LET'S TALK NURSING

Before having Trey, I did my nursing research. I took online courses, watched videos, read books, and felt as knowledgeable as I could, but still, each baby is different and each mama is different and sometimes you just need a little extra help. Our lactation consultants were lifesavers, I cannot recommend those enough. Here are some other nursing products that have helped us along.

Good Nursing Wear

Wearing something with easy access, especially when trying to nurse in public, helps. It's tricky to find good nursing wear that's functional and also cute, but these are some to recommend:

Navy tank by Nom. With the lace detailing here you'd never guess this top was designed for nursing. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off through August.

Swing top by Nom. Easiest fold over access, no snaps or buttons to navigate, and a sweater-like feel. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off through August.

Snap front tank by Nom. Love this classic look. The side ruching makes it perfect for pregnancy as well. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off through August.

Striped tank by Bun Maternity. Soft and long, and hidden snaps at at the top shoulder.

Swing top by Bun. Stretchy, great material, and a well-designed double layer with pull over access.

Poncho by Bun. An easy cover and top in one.

Nursing Pads

I didn't anticipate how many of these I would need. I wear them daily, and my favorite are by Bamboobies. They're the softest and thinnest, while still absorbing so much. I like having the overnight option as well for those first couple of weeks when your supply is adjusting.

Nursing Bras

Two to recommend here. Both by Bravado and available at Figure 8. This is my favorite seamless one and this is my favorite more structured one. I tried various brands, and I like the cut and fit of these two the best. They come with adapter clips to convert them to regular bras once you're through nursing as well. (Bonus: these are 20% off through August 15th! No code needed.)

Mobile Pump

Talk about a game changer! When we traveled to California, there was one point where I needed to stop and nurse in the car. Luckily the car we were in had an outlet adapter, but in case you're ever in a situation where you can't find an outlet, this pump is great. Medela is the brand that was recommended to me over and over again, and having this mobile option is so nice to not be stuck near an outlet while nursing.

Hands Free Pump Bra

Similarly to the pump, this is a must-have. I remarked to my husband at one point how glad I am to have this product, and he said "They don't all come with hands-free bras?! That's terrible! It's like the same as when they started putting wheels on suitcases!" It truly is a lifesaver and saves me so much time.

Radiation Blocking Blanket

This is an "extra" for sure, but I had no idea this kind of product existed and I looked for something like it during my pregnancy. Although I hate to admit it, I sometimes work on my computer while I nurse. This blanket blocks 99.9% of radiation, and I like not subjecting Trey to anything more than necessary since there isn't much conclusive research about the long term effects. 

Love all these products! I've learned a lot in navigating how to nurse and I'm so glad to have these things that have made it easier.

Nursing wear photos by Moch Snyder.

Shared in partnership with most companies listed. Product choices are my own.

MOTHERHOOD SO FAR

We're 6.5 weeks into this new babyhood and motherhood season, and I have so many thoughts on all of it. I shared on Instagram that: "It's so much love and it's also hard, but it's the good kind of hard, the kind you want to work for. Like running a marathon with your spouse and the best support team of all your family and friends. I feel like every time I get an encouraging text, or a thoughtful gift, or dinner dropped off, I'm passing a water station. Feeling thankful for my people and especially this baby and this season of life. Best one yet."

I think the biggest adjustment for me has been learning to let things go, leave things unfinished, choose my priorities, and shift for a season. Newborn life is crazy on some levels. The first week was the hardest; emotionally, physically, logistically, just everything. But I also just felt so happy. It seemed like Daniel and I were both crying every day, mostly because we were so happy but a few times because we were so overwhelmed. But, each day got a little bit better on every account: my recovery, figuring him out, getting through the early nursing hurdles, just all of it. It's a huge lifestyle adjustment that nothing can really prepare you for, but is also so so wonderful and indescribable.

The weeks following were more adjusting. We took Trey on his first plane flight to California when he was 4 weeks old, over the 4th of July weekend to meet up with my entire extended family. We do this trip every year and we were so glad that the timing worked out for us to take Trey. That was the sweetest, we have so many memories at that lake including our wedding three summers ago, and also I remember feeling so exhausted. He didn't sleep great being away and that was our first experience with that.

When we got back from that trip I feel like I found my rhythm for the first time in July. I started running again, something I missed hugely in my pregnancy, and was able to take on work here and there and started to feel really productive during naps. I still feel like I have to choose though, I can't get everything I want to get done in a day, so I choose what's most important and let the rest go. I'm trying to focus on the few things I did get done in a day instead of all that I didn't get to.

Thoughts on Trey: he's an "easy" baby. I say it in quotes because in reality, no baby is easy and all babies take lots and lots of work, time, and care. He's "easy" in the sense that he currently is sleeping in one 5 hour stretch a night, which he's done since the early weeks, he nurses like a champ (and it used to be extremely painful for me, but it no longer is), he naps great during the day, he's generally easygoing, and we're starting to get smiles which is the best thing I've ever seen. He's a typical baby in the sense that he gets fussy in the late afternoon and needs more help from then through the evenings. Some moments are blissful and some moments are hard, and I think that's just the way it goes.

I'm continuously thankful for my mom squad, and friends online and off who constantly encourage me in this sometimes crazy but always rewarding new role. Glad to have this space where I can process the adjustment. Looking forward to sharing more, including his birth story, in the coming weeks.

MILK SAVERS & LIFESAVERS

When I was pregnant, I did my research for all the essentials that would make nursing easier. I discovered a local company, Milkies, that makes a variety of useful products that I want to highlight.

1. This catcher

Oh my goodness, if you have an abundant milk supply, this will be your BFF. It fits into my bra and catches and saves all the milk from one side, that drips like crazy when I nurse the opposite side and otherwise soaks my clothes. It's truly a lifesaver and I save ounces each time I feed.

2. These cloths

My favorite kind of burp cloth. These are so soft, and made of bamboo which I like better than polyester. I love the smaller size compared to the standard burp rags/cloth diapers because they're easier to navigate and they take up less room in my diaper bag. They're also super absorbent! Big win here for burp cloths.

3. This freezer organizer

If you're pumping, this is a great way to store frozen milk. It organizes milk by date so there's no guesswork of which one to use first.

4. This balm

I like a really soft, meltable balm for the least amount of irritation and most amount of protection when nursing. This one is fantastic.

5. These nursing pads

I like the washable ones over the disposables because they're softer and less irritating. These are contoured so they fit better, in addition to being so soft, plus they hold so much milk that they work for both daytime and overnight use. (If you're looking for something with extra padding, these are a cool concept and you can squeeze them out and reuse on the go.)

Such great products! Hope this helps someone else as they learn to nurse too.