Motherwear's Nursing Contest Stories

We asked you to share your favorite nursing story or tip and we received many wonderful stories ...thank you! Our winner is Ginger Carney—read her story, then scroll to read more entries submitted. Enjoy!

Winning Entry
When I was nursing my first child, Caroline, I had an encounter with my young nephew, just 3 years old at the time. I had sat down to relax and breastfeed her when my nephew wandered over to me and looked couriously at his little cousin at the breast. Since I don't believe he had ever seen a baby nursing (he was not breastfed), he asked "WHAT is she doing??!!" Quietly and matter-of-factly I said, "She's eating."Immediately his eyes became wide with surprise as he replied loudly, "She eats PEOPLE??!!"   -Ginger

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My very first nursing tip to start with...Find a nursing friend, either in a face to face friendship or on-line friendship. Someone to share trials, problems, funny moments, sweet moments and the love shared with nursing. It will help in nursing in public, late night nursings, family get-togethers and those what to seem like all-day nursings. There seems to be a sisterhood with nursing moms.  -Ann

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When I was pregnant I felt strongly that I wanted to nurse my son and that I would do it for as long as he needed it. I read a lot of articles and books and went to a nursing class and even attended a La Leche League meeting. Educating myself before he arrived help me feel confident that the two of us would figure it out together. The first few weeks were tough- physically draining, but emotionally the bond my son and I developed from all that cuddle time made it all worth while. Part of my preparation included getting a breast pump so I could continue feeding my son when I was back at work. The first time I used it I felt like an idiot, but soon figured that out too. I managed to squeeze in 2-3 pumpings at work for 9 months. It kept me close to him while I was at work and forced me to sit down and take care of myself for a few minutes at a time- something that is hard to come by as a new mom. And now here we are at the end of our nursing time- a time I both longed for during those pumping sessions at work and have dreaded. But my little guy won't sit still, he's letting me know that he's ready to move on. And I am sad to see it end, but so proud of the little boy he is becoming. He is healthy and happy and so full of energy. I know that this ending is really the beginning of another chapter in his precious life. Nursing is one of the first ways I have shown him I love him and will take care of him, there are sure to be many more and I can't wait for each one!   -Ann C., IL

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In the beginning, nursing can be hard. You and your baby are both experiencing a learning curve and need time to sync up with one another. If you are considering quitting, give yourself a deadline (like when your baby turns 5 weeks old) and then decide at that time. -Alison M., NM

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I have only ever gotten positive comments when nursing in public (thanks to your comfortable and easy-to-nurse-in attire!) and after working through the uncomfortable feelings of nursing in front of others with my first, I confidently nursed in public frequently with my second. He was about 4 or 5 months old when I was shopping in a store that had a small café with tables inside. My son got hungry so I sat in the café to feed him, watching the other shoppers as he ate. One shopper walked by, saw us nursing, and said "Oh, look, he's having his latte, too!" What a sweet comment!  -Allison M., AZ

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When I started nursing I wanted to hide away. Somehow I discovered nursing bras- a whole new world opened up to me! Then I got a nursing tanktop and was free to nurse discreetly in public. Soon I was nursing in TacoBell while eating dinner and walking around Lowe's nursing while shopping for lumber. My mother-in-law who was with me didn't even notice I was nursing the baby until I pointed it out. Thank you Motherwear for making cute clothes available to us nursing moms!   -Amanda T.

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My nursing tip is that disposable diapers make great heating pads. Simply place 3 to 4 oz water in a disposable diaper and heat on medium high in the microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Make sure it is not too hot for comfort. The diapers mold to the shape of your breast. I find it helpful to place them on my breast for five minutes before nursing. This helps to promote milk flow and heal sore nipples. Good luck.   -Anne Marie V.,VA

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I had been nursing my daughter for 16 months when my husband and I found out we were expecting. We were really excited but then I questioned whether or not I would still be able to reach my goal of nursing for 2 solid years. Not sure whether it was safe to continue nursing I contacted both my midwife and the La Leche League. Both assured me that it was safe but that during the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy my milk supply would drop and slightly change which may make my daughter wean on her own. I was so excited that I would still be able to nurse. Neither the milk reduction or change in taste deterred her nursing; however, two weeks before the birth of our son she stopped nursing on her own. At first I was let down but was thankful I at least reached my goal. I also was excited at being able to nurse another baby with the same goal in mind. Two days after I gave birth my daughter climbed into bed with me and was talking to me and the baby. She was telling the baby to eat and to be nice. Then, she suddenly latched onto my other breast and began nursing. I looked down slightly stunned but then I noticed something quite special. My oldest and my newest were locked in an intense eye gaze. My oldest, while nursing, began stroking our sons leg and then his face. He then made the cutest grin, also while nursing. It was almost like they were communicating. My husband even noticed it and managed to get a picture. Even though the picture is not a close up I will always remember the expressions on each of their faces. Needless to say I've embarked on a new journey...tandem nursing and I'm enjoying every bit of it.  -Angela Y., WV

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My son Sherlock, now almost 2.5 years old, is still enjoying a breastfeeding session with me three times a day. I have always believed in this wonderful routine which provides an unmatched closeness, brings peace to the house and delivers the best nutrients to the baby and boost to his or her immune system. In addition, this food is always ready, the right temperature and at hand when needed, everywhere! When he was younger, I did it on demand and told myself to go on with it until he stops it on his own. Well, there is one restriction from my side, and that comes only with a new pregnancy, starting at the second trimester. This has been recommended by my doctor. There is simply nothing that can stand in the way of being the main source of food for about a year if the mother is ready to do it! What it also does for the mother is a very much decreased chance of getting breast cancer by feeding about 2 years, which on average is accumulated by breastfeeding two children. Also, it makes a mother suffering from PMS-symptoms much more even-tempered thanks to the hormones while breastfeeding! I can vouch for that one! Nature thought of everything to make it easy, really! Even the argument that only certain shapes of nibbles can accommodate breastfeeding should always be tested by trying a lot. The baby will make it work!!! For all these reasons I would like to encourage every mother-to-be to open for a breastfeeding time that will has all the benefits she can ask for! Go for it!!!  -Almut R., IL

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After my second daughter was born I was determined to breastfeed as I didn't with my first due to mastitis. She latched on great and even through a bout of jaundice which put her back in the hospital for 24hrs. and mommy crying the whole time, we got through it. She nursed great and was a hearty eater. My friend gave me a Medela pump to use in case I became engorged or needed to pump because of an outing. Well, my first experience with the pump was hysterical. My friend didn't inform me that there was a suction control on the front of the pump. I sat down, hooked everything up and got comfy. Then I turned on the pump and nearly flew off my chair in pain. My nipple was stuck in the flange. I grabbed the adapter plug and pulled it out in an attempt to release my nipple. After getting free I just sat there looking at the pump thinking, "who in their right mind would use this thing, it hurts." I called my friend and she laughed at my story, "didn't you know there's a suction control on the front?" "No I did not," I replied. "Yes, you have to start with the control at low and work your way up," she said. "Thanks alot," I told her. I can laugh about it now, because if I'd read the directions I'd known to turn it down. -Bambi B., PA

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For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mother.

When I became pregnant at the age of thirty-nine, by in vitro fertilization using my partner Shrike’s eggs and anonymous donor sperm, one of the things I looked forward to most was breastfeeding.

It was something I've always found fascinating, so I’d done a good bit of reading and I had also learned a lot about it from my older sister, LadyKay, whose children were breastfeeding when I was in my late teens and early twenties, so I went into it thinking I knew pretty much all I needed to know, and expecting that we would have no problems.

Boy, was I wrong.  -Beth S-G.

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When I'm nursing in public I keep a thin, oversized, floppy hat in my diaper bag. Then I just pop it on my baby and no one can see that he is nursing. Plus, I always have a hat with me in case we are out in the sun. -Carolyn B., VA

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Don't forget to check those neck folds after a nursing session, milk can get trapped in the little folds of skin on your baby which will soon turn into a cheesy smelling mess that irritates your baby's skin. Just a quick neck wipe during the next diapering session should do if you don't want to wake your baby immediately after nursing.  -Chanda C., MN

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While breastfeeding my older 3 children, I thought buying nursing tops was a waste of money. I could do the same thing with my regular clothes. Then, after having my fourth child, i was searching the web for some nursing bras and i stumbled upon Motherwear's website. I decided to go ahead and purchase a couple of tops along with the bras i needed. It was the best decision I ever made. The tops make it so easy to discretely breastfeed my son while I'm out and about with the rest of the family. At work people have commented on the blouses I wear and they are surprised to hear they are nursing tops. No one can tell and that is the best part. Now, I always give a copy of your catalog (I get a new one with each order) to all my friends and family members who are planning on breastfeeding. great job!  -Claudia H.,TX

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Get a support network of breastfeeding mothers and ask for help often. After my first, I had a lot of troubles and didn't really get much help from the lactation consultants at the hospital because they were busy and I didn't even know I was having troubles yet. By the time I left the hospital, I was already sore and the cracking had started. By day two, when my milk came in, I was so frustrated and in so much pain that I just needed someone to talk to and tell me it was all right. This was at 1:00 AM. I was lucky to have my pro-breastfeeding mother living just a few minutes away. She came over to hold me and tell me it was okay and help me look up videos online that could help me get the latch right. Just having somebody to call at 1:00 AM was a sanity-saver for me. Luckily, just that little bit of support made everything work smoothly from then on and I didn't need to contact a lactation consultant or LLL leader or anyone after that. It just goes to show you how important support really is. -Christina R., CO

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I had been trying various diaper rash creams for a week and nothing helped. I was so excited when I discovered this little trick. I put a little breastmilk on my baby's diaper rash and let it dry. It cleared up in one day! After I spent all that money on creams at the store I had the best treatment at home for free.  -Cristin W., KY

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Don't give up and don't get discouraged. It seems really simple but in reality for some its not.

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed my babies and knew there could be some pain and problems but I never imagined I'd have supply problems. Its been a long and difficult journey but I have no intention of giving up although sometimes I think it would be easier.

I try to drink about 100 oz of water a day, take fennugeek or fennel and reglan to help my supply. I don't really have time to pump much because my daughter nurses about every 90 minutes during the day and cluster feeds in the evening.

Even with all of this I have to give her 5 oz of formula a day for extra calories. I hate using formula but a little bit is so much better then no breastmilk.  -Christy W.

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When I was playing with my daughter Ava (she was about 20 months) she wanted to nurse at an unusual time. We had been playing with her farm set and the chickens and cows were eating thier lunch. I thought that she was just being silly and I said, "noooo, you silly girl, it's not time to nurse yet." She turned to my husband (whom she calls "Pappi") and said with great anticipation and expectancy, "Pappi, nurse?!" I quickly told my husband that this was his oppotunity to really help me out! Ha, ha! We laughed, she laughed, then we went on playing. Now she will sometimes go up to him and ask to nurse just to be silly. I have loved every moment of nursing Ava and the fun stories and memories that go along with it!  -Dianna H., MO

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The smartest thing I ever did for my baby was nurse him, and the second smartest was nurse him in bed. When we brought him home from the hospital, healthy but tiny at a month premature, he was a very content baby with only two demands: that he be held at all times, waking or sleeping, and that he nurse often and long (his longest recorded stretch was five hours). Sleeping in bed with us, happily, satisfied both those conditions. We had to take all the safety precautions, of course: bed rail, pillows and blankets kept well out of his way (I don't think I pulled the covers above my waist for a solid year) but the reward was plenty of sleep for all of us. With my comfy, easy-access Motherwear nursing top it didn't even take two hands to get him latched on and
before long we could switch sides without any of us waking up all the way. When he was finished nursing he would pull off, drop his tiny little head on my breast, and go to sleep. That picture would have been worth anything.  -Elisabeth C., MI

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When nursing in public, use one of your belly bands under your shirt for additional coverage. When nursing in public, put the break on your stroller and use it for leverage by resting your feet on the bottom.  -Erin H., AP

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I've learned that the key to successful nursing is nothing more than confidence, which is hard to have while nursing in public. My advice is to find a 'discreet' top that will allow you to keep your stomache covered, raise your baby to breast level to cover your breast as you expose it and practice in front of a mirror so you can see you aren't as exposed as you feel. Once you have that confidence you will be more relaxed and breastfeeding will be a great experience wherever you go!  -Erin S.

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I use the fridge packs for soda to store extra breastmilk in the freezer. I cut a hole in the back of the box and slip the containers of milk in. That way, the older milk is always at the front and easy to grab! The packs stack up in the freezer nicely, to store a lot of milk in a small amount of space.  -Erin W., IL

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My daughter is 3 weeks old and the best breastfeeding tip that I have is to nurse and then pump after a good nursing. This helps keep the supply up an gives you the opportunity to have someone else feed the baby at night while you rest and take care of yourself too. My daughter is a snacker. She will eat a little bit and then go to sleep. So I nurse all day long with the pumping every few hours and I am now able to pump about 4 ounces a side and my husband has the opportunity to feed the baby when I am unavailable or at night. This also gives him the bonding time with the baby without having to lose the supply of breast milk.  -Elizabeth L., IA

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As a mother of 4 boys one can only imagine the hilarious comments the kids say on a day to day basis. One that makes me smile is when I had just sat down to nurse my 2 1/2 month old, who had been screaming due to the fact he had to wait for me to finish the sandwiches for lunch and help my 2 year old to the bathroom. Just as I began to snuggle with my baby, my son Jonah (5 years) asks, "mommy can you go downstairs and help me turn on the computer?" I said, "No, I just sat down and Mateo has been waiting to eat. Let me feed him first." Jonah replies, "mommy you can do anything nursing. You empty the dishwasher, take Luca to the potty, why can you not walk downstairs? You know you can use your 'nurses' to do that too! Now can you help me? You can still feed Mateo! I smiled as I reflected on his comments. As woman it really is amazing the things 'Mommy' can do! It just makes it that much more special when someone else recognizes it too! Here is to "multi-task nursing"!  -Heather B., MA

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At 31 years old and a new mom for the third time, who would have thought that I would actually try nursing AGAIN. The first time I had preeclampsia and did not produce milk. The second time my husband left to Iraq just a few days after our little girl was born. I tried desperately to nurse but being new to the whole phenomenon I did not handle it well. Trying to meet the demands of a newborn and a toddler alone, was overwhelming. I did not purchase any nursing attire and was too afraid to nurse in public. I mean let's face it—you have one hand to hold the baby, one hand to hold your breast just right and then you need another hand to hold the blanket or cover up, and another hand to grab your other children. Mom's should have been designed with at least 6 hands. Luckily, Motherwear helped create an extra set of hands for me. On my third attempt, several well intentioned family members and friends gawked at the idea that I was actually going to TRY this nursing thing again. This only made me more determined than ever. During one of my late night feedings I happened upon the motherwear website. I went ahead and ordered a few tops and the next day, I tried it! I ventured out into the great wide world, fear gripping the pit of my stomach. I could barely swallow as I sat down in the restaurant. Surprisingly enough, the motherwear top was so easy and convenient; It was like having an extra set of hands! I felt the rush of success sweep over me. As I looked down at my most precious perfect baby, I saw the purest look of contentment I have ever known. Thus began my journey into this foreign world of new experiences... the milk dribbling from his tiny lips, the little sounds he makes while he nurses, even his dirty diapers are a joy as I take this new journey of nursing, one simple day at a time.  -Heather H., NY

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Shorty after my son, Fionn, was born, I joined a Mommy and Me group at the hospital where I delivered. After the group, many of the moms and babies would go out to lunch at a nearby restaurant. The first week, I was too nervous to go. Fionn was just 3 weeks old and it took all I could manage just to get to the hospital for the group. Plus, I was having a hard enough time nursing at home, never mind in public. It took me three more weeks to work up the courage to bring my baby out. I was feeling more and more comfortable nursing, but how would I manage it at a restaurant? As it turned out, going out to lunch with the other moms and their new babies was the best thing I could have done to help me feel more comfortable nursing in public. Each week, the restauarnt gave us our own room and our own watier. We talked and ate and practice nursing in a safe, comfortable public place. When, on my third week at the restaurant, a group of older ladies discoverd our group and wandered into the room, I had to giggle. There I was, cradeling my baby with one arm while he nursed and, with my other hand, gnawing on a serloin tip. It was like feeding time at the zoo, but we didn't care. We were breastfeeding moms who'd found our place.  -Heather H.T., MA

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I am currently nursing my 3rd boy who is 3 months old. I nursed both my other sons until they were older than 2 and a half. With my second son I kew it was time to wean when he patted by breast and said "Bon Appetite!"   -Holly M., NC

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We were on vacation on my 34th birthday. My family had arranged with the waiter to sing "happy birthday"... the entire dining room turned to sing "happy birthday" to me... as I was nursing my daughter. Clearly, a birthday I will never forget!  -Hollie T.E., NY

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My nursing advice after breastfeeding 3 children for over a year each and currently breastfeeding my 4th child is to breastfeed as long as you can, you are doing something amazing for you and your baby!   -Heidi T., WA
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My family decided to go out to eat one night at a nice Italian restaurant. The area we were seated in had two large parties; one to my left and one directly in front of me. After we had finished eating my six month old decided he wanted out of the highchair. Obligingly, I lifted him out and was going to hold him in my lap while we waited for our waitress to bring our check. While waiting my son loudly proclaimed he wanted milk, and tried to latch on through my shirt. He was so persistent I had to give him to my husband just to get him to stop. Luckily, the two LARGE tables of onlookers were full of moms who looked at me with knowing smiles and politely drew the attention away from me and my sweet little thirsty boy.   -Heather T., AL

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Very early on, I read something that said "Don't watch tv while you're nursing... make sure you devote all your attention to your baby." This freaked me out a little, and now, 4 months into motherhood, I just want to say: it's OK if you check your email with one hand, or read, or talk on the phone, or even watch a little tv while you're nursing! If you've got breastfeeding down, and your baby is content, make yourself feel normal by doing one of those things! Moms never have enough time, and just a few minutes to check your email can make you feel human again. Plus, you're multitasking. I spend plenty of time gazing down at my daughter, stroking her head and talking/singing to her while nursing (as well as most of the rest of the time she's awake), but I also sometimes read a magazine or look at my email, and that makes me and therefore my baby happier!   -Jenny B., NY

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To nurse discreetly in public, I pull the flap down on my bra and get my baby in position before I lift the nursing shirt. She latches on so quickly that no one notices what's happening.  -Jen B., OR

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When shopping at the mall, I always nurse in a dressing room. They are private and no one usually disturbs you.  -Jennifer D., NV

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My favorite nursing moment was the very first time I nursed my newborn son, Noah. It was a tough delivery: he was 9 pounds and got stuck. After 3 hours of pushing (the last hour helped along by my obstetrician using a vacuum at the highest suction), our beautiful baby boy was born. For the first hour of his life, he was cleaned up and Daddy got to hold him as I was stitched up. Nursing is something I've always wanted to do, but it was my biggest fear during my pregnancy, especially after having such trouble conceiving him: would I have difficulty? Would my baby have trouble with it? When the nurse finally brought him to me, he knew exactly what to do. He looked just like a baby birdie, with his mouth open as wide as can be. He practically jumped out of the nurse's arms to get to me. Our connection was immediate and obvious. Looking into those beautiful, big blue eyes, I felt as though I'd known him forever. We're so blessed to have such a wonderful, easy time with breastfeeding. I only hope that all new mothers get to have this wonderful experience with their newborns!  -Jennifer D., DE

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When I have my daughter I started to nurse here quickly within the first 10 minutes or so. Everything went great, she got the colostrums, my milk came in I was engorged, but nevertheless I carried on. Within days of being discharged I took my daughter Jayden, now 17 months and still nursing, to the pediatrician for her check up. The pediatrician noticed she had a yellow tint in her eyes and skin, something I overlooked and I credit to being a new mommy. He biliruben count was high and for the next couple of days were monitored her biliruben and the pediatrician suggested I begin supplementing, I was reluctant and convinced my milk was best. Days later Jayden was inconsolable, but I had no clue as to what was wrong. Finally I took her to the pediatrician to see if her biliruben count has stayed down and it had, but surprisingly she had an ear infection, which would explain the cries. The first weeks were rough, but I stuck through it all with breastfeeding and to date I attribute her healthy mind and body to breastfeeding! If I can pull through rough times, so can anyone else!   -Jennifer D., DE

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Don't listen to the books/doctors/well wishers about what's normal! There are so many different ways that nursing is "normal". What works for one mama and baby may not work for another. The best thing you can do is get connected with a group of nursing mommies, either through La Leche League, a breastfeeding support group (that's what I do!), or online. You'll be surprised how different nursing can look from pair to pair and how many other moms are going through the same things as you. And, it'll give you confidence to keep at one of the best things you can do for your little one!  -Jen J., CA

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Pump for your preemie! You can do it! Your preemie needs you to keep up your milk supply for that day when they are able to nurse effeciently. That day WILL come and having your milk will be part of what makes that day arrive safe and sound!  -Jill L., MI

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Toddlers are curious and love to learn from mom while nursing. Play a little game such as "where are your toes?" and then touch your child's toes. Continue with legs, knees, belly button and all the way up to the hair. Your child will learn and get great nutrition at the same time!  -Jessica L., OH

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I breastfed my son, Seth, until he was done, somewhere around 18 months. One of my favorite times to nurse him was at night, right before bed. I'd hold him close and listen to his gentle breathing. It was wonderful and amazing. He relaxed. I relaxed... in fact, so much that sometimes I would awaken an hour or more later with my neck stuck in some awkward position. It took some of the wonder out of it. Now, six years later, we have Sarah. I love that time of night as well, however, it has improved. When I was pregnant with Sarah, I spent a lot of time awake, so I would sit in our recliner and put a "Bucky" (shell-filled airline pillow). If I fell asleep, I would not have a crooked neck. After Sarah was born, I began using the Bucky for nursing before bed. That way, when I inevitably fall asleep, I wake up much more comfortable! In addition, I have learned that a Bucky doubles as a wonderful travel "Boppy". While it does not fit around my waist, it does fit nicely underneath Sarah's head and helps with nursing.  -Jan N.C., PA

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Well, this is my second nursing rodeo. I call it a rodeo because it has it's ups and downs, sometimes you get bucked off so to speak, and there are always spectators. From my 2 year old little girl who will notice and say 'Mommy Jaggers Nursing' to the less approving witchy woman who walked by van while I was in a mall parking lot nursing my 4 month old, she did a double take and then so blatantly mouthed the words "OH MY GOD!" with an attitude of disgust. My breast was completely covered either by the baby or my shirt. I really couldn't care less what others think of my nursing. When I'm in public I am as discreet as possible and unless I'm in my own vehicle I always use a nursing apron to cover myself and baby. But sometimes those rare rude people stand out and make me want to scream! I'm giving my baby the best I possibly can. You need to sell an all-around nursing tee that says "I nurse my baby, If you don't like it don't look!"   -Jala S., IL

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I had my first and probably only baby at 39 years old. I always knew if I had a baby, that I wanted to breast feed for all of the health benefits and I believe it was what nature intended. It was a huge challenge for us. I had a "sleepy" baby that fell asleep before he could get enough milk. Even though there were times that I would just sit and cry, he finally became more responsive and it started to really work. The rough part lasted for about the first 6 weeks, and it was pretty smooth sailing after that. My boy is 13 1/2 months old now and still nursing strong. I just wanted to give a word of encouragement to women who have a hard time in the beginning. It is so worth it to stick it out until your baby gets the hang of it, and work with your hospital's lactation consultant, La Leche, or a private lactation consultant.  -Kim A., NC

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I wanted to breastfeed so bad with my daughter, but after months of trying she wouldn't latch on, so I decided it was so beneficial for her to get the breast milk that I pumped for 7 months. It was so much work, but totally worth it and so glad I did. I'm now pregnant with our second child—hope that he'll latch on!  -Kristy B.

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I rescued two hungry kittens who needed nurishment in a hurry, so, in the car, I hand-expressed my milk for them. When I was able to reach a store I bought kitten chow but soon realized they couldn't chew it yet. Back to the hand expression, this time onto the dry food! These kittens lived long, healthy lives, many times sitting on each side of me as I nursed various children over the years! I think breastfeeding can save the planet if we would let it!  -Kari C., WA

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I have nursed three babies and they have all loved to be very active when they nursed and if I didn't distract them, might pinch or pull at my clothes. The best tip I have for moms whose babies like to grab is to wear a nice chunky bracelet with large beads or interesting pattern for the baby to grab and twist while they nurse. Fun brightly colored bracelets also can dress up an outfit, like one of the Motherwear nursing essentials, and make you feel more "put together", something that is priceless in those early days when getting ready to go out with baby can be quite a struggle!  -Krista C.S.

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It was time for my 4 year old daughter to be arriving home from preschool on the bus. It also became time for my son to eat. Since I always breastfeed on demand I went ahead even though my daughter should be arriving any minute and since she is only in preschool a parent must sign her off the bus for safety reasons. The bus arrived and with no hesitation I headed out my front door with my son in my arms and latched on. The bus helper said "awe time for baby's lunch" and gave me a big smile. The bus attendant who helped my daughter off the bus was the only one who knew I was nursing my son, since I did have on a nursing top. Could you imagine the questions that a bus full of 4 and 5 year olds would have if I had come out to the bus less discretely? Not to mention that I may have embarassed my daughter in front of her friends. This day having a nursing top insured my privacy and still allowed me to feed my son with confidence and as nature intended . It will be an experience that I will not forget.  -Karen C., IL

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Get a good comfy chair and a small stool to prop your feet. Especially in the first few weeks it can be the space for just you to relax and spend quality time getting to know your baby and learning (or relearning) breastfeeding. And after you are done feeding, it can become a chair to use to relax in general. My chair I love is the American Rocker from Land of Nod. The back is high enough to rest my head (great for catching a nap during night feedings) and the arms are cushy and big for support.   -Kelly E., IL

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My tips are:
1. Read up as much about breastfeeding as you can while pregnant. This will make you even more determined to breastfeed if you do run into difficulties.
2. My son has mild tongue-tie. The best position I find is to lie on my back on my bed and then place baby on top and let him navigate to the breast. If I try to position him we end up with a sore latch so the best tip I have is to let baby find the nipple. Works for us! I believe it's called the breast crawl.   -Ashling

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Although I am not squeemish about nursing in public anymore and I am not embarassed about nursing an older baby, my 15 month old's acrobatic performances while nursing can sometimes leave me a bit more exposed than I would like. I am very self-conscious about exposing my back, sides and stomach. I rely on Motherwear's nursing clothes now more than ever. I especially love the empire style openings. A nursing dress with empire openings is great for nursing a toddler during a special event. Your baby will stay calm and relaxed and everyone will think she is just sleeping in your arms! It is also really easy to nurse her in a wrap style carrier by just lifting the flap. We're still working on nursing manners :), but in the meantime having her tug at the flap when we're out and about is a lot more discreet than having her pulling up my entire shirt!  -Kharma F., IL

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The number one tip is to have your newborn tummy to tummy(chest) with you. That one thing has helped me help newly nursing moms with latching on, positioning, etc. That positioning makes everything else work. I nursed my third child for 5 years. My advice to a mom who just wants to give her all to nursing is simple: Give the breast whenever that child wants it. Keep the baby with you in your sling as much as she wants. Sleep with your baby. Do everything on the baby's schedule. It all works out and ends up being soooooo easy! I used to nurse in my sling in Walmart with my Motherwear shirts on and nobody could even see or tell. Having Motherwear made my nursing relationship with my kids so much easier! I really think having these great clothes made my experience with my four daughters work. I would have given up without the ease of these great products offered by this fabulous company.   -Kristina G., AZ

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My son likes to stretch out and move while nursing so it is easiest and most comfortable for us if I nurse him while lying on my side. When we were visiting my parents one weekend, my youngest nephew (4 years old) happened to walk by the bedroom where I was nursing my son. He stopped, looked, and exclaimed loudly, "You're laying on his face!" and insisted that I move. It was all I could do not to laugh out loud; he was so sincerely concerned that I was hurting his little cousin! After a carefully-worded explanation I was eventually able to convince him that his cousin was simply eating and could breathe just fine during the process. It's something we'll laugh about for a long time to come.  -Kristen H., SD

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My nursing tip is actually from my sister, whom serves as a Le Leche League Leader in a different state. Go to 1-3 times to a nursing support group, either Le Leche League or some other local group BEFORE the baby is born. Its much easier to ask questions and get the nursing help a mom needs if she has a connection to someone rather than calling up a stranger in the phone book/or hospital in the midst of a nursing struggle. I had a fairly easy time nursing, but I credit that to having followed my sister's advice and went to a weekly local hospital support group after for the first couple of months. As well as follow up calls from my sister and other Le Leche League leaders checking in on me which helped me identify and avoid some nursing issues.  -Kimberly L.N., MI

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We travel alot! In fact the first time my son flew with me he was two weeks old. We have since been on many planes. At first I was nervous about being "that lady" the one with the screaming baby. When we were waiting to get on the first flight I started worrying about other things, like what if his ears popped and he was in pain? What would I do? So I decided then that since I obviously couldn't give him gum or candy I would nurse him while the plane was taking off and landing! It works like a charm and he has never once even whimpered on a plane! It's a small peice of information I like to share with all nursing moms who travel!  -Katie R., HI

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As a nursing mother who works, I have learned so much from other mothers on keeping a happy nursing balance. I attend a nursing mothers support group and frequently visit the La Leche League website for support. My milk supply is abundant since I started an extra pumping session when my baby was 2 weeks old after one of his morning nursing sessions. I started to store my milk every day until I had to return back to work at 12 weeks. My resolve and with the support of my husband was to nurse the baby when I was at home, and use a bottle only when I was away. My baby was easy to accept the bottle at 4 weeks, and now at 8 months he is able to use a sippy cup. I also have no problems with nursing my baby in public since I refuse to give him a bottle. Motherwear clothing makes me feel very comfortable to achieve this with cute tops that keep me very well covered up!   -Kim R., NC

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When I had my first child, I was very nervous about trying to nurse, as I have 2 inverted nipples. I wasn't sure how we were going to make it work. Then I found the Nipple Shield products, and it was a life-saver! It allowed us to have the experience and closeness of nursing, and was made especially for women with my problem! The tip from that is: don't be afraid to try different things, and don't give up easily... you can find something that will work for you if you really want to nurse!  -Kristie A., NC

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Confidence know you are right to breastfeed wherever/whenever. I have done it walking in a mall, while hiking, in many restaurants, and even in church. After you become confident, you can be so discreet (on and off and nobody knows). The best is when someone comes up to see your baby while you are nursing and they don't even realize you are feeding your little one.
Clothes attractive but functional nursing clothes are essential as you will be using them for a while. The best is when people complement your shirt and are totally unaware that it is a nursing shirt.
Timing your baby will let you know when they are hungry, but it is best to try to attend to them before the hunger makes them crazy and you are trying to wrestle a crazy baby and your shirt and a nursing bra. It is best to feed your little one right before you go out. That way they are somewhat relaxed and not as hungry when you get to your destination. My best story was when I went to Acadia Park in Maine and I was nursing as I hiked up the Precipice Trail - I have never seen so many double takes and met so many moms and grandmas who talked all about how great it was to see me nursing in public!  -Kathleen B., PA

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I was so eager to breastfeed my first child, as I knew how beneficial it was for her and I knew it would help establish a bond between us. However, it was 10 days after birth before I started to produce. Those days were very agonizing. I remember berating myself and becoming very discouraged especially when a lactation nurse told me some women just can't produce or produce too little to feed with. Luckily she had jaundice and was in the hospital with us for the duration of treatment, so we had use of the breastmilk bank for free while we were there. I finally started to produce on the 10th day but it was less than an ounce. We decided to purchase a 2 week supply of breastmilk from the bank, and see how I was doing at that point. I had a nice electric pump that I was using and hoped and prayed for the best. My fortitude paid off after a week when I started producing 3 ounces from each breast, so I saved the remainder for those times when she was insatiable, which happened often during the first 2 months. Another problem developed with me. I was having very sore nipples practically from the start. The pain was be excruciating after she latched on for about a minute or two afterwards, and then it dissapated. Sometimes I would bleed even though my nipples weren't dry or cracked as I had been using natural nipple cream. I didn't have an infection. I was told it would pass, that it was just a process of desensitizing. My condition lasted for about two months. I pumped when I couldn't bear nursing, but I stuck with it, and sure enough, ever since then I've noticed no pain whatsoever. My daughter is 16 months old now, and primarily nursing still. She has 4 molars and her front 6 teeth, but she has never bitten me, and has gone through 2 winters without getting sick, even though my husband and I had a few colds. She is happy and bubbly and we have such a strong bond. She hardly ever cries, and she just lifts up my shirt when she wants to feed. I feel so gratified that I chose to stick with it. I recommend to any struggling mothers to not give up. The benefits are enormous!  -Liz B.

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The best advice I can give is to make sure everyone around you is 100% on board and supportive of breastfeeding. What I mean by this is in the middle of the night your partner should be telling you what a great job you're doing and not letting you give up, not offering to give a bottle so you can get some much needed rest. Your parents should be proud of you and not giving you a hard time for not pumping or giving formula so they can feed the baby. Your child's pediatrician should remain positive when your child doesn't get back to birthweight immediately out of the hospital and not force formula at you when it takes 4 days for your milk to come in and baby has lost 10% of their birth weight. Your OB should put your baby right on your chest when he or she is born so you can bond and nurse and not take them away to suction them (which caused babies to refuse to suck), weight them, bath them ect. The hospital should encourage rooming in and help you to nurse, not take the baby away at every chance and subvert your efforts with bottles and pacifiers and "free" formula gift bags. You should throw out every sample of formula that is sent to you and not hold onto it just in case. We don't live in a perfect world though and having a strong network isn't always possible but if you preservere and draw support from anyone you can you can do it. I strongly believe that women in the USA would do better if we had more people on our side instead of everyone against us. It's up to us as mothers to make sure we know who to turn to when things get rough so that when we're on the brink of giving up we can find the strength to carry on just one more feeding, just one more day. We're on this road together and together we can do it!  -Lucia D.H., MA

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When your baby starts teething, theyll enjoy testing you by biting your nipple, and be thrilled at something new they can do. Instead of pulling out (as would be the normal reaction), a lactation consultant told me that if you press the baby towards you, they'll have to release in order to breathe. As an alternative, try holding their nose. Also tell them "no" in a deep voice... studies show that babies DO understand being told no.  -Laura E,. NH

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I was once told that if when your baby is sucking and latched on properly you should be able to see the muscles up by their eyes working. If you can see them every so often then they are latched on properley, if not then they are not.   -Laura J., ID

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I have nursed all three children- My third one is 8 months old and still nursing her. I have nursed her in the movie theater in the back and front rows. A nursing tip is if the baby does not latch on—you can out your finger under her chin and this worked for my 8 month old.  -Lori S., MI

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In December of 2005, I had a reduction mammoplasty, aka breast reduction (or as my husband coined it "O.B.C." Operation Booby Cut). When I started having pre-op consultations as a teenager, the doctors told me the chances of breastfeeding could be 50/50. And now that I'm looking back on it now, they probably didn't even know because they don't keep up with their patients after the six month post op appointment. Anyway, at the time, I didn't care whether or not I'd be able to nurse because I just wanted to be done with the physical pain and embarrassment and be able to play sports again (although none of these occurred because the doctor didn't take out enough... but that's a completely different story).

When I got pregnant in 2007, I knew I wanted to nurse. I had done extensive research on nursing and knew it would be by far the best thing I could give my child. All the doctors (OB, Pedi, and Family Docs) I talked to said I probably wouldn't be able to nurse... that their patients weren't. Even a lactation consultant (who I absolutely adore!) says she can count on one hand women who have been successful with bfaring. There's actually one from the hospital who's successful now (Hi, L.). So, I started searching online for some information about breastfeeding after you've had a reduction. There wasn't much to be found. But I seriously thank God everyday that I found this website: www.bfar.org. BFAR = Breastfeeding after Reduction. If you read my blog, you know how I hate to spend money, so when I saw that this book, written by the creator of the above website) cost $25-$40, I almost didn't buy it. I'm a bargain shopper, so luckily I found it for about half that price (I can't find the link now, but if you need/want this book, let me know, and I'll try to find it for you for cheap). Best thing I ever did (well, one of them.)! It's 328 pages about breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery-compared to the 1-2 pages I could find in other breastfeeding books. Even after reading it, I didn't think I'd be able to exclusively breastfeed because I don’t think any of the personal stories in the book were able to do so (but, they're doing awesome things for their babies). Well, I praise God that I am able to. And I'm not saying this has been easy. It most certainly has been a very difficult process, which I'd be happy to share with you if you contact me.

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Last September, my son, Jackson, and I attended a Fashion Week party at SelimaOptique, AKA Bond 07, where my life-sized Wire Couture was on display. The party was packed, fun, and fabulous and we had a blast. Unfortunately, due to my aforementioned technical difficulties I was still sans digital camera that night.It's too bad, because I would have given anything to have my photo snapped with one of my favorite fashion/colorful-personality icons, Andre J, who was at the party in all his drop-dead ferosh-ness, sporting a blonde bouffant and exuberantly-colored tights over his pumps. He even stopped to talk to Jackson for a moment, and we had a nice exchange (translation, Andre was charming and delightful and sweet to the kiddo while I stood there smiling and mentally rephrasing variations on "you are amazing and I love you" without ever actually having the gumption to utter a word!) FYI, Andre J is a New York fashion and party fixture who is most famous for being photographed by Bruce Weber last year and then gracing the cover of Paris Vogue in all his gender-bending marvelousness. Witness: Andre might be known because of his wild get-ups and his groundbreaking Vogue cover, but I fell in love with him when he was quoted a while back in New York Magazine, talking about the way in which he aspires to inspire by being authentically and unequivocally himself:

"I want people to look at me and feel inspired, to feel hope, to smile. I want to surge positive energy in your body, confirm that you too can be yourself....Oh, sure. I get some "Wow, oh my goodness, what the hell, you look fantastic, holla brotha" when I'm walking down the street, but my favorite thing I ever got was, "I am just so glad you're alive." I've had so many people say that to me, and that's what assists me on continuing my journey. I was put on this earth to be abodhisattva, to just glow, emanate love, respect, peace, pizzazz. It's powerful. "I can attest that he had pizzazz and glow to spare. Andre giggled to himself at Jackson's wide-eyed reception, "he's thinking who is that bearded lady!" he said before flouncing away.

I think it's interesting that we ran into Andre Just-Be-Yourself-J that evening, because on our way to the party I experienced a rather defining moment in which I was compelled to stand up for myself and my child in an unprecedented way.

We were on the D train, which had just departed 81st Street stop. I was rather done-up for the party—hair, makeup, new Isaac Mizrahi for Target top, super-wide-leg trouser jeans, and teetering platforms. I had been rushing to get us both ready and out the door, and in my haste I had placed Jackson a tad-bit awkwardly in my Vera Wang brocade ring-sling which I only use on fancy occasions and which I am therefore not as adept at wearing as I am my other carriers. Anyhow, he was tired and fussy and wanted to nurse, so after a vain attempt to get him latched on, I decided to take him out of the sling, sit down, and get to feeding him more comfortably. As soon as I was seated things went more smoothly, he started nursing happily, and I leaned back to try and relax for a few minutes. My husband, Taro, who was along for the first part of the subway ride (he was headed out to a different event with a friend) gallantly held my bag.

It was at this otherwise peaceful juncture that a giant-sunglasses- wearing, middle-aged woman seated opposite us and down a few seats shouted at me in a tone that most might might reserve for run-ins with their sworn enemies, "COVER YOURSELF UP!" I was royally taken aback by the abrupt shout and looked up sharply. She was scowling back and shaking her finger at me. "THAT IS ILLEGAL! YOU BETTER COVER YOURSELF UP! THAT IS NOT RIGHT!"

I would like to note here, for the record, that I was not even that exposed. The ruffles on the high, button-up neckline of my blouse were concealing all but a modest display of cleavage. Not that there would be any crime in having my whole damn baby-feeding tit hanging out for the world to see, but to hear this woman's tone you would have thought I had just walked over and slapped her in the face with my breast. She was incensed,to put it mildly. Now, I had been breastfeeding in public for over 15 months at that point and nothing remotely like this had ever happened to me. This is New York City. People barely bat an eye at a statuesque black man strutting down the street in colorful hosiery, Brigitte Bardot's weave, and the beard of an Amish preacher. Well dolls, I don't know what came over me, but I didn't skip a beat. I yelled right back at her, "IT IS NOT AGAINST THE LAW TO FEED MY CHILD!" "YES IT IS!" she hollered back. She was very self-assured, I'll give her that.

"IT ABSOLUTELY IS NOT. THE LAW PROTECTS BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC. IN FACT, YOU ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW RIGHT NOW AND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING TO ME IS CONSIDERED HARASSMENT ACCORDING TO THE LAW!" I might have said the word "law" too many times, but I was firm.

"YOU BETTER COVER UP WITH A BLANKET!" she shouted back."Leave her alone", someone else (I didn't see who, it was a crowded car) chimed in.

As the woman continued to berate me, I resorted to the disbelieving oh-no-she-didn't-roll-of-the-eyes-while-shaking-my-head-technique. It really was hard to believe that this was happening! My blood was boiling, but I was finished with her. At this point, T stepped over to the woman and attempted to engage her in a lower-decibel conversation. He heroically, politely, and firmly reiterated that I had every right to breastfeed, and suggested that she research the law for herself. She went back and forth with him, unmoved by his assertions and using a quieter, though no less ugly tone of voice. Moments later we arrived at our stop, at which point T and I got off the train with me still holding the latched-on-and-vigorously-nursing Jackson in my arms. Meanwhile, the toddler had fallen asleep. For reals. Only in New York, people.   -Leigh P., NY

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I will always remember the last time my son nursed. It was two weeks before his second birthday and he had been nursing less and less over the previous weeks. That night, he was having a hard time sleeping. I cuddled him, sang to him, and rocked him, but nothing worked. I could tell he was getting frustrated, when suddenly his face lit up and he grinned at me and squeezed his hand in the sign language motion for milk. The look on his face said, "Hey, I know what will help me sleep! Milk!" I, of course, obliged and he was asleep within two minutes, his tongue stuck to his lower lip. I laid there next to him for a few minutes, watching him sleep. I didn't know yet that I would never again nurse my little boy, but I knew that it was a possibility that this was the last time. I knew that it had to happen eventually—my baby had to grow up, but it was a bittersweet moment for me as I grieved for the babyhood that was gone and rejoiced in the boyhood, and someday manhood, yet to come.  -Muna C.

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For a time I got frustrated that after going back to work full time, my milk supply seemed to be decreasing. When I'd get home and start to nurse my daughter (about 4-5 months old), she would latch on and get upset and impatient and so I'd manually check for milk and there would be nothing there. I'd put her on the other side and let her nurse until it seemed to be empty. I started supplementing with bottles here and there. Then I decided to try moving her from side to side during a nursing session despite lack of milk with first try, and then realized that the milk was just taking a longer time to let down. So instead of getting frustrated, switch from side to side a few times and you may also find that it’s just taking the milk a little longer to let down. I wish I had thought to do this sooner, as it would've saved some tears and frustration on both my part and my daughter's!  -Michele E. , PA

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My favorite nursing tip is to keep a special "basket" of toys for your older kids to play with while you are nursing- this way they feel they get to do something special too! Thanks!  -Melissa E., MN

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My son was 3 months old when he was baptized, and we had a reception at a local restaurant's party room. He was awake for the baptism, slept through the lunch and gift-opening, then woke to be fed. I was wearing a Motherwear top and as my son nursed, his 5-year-old "god-sister" innocently commented, "Look! He's eating your shirt!" As a young first-time mother, I sent her to her mother to understand what I was doing!   -Melissa F., IN

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I have twin girls, four months old now. I nurse them at the same time on a twins nursing pillow so they lay facing each other. My favorite nursing moments are when they reach across and hold hands while they nurse. There's just about nothing sweeter in my life than that.  -Mary G., DC

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This is an older story. The child who features in this story is now wearing your clothing to nurse her own wonderful baby! I had to wean little Sarah earlier than I would have liked because I got pregnant. She was a very independent little person and did not seem to mind, but she was too young to have long-term memories of nursing. When Sarah was almost thirteen months old, I gave birth to twin daughters. They were tiny preemies and they had to stay in the hospital for about a month. I expressed milk using a lloyd-B pump, because no electric pump was available at the time, and when I brought them home they were both nursing fine. Somehow, though, Sarah seemed to think that I wasn't feeding them. She tried to give them teething biscuits and crackers, slyly putting food in their bed when they were sleeping. I often picked them up after a nap to find them completely covered with crumbs! I tried talking to Sarah about it, but I never made a big thing of it because it was so unbelievably sweet.  -Muriel L., TX

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I always say knowledge is power, the more you know about breastfeeding and what to except, the better you'll do. As a situation arises, plugged duct or difficult latch-on, then you know of possible solutions. The sooner a problem is fixed it helps decrease the stress, an many mothers may become frazzled initially due being first time moms or having an addition to the family. With knowledge, patience, persistence, and practice within a few weeks both mom and baby will be experts at breastfeeding! At the same time of learning new breastfeeding info, do not focus so much on memorizing everything, it just helps to know.  -Melissa L., KS

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When you have a new baby... it does change everything. When I had some problems with breastfeeding, all I thought to myself was "nothing is as bad as you think it is. If all else fails....LAUGH!" Not only did this help with my nursing, it helped all around. Just tell yourself to breathe because at the end of the day, all you have to remember is that your baby is ok! :)  -Molly S., IL

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After taking my 2 month old swimming for the first time, we went into the locker room to get showered and changed. I didn't have anyone to watch my daughter while I showered, and she needed to bathed to get all the chlorine off of her, too. I decided to take her in the shower, and the water coming down on her scared her since she is used to being bathed, not showered. She started crying loudly and wouldn't settle down... until I had an idea. I started nursing her, right there in the shower. She settled down and focused on nursing, which gave me the perfect opportunity to shower both of us. After we finished our shower, I wrapped a towel around both of us, and went to sit down and dry us off while she finished nursing. Breastfeeding came to the rescue for me that day—I was able to settle my daughter down instantly, plus get us both showered and dressed while keeping her content.    -Nicole C.P., KS

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One time when my toddler was sick, my husband realized we were out of cow's milk, so he made him a cup of chocolate "Mommy’s milk" instead as I had left a bottle of pumped milk in the fridge. Immediately my son began to get better! My milk provided the antibodies and immune support which Tylenol could not. Even though the extra milk had been pumped to maintain my supply for his baby brother, it proved to be just what the doctor ordered, or should have! By the way I am now nursing my fourth child, a daughter. I have been wearing your wonderful clothes for eleven years!  -Nicole C., CA

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I know many lactation consultants, nurses, and doctors claim that you HAVE to establish nursing in the few two weeks, but my son and I are examples of the opposite. In fact, it took us six weeks to get the "hang" of nursing—I was too new a mother, too sick, too stressed, you name it—but one late and quiet night, when it was just the two of us, he latched on as if he'd always done it. He's now 17 months old and still nursing like a champ. Of course we had latching issues in that first week, and this is where a lactation consultant is worth her weight in gold because mine knew exactly what the problem was. She'd never seen a baby establish breastfeeding so "late," however, and she kept marveling how amazing my son was, to start nursing like that. But I think every baby can do it (barring any medical issues), and the trick is to not give up simply because everyone is telling you that you're past the window of opportunity. You're not!  -Namiko S., NY

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I loved nursing my infant, but nursing my toddler is twice as wonderful. Extended nursing has provided me with all of the benefits of nursing but none of the hassles. My daughter Beatriz, who will celebrate her second birthday in July, usually nurses three times a day during the week and maybe five times on the weekends. There's no pumping or bottles. The nursing sessions are usually short; during the day, they are about closeness and often interrupted by tickling or conversation. At night, nursing has been the best way to calm her down and get her to sleep. Sleep is the holy grail of parenting a small child. I often fret that Beatriz doesn't get enough; selfishly, I know if she doesn't get to sleep, I'll also be up all night and foggy as a new mom in the day. My tip is as follows:in addition to nursing her to sleep, I use a little light massage to calm her down. Beatriz is a typical two-year old - busy, hyper, and dramatic. Nursing gets her to focus on one thing; massage calms her quickly. I start by putting her in the crook of my arm, applying light pressure to the top of her head (my mom taught me that this simulates the womb). As she nurses, I lightly and slowly massage the side of her body, knees, ankles, feet, back and tummy. She usually falls asleep as I rub her tummy. I think it makes her feel secure. When she's completely asleep I stop nursing and give her a little hug. There's nothing more angelic than a sleeping child. There are also times when my tricks fail to get her to settle down. A couple times a month, nursing to sleep doesn't work. Instead of being helpful, it distracts her. When that happens I let my husband put her to sleep because she fights me if I stop giving her milk.

  -Philomena M., MN

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My nursing tip comes from when I was home on maternity leave with my first child (I am now at home with my 3rd!). If you are dialing in for a conference call (especially one with clients on the phone line), be sure you know how to "mute" your end of the line! I thought I could just follow along with the conference call using my notes, while nursing. A friend later told me that everybody on the call could hear the happy slurping noises from my new baby! How embarrassing! Thankfully, I didn't hear about it until I returned to work a few weeks later, and everybody got a good laugh (nobody was upset, they were just happy for me!).  -Becky R., VA

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I wanted to share my tip to: enjoy the time that you have nursing with your little one because they grow up so quickly. My nursing story: When my daughter was 6 months old she started popping her head up from nursing everytime her Daddy would enter the room. She would give him this really serious look like he was interrupting her. Now that she is 15 months old he can be in the room again, but he better not speak too loudly or she waves at him.   -Rachel C., PA

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When I was still pregnant and planning to breastfeed, I was not sure what items I would need to help make my breastfeeding experience more successful and more comfortable, as this was my first baby. I had a very good friend who had just had her first baby and had really had some significant struggles with breastfeeding, including having to pump and supplement with her own pumped milk in the first few weeks of her daughter's birth, and also recurrent yeast infections. At my baby shower, her gift to me was by far the most thoughtful. She gave me a box of tools to help ease my introduction to breastfeeding. The box included a nursing tank (which I still wear at night!), washable breast pads, a tube of Lasinoh, a bracelet to wear to keep track of which side a last nursed my son on, a bag of granola mix to keep next to my "nursing spot" so I could have a snack available when I got a hunger attack in the middle of a nursing session, and a book ("Praying Scripture for your Children" to read while nursing. With each little part of the gift was a note from my friend explaining why she had chosen that particular item for the box and how it had been a blessing to her in the early days of nursing her daughter. We were blessed with many wonderful gifts from family and friends, but the box of breastfeeding help from this friend was by far the sweetest, and most thoughtful gift and I have used every single part of it and been thankful over and over again for her thoughtfulness! Thank you for your consideration!

  -Shannon H., MD

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I am currently providing breast milk for my 3rd child. I can honestly say it is the very best decision I've made for each of my children. My children were born in February 2006, September 2007, and December 2008. I weaned my first son at 1 year, my 2nd at 9 months, and am closing in on month 6 for my 3rd. I'm hoping to continue to 12 months…

My tips would be— Invest in a good electric double pump. I have a pump in style by Medela and I LOVE IT.

Even when it hurts, persevere. It is the most awarding relationship you will ever have. There is absolutely nothing to compare to those middle of the night feedings when it is just you and your little one, and the look of love and contentment on their faces as they drift to sleep while nursing. Even in those first weeks when I was in a lot of pain, just knowing that I was doing the best I could for my son, and watching each of them thrive, and the smiles on their faces, it was totally worth it.

  -Sherrye L., OH

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I was nursing my 8 month old at the time. My last baby I had nursed to about 22 months, so I was used to a toddler climbing up on my lap to nurse. I was on the phone with a friend making arrangements for our sons to catch a flight for a mission trip and my 3 year old walked up to me and kept whinning about something he wanted. I was distracted and trying to keep him quite so that I could hear the other person on the phone, I picked him up, pulled up my shirt and got ready to nurse him. He started yelling, "No, mommy, no. I don't want to nurse." When I realized what I almost did, I had to get off the phone because I was laughing so hysterically and apologizing profusely to my 3 year old. After everything settled down, I had to call my friend back and tell her what had just happened. Being a mother of 5 already, she could appreciate the humor! This is now the joke among my friends, they just love to bring it up to get a good laugh. I am now nursing baby number 5, our first girl, she is 13 months old and still nursing strong.   -Shila C., LA

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Nursing isn't easy at first. However, as long as I persist, the discomfort subsides in a few days with the help of warm showers and lots of patience! When my third child, Clare, first arrived, the discomfort I expereinced in nursing was more intense than what I felt in the past. I was even convinced I may be developing mastitis because I was so sore and engorged! However, my lactation specialist encouraged me to take several warm showers throughout the day and apply warm compresses while continuing to breastfeed my daughter. I followed her advice and the soreness and engorgement subsided within a week. Although Clare's only six weeks old, she's developed some nice chunky cheeks and a round, kissable belly all due to nursing!   -Sarah O., KS

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My daughter was in the NICU for her first 2 days so we had some struggles with breastfeeding. At the hospital they had us slide a tube with breast milk and formula in her mouth while she was latched on so she was getting some milk but that was a real pain in the butt and I couldn't do it alone. I had the most wonderful lactation consultant visit my house a week after the birth and she introduced us to the nipple shield. That completely changed our nursing lives! My daughter was able to latch on easily, we didn't have to use the tube system anymore, and that started our wonderful nursing relationship that we continued with for 18 months. I am now expecting our second child in 2 weeks and I plan to have a nipple shield handy for when he or she is born, and I have also contacted the consultant who changed our lives. My best advice is to get a great lactation consultant if you're having problems and also try a nipple shield.   -Sara W., VT

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I have had the privilege of nursing all 7 of my children for at least 2 years each (a couple went to age 3). When my second child was born, I noticed another mother at a meeting who was wearing the coolest shirt; she was nursing her newborn and I couldn't see anything except her cuddling her baby. I asked her about the shirt and she told me about Motherwear. That conversation began my long history of wearing Motherwear's great line of nursing clothing. As a veteran nurser, I am able to nurse in so many different situations, at parties, church, standing up, walking the mall, working in the kitchen. I usually surprise even the most seasoned mothers because they can't tell I'm nursing. Part of that has to do with the great nursing clothing from Motherwear; I stay covered up, but my baby can still access his lunch, or dinner, or snack....

I have two things that I always do when I have a new baby. The first is I wear a watch with a stopwatch and a nightlight. The stopwatch times my feedings and tells me how long it has been since the start of the last feeding, so there's no guessing. The nightlight comes in handy and helps me see my way around during those middle of the night feedings. The other thing I do is buy a few pretty, but inexpensive stretchy bead bracelets. I use one to keep track of which side to the begin the next nursing session. I just switch the bracelet from left to right or vice versa and no one knows my secret.   -Shannon W.

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Don't lay your baby the same way (head always looking either left or right) to nurse everytime. I did this with my daughter and it took awhile to teach her to look the other direction.  -Sonia S.

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I am a stay at home mom of 6 girls ages 10yrs down to 4 months. They are all about 2 years apart, so I have been pregnant, nursing, or pregnant and nursing for the past 11 years! Funny thing I get asked when we go shopping (because we all go together) is, "Are those all yours? My response is, "Would I be crazy enough to come shopping with them all if they weren't?!" I wear nursing shirts and carry my baby in a sling so I can feed the baby while shopping. I have found that wearing the nursing shirt serves a good purpose even though I am concealed by the sling. You would not believe how many people have yanked my sling back while baby is nursing to "take a peek"! Very few have realized that she was nursing. I had one very aged women in a elec. wheelchair tell me that "the baby can't breathe in there!" She followed me all through the store yelling "That baby can't breathe in there!" Finally I hollered back at her, "She's eating, would you rather me take her out so you can see my boobs?! She quit chasing me! I had a nicely aged doorgreeter pull back my sling to see what I "had in there" because he apparently thought I was smuggling something INTO the store! Thank goodness for nursing clothes that conceal!   -Tracy R.

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Wear a strong beaded necklace or a silky soft neck scarf; so when your little ones fingers start to wonder you have something for them to fiddle with while they finish nursing.  Tiffany S., CA

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We just went to Holiday World with our four children age 6 and under. I wore my fabulous nursing tankini and noone ever knew baby was nursing. My tip is this: I wore a light weight cover up that buttoned in the front. I was able to wear my baby in a water sling and use the cover up around her as well. It served as a cover to be a little more descreet when "getting things ready" to nurse.   -Tammy E., IN