Nursing Nutrition

As a nursing mama, I'm finding that I am always hungry. Like honestly, always, always hungry. I'm also eating a great deal more every day. I ate an entire Chipotle burrito by myself in one sitting a few weeks ago. I am finding it can be difficult to keep up with the amount of calories I need to maintain a healthy weight and supply for nursing. In our weight-loss obsessed culture, googling "how to gain weight" produces a disappointingly small number of results.

In addition, Eli has a milk allergy so I have had to cut out all dairy products from my diet. As you might imagine, the number one suggestion for adding calories to your diet is through dairy. So, I am on a mission to find easy ways to add healthy calories to meals for nursing mothers. And I would love your help! Please comment with any tips or suggestions, and refer your nursing friends to my blog. I'm hoping to find recipes, snack ideas and lots more! I know that weight can be a really sensitive issue, but I hope that other moms who are struggling with this will join with me so we can feed our babies and be healthy!

More Great Nursing Dresses

I'd posted a couple months ago about dresses to wear while nursing. I hadn't tried any of them in real life, but I have found a few recently I've actually worn! They are affordable and stylish, and I'm loving that you wouldn't guess you could nurse in them unless (like me) you test that feature out in the fitting room.

This black and white one is from Target, and the dress I wore to my sister-in-laws wedding. It's very flattering because it has a tie at the waist and the fabric flows beautifully.

This navy one is from Loft. I bought it in green, and it also comes in light blue and yellow. It has a stretchy neckline so it easily pulls down. Loft also sells a shirt with the same basic style.

As I find more great dresses, I'll keep you posted!

Dresses for Nursing Mamas

It never occurred to me during my pregnancy that I would need special clothes for nursing. Ben and I went on a date a couple weeks ago, and I realized that to nurse Eli in the dress I wore would mean taking off the entire dress. Not really something I imagine the Cheesecake Factory would have smiled upon. My nursing cover doesn't cover that much.

Between dates with my husband and a couple weddings to attend this summer, I realized I need one or two good dresses that I can nurse in. I found an article by Princess Lasertron with some cute ideas but the article was written over a year ago so the actual clothes featured are no longer available. (So bummed about the Angel in Blue dress! I really wanted it!) I did search specifically for nursing dresses and there are companies that make them. I cam across two problems though: 1) They all cost around $100 and 2) the majority of them were less than stylish.

I did a little research of my own on non-maternity websites and compiled some ideas. I've tried to keep the price to $50 or less. On the whole, the dresses are a little more casual, but I think a few could work for a more formal event.

• The button-up front of the Marigold-en Girl Dress makes it a great option for easy access. Modcloth, $52.99
• The All Floral Love Dress also features a button-up bodice and has a cinched waist to help that post-pregnancy figure. Modcloth, $49.99
• The Burst of Light Dress has a wrap-style with pockets (such a great feature!) for a pacifier or a toy. Modcloth, $69.99 on sale for $48.99

• The Closet Braid Dress dress looks really comfortable, and could easily be worn with a nursing camisole underneath. Add black accessories and heels for evening, or chunky jewelry and boots for day. Modcloth, $47.99 (also available in cherry)
• The Leave the Light On dress looks perfect for summer picnics. The wider straps allow for a nursing camisole and/or bra underneath. Modcloth, $49.99
• Although the Sea You Later dress has an under- and over-layer, it seems that it could be used for nursing due to the deep V in the front. The lacy over-layer makes it a classy option for a date or special occasion. Modcloth, $49.99

• I am loving the maxi dress look right now, and this Cross-Front Maxi Dress is a great nursing option. Wide shoulders would cover straps and the knit v-neck makes for easy pull-down. Old Navy, $29.94
• This slouchy blue Reporter Dress offers a figure flattering sash and cross-over bodice for easy nursing. Downeast Basics, $36.99 on sale for $26.99
• Another great button-front option, the Ragtime Dress also boasts 3/4 sleeves for a warmer option. Downeast Basics, $34.99, also available in iron gray

Please comment with any great dresses you've found that can work for nursing!