Shopping trip

  I went shopping, and I didn't stick to the maternity/ nursing section. The Whole store was my oyster as long as I kept my eye out for styles that could be easily turned into nursing versions. Here is what I found and what I did to make them nursing.

  I found a double layered tank top. It had a dressy feel about it but still comfortable.
    The top layer and bottom layer are connected. The top being stretchy enough that it can be pulled across the breast to expose the bottom layer was the critical thing for making it into a nursing top.
   The bottom layer I cut slits for nursing access.
This looks great under jackets, sweaters, or alone.
   It turned out so well I am sure to find more and do this again.

Then I stumbled across this one piece but has the look of two piece top. I liked the fluid quality of the front and it looked better on me then on the hanger.
    To make it nursing I made slits on the inside by the side seam right under the armholes. Because the jacket top layer is loose I like to wear one of my black nursing tank tops (as made in past posts) under the top.
   Though the chance of being exposed is slim I just like being very careful for a just in case scenario.

  Last item, my favorite top of the shopping trip. This top is from cha cha vente and is sold at Macys but I am sure you can find similar elsewhere.
    What makes it special is the front criss cross part is fully lined with the same material. So with very careful scissor work you can detach the top from the lining and place nursing slits in the lining right over the breasts.
   To keep the look you have to leave the center connected. The top is very stretchy so it pulls easily out of the way and snaps back into place when done.


In conclusion it is always fun to shop for new clothes it is even better when you don't have to be stuck in only one department. Just keep your eyes open for stretch, double layers, and lined tops and you to can have this much fun.

Saving money makes anyone smile

   I stumbled on this nursing top for sale for around 50$ and I had to smile for it is just one of the loose versatile sweater with a tank top with nursing slits cut into it just like how I have shown how to do here, below.
    I did the same outfit with one of my tank tops slit for nursing and dug out of my closet the same style top.
   The smiles lingers knowing that I have the same thing but with none of the extra expense of trying to afford a whole wardrobe for this brief moment in my life.

To shir or not to Shir

    There is shirred fabric that you can find in a fabric store or make your own. You can follow the nice how-to video online and create a cute dress as below.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsSZTHyCLyU

 To make it nursing:
   Find a matching t-shirt cut a hole in the middle. Pull dress over and ta-da an easy cute nursing dress.

   For a summer dress use a tank top and get a cute look. Wider shoulder straps hide nursing bra straps.

    I personally do love the pre-shirred fabric that has a pretty edging on one selvage side and the shirring on the other selvage side. It makes it really easy and the hemming can be skipped. One line of sewing and it is ready.
   
 An even EASIER way, buy a shirred sun dress cut off any spaghetti straps and then do the under layer step.

SUPER EASY to make yourself Nursing tank, take 2

  The previous way to slash up a tank for breastfeeding is still great for under clothing but what if you have sheer fabric or just don't want gaping holes for your bra showing?
   I have the answer for you. Start with a stretchy knit tank top that has the knit shelf bra, the second layer under of fabric under the tank top itself.
  Turn inside out cut a round-ish hole right in the middle above the elastic band.
   Do not make the hole too big but make it large enough to be pulled over to your nipples.
    When you have it just right right flip right-side out.

 Just as before cut straight down from the straps but do not cut below the top of the elastic band.

     I have made tons of these using hand-me down tank tops.
So often I am in a hurry and these are made while they are on me, making quick slices and relying on the knit fabric rolling to hide any jagged edges.
 
    These are great I have walked around shopping with my baby nursing and no one noticed he was eating, he looked liked a sleeping baby in my arms. Well until a sweet old grandma type came up and rubbed the baby's head and he turned and gave a milky smile.
        But as soon as he pulled off, because of the tension of being pulled, the bottom layer sprung back to the center covering me up with no embarrassment, just a giggle as he cooed at her.

BreastFeeding rights

 Do you know your Breastfeeding rights?
This is a list of State laws  about breastfeeding.

    44 USA states allow women to breastfeed in any public or private locations. 28 states exempt breastfeeding from indecency laws.
    About 12,000 women per year get arrested for breastfeeding in public in the United States.
     There are many stories of women dealing with the police because of breastfeeding
Dunkin donuts in NJ get around the right to breastfeed with an indecency report to police.
Breastfeeding in California is counted as child porn
Mom in line at a Target get cops called
    There are many people who flash that 'how dare you do that here' look. They are the same people that flash 'how dare you let your baby scream and not doing anything' look.
      You can never make everyone happy, so just make baby happy and it makes your life easier. Keep it in the laws of your state; if you have full rights, smile knowing that you have the law on your side. If you are in one of the states that can get you for indecency then make a nursing tank top to fit under your shirt. If you have no rights then take advantage to inform all those 'do something' onlookers as you struggle with a screaming baby that you have no rights to feed your baby where you sit.
       Every mother should have the right to breastfeed their baby in private or public.  It's pathetic that government is waging a modern day fight over womens' rights, and that fight be something as natural as breastfeeding.
    If you have any incident with someone giving you a hard time breastfeeding please share and let others know they are not alone.

DIY Formal Nursing Gown

Recently I was in a wedding party and that created many problems to be solved as a mother of a nursing baby.
   Pulling my thinking cap on I came up with a way to alter but still match the wedding party.
  First thing to do was call the bride and ask if it would be all right to alter the gown so it can be nursed in. Then out came the seam ripper and carefully picked the seams over both breast. Zig zag the edges, and then let the creative juices flow.  I went shopping for a dressy looking stretch top that I could cut and pull over the top of the gown. This is what I came up with.

A pretty lacy top with elastic right under the breasts was easily cut off and pulled over the top to give a sweet innocent look.

Though I found another look that was a bit more regal looking. Found a great top with a drape look that went below the breasts. Cut the sleeves under the drape and cut the top below the drape leaving enough of of the under shirt to keep the drape stable. Dye it to match the wedding accent color and pulled it over the dress.
   There are tons of possibilities, if you have any more ideas please share.

Winter dry chapped nipples

   There is something I keep in my baby bag that is not on the normal list of what to take with you for baby, that is Bag balm.
    It is used on cow udders when they have dry, cracked, over used, bleeding nipples. It has the lanolin that you can get in those cute expensive tubes for breast feeding mothers with the same symptoms. It also includes a few other ingredients including antiseptic to prevent infection and because it is is used in the food industry it is safe to use as a breastfeeding mother.
   It is also great to use instead of Vaseline to protect your little angel's bottom from diaper rash and the antiseptic helps clear it up.
    Other uses for this little green jar of goop, massage baby with it, lip balm, make-up remover (haven't met a waterproof mascara that can stand up to a crying mom), great for cradle cap, buff shoes, put a strip above baby's eyes in bath to prevent suds going into his eyes, lubricate wheels of stroller, get gum out of hair, and revives leather that has been spit-up on.
    If you know of any other ways to use this please share.