Breastfeeding Awareness Month

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month so I wanted to talk about some benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mom, why I'm choosing to breastfeed my baby, and also share some awesome Breastfeeding Accessories.

I've talked to many mothers and every single one that I've talked to either says that breastfeeding was one of the best things they've ever done, or that they wish it had worked out for them.

I understand, breastfeeding can be hard, maybe you can't produce enough milk, maybe the baby can't latch, maybe baby refuses to nurse, etc. Whatever the reason may be, I hear that it's not easy!

But, one thing I'm doing is going into it with a very positive attitude.

Breastfeeding is something I want to do, for both my baby and myself, so I won't quit easily, I am taking the challenge! I want to have that bond with my baby, I really think I'll enjoy spending that time with her, just Baby Girl and I, especially since she won't be in my belly anymore!

If you look up "Breastfeeding Benefits" they'll all say similar things.

"Breast Milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off bacteria and viruses."

"Breastfeeding is great for your baby's immune system."

"Breast Milk contains the perfect mix of protein, vitamins and fat, which is everything your baby needs to grow."

And so on and so on... Basically, breast milk is GOLD for babies!

Breastfeeding will also help me get back to my pre-pregnancy body, which I'm really excited for!
"Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower your risk of osteoporosis, too." -WebMD

To help me with my breastfeeding journey, Hannah from Izzy Maternity was so kind to send me some products to review. Since Baby Girl isn't here yet, I will touch back on the items that I have received when I start using them, but I wanted to share these great items I got so you can try them out for yourself!

#1 is the Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.
This Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is super comfy! Let me tell you, as soon as I tried it on I was obsessed right away, I love this bra! Not only is it comfortable with its seamless soft fabric, it hugs your body just enough to move with you, so you can barely feel it.
It features removable, molded foam cups for a lining when you want it to hide your nipples or breast pads, which is how I'll be wearing it, but if you prefer, you have the ability to take it out.
There is no underwire, which is awesome because I feel like underwire is so uncomfortable, and the cups drop fully away from the breast, as recommended by health care professionals.
There are easy to use and discrete nursing clips with one-hand access, and a sizing system that makes this bra perfect for any stage of pregnancy or nursing, to comfortably fit your changing shape. The Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is the top selling soft cup nursing bra for Izzy Maternity, and I can definitely see why! You can use it as a sleeping bra and a day bra too.
Check it out here.


#2 is the Melinda G Simply Divine Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra with Removable Pads.
This bra is great, but to me it definitely felt more like a maternity bra, than a regular bra.
This bra has seamless spacer fabric cups for shapely support and subtle enhancement, and removable pads for added curves and discretion. You can wear it with the pads for discreet coverage and some added ”oomph" or you can also wear it without the pads for a more natural look. Again, I'll be wearing this bra with the pads. There are one-handed clips on the cups for nursing ease and back hooks & eyes to accommodate your changing figure.
Check it out here.

#3 is the Simple Wishes Hands Free Pump Bra.
This bra is so cool! You get to pump without having to use your hands, allowing you to do other things while pumping, or just so you can relax while using your breast pump.
The patented design is adjustable in size, using Velcro, which I thought was so cool, to sustain a perfect fit over time as a nursing mother’s size changes. Straps and 1” Zip In Center Panel are included to help achieve the perfect fit. I got it in a pretty baby pink color. Izzy Maternity can barely keep it in stock since it's so popular!
Check it out here.

#4 is the Undercover Mama Tank.
This tank is great, it can attach to any bra! Each shirt includes two attachment options. It looks sleek under your favorite top and adds a natural slimming effect. The undershirts are constructed of quality material and are made to last. The Undercover doesn't bunch up, slide around, or ball up after washing. The length allows you to tuck it in or go for a layered look. I definitely see myself wearing this out for easy breastfeeding, or in the house when I know people are coming over and I need to nurse my baby but don't want to go hide away. You just lift your regular shirt up, unclip the tank and pull it down, so you're covered on the top and the bottom!
Check it out here.


#5 is the Chewbeads Jane Necklace in Pink.
The Jane necklace is a non-toxic chewable necklace perfect for your teething baby. These necklaces come in a variety of colors, I got the pink one pictured above. Even though my Baby Girl won't be teething for a little while, I have been using the necklace as an accessory since it's so cute! I'm also going to wear it while breastfeeding, so Baby Girl can have something to look at and pull on while she's feeding. I totally bit it by the way, to see how it feels. I'm a curious person! Don't judge! I know that if I was a teething baby I would love the texture on my gums, haha!
Check it out here.


I also got to try a Milkmakers Pregnancy Cookie .

I got the Morning Glory flavor and I really really liked it! It was yummy, and filling and I would eat it even if I wasn't pregnant. I wish I was introduced to this cookie earlier because I would have been eating at least one every day, I loved the flavor. Not only does this cookie taste delicious, they are made with organic, natural, real food ingredients that are packed with the proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats a mom-to-be should be munching on, and there are no preservatives. So awesome!
Izzy Maternity does not currently carry this item, but if you are interested in trying it, you can check it out here.


Another item I got was a Nursing Time Tea.

I am waiting until Baby Girl is here to actually try it, but I wanted to share it with you mamas in case any of you are looking for a special tea to help with your breastfeeding.
The Nursing Time Tea is an all-natural herbal tonic designed to help nursing mothers increase their milk flow and soothe digestive unease of both mother and baby.
Izzy Maternity does not currently carry this item, but if you are interested in trying it, you can check it out here.

So, what accessories do you think are the best when it comes to breastfeeding?
I would love any advice and suggestions, leave them in the comments!

Use the code "lauraco" for 10% off your purchase of any items at Izzy Maternity Clothes!
It is not restricted to the items I mentioned, or just nursing, but in fact can be used on anything purchased from Izzy Maternity.
Offer ends on September 30th, so make sure you take advantage now!