Feeding Katie & Wearing Breastmates

Happy Breastfeeding Month!

There I was on my high horse, telling everyone how easy breastfeeding was. I did all I could to prepare to have a successful feeding relationship before my second baby was born. 

My last daughter, Milla, was SO easy to feed. She latched straight away and we never had any issues. I thought that would happen again.

But there we were, moments after birth, sitting in my nest of pillows waiting for Katie to latch. And she didn't. Not to my left side anyway. I didn't think too much of it and swapped her over to the other side where she spent the following hours.

The next few weeks were a struggle with the left. I didn't understand why she wouldn't latch to that particular side. I prayed and I hoped "please, just let me feed my baby". I was scared of going out of the house knowing I couldn't feed my baby without a fight admist tears from both of us. 

I ended up admitting that I was struggling a little on Twitter and booked in an osteopath appointment. As soon as I publicly admitted that I was having a little difficulty I felt a huge weight lifted off our shoulders. So many people replied saying they had initial trouble too, but babies and Mamas can both learn, they can get better. I felt so much hope instead of shame.

After that Osteo appointment Katie has been feeding perfectly. I am so so grateful. 

I am still glad I did all that preparing. The flavoured water was invaluable, the PJs perfect and I wear my breastfeeding cami's everyday. 

But then I hit that 3 week slump. The one when you're ready to leave the house, but you have absolutely nothing to wear. Everything is stretched from your big belly, old, or in my case, tracksuit material or flannelette. 

Breastmates were so kind to send me their brand new Nuture feeding top. Its another one of Franny's self designed in her Bump N Boob range and this one's for the cooler months with its long sleeves and layers. (And I helped name it! Aye Franny?)

It covers all my wobbly bits and hides my canyon of cleavage. The fabric is so lovely and soft and stretchy and drapey. Its slim where it should be (I love having my sleeves fit well!) and gathers where it should (around my chest and tummy!). 

The model on the website looks absolutely beautiful and perky, but I think my F Cup looks pretty good in it too ;)

It feels flattering for my body that struggles to find its happy place post birth, when everything's stretching and tightening and changing, this top is a perfect fit that seems to go with whatever my body is doing.

The front of it opens up at each side to feed, my midwife witnessed it in action and said it was brilliant! Er. I KNOW. Completely modest and stylish for public feeding, which I have done multiple times (Hoorah for well designed tops and feeding babies!) Just don't leak in it, the soft fabric soaks it up!

If you've seen me in the last month outside of my home, its probable that I've been wearing this top. Its my go to for public appearances! 

I am so grateful for babies who feed, friends and family who encourage and for lovely maternity wear that flatters and makes you feel good about going out!

If there's a next time, I'll be buying a few tops specifically for feeding before I have the baby, maybe it'll help avoid the 3 week slump?

Do you have any practical or mental ideas for a successful feeding relationship? Leave a comment and let me and other expecting Mamas know!

And hey! I'm on the cover of Breastmates Mag! (along with hundreds of other beautiful Mama and Daddys!) If you want to become a pin-up-girl check out the Breastmates Facebook page

READ MORE:
Nuture Top
Bump n Boob range
Preparing for Feeding & Clip on Cami Review
Glory Maternity Dress Review

Sisterhood Fundraising

Good Mornin' Sisters!

What do you think about the images above?

I went through my pivotal Sisterhood posts and found quotes that I had said over and over again and turned them into these, bright and cheerful greeting cards that speak a Sisterhood message!

I'm always on the look out to raise some money for The Sisterhood! I love that some of you have made cash donations in the past, but I like to keep those specifically for blessing others because that's obviously what you've given your hard earned dollars for!

There's still other things to pay for in The Sisterhood though, and I would love for those costs to be covered by The Sisterhood (because that just makes sense, right?). There's always packing tape, ribbons, poems printed, extra bits and pieces and specific items to add to love bombs, rural delivery and extra postage costs. The random list goes on!

I've been trying to think of some on going fundraising ideas, and came up with a product range similar to this one! Greeting cards, tote bags... other.. things?

All Sisterhood-ish that you could buy anytime and use for yourself, or gift to others.

The money raised would cover the cost of the product and any extra would go towards everyday Sisterhood costs.

What are your thoughts?

I wanted to check with you first, you see theres no point in making something and no one wanting it, so please be honest:

Would you buy something like this from The Sisterhood? 

Do you like what I've done so far?

Do you have any other ideas? 

 I'd love it if you left a comment here, on our Facebook page, or sent an email to my inbox with your thoughts and ideas. Please and thank you! x

[[PS - We have a secret ninja bake coming up. I'm just beginning to plan it! And I have sent out 2 love bombs in the last week. More details soon!]]

Life at 6 Weeks

Life right now:

• I've made a start on Katie's 1st birthday blanket, since Milla's blanket ended up being 6 months too late I thought this was probably wise.
• I've started but I really don't have a complete plan yet. I haven't internally agreed on the colours yet. This is incredibly exciting for me (what a blanket rebel!) but also incredibly nerve racking (what if I waste so much time?!)
• For the last 2 nights MrMoo has been a couch blanket hog. I'm going to have to get our spare ones out of the wardrobe. Leather couches get so cold!
• I've gone and compiled a master to do list. This whole feeling like I'm getting nothing done is not good for my mental health! I must achieve, and I must feel like I'm working on something, this I now understand. Everything on the master list is achievable within 1 or 2 days, the idea is to tick something off [hopefully] each day.
• I love the 6 week milestone. No longer a new born but still so little! The cheeks fill out and the neck gets strong. Love!
• Milla is so sick. She's had fevers on and off since Friday but seems to have turned a corner today. Hopefully she's on the up! The rest of us are cowering away from her germ filled coughing.
• Waking up to sun today made me deliriously happy!

Whats happening in your household right now? Leave a comment and let me know!

I included all of you on Facebook yesterday saying you had sick people in your household in my prayers yesterday. Take care xxx

Julys Month

July has felt like the longest month of the year in deep dark winter with a new born, a toddler, rain outside and no transport. Some days have been very hard.

In the same respect it feels like I blinked and missed it because it's all been such a complete joy. Where did that time go? I'm scared I'm loosing it. Slow down time, slow down (but please don't go too slow!).

On the whole we're doing really well, I've been pleasantly surprised at how easy Katie appears to be - or is it that I'm easy? Or Milla is easy? Or Mr Moo is very helpful? I'm not sure. But things are working out and I like that.

On days like this where I am tired (we're been out all morning at Toddlerock and took our new buggy for a spin) and feeling that feeling you get when you know you're getting sick, the bench is a mess and I feel like I've done nothing all week I'm so glad for this blog. Its a record and it reminds me that life exists and is happening all the time. Just look at all those memories written down forever. Phew. So glad for this space!

So here's a recap incase you blinked like I did and missed July completely:

While I was cuddling my baby a bunch of AWESOME blog partners ran giveaways through my blog - We called it birth week celebrations and lots of you won awesome prizes! Hip Hooray!

After I got back from my blog "maternity leave" (hehe, I love that term, it makes me feel like I actually do something...) I recaped you on Katie's first day of life, the past two weeks of newborn life and told you all about Milla and Katies first meeting as sisters.

We also took our nappy bag and went out on our first outing together (in which a little boy yelled at me!)

Did you see the post with all the handmade baby gifts ? Incredible! The blessings just keep coming in. We've been given soooo many beautiful things. I wish I could show you everything! Thank you to everyone. Seriously. Blessed!!

After life slowed down a little and MrMoo went back to work Milla and I played with homemade play dough  (she loves it still, but the colours are still seperated! haha!), I also made some personalised pillowcases for our bed (Mr & Mrs Moo) and crochet up some woolly fingerless gloves - I wore them this morning on our chilly walk to TRock - So glad I had them!

THEN, suddenly, everyone grew up. I was forced to do Katie's 1 Month Update - a tradition I did for Milla and will carry on for Katie. It was a bittersweet moment having to write that. The girls grew together and I updated you on their baby - toddler sister relationship. & I gave Milla a haircut. Heh.

Wowweee, thanks for web-logs huh!

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This month for my sponsor highlight feature I thought I would show you my current fav from their business. I have really brilliant sponsors, I hope you'll support them and buy from NZ businesses! 

From Qwerky Home I am loving their Home section (they also sell accessories, kids wares, stationary and small treasures) and this lime green chevron clock ($30)!

I've decided I need more things I love around me. More "ME" things. This must be me because I'm screaming "I love it!!"

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I'm getting on the aqua bandwagon and loving this colour from More Than Fabric (also totally loving bright pinks and greens!), I have a piece of furniture to paint for Milla's birthday and I think she needs some cushions for her room in this Aqua Remix fabric to match! 

More Than Fabric is an online shop that sells... as their name suggests, more than fabric! 

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Remember that pink I mentioned up there ^^ here it is, in all its colourful glory. These enamel earrings from Hello Lovely are in their Colour and Whimsy range ($15) - but the jewellery is so diverse there are so many different ranges to suit different styles.

In the mean time, while I crave the fresh outdoors and the sunshining I'm loving the colour and whimsy range. Its just... right.

Thank you Hello Lovely!

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Scamps Boutique (all things eco Mama and Baby) are right on trend with these sandwhich cutters ($7.90) - Have you seen the Bento craze around the place? If you're into making you little peoples lunches super cute and edible then you'll need these cutters! Jigsaw pieces, penguins, elephants! Rar! CUTE! 

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Hazel Loves Design is all things trendy, indy, and all about local businesses. She's just launched an online emporium featuring local artisans. (As well as being the creator of Hazed Magazine!)

I'd love me some of these ombre hand dipped wooden spoons ($20 for three). Yes, yes I would. 

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WOW. I wasn't aware my styling is so colourful and bright! I'm feeling happier already seeing such beautiful products on my blog! 

Here's to a happy and safe month of August! Lots of exciting things will be happening here, including a trip away, Millas SECOND birthday, the onset of spring (yippeee!) and a super secret ninja Sisterhood mission along with interviews with beautiful generous ladies!

love, Sophie x