Nursing Bras

Nursing bras.  Created to make life easier.  Ha.  Haha.  Hahaha.  

Pre-pregnancy, I was an average height and build person who wore a slightly larger than average bra size.  During pregnancy, post-pregnancy and while nursing, things have grown and then remained a little more larger than average.  I was so shocked to find, no matter what retail store I went to, that retailers are not equipped to serve larger busted nursing mothers.  Those who carry anything at all beyond a D or DD size simply want to shove you in a super-large sports bra to create the perfect uniboob.  I am not at all a fan of the uniboob, so the sports bra was not an option for me.  Several folks suggested nursing tanks.  I have tried several of these as well, and they were as successful as the nursing sports bras.  My biggest frustration is knowing that, while I am a little bigger than average, and generally wear a seldom purchased pre-pregnancy size, I am certainly not the only one out there who wants to fully support and dress up a larger set of girls when nursing.  So why are supportive larger-size nursing bras so hard to find in a store???

I was hesitant to order online, simply because of the inability to try merchandise on before purchasing.  But the longer I looked and tried things on in local retail stores, the more I realized that ordering online was going to be my only option.  I looked through several online stores, and then found a store that offers free size exchange and free shipping for the first round of size exchange.  This caught my attention.

Mommy Gear had a decent array of nursing bras designed for those of us with slightly larger through much larger than average needs.  I looked at the features of many of these bras and read the reviews left by others who had purchased them, and finally selected two.  Although both retailed for about $50, I know with absolutely certainty, that at this stage of the game I cannot put a price on getting the girls separated and lifted away from my belly button.  :-)

Shipping was super quick.  Sadly, neither bra fit the way I was hoping.  So I called their 800 number and spoke with one of the sales reps in their retail store.  I explained my difficulties, including the fact that I have been professionally measured a handful of times since Jenna was born and nothing in the 'correct' size seems to fit correctly, and she was most helpful!!!  At the end of the 15 minute conversation, we decided to stick with the same two styles that I had originally selected and go with different sizes.

I selected one additional size to try in Style A.  Because it was a straight up size exchange, there was no charge at all.  I selected two additional sizes to try in Style B.  There was no charge for the first one, since it was a straight up size exchange; I had to pay retail price for the second one, since I had only ordered two bras to begin with.  BUT...they will refund my money for anything that I return.  The best part is that there was no shipping charge for the second round of bras,  and she told me to keep the original two (that did not fit) until I was ready to return everything that I didn't want.  That was I only had to pay return shipping once. 

The second box arrived the other day, and I am happy to say that I have a bra in Style A that fits like a glove!!  Sadly, after trying three different sizes in Style B, I have accepted that this style is just not for me.  I sent a box back to them today with the four unwanted bras, and requested a second bra in Style A.  Based on the recommendations from the lady that I talked with on Monday, I also decided to try a third style that they sell quite a few of.

So, if any of you find yourself experiencing the same sort of difficulty, consider giving Mommy Gear a try.  In addition to nursing bras, they carry all kinds of other items... pumps, baby wear, kid wear, baby slings, etc.  (I have definitely not been paid for this, nor is it an advertisement!!!  I just absolutely love really good customer service when I can find it, and even more than that, I love being able to find something that fits the girls so well!!!)

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!  If you venture out tonight, travel safely!!

Wet Bag Giveaway

Hi Ladies!  Doable diapers is giving away a Rumparooz wetbag or pail liner on their blog!  Even if you don't cloth diaper, having a wet bag in your diaper bag can be invaluable!!!  I have two Rumparooz wet bags and love them!  I would love to win a third!!!  Head over to their blog and check out the giveaway and other fabulous things related to cloth diapering!!

Doable Diapers Wet Bag Giveaway

Simple Laundry Secrets...Who Knew??

Jenna is 3 1/2 months old now, and for the last 5-6 weeks we have been using cloth diapers.  We have been using a combination of various pocket diapers and prefold diapers inside little gPants (using disposable/flushable gDiaper inserts if necessary when outside the house).  I am quickly becoming a fan of the pocket diapers (and the amusement that can be found in watching my husband try to figure out which insert 'matches up' with which diaper!), and I will very likely touch on specific diapers at some point down the road.

Since beginning our use of cloth diapers, some of my laundry habits have been transformed.  We have switched to a 'free and clear' detergent, which seems to be working well on all of our laundry.  Exit artificial perfumes and dyes!!  I have started using the soak/pre-wash cycle on my washer, which is something I have never used in the past.  I started doing this before washing each load of diapers, using cold water.  Later I started doing it before each load of whites.  I cannot believe what a difference this simple step can make.  It's obviously not a cure-all, but I have not had to use Biz or bleach on our regular laundry once in the last 5 weeks.  Yipee!!

I decided that I wanted to try to cut down on my use of dryer sheets, so I started doing a little bit of research.  I read about wool dryer balls, but I also found several sources that recommended use of 3-5 tennis balls in the dryer.  We have an overabundance of hand-me-down tennis balls that were intended for our dogs, so I figured I would try the tennis balls before investing money in wool balls.  Insert 4 tennis balls here.  While they didn't cut waaay down on the static, they did help a little bit.  I was also able to reduce my drying time by about 10 minutes when leaving the heat setting on high, or leave the time alone and reduce the heat setting to medium.  After doing a bit more reading, I found several sites that suggested using vinegar in a Dow.ny ball during the wash cycle.  I figured that it was worth a shot, and YEP, it works!  I use 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar with each load of laundry (diapers NOT included); between the vinegar and the tennis balls, no static!!  :-)

It's all so simple...kind of makes me wonder sometimes how we ended up with all of these other products in the first place!!