In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness month, I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite nursing/pumping products. Medela’s Easy Expression hands free pumping bra, Medela quick clean micro-steam bags, and the Bebe au lait nursing cover.
First, the hands free bra is a must. I learned really quickly, after my first attempt at pumping, that “hands-free” for pumps, meant you didn’t have to plug the pump into a wall. Other people may have understood it correctly, but I didn’t. I expected that somehow, those suckers would stay on and I’d be able to go about my business. False. The hands free bra was my solution. I was able to strap myself in, put the pump in my pocket (I used the Medela Freestyle pump), and do dishes, fold laundry, work on the computer, the opportunities were endless (sort of). My tip: buy the bra a size smaller than you are, it holds the pump to your chest better.
Second, the micro-steam bags were a great solution when I had to travel with my pump. A pack comes with five bags and each can be used up to 20 times. You simply place the parts in the bag, add water, close, and microwave. It’s a great solution for killing 99.9% of bacteria when you’re far away from your dishwasher (or don’t have time for a full cycle). The best part is they’re only $4.99.
Last, the Bebe Au Lait nursing cover has been my favorite, by far. I know they have codes for free ones online (and by all means, get those as a backup or for laundry day) but the quality of those pale in comparison to this bad boy. Why do I love it so much? First, the fabric is thick so it’s durable, doesn’t wear, and isn’t see-through (the one pictured has been used for a few years now– and has been washed a bazillion times). Second, the wiring around the neck is not flimsy like most nursing covers, it holds its shape (even when folded a gazillion times). It also does what it’s supposed to do by allowing my baby a clear view of me (and a clear view for me to watch my baby) without the world being able to see what my momma gave me (or what this momma was giving her baby). But my FAVORITE part is on the back of the cover, at the bottom. On each of the bottom corners, the cover is lined with a thick towel material so I could quickly and easily wipe up any spit up or leaks without fumbling for a burp cloth. They also had pockets (slightly bigger than 4×4) for mommies to hold pacis without having to put them in their pockets or dropping them on the floor. The towel corners are on the side that lays against you so it doesn’t mess with the cute look of the cover.
These are just a few of my must-haves. What are yours?
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