World Breastfeeding Week---and a 20% discount!!

Once again, don't forget about the ITZBEEN Pocket Nanny Giveaway. Click here to enter!

Did you know that this week is World Breastfeeding Week?? And to celebrate Milan Maternity is offering 20% off nursing styles Thursday through Saturday. Use code "NURSING" to get 20% anything in the Nursing section.

Speaking of breastfeeding, I thought I would compile a list of "nursing must-haves". But before I get to that, if you have decided that you will be a nursing mother, I feel like I should tell you this: I was warned that nursing would be hard. I just didn't realize how frustrating it would be!! I wanted to give up so many times, and the only reason I kept trying was because my husband was so supportive (although I'm pretty sure the only reason he was so supportive was because he didn't want to have to buy formula because he's ummm...cheap?) At any rate, the first 2 weeks were tough. I cried, I was in pain, and I didn't know if I could do it. But then after all that practice, we were experts, and I will never regret dealing with the frustrating and painful 2 weeks so that I could continue to nurse my baby. I know nursing isn't for everyone, but if it's what you want to do, be prepared to be determined.

Now on to my list!

You might notice from these first items that I'm a huge fan of Lansinoh products.

The first is their HPA Lanolin. It soothes, heals and protects sore cracked nipples. I used this religiously after I had my babies! It's 100% natural and is safe for both mom and baby.

Next up is Lansinohs Ultra Soft Disposable Nursing Pads. These were the most comfortable I found. And I like that it has 2 adhesive strips to really keep it in place. When I was pregnant with my first baby, I had no idea that nursing pads was something I would need. Don't make the same mistake I did! And I'll just leave it at that.

The third Lansinoh product I'd recommend is something that I haven't actually used, but plan to try out next time around. It's their Reusable Nursing Pads. I realized this time around how much money I spent on disposable pads, and realized it probably would have been better to buy reusable ones. And from what I've read, these are great.

Your doctor/nurse/or other health care provider might not recommend this, but if you are going to nurse, whether you plan to store milk or not, I'd suggest a breast pump. Before I left the hospital the last time I was already mighty uncomfortable because my milk came in. The nurse told me I shouldn't pump to relieve the pain because it would increase milk production, but I had to! For that reason alone, I'd suggest it. And if you do plan to store breast milk, it's obviously easier to have a pump. I would recommend an electric pump. I found manual pumps are less than helpful and not easy to use. I got the Evenflo Dual Electric pump (which was on the cheaper end), but found out after that I would have been fine with the single. But it's worked great for me.

When it comes to nursing bras, it's all a matter of preference. I found that nursing bras with an underwire are super uncomfortable. But it seems to all be a matter of trial and error when it comes to this. I would definitely recommend a nighttime nursing bra. They are much more comfortable and easier to deal with when you are at home. Motherhood Maternity has one (that I can't seem to find online) that has worked great for me.

And last, but certainly not least, you must have some super cute nursing apparel! One of the things that I miss while nursing is being able to wear cute dresses. But of course, Milan Maternity has you covered when it comes to that. I recently got the Vittoria dress and absolutely love it! So great for nursing, but people were none the wiser that it was a nursing dress. And I got several compliments on how cute it was.