As this is World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7, 2010) I thought I would share a little bit of why I have chosen to breastfeed my children.

When I became pregnant with my first child breastfeeding was something the I knew I was going to do no question about it. My mom had breastfed my siblings so it wasn’t something new to me. I also had heard about how formula does not really work for babies digestive systems. Well if you know my story you know that things did not work out how I had planed them before Samantha was born.

When she was born we seemed to have breastfeeding down but for some reason I kept questioning it though everyone told me I was doing it right. I regret now that I didn’t question it more. By day three after her birth thing had spun out of control in my attempt to breastfeed. My milk had come in and I was way over engorged, so much so that Sam refused to even try and latch at that point though she had started refusing earlier. My nipples were an absolute mess at that point (I still have scars from that).  And if that was not enough I got mastitis. Well we tried everything from pumping, going to LLL (that was a disaster though I ran into the right person there, a story for another time), trying to trick Sam back into trying to nurse all with no avail. She refused to ever try nursing again and I was heartbroken that I wouldn’t get to experience the nursing bond with my daughter but I was determined that she would get my milk so I pumped exclusively for six months until my supply dried up at which point we found out I was pregnant with our second child.

When I found out I was pregnant again I did EVERYTHING that I could possibly do and I bought almost everything that I could buy to the point of my husband getting burned out with it as I was determined that breastfeeding would work out for me this time around. Even with all that I had done when I realized that I was only a few weeks away from giving birth I actually had a panic attack about my upcoming attempt at breastfeeding a second time around. I cried for an hour over the fear that I would not be able to breastfeed this time either though I had a ton load of info in my hands on how to make it work.

Thankfully despite my fears breastfeeding the second time around was a success though there were times when things didn’t go right. I am so glad that I stuck to my guns and really tried hard to make it work both times!

Breastfeeding (and pumping) have been such a major blessing to me in a few ways.

• First I knew I was giving my children the best thing that I possibly could besides my self in the first few months.
• Then I have been able to bond with Buddy in way that I didn’t think was possible with him (I am going to miss that bond when I have to wean him).
• It has also given me a chance to rest during my crazy day. Sitting for five or minutes to nurse has been so nice.
• I also have been able to lose all of my baby weight and then some with nursing and walking. within six months of Buddy being born I was five pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight.

Those are just a few of the reason that I chose to breastfeed…I have sooooo many more but my mommy brain is not working there is not time to write them all down

Here are some of the resources that helped me out the second time around.

• I was so excited to get chance to watch Shari Criso Simply Breastfeeding DVD. It was such a major help to me!! You can watch it for free during World Breastfeeding Week!!
• I read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding while pregnant with Sam but when I became pregnant with Buddy I searched a book that fit my needs better and I found The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding. This was and is my favorite breastfeeding book.
• My Midwifes were the other resource that I used. They were the biggest help to me since they were able to see exactly what we were doing.

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week those are just a few of the things I wanted to share.

Now that my little man is two months old I wanted to write about some of the products that have been really good for me. To start off I have to say that nursing apparel has made a big difference in feeding my baby this time around. With Samantha I did not have any nursing shirts or bras and so pumping (had to exclusively pump for her) was a pain unless I wore cheap sports bras that I got from Wal-mart  and loose shirts. I hated it! This time around I really wanted to make sure things were going to be easy as I breastfed my son as I knew that I would have a lots to do with my daughter running around. Boy was I right about having a lot to do and having shirts and bras that are specifically for nursing has made things so much easier then they were with my daughter.

The biggest nursing thing that I love right now are nursing bras. I don’t know how I pumped for six months without them! The main reason that I didn’t have them was because most nursing bras cost way more then I would pay for three regular bras On top of that they are not all that much nicer then regular bras. Well I was determined to have nursing bras this time around and I set out to find some that worked but were not really expensive.

That is when I came across Gilligan & O’Mally

Gilligan & O’Mally is a brand of intimates sold at Target that have nursing bras and tanks. I have five of their nursing bras and I am loving them! And they only cost me $52 (I got two of them on sale) all together which is the price of like one and a half of some of the other nursing bras! These ones are also holding up well as I bought them about five months ago I think and wear them everyday and I throw them in the wash with my other laundry. I also love how these bras are just as nice looking and comfortable as regular bras and give me the support that I need while breastfeeding. Also the nursing clips on these are easy do undo with one hand which is so nice when you are holding baby one hand and trying to get his food with the other. So if you are looking for nursing bras that won’t break the bank you should check out the Gilligan & O’Mally nursing bras at Target.

What is your favorite nursing bra?

Sorry this is such a late post but I woke up not feeling the greatest this morning and so things have been slow in getting done here. Also this is the review that was supposed to be out on Friday

A few month ago I got the chance to try out a product that I have been ogling over since I became pregnant with this second baby. When I became pregnant with both my first and second child I also had the joy of having very sensitive breasts. Shower time was hard as I tried to shield myself from the water while getting everything clean. Then I came across the Shower Hug by belmama & cherub.

From the Shower Hug website:

The Shower Hug™ is made of the highest quality knit terry velour. It has a gentle stretch built-in, to provide you with bust-line support needed during pregnancy and after your little cherub has arrived. The fabric is super soft and will add comfort and luxury to every shower.

For use in the shower, the Shower Hug™: Provides gentle bust line support for full and engorged breasts Acts as a warm compress to soothe tender breasts and ease engorgement Shields sensitive nipples and breasts from direct contact with harsh shower sprays Protects nipples and areolas from direct contact with soap and other chemical residues found in many toiletries. A big plus for breastfeeding moms!

Many of our customers have enjoyed the Shower Hug™ so much, they wear it outside of the shower as well. The Shower Hug™: Provides an alternative to a traditional or nursing bra for soft, comfortable support. Strap-free design relieves pressure on shoulders Prevents nighttime leaks with or without the use of adhesive breastfeeding pads Offers hands-free convenience to hold cold packs and heat packs in place. The Shower Hug™ is not just for the bust-line! The Shower Hug™ comforts those recovering from C-section deliveries. Simply wrap the Shower Hug™ around your hips and lower abdomen to: Gently and softly support your healing tummy, in and out of the shower Protect your incision from harsh shower sprays and chemical residues that can irritate sensitive and healing skin

I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite pregnancy products and I can’t wait to try it out after the baby comes because this would have been a life saver with my first. With my first child I became very engorged and was broken open and bleeding from improper latching and I so wish that I had this for showers and just to wear during the day while I was healing!!! I will be doing another review of the Shower Hug after the baby comes I love to wear it now even when not in the shower because it is so comfortable and soft! If you are tender while pregnant or are trying to heal from nursing I HIGHLY recommend the Shower Hug!!! I will be doing another review of the Shower Hug after the baby comes

Pros:

• Protects from the sting of the shower water
• Amazingly soft fabric
• Creates a compress during engorgement
• Is perfect if you want something comfortable and supportive to wear during day or night.
• Will make healing from nursing easier

Cons:

• I can honestly say that I have no cons for this product. Even the price is amazing considering all that it does!

belmama & cherub have generiosly offered one CollegeSAHM reader one of their Shower Hugs!!

Rules: Leave a comment for each entry

• Visit the Shower Hug website and leave a comment telling me one feature of the Shower Hug that appeals to you most (if this is not done then no other entries count)

Extra entries:

• Become a email subscriber to CollegeSAHM
• Follow Shower Hug on Twitter
• Become a fan of Shower Hug on Facebook
• Tweet this giveaway using Review and Giveaway for @ShowerHug over at @CollegeSAHM http://bit.ly/3Efbcu Perfect for pregnant and nursing mommies!!!! and leave me the link.

This giveway will go until October 28 at 11:59 PM at which time I will chose a winner using Random.org.

 This giveaway is now closed. To see winner click here.

Today I have an exciting review and giveaway!! I recently got the chance to review the SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover™ by Nine Moons. I cannot believe that I waited this long to try a belly band!! This would have made my whole pregnancy easier!

Facts about the SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover™

* You can use it with your pre-pregnancy or your maternity shirts.
* You will use 1 SIZE for your entire pregnancy and the same size for your post pregnancy/nursing use.
* The SwellyBelly is stretchy and not constrictive (you will be able to breath in it).
* The SwellyBelly is made out of silky breathable material so you will not overheat.
* It has 2 elastic bands, one on top and one on bottom insuring it does not moves around or rise up on your back.
* It will keep your belly covered therefore keeping it warm in the winter (you know how it it cools down below the shirts).
* Even though we say to hand wash the band, lay flat to dry, you can actually machine wash and dry it.
* Many woman will stop you on the street and ask you where did you buy this shirt!
* The SwellyBelly is a fashion accessory.

I got to try out the Purple Haze belly band.

This is such an amazing product! It has made it possible for me to wear shirts that I would have only worn when I am not pregnant. I cannot wait to try it out while nursing (there will be a review when I get there ). Oh and I love the fabric this is made out of. I thought that I would have issues with a belly band since I get pretty itchy while pregnant and don’t usually like anything extra over my tummy but this fabric is smooth and silky so I have no issues with it. So wish i had lots of money to get one in every color!!

Pros:

• Extends non maternity wardrobe.
• Is made out of smooth silky fabric.
• Is totally fashionable (I get lots of compliments when I wear it).
• Does not move around at all (something I was afraid of at first).
• Will be perfect for extra coverage while nursing.

Cons:

• The only con I have is that it cost a lot for someone like me but its totally worth it!

This is the perfect product for those of us who are pregnant and nursing though I am sure that I will be wearing mine long after I am either.

Would you like to win one?!?!

Rules:

• Go to Nine Moons and tell me which color and size you would like (If this is not done no other entries will count).

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each)

• Subscribe to CollegeSAHM by email or blogger.
• Follow CollegeSAHM via Facebook
• Become a Fan of SwellyBelly on Facebook 
• Follow SwellyBelly on Twitter

Good Luck! Giveaway will go until October 16 11:59 PM at which time I will chose a winner using Random.org.

P.S. Be looking out for another great product review and giveaway next Friday!

Today I have my last review and giveaway for my pregnancy bash. This is another awesome nursing product! If you are anything like me you wear camis under just about everything you wear. Not sure quite why I started doing this but it just makes me feel more comfortable. Well when it comes to nursing I found out that camis are really a pain if you need to get to the food fast. That is until I found Skinies 

Skinies has one of the coolest camis for nursing moms that I have found! Its a cami with openings for nursing! And there are no slits, straps or snaps to fool with on this one!! I LOVE this top and will be using it all the time when the new baby comes because it can turn all of my tops into nursing tops!!!

Pros:

• No straps or snaps to fool with
• Makes any top a nursing top
• Keeps back and belly covered when nursing 
• Pretty reenforced stitching around openings to keep it from stretching 
• Has tummy taming panel 
• I think this would be a great top for healing sore nipples

Cons:

• The best way to wear it is under your nursing bra though it can be worn over
• Its a little shorter then I like my tops. That is probably because I wear my maternity clothes all the time and of course those are longer

Now on to the giveaway!

Rules:

1. Visit Skinies and tell me something about this product that you like.
2. Follow CollegeSAHM on blogger
3. Follow Skinies on blogger
4. Follow CollegeSAHM on Twitter
5. Follow Skinies on Twitter

This contest will run until July 22 12:00 PM at wich time I will chose the winner using random.org

Today’s review and giveaway is for Milk: Freshest nursing wear on the planet. Milk has some of the prettiest nursing shirts and dresses that I have seen. Unlike the tops at Motherhood Maternity these are tops that I will have fun wearing because they are so pretty. I received the Geo Print and the Key Hole nursing tops to review.

Aren’t these pretty tops! I just love them because I can wear them when I need something a little fancy to wear. And they are pretty loose top so they will hide the after the baby bump or they can fit over my baby bump now. And my absolute favorite thing about these tops is that the nursing panel covers your whole bodice. So unlike Boob’s nursing wear the panel goes all the way to your shoulder (okay not sure if I am making sense hear ). And on the Geo top you have the option of lifting the bottom of the shirt (there is a panel to cover your belly) or pushing aside the top.

Pros:

• Dressy tops 
• Full attached panel (attaches to shoulders instead of just sides)
• Loose top 

Cons:

• Needs to be taken out of the dryer and hung up right away or it wrinkles really badly
• Thin material (its good quality but because its thin not sure if it will last me as long as I would like)

Now for the giveaway! Milk is giving the winner a nursing top or dress!!!

Rules:

1. Go to Milk and let me know which item you would like
2.  Follow College SAHM in Blogger
3. Become an email subscribe to CollegeSAHM
4. Follow CollegeSAHM on Twitter 
5. Become a fan of Milk on Facebook

This contest will run until July 15 at 12:00 PM at which time I will chose the winner using random.org

The guest post today comes from Michelle who owns the store Trusted Breast Pumps. I found her store through Twitter and have been following her a learning things about breast pumps and nursing. I wanted to be able to share some of the information with you and so I asked her to do a guest post on breast pumps.

Breast Massaging – The new trend in Breast Pumps by Michelle

Breast feeding mothers often find themselves in situations when they need a serious breast pump to meet their child’s growing demand for milk. Mothers may not be producing enough milk to meet the kids needs, or their routine could have been disrupted due to an event such as going back to work, which could lead to a decrease in the milk production from the breasts. Renting a hospital-grade breast pump, or better yet, buying a good one for yourself should be your first priority so you can provide your baby with all the needed nutrition.

Brands like Medela have put years of experience and knowledge in making their breast pumps. They offer a wide range of breast pumps, including manual and electric breast pumps such as Pump Style Advanced and Medela Style. Both single and dual breast pumps are available which let you pump milk easily from your breasts. Medela breast pumps simulate the natural suckling pattern of the baby, giving the most comfortable pumping experience, without causing any pain. The baby’s mouth compresses the areola and nipple with the mouth and jaw action, causing the let-down action which simulates breast milk production. Not all breast pumps are capable of replicating the baby’s natural milk suckling action, which is why you should make sure before buying a breast pump if it will provide you with the level of comfort you are looking for. Be sure to read reviews or get opinions from mothers who are already using a breast pump to decide which one to buy.
Medela uses innovative pumping technology in their breast pumps which features their breakthrough two-phase expression pumping to provide convenience and efficiency to the mothers. Their pumps are not only easy to use, but they are also very effective. The pumping and massaging features they use in their breast pumps actually make pumping an enjoyable experience. Taking the example of Medela Harmony Breast Pump, the pump uses an advanced pumping pattern known as Two-Phase Expression Technology which mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm. It works in two modes; the simulation mode and expression mode, which mimics the baby’s initial rapid sucking, followed by deeper and slower sucking. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process for the mother.

Medela pumps are designed to provide faster let down and milk flow. They use SoftFit Breastshield which gently massages the breast while you pump, increasing milk flow from the breasts in less time. The massaging action of the breast shield also helps in the release of Oxytocin from the breasts and relieves gorged breasts as well. The breast pump will not tug and pull at the breast, unlike other poor quality pumps, and their electric breast pumps can be adjusted so you can set it to achieve maximum comfort while pumping.

There are other breast pumps available in the market as well which provide massaging to some extent. Playtex Embrace Breast Pump is a good example, which uses a combination of massaging and traditional pumping and comes with vacuum settings which you can adjust. The electric breast pump presses rhythmically against the areola without elongating the nipple. The pump comes with extra large breast cups, so it can be used by most women.

Another popular breast pump is Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Breast Pump which uses a patented one-way airflow in combination with a unique honeycomb liner which gently and rhythmically massages and simulates your nipple to increase production of Prolactin and Oxytocin in the breast. These increased hormone levels increase breast milk production and allow faster let-downs, providing enough milk to your baby. This is the only breast pump available in the market which gives these features. Their electric breast pump comes with a vacuum adjustment dial so you can adjust the suction level according to your comfort level. The pulsating ultra-soft honeycomb liner is designed to uniquely simulate the breast for a more natural feel so that the breast produces more milk. This breast pump provides hospital grade performance and is one of the best ones available in the market.

If you are a mother looking for a breast pump, then go for the new massaging breast pumps. They are designed to provide you a smooth and natural wave-like massage from the areola towards the nipple just like your baby does while nursing.

You can visit her store here Trusted Breast Pumps.

You can follow her on twitter here.