Archive for the ‘Breastfeeding’ Category

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Fitting your Nursing Bra

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

If you can’t make it into a nice maternity boutique for an expert nursing bra fitting, this video is for you.  Produced by Nummies, who makes my favorite sexy nursing bra, the Perfect Fit video is 11.5 minutes long and answers these questions:

  • How do we measure a pregnant woman for a nursing bra
  • How do we figure out band and cup size
  • When is the best time during pregnancy to be fit for a nursing bra
  • How many bras should women ideally buy
  • What does a perfectly fit nursing bra look like
  • Special tips for finding the perfect fit
  • How to know if the fit isn’t right and then what to do about it
  • Information about nursing pads, underwire, engorgement
  • How to properly care for your bras
  • How to fit moms who are are already nursing

Click Nummies Perfect Fit Video to learn how fit yourself from the comfort of home!  You’ll want a partner to help measure you correctly.

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Gear up for Breastfeeding

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Between the baby registry and maternity clothes, most moms-to-be are “shopped out” as the due date nears.  But before you meet baby, don’t neglect to set the stage for a positive breastfeeding relationship.  It’s priceless!  Here are the essentials you’ll want to invest in as you gear up for breastfeeding.

1.  Quality nursing bras.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard customers regret buying cheap nursing bras.  Lactating breasts are tender and heavy.  They’ll be working hard, so get yourself some support!  When you find a good bra, buy 2.  Milk leaks will have you reaching for a clean, dry bra quite often in the first few months.  I recommend Bravado’s original nursing bra for total comfort throughout engorgement and at night, and Bravado’s Body Silk Seamless for shape and support during the day.

2.  Breast pads. Most women leak… a lot.  Disposable nursing pads are reliable and easy.  However, they use the same questionable absorbent gel as disposable diapers.  A more natural alternative is cotton or wool washable pads.  I suggest you get some of both.  You can wear washables at home and disposables when you need total protection (and a pad that doesn’t show even through tight clothing).  Always start out with just 1 pack of whatever you buy to make sure you like how they fit first.

3.  Nipple care. If this is your first baby, count on breastfeeding being a little (or a lot) painful at first.  Yes, it’s worth it, but it’s not necessarily the easiest road.  Don’t wait until you’re feeling desperate – have some nipple cream and soothies pads on hand before baby is born so they’re ready to help you through the hard times.  It seems to me that just about everyone appreciates these products!  Other solutions like booby tubes and breast shells are more mama-specific, so buy as-needed.

4.  Nursing pillow.  No, you don’t need a nursing stool, but you will be glad to have a nursing pillow.  True, you can make due with a few regular pillows, but considering the frequency of breastfeeding, a specially-designed nursing pillow is warranted.  Breastfeeding pillows offer firm support to keep baby at breast-height and encourage proper posture for mama (ie no back-ache!).  Be sure that the pillow you buy is NOT filled with polyurethane foam.  Our organic Blessed Nest pillows are a customer favorite.

5.  Privacy.  This last category is definitely optional.  If you do desire privacy when breastfeeding, you might consider nursing clothing or breastfeeding cover-ups.  I personally prefer cover-ups, like our Bebe au Lait nursing covers, just since they’re more cost-effective.  If you’re already breastfeeding and feel that you can’t nurse in pubic, you really should give nursing clothes and a Bebe au Lait a chance.  Combining the two is a super-effective way of covering all your bases.

Wishing you many blessings!

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All the wonders of Breastmilk

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

One doesn’t have to look far to hear of the goodness breastfeeding does for baby and for mom.  But, when I came across this concise list of health benefits in this article by Sandra Steingraber, I just had to share:

Breastfed infants:

*have lower rates of hospitalization and death;
*develop fewer respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and meningitis;
*succumb less often to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; and,
*produce more antibodies in response to immunizations.

Studies also consistently show that children who were breastfed as infants:

*suffer less from allergies, asthma, diabetes, colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis;
*have higher I.Q. scores; and
*are less likely to develop obesity and cancer.

Breast milk even contains special substances that help guide the development of the brain after birth.

And breastfeeding protects your own health. You will:

*bleed less after childbirth;
*lose less blood during the chaotic days of early motherhood, because breastfeeding suppresses menstruation:
*be at lower risk for hip fracture after menopause; and
*have lower rates of ovarian and breast cancer.

Way to go, breastfeeding mommies!  

I’ll add to that – breastfeeding is also green.  No wasteful packaging, no resources necessary for cleaning bottles and no need to transport the goods.  And here’s a case when green and healthy is actually cheaper too.  Here’s wishing you a successful and blessed breastfeeding experience.

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June Giveaway: HUGE Breastfeeding Gift Package

Monday, June 7th, 2010

When Simplisse contacted me about their new, gentle breast pump, I was all ears.  I remember the painful, tugging sensation of my Avent Isis manual pump.  Mama doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment, you know?

The Simplisse Manual Breastfeeding Companion is completely different than traditional pumps, which rely on a suck-and-release action to extract milk.  Rather than extracting milk, the Simplisse pump mimics baby’s suckling motions and feeding pressure to start letdown and continue milk expression. That is, it works with the breast’s natural design, rather than forcefully extracting milk.   And, it works! Lots of positive reviews from moms who’ve tried different pumps confirm that this pump is the most comfortable one on the market.  Hear what moms had to say here. 

We offer the Simplisse breastpump and pumping bottles for sale at Euphoria Maternity, but Simplisse makes a ton of great nursing accessories for breastfeeding mothers.  To celebrate their new pump, Simplisse has gifted a complete set (worth over $150.00) of their breastfeeding aids for our June giveaway!  One lucky winner will receive:

Breastmilk Storage System
Breastmilk Storage Bags
Breast Shells
Hydrogel Soothing Pads
Washable Breast Pads
Disposable Breast Pads
Lanolin-Free Nipple Cream
On-the-Go Nipple Wipes
Essential Lactation Supplemental Vitamins
On-the-Go Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes
Breast Pump Steam Stearilizer Bags

Wow, that’s a bundle!  You can read more about any of these great products at Simplisse. 

Enter to Win.    Enter now through Wednesday, June 30th (11:59 EST) by adding your comment to this blog post.  We’ll choose one random winner!  Shipping included. Winner will be notified by email. Open to U.S. residents only.

For ONE extra entry, subscribe to this blog.  You can subscribe via email in the right hand column.  You  must confirm your subscription via the opt-in email.  Leave a separate comment for your “subscriber” extra entry.  Subscribers qualify for one extra entry on each giveaway!  Just leave your extra comment.

For ONE extra entry, “like” Euphoria on Facebook. 

For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this blog. Make sure to leave a separate comment on this blog post for each of your two extra entries.

Lucky commenter #26 is the winner of our June Giveaway!  I’ll be shipping Liz Zammarrelli our breastfeeding gift package today.  Congratulations!

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Posted in Breastfeeding, Giveaways | 65 Comments »

May Giveaway: Cute Nursing Cover-up

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

A mama’s approach to breastfeeding in public is such a personal choice.  Some just don’t do it at all and some feel comfortable feeding baby without taking cover.  For me, using a cover up made all the difference in my comfort level.  We stock and sell Bebe au Lait nursing cover ups  at EuphoriaMaternity.com, which is the style I personally used.  They offer enough coverage without heating you up like you’re under a blanket. 

This month we’re giving away this nursing cover up to one lucky reader.  It’s a product sample of the “Simple & Sweet Nursing Curtain“, which offers even more peak-proof security than the Bebe au Lait design.  We offered these nursing cover ups at Euphoria for awhile, but customers seemed to prefer Bebe au Lait.  Rather than see this perfectly usable and cute (love that fabric!) nursing cover languishing on our shelves, I’d like to give it away to a mommy who can use it.  It’s a lightweight cover-up with lots of side coverage and a pocket for your nursing pads.  Retails for $45.00.

Enter to Win.    Enter now through Monday, May 31st (11:59 EST) by adding your comment to this blog post. Share your approach to nursing in public when you make your comment.  We’ll choose one random winner!  Shipping included. Winners will be notified by email. Open to U.S. residents only.

For ONE extra entry, subscribe to this blog.  You can subscribe via email in the right hand column.  You  must confirm your subscription via the opt-in email.  Leave a separate comment for your “subscriber” extra entry.  Subscribers qualify for one extra entry on each giveaway!  Just leave your extra comment.

For ONE extra entry, become a fan of Euphoria on Facebook. 

For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to this blog. Make sure to leave a separate comment on this blog post for each of your two extra entries.

Comments closed!  Congratulations to our winner, Kim Pollock.

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Smart New Breastpumps

Monday, March 29th, 2010

One doesn’t often get excited about a breastpump, but two very smart new designs recently came to my attention. 

A new breastcare company, Simplisse, worked with lots of moms and lactation consultants to create a breastmilk pump that does NOT rely on suction.  What’s the worse thing about frequent pumping?  All that tugging and friction can really take a toll on one’s nipples.  The Simplisse Breastpump mimics baby to such a degree that it creates milk letdown and expression, rather than extraction.  Lots of real-life moms on sites like BabiesRUs report that it works and really is much more comfortable than other pumps.  We’ve decided to offer the pump on our site, as well as some of the other Simplisse breastfeeding accessories.

Another forward-thinking company, Hygeia, is making progress on the sustainability front.  Moms who must pump often usually rely on an electric pump.  Unfortunately, they are pricey single-user items.  That means lots of plastic pumps in the landfill, not to mention a frustrating expense for moms dedicated to providing the best nutrition to baby, even when away.  Hygeia makes two electric breastpumps that work in conjunction with $35 Personal Accessory Sets.  When you’re done with the pump, another mom can buy a new Personal Accessory Set and use the pump with complete confidence.  What’s more Hygeia offers the option of recycling your pump!  How cool is that!

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From the Archives: Underwire Nursing Bras?

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

(originally posted August 2007)

Women with larger breasts tend to wear underwire bras for their superior support and shaping properties.  But when it comes time to buy a nursing bra, I find that these same women are TERRIFIED of underwire.  After all, they’ve read and they’ve read about breastfeeding and about how underwire can clog milk ducts; so they sadly, but bravely, set out to outfit their larger-than-ever lactating breasts without underwire. 

Ladies, if you have larger breasts please do try an underwire nursing bra – one designed for breastfeeding!  I have yet to meet someone who developed problems from underwire in a nursing bra.  It’s those ladies who can’t put away their favorite Victoria’s Secret push-up bra that find themselves with clogged ducts.  Underwire bras designed for breastfeeding feature extra padding at the wires and wider cups that allow for proper milk flow.  Many are approved by lactation consultants too!

As a D/E cup myself, I can’t imagine life without underwire!  I’ve nursed both my children with not a single clogged duct.  So, say “hello” to underwire and “goodbye” to saggy boobs!

*  I helped a customer today who is a 36F.  She knew that she needed underwire, which was a nice change.  I did have one instance in nursing my youngest of having a milk blister, but I’m not at all sure that my bra was to blame.

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Nipple Care Advice, from Mama

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Planning to breastfeed?  Just getting started?  Earth Mama Angel Baby’s “Nine Things Your Nipples Wish You Knew About Them“ shares essential nipple care advice that’s not widely known by every mama. 

Earth Mama Angel Baby also makes some great breast care products, including Natural Nipple Butter, Booby Tubes,  Bosom Buddies, and Milkmaid Tea.  They are one of the few completely natural skin care companies, with every product rating a zero on the very respected Skin Deep database (with zero being the highest score).  Thanks, Mama!

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Enter to Win a Nursing Wardrobe from Blissful Babes!

Monday, September 21st, 2009

hoodyEvery season we fall in love with Blissful Babes designs for breastfeeding moms. Here’s your chance to win 6 tops and 1 two-piece lounge set from Blissful Babes’ Fall 2009 collection! This generous prize package retails at over $380 and includes both casual and dressy styles to help you breastfeed discreetly wherever you find yourself. Both nursing tops shown here are up for grabs! butterfly tunicUnfortunately, we only have the prize wardrobe available in size small, which fits up to womens size 6. Sorry, ladies, I wish we had it available for any size!

How do you enter? Glad you asked. This time we’re looking for feedback, opinions, comments and suggestions for how we can improve our boutiques at www.EuphoriaMaternity.com and www.EuphoriaBaby.com. Please share any information you feel may help us make positive changes. As a small family business in today’s economy, we can use your help! Consider our products, return policies, customer service, website design.. anything and everything. What are we doing right? What doesn’t work for you? How can we improve? If you’ve shopped with us before, what made you choose Euphoria? If you haven’t shopped with us, is there something holding you back?

Enter to win! One lucky reader will win a 7 piece Nursing Wardrobe from Blissful Babes fall 09 collection. Enter now through October 30th (11:59 EST) by adding your feedback and suggestions to this blog post. We’ll choose one random winner!

Shipping included. Winner will be notified by email, at which point a shipping address will be requested. Open to U.S. residents only.

For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway and link it back to my blog. Make sure to leave a separate comment on this blog post for your two extra entries.

(Note:  This post was originally published on our old blog.  I will be moving over comments left on the old blog, so that no one misses out on the drawing.)

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Posted in Breastfeeding, Giveaways | 25 Comments »

Breastfeeding in Hot Weather

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

bloomstTemps are near 100 degrees all this week!  I am reminded of how breastfeeding in the heat can lead to a sticky situation.  Here are some tips for staying cool:

  1. Wear less.  A layered nursing shirt + nursing bra  + pads = one hot mama.  If the sun has you beat, consider picking up one or two nursing tops with built-in nursing bras.  It feels sooooo good to lose a layer.  My favorite, by far, is the Bravado essential nursing tank.  It’s made by a bra company (one of the best), so it’s really supportive, even for bigger gals.  It also comes in bra sizes and lots of colors!  This top is also perfect for sleeping – so you can get use out of it all winter long.
  2. Don’t Cover Baby.  When feeding baby in public or among friends, even a thin nursing cover traps in heat.  Skin to skin contact with your baby is going to make both of you sweat… but you don’t have to wear a blanket.  Slurp & Burp nursing covers cover your breast, not baby.  They make breastfeeding discreetly possible in any top.  It’s an extra layer for you, but at least your baby will be able to breathe!
  3. Drink up, Mama!  People used to recommend giving a baby straight water, in addition to breastfeeding, during hot summer months.  Now we know that amazing breastmilk actually adjusts to have a higher water content at times when baby needs more hydration.  So, don’t give baby a bottle.  Just be sure you drink up!
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