How to buy a nursing bra

During your 8th month of pregnancy a woman's breast size will have typically stabilized, so it's time for a nursing bra. Here is a list of how to buy a nursing bra.

 

  1. Look for cups that expand and contract as your breasts fill up and empty and that open easily (preferably with one hand so you can balance your baby in the other).
  2. Try on the bra and make sure it's not too tight, which can contribute to mastitis, a painful breast infection.
  3. Check to make sure you have adequate support. While underwire bras usually aren't recommended for breastfeeding moms (they can cause blocked milk ducts), many manufacturers use extra-supportive fabrics, especially for full-breasted women.
  4. Buy at least three bras: one for day, one for night, and one to wear while the others are in the laundry. (Fit Pregnancy Magazine, April/May 2006, p. 102) 

 

The following is a selection of bras found on Fit Pregnancy's 2010 Buyer's Guide.

 

Bravado Allure Underwire Nursing Bra, $54

The Bravado Allure Underwire Nursing Bra is not only gorgeous, it was designed with the help of lactation consultants to promote breast health. It’s unbelievably comfortable, too—the material is lightweight and breathable.  Although it’s best to wear this bra once breastfeeding is well established (when the baby is about 6 weeks old), the underwire subtly distributes weight to avoid breast tissue constriction, so you don’t have to worry about clogged ducts. Sizes 32D/E–38F/G.

Isabella Oliver’s Amoralia Nougatine Nursing Bra, $69

Isabella Oliver’s Amoralia Nougatine Nursing Bra features soft, stretchy lace that’s incredibly supportive. Even better, it’s lined with soft bamboo fabric for ultimate comfort. Who said nursing can’t be sexy? Available in black/blush or ivory/gold; sizes 32B–38G.

 

Glamour Mom’s Nursing Bra Full Bust Long Top, $42

A built-in nursing bra allows you to wear Glamour Mom’s Nursing Bra Full Bust Long Top alone or as an underlayer. Shirring helps hide your “mummy tummy,” and an adjustable chest band and straps support your morphing breasts. Sizes S–XL.

 

 

Early Autism Detection

One of the many worries I have as a mama-to-be is the threat of my child developing autism. As a resident of New Jersey the rate of autism in infants high, about 1 in 94 (2007).  Scary . . .  I know. In reading an old Fit Pregnancy magazine (Spring 2006), there was a quick snippet called Early Autism Detection written by Laurie Stephens, PH.D. In the passage she highlights a book titled, Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps by Nancy D. Wiseman. In the book the following is stressed:

 

  1. Find a pediatrician who routinely screens for developmental milestones and takes time to listen to parental concerns.
  2. Parents should watch for "autism's 'red flags'"
  • lack of social smiling by 6 months
  • no babbling, imitating of sounds or use of gestures (like waving or pointing) by 12 months
  • no meaningful two-word utterances by 24 months

 

Wiseman's most valuable advice according to Stephens is:

"The important thing isn't how a child compares to his cousins or playmates; it's whether his own developmental path is a healthy one."

 

My first pregnancy item

Two of the many symptoms of my pregnancy have been EXTREME fatigue and interrupted night time sleep. Besides trying to sleep 18 hours a day there is nothing I can do about the fatigue, but I found the perfect solutions for my sleepless nights. First, I try my hardest not to drink anything three hours before bedtime (hard as hell to do btw). Second, I purchased a Today's Mom "Cozy Comfort Pregnancy Pillow" on Amazon. It arrived yesterday and I used it for the first time last night. I'm in love! It's like sleeping with a big ol' teddy bear that contours to your body. Initially I thought my husband, my new pillow, and I would not fit on our queen sized bed, but it worked. I recommend this product to every pregnant woman looking for a comfortable night sleep. For $49.99 it was a 5-star buy. 

Product Features

  • Pregnancy pillow includes Shoulder Comfort System
  • Keeps mommy's back cushioned and keeps baby supported while nursing
  • Inner curve keeps mom's back and belly supported
  • Designed to caress the natural curves of the body
  • Cradles entire body and keeps it in constant comfort
  • Product Dimensions: 23 x 14 x 16 inches ; 10 pounds

 To purchase from Amazon click here.

I purchased the pillow in an espresso color, see below.