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!        

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