Friday, July 16, 2010

Project #8 - Nursing Cover / Nursing in Public

My next project was the nursing cover. I followed this tutorial, very simple instructions by the way, and it turned out great, but this was a whole new concept for me.

With Jackson, I never nursed in public. I was never comfortable breastfeeding where others would see me. A big reason for this was because I never became a "graceful nurser". I always felt clumsy when I "pulled it out" and put him to my breast. Plus, when I was at home with my husband I would never wear anything that would conceal the feeding. So attempting to fumble around beneath a cloth just didn't appeal to me. So, never the less - I would also bring an expressed bottle if we in public, or would excuse myself to an empty room if we were at someone else's house.

I began thinking lately about how it always seemed to take me an hour and half just to get ready to leave the house, no matter where I was going. When Jax was an infant, my preparation for a trip out would begin with breastfeeding him at home, then taking another 30+ mins to hand pump for a full bottle to take along. Then I had to restock the diaper bag with fresh burp cloths, bibs, diapers etc. Then I would change him and finally we would leave the house. So this lead me to think - is it really going to be like that again with our daughter? Only this time - I will have an impatient toddler begging for us to JUST LEAVE ALREADY!

When I wasn't feeding or holding Jackson (infancy again here), it was an opportunity for me to pump and store milk. Whether that milk would be used for a trip out of the house, to be used with cereal/baby food or just stored in the freezer, it didn't matter. I spent way too much time HAND pumping with my son. Remember this photo?

My reasoning behind that was I wanted my milk to carry him along until he could take whole milk. I didn't want to first breastfeed, then convert to formula, and finally transition to whole milk. But I had never breastfed before and I didn't know how long I would handle doing it or how long my supple would last. So I pumped as much as possible while I knew my supply was good and strong.

Well, this time I am armed with a good 10 months of experience. I had conquered the initial 2 weeks of cracked and bleeding nipples, lots of tears from feelings of failed mothering and countless clogged ducts included one bout with mastitis. So this time I know what I am capable of. I was thankful that I had pumped and stored all that milk, but I also realize now that I don't need to be that obsessive about it. With this new baby, I don't want to take EVERY opportunity I have to pump and store - rather I want to take EVERY opportunity I have to play with my son.

And so comes the need for - the nursing cover. I feel as though I will be more comfortable to nurse in public this time around. This way I won't have to spend so much time pumping for a bottle just to leave the house. Don't get me wrong - I will still be pumping and storing, just not to the extent as I did with my son.

Then I took a little bit fo the extra fabric and make a newborn head band.






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7 comments:

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Both the cover and the headband are adorable! And, I think you will do just fine! It was much easier for me, nursing the second time around and I did it anywhere i needed to (with a cover, of course!). I loved the freedom of nursing...such a gift. The picture of your "stockpile" cracked me up! You WERE prepared, girl!! =)

Praying continued blessings for you...

amanda said...

i love them!! i also love her name!

i will say for me it was much easier to nurse in public with each child. i use a cover. and actually get to try out a new 'cover' called the baby bond, and get to do a giveaway on my blog for it. hopefully i'll have it up soon, and you could have a different type of cover too!!

Jenn said...

When I read this post I felt like I was reading about me! Next time around I certainly want to spend more time with my son than pumping extra and stock piling my freezer, too! I'm looking forward to hearing your story of how nursing in public goes and maybe that will give me a boost of confidence when my time comes!
Thanks for posting this...the nursing cover is adorable!

Unknown said...

Great job! I am not a graceful nurser either, and always went to the car or the bathroom in public with Molly. Hopefully this time around I can get the hang of not letting it all hang out! Cute headband!

Holly said...

Love the cover! I bought one online when there was a really awesome coupon code and all I had to pay was shipping. It's pretty cute! I was going to give it away on my blog but decided to keep it. Although, I got a couple other things with it that I plan on giving away. I really need to put that up soon!

And the head band is way cute!

COUNTRY MOM said...

You did a great job. Love the nursing cover and the material you made it out of. I have nursed all my children. It is much easier now than it was years ago. I now nurse where ever I need to. I just cover up.

Melinda said...

Great job on the cover up! I made one to use with Addie and wouldn't you know she screams every time I try it with her! At least it looks pretty hanging in her closet!!