Boppy Total Body Pillow
I had a hard time getting comfortable during my pregnancy, and sleeping got to be next-to-impossible by my 40th week. I also had difficulties sleeping on my left side, as directed by my OBGYN. At about 6 months, I got a Boppy Total Body Pillow, which was an absolute lifesaver! It ended my restless nights, sore muscles, and helped me stay on my left side. You can get one just about anywhere, like Babies R Us!
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Lansinoh HPA Lanolin
While breastfeeding, I've experienced some not-so-comfortable moments. It's apparently a pretty common occurrence for nursing mothers. The cure? HPA Lanolin. You just rub this creme on your sore breasts, and voila! One tube is kind-of expensive, but will last a lifetime. Buy some at Babies R Us
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Nursing Bras
Before breastfeeding, I rarely wore a bra to bed, and when I did, it was either a cami with a built-in bra, or a sports bra. After my milk came in, I started wearing a bra 24/7. My advice is to purchase ones that you think are comfortable, and durable, and to consider going wireless (read about how under wire can damage your milk production). I purchased four bras from Motherhood Maternity when I was pregnant, and still wear them to this day.
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Medela Sleep Bra
I purchased two Medela Sleep Bras to wear to bed. While they are comfortable, and offer light support (as the package claims), they are very hard to nurse in. Even with good nursing pads, it's hard to position the fabric of the bra to prevent leaks. I personally just wear my regular nursing bras (without under wire) to bed. If you think you want one, get it at Babies R Us
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Cocoa Butter
Whether or not rubbing cocoa butter on your belly prevents stretch marks has yet to be determined. For me, it worked. I rubbed Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Creme on my growing belly every day when I got out of the shower from about 20 weeks on. Even after my stomach got ginormous, I never got a single stretch mark. After I had Lucas, I continued to rub the creme on my shrinking stomach and breasts, and my belly looks like it did before I ever got pregnant. It's available at Babies R Us, but you can purchase it in the lotion aisle pretty much anywhere,
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Microwavable Rice Bag
One way to relax sore muscles and help increase your milk supply is to use heat therapy. This is easily achieved with a microwavable rice bag. It's a safe alternative to electric heating pads, and many rice bags come with relaxing, scented filling that helps you wind down after a long day, and produce more milk for your baby. Make your own or buy one at Bed, Bath and Beyond!
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NUK Reusable Nursing Pads
My mom always told me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all". Well, I don't have anything nice to say about the NUK reusable nursing pads, so I'm not going to say anything at all.
If you want to give them a try, buy some at Babies R Us, or any other store that sells baby stuff. |
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Medela Disposable Nursing Pads
While the Medela Brand disposable nursing pads did a great job drawing away excess milk, absorbing it, and keeping the surface dry, I was a bit disappointed in the "stickiness" of the adhesive. The one small spot of tape did a poor job of keeping the pad "stuck" to my nursing bra, especially when I would fold down the flap to nurse. After an embarrassing experience involving my nursing pad falling on the middle of a busy restaurant floor, I decided it was time to switch. Get some at Babies R Us, or anywhere that sells Medela Products.
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Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads
These nursing pads are where it's at! They have absorbent material that keeps your breasts dry, and the best part: TWO adhesive strips to keep it in place. When positioned correctly, the Lansinoh pads stay attached, even when you fold your nursing bra down to feed. They are individually wrapped, which makes for easy transport, and keeps them sanitary. You can purchase these just about anywhere that sells baby products.
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Preggie Pops
While they're no Belgian Chocolate, Preggie Pop drops are a Godsend when it comes to Pregnancy-induced nausea. You can buy them at Babies R Us in the aisle with the other mom products, or lots of other places. Read my story about how these candies helped reduce my never-ending nausea.
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