Tuesday, November 26, 2013

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!
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.
bella materna nursing bra
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.
bella materna nursing bra
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!
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Thursday, November 7, 2013

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 stomachselecting 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.