Mama Share Monday-Breast Feeding

This mama share Monday is going to be just a few basic tips about Breast feeding for anyone who has ever wanted to do it or anyone that is preparing to do it.

• Although it's natural, it's not as easy as it looks.  It definitely takes a break in period where you and your baby literally "camp out" and learn to work together as a team!  Practice definitely makes perfect for most moms and babies.
• Buy a sports bra type of nursing bra while pregnant and get measured once the baby is born and your milk has come in.  Your breasts change in size greatly and you will want a comfortable bra that fits you correctly.  Trust me on this!
• Get as much support as you can in the beginning.  It can be very difficult for some mamas and if they don't have spousal support, family support, or friends, it can get frustrating and even make you want to quit.
• Make sure you are sure about your desire to breast feed.  Some Moms choose to breast feed for reasons other than wanting to give their baby the best start possible.  They don't realize that it can actually get difficult for a bit and want to quit easily.  Learn as much as you can about breast feeding and breast milks benefits.  I was sold on the idea well before I got pregnant and so when I did have my hiccups in nursing my kids, I just worked through them.

What is your advice for starting a nursing relationship with your baby?  Let me know in the comment section!

Balboa Baby Nursing Pillow-Review

I am a nursing mom for the second time now that my son is here. He took to it with absolutely no problem and has been a nursing champ since birth. He is three months old now and is getting heavier, so my preferred method of nursing is lying down.

Obviously, it's not always convenient to lie down and feed your baby when you have many other things to do and places to go. I have a Boppy nursing pillow from when I had my daughter four years ago but, to be honest she slept on it more than nursed on it. It's really floppy and doesn't provide the lift that I often need to position the baby close to my breast.

I contacted Balboa Baby to see if they would be willing to let me try their nursing pillow. It's a great shape for a cradled baby and it comes in a number of beautiful, modern patterns. Once they agreed, I waited for it to come and was happy to see that it shipped quickly and with no problems. I had excellent service from the beginning and was excited to check this pillow out! I also had a fun time browsing their site and looking at their other items like their nursing covers, and baby slings.

I requested the Coco nursing pillow and have loved the pattern especially since I received it in person. The material is a nice crisp cotton and is very vibrant. It's removable and machine washable, which is totally necessary. The pillow is firm, almost feels like memory foam but, it doesn't "squish" down like memory foam. I've nursed my son in a few different positions and have had no problems with adjusting him. I generally do either the football or the cradle hold for him and it works great. It definitely helps with comfort levels for both my baby and I because I'm not having to bend or strain anything and can have my hands free and he is able to nurse at breast level to stay latched well. Finally, this is approved by Dr. Sears as a safe and comfortable product.

Thank you Balboa baby for the nursing pillow to review.