Article from an Expert } What to look for in a nursing bra

“What to look for in a nursing bra”
By Alison Kramer, Owner of Nummies




There is nothing like the experience of expecting a new baby. Such an exciting time filled with wonder, and excitement. Pregnancy is also a time filled with questions and unknowns. What will it be like to have a baby? Do we have all the things we need to welcome our little one home? What can we do, read, learn to prepare?

Truly the list is endless. The great thing for you is that there are so many amazing resources available to you. You really will be ready to be a new parent!

For my part, I would love to share with you a little bit about nursing bras and how to find the right bras for you. First, simply look at three things: Fit, Function and Fashion. These three simple things will help you choose the right bra for you.






Fit is probably the most important. When you are nursing, your breast size can fluctuate many times during the day. Remember this when you are trying on bras; consider when you last fed your baby and also leave room for a nursing pad. Fit should always be comfortable and supportive. Today nursing bras are made in the highest quality fabrics to provide you with the quality of fit that you need.

How is a nursing bra different from a regular bra? (a question I am asked A LOT by the way). Well, a nursing bra does something! Along with all of the things a regular bra does, it has some unique functions related to helping make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable.

Your nursing bra will be used countless times. Strong clips, easy to adjust straps are critical. Some nursing bras open from snaps or zippers at the centre or below the cup, while others open at the top of the cup. There are soft cup bras designed to be lifted above the breasts or pushed to the side. The choice is yours, since all openings have their benefits and offer variety.

More important than where the opening is found, is the ease of opening and the quality and strength of the clip, zipper, or snap. The bra will be opened many many times—and it is very important that you be able to unfasten and fasten the bra easily, since you will often be doing so with your hands full.

Lastly, fashion cannot be overlooked. You can have a beautiful nursing bra! There are many options for fashion. Fabric types, color, and bras that have lace and other accents are wonderful. Have a look around and find a bunch of bras that are beautiful, comfortable and make you feel great.






Shop online for Nummies Nursing Bras at Dear-Born Baby, or in-store!

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Article from an Expert } Massage Therapy an Essential Part of Pregnancy

Why is Massage Therapy an Essential part of Body Baby care when you are Pregnant?
By Nicole Nifo



Most of us make a visit to see our Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) at least every 1-2 months for a “tune-up” or sometimes every few months to relax and let go.

As you are progressing though each Trimester, your body is slowly adapting to a growing baby, belly, weight gain and more flexible joints. This puts a lot of strain on the muscles and joints that hold up your posture. Oftentimes body pain can be relieved with a stretch or a heated compress. Not when you are pregnant! Don’t forget that if the baby is already pushing into your ribs or lower back-as baby grows, so does your discomfort.

The benefits of Massage Therapy when you are Pregnant are:
• Reduced stress hormones and anxiety in the body
• Reduced postural discomforts (back pain, headaches, sciatica, carpal tunnel, etc.)
• Reduced swelling in hands and feet (reducing leg cramping)
• Improved maternal mood (decreasing depression)
• Promote neonatal health and development
• Promote awareness in the changing pregnant body
• Bond mother to baby growing inside her (important for 1st time mom)

Which Trimester is safe for Massage Therapy? All of the trimesters are safe for Massage Therapy. Minor modifications will be made to accommodate your pregnant body during each trimester (eg. positioning, techniques, pressure).

So you have never had a Massage? Then there is no time like the present! Face it, once baby arrives- all that “Me” time that you like to take for yourself will turn into “Baby” time. Most moms find it hard to do self care, but being a new mom is the beginning of parenthood. We all know that parents want the best for their children, but when it comes to themselves its mediocre.

Think about it: happy mom equals happy baby! Please do not think that your baby cant sense stress or fatigue; they are very receptive so make sure that you give you self lots of love before, during and after pregnancy to ensure optimal health and happiness.


Visit the Fully Alive Wellness Center Website by clicking here


To see our pannel of Experts that have contributed to our Blog Series, click here

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Article from an Expert } Staying Organized when baby comes!

Staying Organized when baby comes!
by Lindsay Harris, GlowBaby

Before I had children I was SUPER organized. I remembered everything. I did not need to write things down and I would freak people out with the details I could recall. I could get everything done and then I would look for more. I remember my co-workers saying to me while I was pregnant that I would lose my memory and chaos would ensue once the baby was born. I would just nod at them when they said this, thinking it could never happen to me. Boy, was I in for a shock!

When my eldest daughter was born I felt like I had been hit by and truck and my brain had left my body. The first night was a blur of feedings and diaper changes. When the nurse came in to ask me when my daughter had last fed, I looked at her like she was nuts. That was when the nurse kindly and patiently explained to me that I needed to write down every feed my daughter had as well as every diaper and whether it was wet or dry. Again I think I looked lost because I distinctly remember her look of sympathy (or was it exasperation). I know I felt lost as I turned to my husband to say “nobody told me that they would ask me to do this”. I felt like I had failed my first test as a mom.

Luckily I was a quick study and I took to recording these important details and added a few of my own to my tracking sheets including vitamins and baths. It’s amazing how the brain does not grasp the simplest of details when it is working on broken, limited sleep. I embraced this tracking as it brought back a sense of control into an otherwise chaotic time in my life and enabled me to feel a semblance of normalcy. When my paediatrician asked me about my daughter’s feedings and diapers I was actually able to answer with confidence. I was able to see my daughter’s progress with her feeds and was able to recognize the start of patterns which ended up helping me when it came time to sleep train. The tracking was also helpful when my parents came over to help with my daughter. I was able to hand over the information and my parents could infer from my notes what my daughter would need next. All in all, keeping these details really helped me organize my life with a newborn during a time when I was desperate to have a bit of control.

Lindsay Harris
Owner of GlowBaby

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Article from an Expert } Slings, Happy babies are held babies

SLINGS, HAPPY BABIES ARE HELD BABIES

by Kasie Savage, Owner of WOMBaby Slings

Click here to see all Expert Articles

Did you know? A baby sling might be new to you- but consider that women across the globe have been carrying, or wearing their babies for thousands of years. In fact, even in 2010 it's actually almost unheard of to place your baby down, or into a stroller or playpen in many nations. Happy babies are held babies. So rest assured that when you purchase a great quality sling (both in terms of fabric, design and manufacturing), like a WOMBaby Sling, you are getting the best of both worlds- fashion and function. As is the case with any baby-related product, your baby's safety is paramount and you must at all times ensure that the sling you are using is free of defects and in good condition (maybe that hand-me-down from Aunt Hazel is not such a good idea!). Also, many parents wear their slings too loosely.

• Ensure that your sling is secure and tight (ring-slings allow you to make adjustments) with baby snugly placed within as per the wear instructions of that product.
• Your baby's face should always be visible and never obstructed by fabric.
• Newborns with little to no head control should be supported by a folded receiving blanket placed in the sling under their head/neck/shoulders. This will prevent them from being too curled forward.

Once you get into the sling of things, as we like to say, you can expect to use your sling daily for up to two years +. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments you will make. It's also nice to know how incredibly it will benefit both you and your little one.

Kasie Savage

Mother of three, Babywearing Expert, TV Personality & Owner of WOMBaby Slings- proudly made in Canada. For more information visit http://www.wombaby.com/

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