeed because it would take up too much of my time and I would end up a slave to my baby and boobs.” -- lolinshagWhy it’s bad advice: Sure, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time feeding your baby, but so do bottle-feeding moms. “Imagine the time you’ll spend buying formula and bottle gear, and cleaning, sorting, cooling and heating bottles,” says McLary. Plus, breast pumps make it possible to give baby breast milk while you’re away from her, so you don’t have to feel stuck if you want some “me time.”

“Drinking beer while breastfeeding will help baby sleep. Yeah, that’s gonna work….” --dundasgirlWhy it’s bad advice: “This is a scary and dangerous concept,” says McLary. Why? Alcohol can pass into breast milk like it passes into your bloodstream. Sure, baby will only be exposed to a small percentage of alcohol if you drink, but his body will process it at a slower rate. And rather than help him sleep, it actually could cause sleep problems for baby, not to mention impair his motor development (scary!). But McLary says that having a glass of wine on a date night with your hubby is okay: “The general rule on breastfeeding is, if she can drive a car, she’s okay to feed her baby. But don’t count on it making baby sleep any longer than usual.” So if you end up enjoying a glass of chardonnay at dinner, wait at least two to three hours before nursing baby -- just to be safe.

“My father-in-law believes that bottles are better than breastfeeding because ‘ you’ll know if the baby is getting enough.’” -- kelleylkWhy it’s bad advice: Sure, if you breastfeed, you won’t have the luxury of ounce markings letting you know how much your baby is taking in, but there are ways to know she’s getting enough milk. “Make sure she’s happy, gaining weight, looking healthy and wetting between six to eight diapers in a 24-hour period -- and feeding every two to three hours,” says McLary. “Then, you’re meeting her needs.” And feeding her the healthiest way possible.

Go here to the original article: 

http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/breastfeeding/articles/worst-breastfeeding-advice-ever.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=Newsletter&cm_pla=Parent&cm_ite=July%2030,%202013&MsdVisit=1 

Keep breastfeeding, it is tough sometimes - but so valuable!

Here is an important scientific article from the Science Daily.com taken from Brown University research, on the value of keeping up with breastfeeding even when things get tough!

I do want to put in a support line here for - any breastfeeding is better than none at all.  

Even if you cannot produce enough, and need to supplement (use Organic!) every drop helps your baby develop!

We are here to support you!  Let us know how we can!

Thank you,

Anne 

Bella Materna

MRI study: Breastfeeding boosts babies' brain growth

MRI images, taken while children were asleep, showed that infants who were exclusively breastfed for at least three months had enhanced development in key parts of the brain compared to children who were fed formula or a combination of formula and breastmilk. Images show development of myelization by age, left to right. (Credit: Baby Imaging Lab/Brown University)

June 6, 2013 — A study using brain images from "quiet" MRI machines adds to the growing body of evidence that breastfeeding improves brain development in infants. Breastfeeding alone produced better brain development than a combination of breastfeeding and formula, which produced better development than formula alone.

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A new study by researchers from Brown University finds more evidence that breastfeeding is good for babies' brains.

The study made use of specialized, baby-friendly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at the brain growth in a sample of children under the age of 4. The research found that by age 2, babies who had been breastfed exclusively for at least three months had enhanced development in key parts of the brain compared to children who were fed formula exclusively or who were fed a combination of formula and breastmilk. The extra growth was most pronounced in parts of the brain associated with language, emotional function, and cognition, the research showed.

This isn't the first study to suggest that breastfeeding aids babies' brain development. Behavioral studies have previously associated breastfeeding with better cognitive outcomes in older adolescents and adults. But this is the first imaging study that looked for differences associated with breastfeeding in the brains of very young and healthy children, said Sean Deoni, assistant professor of engineering at Brown and the study's lead author.

"We wanted to see how early these changes in brain development actually occur," Deoni said. "We show that they're there almost right off the bat."

The findings are in press in the journal NeuroImage and available now online.

Deoni leads Brown's Advanced Baby Imaging Lab. He and his colleagues use quiet MRI machines that image babies' brains as they sleep. The MRI technique Deoni has developed looks at the microstructure of the brain's white matter, the tissue that contains long nerve fibers and helps different parts of the brain communicate with each other. Specifically, the technique looks for amounts of myelin, the fatty material that insulates nerve fibers and speeds electrical signals as they zip around the brain.

Deoni and his team looked at 133 babies ranging in ages from 10 months to four years. All of the babies had normal gestation times, and all came from families with similar socioeconomic statuses. The researchers split the babies into three groups: those whose mothers reported they exclusively breastfed for at least three months, those fed a combination of breastmilk and formula, and those fed formula alone. The researchers compared the older kids to the younger kids to establish growth trajectories in white matter for each group.

The study showed that the exclusively breastfed group had the fastest growth in myelinated white matter of the three groups, with the increase in white matter volume becoming substantial by age 2. The group fed both breastmilk and formula had more growth than the exclusively formula-fed group, but less than the breastmilk-only group.

"We're finding the difference [in white matter growth] is on the order of 20 to 30 percent, comparing the breastfed and the non-breastfed kids," said Deoni. "I think it's astounding that you could have that much difference so early."

Deoni and his team then backed up their imaging data with a set of basic cognitive tests on the older children. Those tests found increased language performance, visual reception, and motor control performance in the breastfed group.

The study also looked at the effects of the duration of breastfeeding. The researchers compared babies who were breastfed for more than a year with those breastfed less than a year, and found significantly enhanced brain growth in the babies who were breastfed longer -- especially in areas of the brain dealing with motor function.

Deoni says the findings add to a substantial body of research that finds positive associations between breastfeeding and children's brain health.

"I think I would argue that combined with all the other evidence, it seems like breastfeeding is absolutely beneficial," he said.

Other authors on the study were Douglas Dean, Irene Piryatinsky, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, Lindsay Walker, Nicole Waskiewicz, Katie Lehman, Michelle Han and Holly Dirks, who all work with Deoni in the Baby Imaging Lab. The work was funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided byBrown University.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Sean C.L. Deoni, Douglas C. Dean, Irene Piryatinksy, Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh, Nicole Waskiewicz, Katie Lehman, Michelle Han, Holly Dirks. Breastfeeding and early white matter development: A cross-sectional study. NeuroImage, 2013; DOI:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.05.090

Need to cite this story in your essay, paper, or report? Use one of the following formats:

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 MLA

Brown University (2013, June 6). MRI study: Breastfeeding boosts babies' brain growth.ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 24, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­/releases/2013/06/130606141048.htm

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

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How to get the best from Maternity Bra sizing vs stages!

3-6 months Pregnant? 2nd Trimester Bra:
~ Exciting new changes!  Your old bras do not fit?
~ Why not get something that will be useful for Breastfeeding later on?
The bra you buy now will be used again when your baby is about 6 months old, or when you start solids (generally).  
~ Make sure you have a little room to grow into it (mostly in the band).
~ Mesh Plunge and Wire free Bras are excellent to flex through next body stages.
~ Need an Underwire Bra?  Our patented Flexywire is unique, and we have sewn on extenders to help band size flexibility.  Ignore the clips until after baby comes. Email us with questions Order at BellaMaterna.com! Or give us a call Toll Free Worldwide: 1-888-700-8438.

6-10 months Pregnant?  3rd Trimester Bra/Newborn Nursing Bra:
~ You need a comfort bra that will flex with your body changes, and you also need a bra for daytime/work to transition to your first nursing bra.
   The bra you get now, will fit you through baby delivery, and new born feeding.
 ~ Wire free Bras tend to be are more comfortable, especially in the last 4-8 weeks when your baby is so big it is pushing your rib cage wider.
~ Need an Underwire Bra?  Our patented Flexywire is unique, and we have sewn on extenders to help band size flexibility.  Ignore the clips until after baby comes.
~  Anytime Collection is designed to assist you in grace and style.  These are the important tools to have at the ready.

Congratulations!!  Milk is in and you are ready for new bra?
~We will have you feeling back to yourself with a pretty nursing bra that will last for at least the next 6 months of breast feeding.
 ~ Wire free Bras tend to be are more comfortable, but also tend to cover more breast/body area, ours are designed with flexibility in mind.
~ Need an Underwire Bra?  Our patented Flexywire is unique, and we have sewn on extenders to help band size flexibility.  Ignore the clips until after baby comes.
~  Anytime Collection offers the most flexibility in fit without clips, great for sleep.
~ Sexy T-Shirt Nursing Bra is your everyday uplifting basic, great for pumping @ work or out and about with you new baby!!  (I wear this style almost every day!)

* If you have had a clogged duct, consider wirefree, you may be more prone to clogging.  Be sure to massage clogged ducts, and find a Lactation Consultant if it does not resolve and becomes more painful.   In 13 years we have found it is really the FIT of the bra that impacts an increase in clogged ducts - NOT our Bella Materna Patented Flexywire.  Don't be fooled by cheap knock off un-patented products.

Next Goal:  Aim to provide breastmilk until they are One Year old!
~ We have great bras to last the whole journey, any bra on our site will work!
~The bra you bought in 2nd Trimester - get it out, as this is it's encore performance.  Get all the wear out of our good quality - long lasting items, built to last for you!
~Get something nice for yourself, you are the mom see our latest Fashion Peacock Collection!