Hospital Bag Checklist For Natural Moms!

by MyGreenNest | Feb 28, 2017 | Breastfeeding, Cloth Diapers, Reusable Menstrual Products

Are you about to have a new baby and a little lost on what to pack for the hospital? Maybe you’ve already been through it before but want to take a more natural approach this time around.

I had a baby a couple of years ago and did everything the “standard way.” This time around I wanted to try a more natural approach so I created a complete hospital bag checklist for crunchy moms like me.

I’ve already been testing out natural mom and baby products so I had a pretty good idea of what to include this time around.

My checklist covers necessities and luxury items for mom, natural postpartum care products, and extra tips.

I also will be doing newborn cloth diapers & cloth postpartum pads from day one and will touch a bit on how I plan on doing that at the hospital.

I’ll list out several ideas and naturally focused options to help get you started on your hospital journey with your new baby!

This Post Has Been Updated After Having Two More Children. 🙂

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of my fun-little-links and purchase something, I'll make a small commision at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win for both of us right?

Click the image above to play the video.

Sorry, The Giveaway Is Over!

Most Important Items

Birth Plan: If you have specific instructions on how you want to deliver and what medications you are willing to take, you will want to include this in your hospital bag for sure. Just keep an open mind that things may end up different than you planned.

Earth Mama has a Birth Plan (Aff link) you can download for Free!

ID & Insurance card: This is a MUST-HAVE item that should be at the top of your list to bring!

Medication: If you are on certain meds that you must take daily, be sure to pack those in your bag as well.

Cash: It’s always good to have extra cash on hand but especially important if you are stuck in the hospital at 2 a.m. and all of the restaurants are closed. This will allow your partner to grab some snacks from the vending machines.

Snacks: You may not be recommended to eat or snack while you are about to deliver but it may be a good idea to pack up a few treats for after or for your hubby or other children if you have them.

Update: After spending about 30+ hours in labor with this baby, I almost ate an entire army of crap food. Bring healthy snacks!

Camera & Phone: You will probably want to grab a decent camera and your phone to keep your loved ones updated.

Chargers: No matter what electronics you decide to bring you will want to grab your chargers.

Makeup: It’s nice to bring a small bag of makeup to freshen up for pictures or just to feel a little more like yourself after delivery if you choose.

Toiletry Bag: You will want to pack a small bag that includes your bathroom essentials like your toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, exedra.

Update: I recently ordered this Toiletry Bag (Amazon aff link) for traveling because it keeps everything separated and sealed, and it conveniently hangs.

Some moms like to pack their own towels as well because the hospital towels can be small and thin. (I never did)

Books, Magazines, Music, Kindle: Some women like to pack magazines or things to keep them entertained. Some deliveries take a while to get started, especially if you are being induced.

My phone kept me entertained along with talking to loved ones.

Essential Oils & Diffuser: Essential oils bring a calmness to the room and can be great air purifiers. This may be something to consider bringing along with Lavender, Frankincense, Tea Tree oil, or any of your favorites!

This Essential Oil Diffuser (Amazon aff link) has soothing lights and remote control so you can turn it on from your bed!

Your Pillow & Old Pillowcase: I love my pillow because it makes me feel a little more at home and is more comfortable than the ones that the hospital provides.

Make sure to bring an old pillowcase that you don’t mind getting dirty. Try to mark if it is plain white so it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital pillows.

Comfy Socks & House Shoes: You will want to grab a pair of comfy socks to wear around and a pair of slippers. Remember, after giving birth everything is about comfort! Your feet will be swollen most likely so you don’t want anything tight.

Flip Flops: I didn’t include this in my hospital bag but some moms like to pack a cheap pair of flip flops so they can step in and out of the shower without touching the floor with their feet.

Stretchy Pants: If you want to cover your legs grab a pair of sweatpants or stretchy pants. Most women will still look pregnant for a few days after delivery so you don’t want to pack your pre-pregnancy pants.

Earth Mama Organics - Belly Butter & Belly Oil

Earth Mama Organics has a lovely set of Postpartum Care Products (Aff link) that are highly reviewed and organic.

Baby Care Items

The hospital will supply you with more than enough baby gear to get you started. Here are a few items you may want to bring along as well.

Going Home Outfit: You will want to pack at least one going home outfit. I packed a few different sizes just in case my baby came out smaller or bigger. Also, keep in mind the weather and pack accordingly.

Baby Socks, Mittens, Caps: Your hospital may or may not provide you with these items but some moms like to bring mittens to keep baby from scratching their little face.

My going-home outfits had built-in mittens and booties so I didn’t have to worry about it. All hospitals provide baby caps I believe.

Baby Receiving Blankets: Some moms like to bring their own custom swaddling or receiving blankets. The hospital will provide these.

Carseat & Canopy Cover: This doesn’t exactly go in your hospital bag but it is a good idea to get your car seat installed and have it safety checked by a fire station around 34 weeks or so.

You can do it earlier if you like, no harm in being a little extra prepared! I advise grabbing up a Carseat Canopy Cover (Amazon aff link) to block out the wind or bad weather and to help keep it dark for when the baby is sleeping.

Newborn Cloth Diapers: If you’re not planning on cloth diapering or just waiting till you get home then don’t worry about bringing these.

However, If you are then you will want to bring a few newborn or Extra Small Cloth Diapers (aff link) along with disposable or reusable inserts to help keep your diapers cleaner. The hospital is going to supply you with diapers during your stay regardless if you decide to cloth diaper or not.

If you want to know more about Newborn Cloth Diapers then check out my complete post that gives you the detailed scoop.

I received newborn cloth diapers from Thirsties Baby, Bumgenius, Charlie Banana, and GroVia to include in my video. I wasn’t sponsored to review and all opinions are my own.

Postpartum Care Products

Cloth Postpartum Pads: I’m bringing one heavy 15 inches, seven heavy 14 inch pads, and an extra-large bamboo insert. I chose organic bamboo velour and minky toppers because those are some of the most gentle fabrics for your skin.

You can purchase many quality postpartum pads on Etsy shops like MadeByMothers and Homestead Emporium. You can also sew your own with upcycled fabrics around your house.

Update: Since writing this post I had a GREAT experience with Postpartum Cloth Pads and wrote a complete guide about them!

I’ve also created an entire post/video about Natural Postpartum Care Products if you want to also check that out.

Disposable Non-Toxic Pads: If the idea of using cloth postpartum pads is a bit overwhelming, I recommend purchasing disposable pads from a brand like Seventh Generation as they leave out the toxic chemicals and perfumes.

You may still need to use the big hospital pads that they provide for the first few days of heavy bleeding and then switch out to overnight pads. (Amazon Aff Link) Seventh Generation Overnight Pads.

Wet Bags: I have one wet bag to store my cloth postpartum pads but you can use a plastic or regular bag if you choose. I also have a wet bag that includes a dry pocket for clean items. This one is for going back and forth to the bathroom with my “hoo-ha” care products.

We have one giant wet bag or diaper pail liner that I will toss all soiled diapers, clothes, and pads in until we get home to wash. You could use a good-sized trash bag for this. Here are some different sized Wet Bags (aff link) if you’re on the hunt.

Healing & Soothing Vaginal Spray: I purchased a Glass Spray Bottle (Amazon aff link) and filled it with equal parts witch hazel and aloe vera gel. I added a few drops (around 5 of each) of healing essential oils.

I believe I included Lavender, Tea Tree, & Clary Sage. I may have included 10 drops of Lavender because I love the smell. This healing spray will be used in place of the numbing spray they provide at the hospital.

You can use a cheap plastic bottle if you don’t have a glass one although glass is better at storing or keeping essential oils. You’ll want to spray this lovely concoction directly on your cloth pad during each change to help soothe and heal your vaginal region.

Update: This spray helped me heal wonderfully! However, if you don’t want to make your own Earth Mama sells a spray you can get Here. (aff link)

Heating Pads: After delivery, you will experience postpartum contractions that can be very painful as your uterus begins to shrink back to its normal size. Some mothers like to include heating pads to help soothe the pain without taking any or a ton of medication.

Update: After experiencing after-birth pains that felt like labor contractions, I HIGHLY recommend a Heating Pad! (Amazon aff link)

Mom Washer: Now your hospital will normally provide you with a standard plastic peri bottle. However, if you want to try the one I am packing for the hospital you can check out my Amazon Aff link here: Mom Washer

Update: This thing is awesome!

Granny Panties: The hospital will normally supply you with stretchy mesh panties while you are in labor and some for after delivery. Some women love them and some hate them.

I found them to work great and thought they were very comfortable so I didn’t bother packing my own undies for the trip. If you’re not sure if you will like the mesh panties or not, go ahead and grab some cheap granny panties from Walmart or Target.

I went ahead and purchased me some for late pregnancy and post-delivery because they are so comfortable. I don’t have to worry about stains as I will toss them once I am done recovering.

Oh, and yes, I am rocking the granny panties while I am typing this up! 😛

Breastfeeding & Nursing Gear

Nursing Cover: As I mentioned in the video, you’ll get no privacy during your stay. This is why it’s really nice to have one of these Covers. (Amazon aff link)

I found a coupon in a pregnancy magazine and ordered mine. You can use a big receiving or muslin blanket as well.

Nursing Bras: It is a good idea to pack a couple of nursing bras so you can get the support you need and breastfeed a little more easily.

You can also use a couple of sports bras and just pull down when you need to feed. You can find nursing bras in most stores and online.

I haven’t found one yet that I absolutely love so I don’t have a link to share with you.

Comfortable Nursing Robe: I highly recommend packing a comfortable robe for your trip. I have one made specifically for new breastfeeding moms in mind called the Mommy Brobe. It has a built-in nursing bra and deep pockets. Amazon Aff Link: Mommy Brobe

Here is my complete review of the Mommy Brobe if you want to check that out!

Comfortable Nursing Gown: Yes, the hospital will provide you with a generic hospital robe but normally your butt is hanging out of the back lol.

I suggest bringing your own to change into after delivery. You want to get one that will cover you well, fit loosely, and have an opening or button down for breastfeeding. I ordered this one from Amazon, Aff Link: Maternity Nursing Gown

Nursing Pillow: Some new mothers like to bring a nursing pillow like the Boppy to help prop the baby up while breastfeeding.

I have a couple that I keep at home but I didn’t pack them in my hospital bag to save space. Amazon Aff Link: Boppy Nursing Pillow with Cover

Update: Not bringing my Boppy was a mistake!

Bamboobies Nipple Cream: If you plan on breastfeeding at all you will want to pick up a tub of quality nipple cream. I have tried out Lansinoh, Medela, and Bamboobies.

The Bamboobies Brand and is by far the best because It rubs on so much smoother than the other brands. It’s made from completely organic ingredients and is safe for baby. It also doubles as a pumping lubricant and will heal any sore or cracked nipples. Amazon Aff Link: Bamboobies Nipple Cream

Another alternative but highly-reviewed nipple cream is This One from Earth Mama. (aff link)

Reusable Nursing Pads: I highly recommend using cloth nursing pads over disposables because they are really soft and much cheaper in the long run.

You will want to pack a couple of pairs of these even if you don’t plan on breastfeeding to prevent soaking through your bra. Some women don’t leak as much as others but it’s good to stock up on a few just in case.

You can use small cloth wipes if you are in a pinch. My favorite reusable nursing pads are the Bamboobies brand and you can check out my Amazon Aff link here: Bamboobies Nursing Pads

Non-Toxic Disposable Nursing Pads: If you’re not going to try reusable brands you may check out a more eco-friendly option that Bamboobies makes.

They are made with less toxic ingredients. Amazon Aff Link: Bamboobies Disposable Nursing Pads

Cloth Wipes: I love using cloth wipes to clean up any drips from pumping or breastfeeding. They are soft and can be used for so many other things.

I packed a couple in my hospital nursing bag. My favorite deal is a 24 pack from Amazon. They are super soft and small and can be used for cloth diapering and wiping off dirty hands. Amazon Aff Link: Cloth Wipe Pack

Silicone Nipple Shield: Sometimes your hospital will give you one of these if you are having trouble with breastfeeding. I highly recommend grabbing one of these if you plan on breastfeeding for a while.

They help protect your nipples from a bad latch when you are learning, easing any discomfort you may feel. These may not be a hospital bag necessity but a good-to-have item at the very least.

If you have inverted or flat nipples then I recommend grabbing one or two of these for your hospital bag so that baby can get a good latch. Amazon Aff Link: Medela Nipple Shield

Pump Bag: You can definitely use a regular bag for this but I prefer my PumpEase waterproof bag made for carrying my nursing supplies.

When I was in the NICU I used it all of the time and a lot after when traveling with my pump supplies. I now use it for my cloth pads.

This bag is a nice size for keeping your nursing supplies together but isn’t completely necessary for packing in your hospital bag. Amazon Aff Link: PumpEase Wet Bag

Here is a super quick video I created showing off some tips for packing around nursing supplies for a day trip!

Click the image above to play the video.

Checklist for Dad, & Siblings!

Toddler Backpack: If you have other children or a toddler like me you may want to go ahead and have a little backpack made up with extra diapers, trainers, or underwear.

Pack some extra clothes, snacks, sippy cups, toys, and maybe an iPad or Kindle to help keep them occupied!

The Dad Bag: You may have your partner go ahead and pack a small overnight bag with an extra pair of clothes, snacks, cash, toiletries like his toothbrush and deodorant and maybe a book or iPad.

He may want to bring his own pillow as well. It may be a good idea to keep the camera with him so he can take pictures if you haven’t already hired a photographer.

I hope my hospital bag checklist helped you to better understand what you will need at the hospital. I also hope I encouraged you to take a more natural route to your postpartum care.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

Hospital Bag Checklist - Pinterest Image

If you liked my post, here is an image you can pin or share!

Here is what I WISHED I had brought with me when it was all said and done! Also I hope you check out my full labor story. 🙂 Click the image above to view!

The Medela Harmony Pump – Uses, Assembly, & More!

by MyGreenNest | Jan 21, 2017 | Breastfeeding

If you are planning on breastfeeding and pumping the Medela Harmony Pump is a MUST HAVE… if you choose to go with the Medela brand that is.

When I first started pumping I only had one of those big Medela pumping machines and you can imagine how convenient that was to lug around. I finally took the plunge and ordered one of these portable pumping bad boys and haven’t looked back!

In this post, I’ll show you EXACTLY how to use and assemble the Harmony manual pump. I’ll also be providing convenient tips, tricks, and an honest review.

I like to break everything down step-by-step because when I first started my breastfeeding journey I had no idea what I was doing.

If you are a pumping newb, I got your back girl!

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Click the image above to play the video.

Amazon Affiliate Link Images

Why You Need This Pump

Let me start off by saying, I am in no way endorsed or sponsored by Medela. All of my opinions are my own.

The best thing about the Medela Harmony pump is that it’s super lightweight, portable, and requires no batteries or charging.

Story Time:
One time I had to attend my sister-in-law’s wedding shower and I was away from my baby for a little more than four hours. I didn’t expect to be gone that long and I had taken a ride from my mother-in-law.

As nature would have it, my breast began to get heavy with milk and I began to panic. I did not own a manual breast pump at the time and was worried my supply was going to plummet since I was going so long between nursing.

I struggled with low milk-supply if I didn’t nurse or pump around the clock it seemed like.

I didn’t want to burden my in-laws as they were having the time of their life and it was my mother-in-law’s daughters’ wedding shower after all.

I subtly made hints that I needed to get home and when I finally made it back, I got on eBay and ordered my portable pump. I made sure to always carry it with me when traveling from that day forward.

Wet-Bags Are The Bomb
The Harmony pump didn’t take up very much room and came in handy in several situations. I loved how lightweight and easy-to-use it was. I kept it in a little Wet-Bag (Amazon aff link) that was designed for pumping/nursing supplies.

My bag would keep the pump from getting dirty or from any breast milk leaking out if the bottle wasn’t screwed on tight enough.

If you’re looking for some organic pregnancy or postpartum care products, I really love Earth Mama Organics! (Aff link)

Why This Pump Sucks, In A Good Way!

If you are going to be traveling without your baby, this pump is lightweight to pack and will relieve you, keeping you on track with your nursing schedule. No more sore and engorged boobies!

There were so many times we were in the car and we didn’t have time to stop and feed our hungry infant. I’d pull the Harmony out, pump, then I’d hand him the bottle.

Don’t worry, I was in the passenger seat or back while doing this!

Nursing HURTS!

At least it did for me a lot of the time. Sometimes it was nice to take a break from the little nibbler and use my hand pump.

I had a fancy pumping station set-up in my room but sometimes it was just too darn cold to get out of my bed. Having a manual hand pump allowed me to easily grab and pump in the comfort of my warm cozy bed.

I never had to worry about finding a plug-in or charging this pump. There are no batteries and only a small amount of assembly required.

There are no tubes for milk and mildew to get stuck inside of unlike the other Medela breast pumps.

This pump was compatible with all types of bottles and Medela breastmilk storage bags.

For a little hand pump, it had more power than I imagined it would. It wasn’t as powerful as my Pump In Style, but it got the job done!

The Downside To The Medela Harmony Pump

As you see I love this product and found it very useful but there were a few downsides to it.

It Takes More Time

First of all, it only allows you to pump one breast at a time. This obviously will take more time than when you are able to double-up on a more advanced pump. Being battery-free and wireless is nice, but it will give your hand a slight workout.

I used the pump when I was out and about, or every now and then at home so it wasn’t a big deal for me. If you don’t own an Automatic Breast Pump (how to get one here) and are only planning on using the Harmony, it will cause your hand to be sore.

Since you are pumping one breast at a time, it will cause the other breast to let-down and you will lose some of that precious breast milk. Make sure to ALWAYS wear a breast pad on the other breast while using the Harmony.

Unlike an automatic pump, you won’t have the luxury of being hands-free with a manual pump. This may be something to consider if you already have little rugrats running around.

Also, sometimes the handle would pop off from the rubber piece when I would pump. That was kind of annoying but other than that it did the job and was very helpful in most situations.

Click the image above to play the video.

Harmony Pump Traveling Tips

I always used a wet bag from Pump-Ease (Amazon aff link) to store my pumping supplies in when I would go out on day trips. It was small enough to fit nicely in my purse or I could carry it alone as it had a little handle.

It was also large enough to fit my pump plus a few extras. The design is had black and white polka dots so it didn’t look like your typical baby wet bag. The bag is waterproof, keeping any milk leaks from seeping out if they are to happen.

It was perfect for keeping my pumping supplies clean and toting around other little necessities.

This bag can be used to store all types of stuff later on like cloth pads, cloth diapers, makeup, or beauty products.

Story Time

When Asher was born he had to be rushed to the NICU for respiratory distress syndrome. When visiting him, I would take this bag with a few of my pumping supplies like bottles, breast shields, Bamboobies Nipple Cream, (Amazon aff link) medicine, cloth wipes, breast pads, and my peri bottle.

After two more births – I now recommend the Mom-Washer (Amazon aff link) over a peri bottle.

I may have also brought some pads, witch hazel Tucks, and my wallet as well but I cannot remember now. The hospital provided the Medela pumps, so I just brought my personal shields and bottles to pump in.

I hope you enjoyed my videos and tips on traveling with the Medela Harmony Pump.

If you did, please consider becoming a subscriber as I will be making more video tutorials on breastfeeding and natural parenting!

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If you want to learn more about different types of nursing pads avaliable, click the image above!

Snuggle Me Organic Co-Sleeper

by MyGreenNest | Apr 28, 2016 | Breastfeeding, Natural Products

Are you wanting to sleep with your newborn but don’t want to risk their safety?

The Snuggle Me Organic is the perfect co-sleeper for the eco-conscious mama.

If you are a new or expecting mother, you will love the convenience of having your baby close to you at night so you can easily nurse.

In this demonstration video, I will show you several ways you can use the Snuggle Me bed with your newborn!

*I’ve updated my review after using this sleeper with two of my kids.*

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Click the image above to play the video.

About – Snuggle Me

The Snuggle Me Organic (Amazon aff link) is run by two homeschooling moms, Mia & Heidi. They have a passion for gentle and attachment parenting.

They also have a strong belief in helping the planet by avoiding toxic chemicals in their products. They created the Snuggle Me co-sleeper with certified organic materials that are gentle and safe for newborns skin.

The Snuggle Me comes in a few different materials to choose from and is the perfect co-sleeper for nursing moms. Using a co-sleeper is convenient for breastfeeding at night or for toting around the house during the day.

Everything is made here in the USA and sewn/manufactured by local moms.

This was my second child in the Snuggle Me Organic sporting my favorite size-1 Thirsties Diaper. (Amazon aff link)

This was my third child in the Snuggle Me Organic when she had come back from the hospital.

My Updated Review

I used my beloved Rock-In-Play with all three of my children religiously.

It wasn’t until my third child – Ruth had grown out of her rock-in-play that I sold it on Facebook; only to be recalled as a suffocation hazard the very next day!

After I had received my Snuggle Me Co-Sleeper with my second son I didn’t use it as much as I could’ve. I was too busy using the dangerous rock-in-play, yikes.

When Ruthie came along I did use it a little more on her. She absolutely REFUSED to sleep away from me as a newborn. Even in the day, she HAD to be right next to me!

I ordered myself one of those really cool Halo Bassinets (Amazon aff link) that swivel into your bed and play music. It was actually the PERFECT size to fit my Snuggle Me Co-Sleeper in it when I wasn’t using it.

Snuggle Me Organic Baby In Halo Bassinet

This helped her to sleep some but honestly, she still wanted to be right in my arms or would scream the entire night.

Neither of my boys was anything like that, Abram could sleep almost anywhere.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re reading this review you probably want to know if this co-sleeper is worth the investment.

That depends on you and your unique situation…

I’m pretty helpful huh? 🙂

Here are a few reasons to purchase:

If you like a product that is void of any toxic chemicals then this is the co-sleeper for you.

If you’re looking for something that’s completely compostable and sustainable; you can’t get any better than this co-sleeper.

If you want your baby in the bed next to you without the worry of them suffocating this is also a great option. Especially if you want to nurse throughout the night!

If you love supporting mom owned businesses that are here in the USA, this is the product for you.

If your baby refuses to sleep in a stiff crib or bassinet, this may be a better option.

If you want a sleeper that you can easily carry around the house and take to your family’s house, this is a great product!

Here are a few reasons you may want to pass:

If you simply don’t have the budget for it, this is a pricier high-quality product.

However, you can get them second-hand from time to time on Facebook Market. You can also put it on your registry if you haven’t had your baby yet.

If you’re not planning on having anymore babies and your child is already three months old or older.

These sleepers are generally good up to 6-8 months.

If you already have another co-sleeper that’s in good condition. No reason to spend money if you already have everything you need!

The Benefits of Organic Cotton:

When you purchase organic cotton, you are buying cotton in a form that has not been touched with toxic chemicals during the growth or manufacturing process.

In the normal cotton growing process, pesticides and poisonous fertilizers are used. This is not only harmful to the soil, but to the farmers who grow it, and the workers who pick it and to the end consumer.

When you purchase organic cotton products, natural methods of repelling pests and nourishing the plants are used instead.

Choosing organic cotton not only protects your own family, but also the farmer’s and the field workers and the ground it’s grown on.

Organic cotton is comfortable, warm, breathable, and very rarely the cause of allergies. It also protects your baby against all of the harmful effects of synthetic materials or chemically treated cotton.

It is also biodegradable and when used in its raw form (as a filling for pillows or stuffed animals) it is also compostable. The benefits apply to the organic wool that is used in the Snuggle Me Wool cushions.

A Few Extra Things…

My sister Megan, (the mother in the video above) loved using her Snuggle Me cushion. She liked taking naps with her newborn safely by her side during the day.

I’m in love with the soft organic materials used and am glad I don’t have to worry about any toxic materials on my child’s skin. The raw organic cotton filling can even be composted and will naturally break down over time.

The Snuggle Me is also great for babies who may have skin sensitivities or allergies. The only drawback to this product is that you will only be able to use it for a few months and they are a little bit on the pricey side.

I fully support this company because their products are of high quality, made here in the USA, and sewn by local mothers in the area. The Snuggle Me co-sleeper would make a great gift for a new or an expecting mother!

Disclaimer:
This video was a sponsored product demonstration video and the product was provided by Snuggle Me.

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AnneLorie Maternity Sleep Bra – Review & Discount!

by MyGreenNest | Jan 12, 2016 | Breastfeeding

Post may contain affiliate links. Looking for a good quality maternity sleep bra that doesn’t break the bank? In this honest review, I will show you a very supportive and comfortable nursing bra made by the AnneLorie brand. I will also provide you with a 40% off coupon code! Now am I awesome or what? 😛

Click the image above to play the video.

AnneLorie Maternity Sleep Bra

This maternity bra is made from nylon and spandex with a 100% cotton lining. There is no underwire and the straps are nice and thick. It connects in the back and has three hook settings. This nursing bra is simple as it doesn’t have your typical snap down straps. You will simply move the bra over to breastfeed. This bra is meant to wear around the house or during sleep while continuing to offer support without sacrificing comfort. You can find this bra on Amazon and it comes in three different colors. They currently offer nude, baby blue, and a soft purple in several size options. You can purchase your own bra HERE!

My Review

I found this bra to run a little smaller than my other nursing bras. It fit me like a glove and seemed to offer a lot of support. I’m a petite person and was afraid it would be too big but the straps fit perfect. I really like this maternity sleep bra and would recommend it to anyone looking for a supportive and comfortable option.

40% Off Discount Code

AnneLorie sent me this nursing bra to review and graciously decided to offer a discount code to my viewers for 40% off! You can use this coupon code even if the bra is on sale. 3GL3K8MF

You can check out my affiliate link image and use this awesome coupon to receive an additional 40% off!

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Nursing Bra / Robe Set – The Mommy Brobe Review

by MyGreenNest | Dec 30, 2015 | Breastfeeding

Post may contain affiliate links. The Mommy Brobe (Nursing Bra / Maternity Robe) has everything you need to feel comfortable as a new mother. This luxurious robe has a built in nursing bra that offers great support and the robe keeps you completely covered. The Mommy Brobe was designed to promote breastfeeding and skin to skin contact with your baby. Watch my video review and see why this is the perfect gift for a new or expecting mother!

Click the image to play the video.

About The Mommy Brobe

The founder of TheBrobe.com (Allison Sheikel) created the Mommy Brobe after giving birth to her first child. When Allison found discomfort in her hospital gown she saw a need for women who needed more breast support and wanted to be more covered. Allison wanted to design a robe / nursing bra that also made nursing your child more efficient and convenient. She designed the mommy Brobe to be comfortable and functional without sacrificing style. Allison also designed the recovery Brobe which is made for women recovering from painful surgeries like mastectomies, re-construction and plastic surgery.

Mommy Brobe Features

The Mommy Brobe is made from high quality fabrics and features two pockets. Currently the Brobe is offered in a sleek gray color. The Brobe is meant to completely cover you yet grant easy access for nursing or practicing skin to skin time with baby.

Why The Mommy Brobe?

The Mommy Brobe comes with an attachable nursing bra made from the same high quality fabrics as the Brobe. The bra easily attaches from the front and has clips that you can unsnap for nursing. The design is very similar to a sports bra. The fabric can stretch a little which is fantastic for milk producing breasts.

This Brobe is much more comfortable than a thin, non-supportive hospital gown. This is a high quality, luxurious robe made for comfort. Having an attachable nursing bra is unique and encourages breastfeeding and skin on skin contact with baby. I like that the bra attaches from the front, it makes putting it on a breeze. The Mommy Brobe is a fantastic product to have even if you are not a nursing mother. It looks sleek and is also great for wearing around the house.

Improvements

I think coming out with a few more color options for the Brobe would be nice and maybe offering an embroidery option as an extra would be cool. You could have your initials added to the Brobe to personalize it. I do wish the nursing bra had adjustable straps so I could tighten it to fit accordingly. They are working on adding this in the future. The fit was a little bit snug in the chest but overall I thought it was a pretty good nursing bra.

I love my Mommy Brobe and give it a 9/10. I highly recommend getting one if you are expecting or know someone who is!

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Best Nursing Pads – Let’s Talk About Milk Catchers!

by MyGreenNest | Dec 1, 2015 | Breastfeeding

Post may contain affiliate links. What are the best nursing pads for expecting moms? If you are a brand new mother looking to breastfeed or just protect yourself from embarrassing leaks you will want to invest in some quality nursing pads. There are many different types of reusable and disposable nursing pads available on the market today that fit different needs and situations. Choosing the best nursing pads for you can be difficult if you have never had a baby or breastfed before. This is why I put together this video blog because I remember trying to figure out what I would need and being totally confused. I have read a ton of reviews and purchased a few different brands so maybe I can take the guess work out of it for you!

Reusable Nursing Pads

Let’s start off with Bravado’s Moisture-Wick Washable Nursing Breast Pads.

These come with 10 reusable nursing pads in a pack and they are made from cotton terry with a inner mesh lining. These are designed to remove moisture away from your skin so you don’t as feel sticky or wet. You will notice that the bottom of the pad is thicker than the top area, this is to add absorbency without adding so much bulk. The thicker side goes below the nipple to catch most of the milk. These are pretty soft and have held up very well in the wash and dryer. You do have to remember to face the thicker side down and face the mesh part towards your breast every time you use these nursing pads. This is one of the reasons I do not reach for these as often, I don’t want to worry about what side faces up or down. As a new mother learning how to breastfeed and adjust to a newborn you want things to be simple! There is no waterproof backing and it seems to soak right through during the night, especially on the top side where the cotton is thinner. The cotton itself is nice and soft and seems to stay in place, however, the pad takes a little more effort to use and isn’t “leak proof.”

Next we have the Cotton Washable Nursing Pads by Motherhood Maternity. These are simple round cotton nursing pads that seem to be a bit thicker than the Bravado brand. They are not as soft but I find myself reaching for these at night because they are pretty absorbent. They are a little bit stiff which helps to hold their shape and they don’t tend to scrunch up in your bra like some of the other do. These do not have a waterproof backing so they can leak through if you leave them in too long or you are a super soaker. Because these are a bit stiff they tend to show if you are wearing a thinner bra and shirt, especially since they are not contoured to the shape of your breast. These are pretty inexpensive and fairly good reusable nursing pads to try if you’re just starting out.

Now we move onto my favorite reusable nursing pads, Bamboobies Super Soft Washable Nursing Pads. These are by far the best quality I have come across. My Bamboobies have gone through the wash several times and they still look and feel brand new! They are made of a soft cotton/bamboo blend and have a waterproof backing that helps to prevent milk from leaking through. They usually come in cute heart shapes but some of the thicker ones are rounded. Bamboobies offer different varieties with various thicknesses and even offer a brand of eco-friendly disposables nursing pads. Bamboobies will cost a little more but the quality is very good and they are cheaper than using disposables in the long run. If you’re looking for a great brand of nursing pads to start out with or a gift for a new mom, I’d suggest getting a few of the regular and overnight sizes. They also offer variety packs along with gift sets. The only downfall to these is that they are a little bit pricey.

This is my favorite nipple cream by far and I love these nursing pads! If you are interested in trying these out, you can check out my affiliate link images.

Another fantastic option is the Super Soft Bamboo, Contoured Nursing Pads by Naturally Nature. I wished I had known about these before I started breastfeeding because they have everything that I look for in a reusable nursing pad. They are contoured to fit the shape of your breast unlike your standard flat nursing pad. They are made with cotton and bamboo which is naturally anti-microbal and they have a waterproof backing. I haven’t tried these for myself but they have excellent reviews on Amazon and would be a good option to consider.

You can check out my affiliate link image if you are interested in trying these bad boys out!

LilyPads – Silicone Nursing Pads. These are sort of a cross between disposable and reusable nursing pads. They are made from medical grade silicone and instead of absorbing the milk they press against your breast and keep them from leaking. These are an excellent choice for super soakers and a great pad to have when swimming. Sense they are contoured to the shape of your breast they are not as bulky as your thick flat nursing pads. These require a little bit of maintenance but they can last a couple of months with good care. They have great reviews on Amazon if you are interested in checking these out.

Disposable Nursing Pads

Let’s start off with the Medela Disposable Nursing Bra Pads. I haven’t used the disposable nursing pads near as much as my reusable ones but I wanted to mention both types for this review. One of the good things about disposables is they are normally waterproof and stick to your bra so that they don’t slide around. This is good for night because we tend to shift around a lot in our sleep. The Medela brand worked pretty good for me, it isn’t super thick but I like that it is contoured to your breast shape. Medela also offers a reusable nursing pad that is contoured to your breast but it doesn’t feature a waterproof backing.

The last brand I want to mention is the Disposable Nursing Pads by Lansinoh. These were very similar to the Medela brand but maybe a little bit smaller in size. I think the inside felt a little softer but both of them are pretty comparable. They are contoured, have a waterproof backing, and stick to your bra. They come individually wrapped so that they are kept clean in your purse or bag.

I like to use reusable more than disposable products because of the waste they leave behind. Before I had any experience in breastfeeding/cloth diapering I ordered both types to see what I would like better. I found that I had enough cloth pads to keep me going and I never had to use my disposables even for backup. If you are set on using disposables they do offer eco-friendly brands that are made with more natural materials. This may be something to consider when making your choice. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money you can also use baby washcloths by folding them and stuffing them into your bra. You can double up for extra protection at night and they work pretty well unless you are a super soaker. (In that case I suggest something with a waterproof backing) The great thing about using baby washcloths is that you can use them for a ton of other things so you will deffinately get your money’s worth out of them! Here is a video on 10 Alternative Uses for BABY WASHCLOTHS if you are interested in learning more.