Breastfeeding

Nursing Essentials Roundup!

The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, so we wanted to share some helpful nursing essentials which you could add to your registry or gift to a new mama friend!

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Bamboobies Nursing Pads: Bamboobies Nursing Pads are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly. Bamboobies washable nursing pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing.

Milkies Milk-Savers: Any breastfeeding mom will tell you that they absolutely hate wasting even one drop of breast milk! Luckily, Milk-Savers by Milkies save the day! Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. Once you’ve finished your breastfeeding session, simply transfer the collected milk into storage containers and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to feed your baby at a later time. Slim, durable, and portable, the patented Milk-Saver is comfortable to wear, holds a little more than 2 ounces of breast milk, and includes a protective lid to prevent milk from spilling out of the Milk-Saver during normal use. And with its stylish, durable case, your Milk-Saver will stay safe and clean when you’re on the go.

Bamboobies Nursing BRAHHH!: Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh combines the popular seamless nursing bra style with super-soft rayon from bamboo fabric. Wire-free comfort and soft support will make this bra your everyday favorite. Bamboo rayon is more breathable, softer and eco-friendly than cotton or nylon. Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh now has clasps for easy access nursing.

Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: These breast pump nipple cushions are a universal fit, soft and stretchy which add comfort to your breast pump. Each package includes 2 nipple cushions which fit breast shield sizes 19mm-36mm. Make your time pumping more comfortable with these soft and helpful cushions!

Advanced Breastfeeding Class

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Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned practice that can sometimes be challenging. Set yourself and baby up for success by being informed on the basics and benefits of breastfeeding before baby arrives by attending the first webinar in our three-part series on breastfeeding and pumping: Advanced Breastfeeding Class!

Details
Join us for our 2-hour Advanced Breastfeeding Class* webinar from the comfort of your own home or workplace, led by Wendy Colson, RN, IBCLC and creator of Boobie Bars. From explaining the components of breastmilk to a proper latch to solutions for common breastfeeding issues, this class goes above and beyond what is taught in a basic hospital class to help you and baby get off to the right start. We will also offer time for Q/A at the end of the class, time-permitting. Don’t miss out on our early bird pricing!

*Advanced Breastfeeding Class is part one of a three-part series, which covers setting yourself up for successful breastfeeding with a newborn. Parts Two and Three of this series will cover Pumping and Returning to Work, respectively. We are offering discounted early bird pricing, along with a discounted bundle package for those who wish to attend all three webinars. Those who purchase the bundle package will be entered to win a Lansinoh SmartPump breast pump and a supply of Boobie Bars!

Topic: Advanced Breastfeeding Class (Part I of III)

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT / 10AM-12PM PDT

Pricing:
Early Bird (first 15 attendees to sign up): $40
Standard Ticket: $45
Early Bird Webinar 3-Series Bundle (first 10 attendees to sign up): $90
Standard Webinar 3-Series Bundle (first 10 attendees to sign up): $100

This class is the first in a 3-part series of breastfeeding webinars brought to you by Gugu Village – Gugu Guru’s new online support community for expecting and new moms.

Advanced Breastfeeding Class
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT / 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT / 10AM-12PM PDT
Tickets can be purchased above or here.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Morgan Hutchinson of Shop BURU ( + giveaway!)

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We are thrilled to be featuring Morgan Hutchinson for the Mompreneur spotlight today! Morgan is the founder and owner of Shop BURU, which designs chic, glamorous and totally functional attire for nursing and post-pregnancy moms. Morgan’s aim is to help new (and seasoned) moms feel and look their best, during breastfeeding, baby, and beyond!

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Shop BURU.

MH: When my baby girl was just a few days old, it became blatantly obvious to me that the bulk of my wardrobe wasn’t going to work— for nursing, for my post baby body changes or for (countless) spit-up catastrophes! My husband and I had just moved back to the US from an almost 4 years stint in Beijing. We landed in my tiny hometown in Kentucky to be with family for the birth of our daughter. While it was fantastic to be near those we love most at this special time, it was quite challenging to go from a city of 25 million (with shopping galore) to a city of 25,000 with extremely limited options.

With a background in fashion—from designing lingerie to styling photo shoots in China, I couldn’t accept the fact that my style should change just because I became a mom. I also couldn’t accept the fact that most nursing clothes were sold exclusively within maternity stores—destinations that I did not look forward to revisiting for a while.

With the help and support of my husband, I began scouring the racks of department stores (a 2-hour drive away I might add) to find tops and dresses with easy access to nurse and silhouettes to accommodate my new shape (aka my out of control nursing boobs). It was time consuming and frustrating (plus it was so easy to be distracted and tempted by all the amazing styles that wouldn’t work for my new phase of life).

Brett saw and appreciated the challenges I faced and together we began to brainstorm about a solution. 8 weeks after Olive was born we traveled to NYC to a wholesale market to hunt for brands and styles that would work. With freshly printed business cards emblazoned with BURU (the mandarin word for breastfeed), a dose of “ignorance is bliss” and absolutely NO working website—we took to the streets and turned my pipe dream into a reality.

SHOPBURU—the online destination for elevated and functional #momstyle will turn 3 this September!

GG: How do you balance work and family?

MH: Ha ha! What’s balance? Honestly, aren’t we all just winging it every day. The truth is that it’s my family that keeps me balanced—my husband’s arms, my daughter’s giggles…they ground me. I am not me without them, yet I also not me without my goals, my hopes, my dreams. Balance for me is the big picture. Perhaps everyday is not a perfect legal scale measurement, but if I get to tuck my happy little Olive in at night with songs and stories and then fall asleep in Brett’s arms, then I am good—no matter how bad, chaotic or insane the day was.

GG: What’s the best part of being an mompreneur?

MH: I love this question! I am often asked what the worst part is, but it is SO much better to focus on the good. And the good for me is huge. Let’s start with my favorite—I get to take Olive to ballet class, I get to pick her up from school, I get to volunteer in her class and I don’t have to ask anyone for permission! I may not get to do it every time, but it’s my choice, my decision and I am so grateful. This doesn’t mean there are not times when work/BURU gets in the way—of course it does, but at least the only guilt I feel is self-inflicted. It doesn’t also come from a BOSS!

Like what you see here? Enter below to win $250 to Shop BURU!

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UpSpring Baby: Health & Wellness Improvement for Mom

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This is more of a momprenuers (plural) feature. We speak with Lisa Williamson Rowe, co-founder and CEO of UpSpring Baby – a brand that creates first-of-their-kind products for today’s modern family. UpSpring’s mission is to improve the lives of moms and babies alike and create products that promote health, wellness, and safety. With Mother’s Day around the corner, it seemed like the perfect time to sit down and speak with Lisa about UpSpring’s dedication to health and wellness improvement for mom.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about UpSpring.
LR: We [along with fellow co-founders Julie Jumonville and Dede Woodman] were three mom entrepreneurs that saw unmet needs in the mom & baby market. In 2005, we decided to partner up and create products that met those needs. Our first two products were Milkscreen, an at-home alcohol detection kit for breast milk, and Walking Wings, a unique tool for babies learning to take their first steps.

GG: How do you balance work and family?
LR: In my home, we definitely have family focus time, like dinner time. However, UpSpring has really just become part of our daily life and my family is likewise so much a part of UpSpring. My children and family life have inspired the UpSpring brand in many ways, and have given input and feedback all along the way as we’ve built the company.

GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
LR: It is just so rewarding partnering with other mom entrepreneurs and sharing products. We are now a village and that village includes other mom inventors, pediatricians and medical experts all sharing our dedication to promote wellness.

Some of Gugu Guru’s favorite products from the UpSpring catalog:

Milkscreen is an easy-to-use at home test that detects alcohol in breast milk. Because everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, the amount of time it takes for alcohol to leave your breast milk also varies. Now you may never have to pump and dump breast milk again.
Milkflow is a concentrated blend of natural herbal extracts including fenugreek and blessed thistle. This powdered drink mix helps you stay hydrated, promotes a healthy breast milk supply and is far more exciting to take than pills.
The Wellmom Breast Pillow is designed specifically to support the mother’s breast while breastfeeding. UpSpring’s new pillow is the first of its kind to provide optimal breast placement while nursing, which resolves the tiresome and painful-to-the-wrist act of physically holding the breast. The pillow lifts and comfortably supports the breast, and its stay-in-place cover holds the breast in position for hands-free nursing.
C-Panty: C Section Recovery Underwear: C-Panty after cesarean-section panty speeds recovery and slims post baby belly. Compression reduces pain and increases mobility. C-Panty takes care of you so you can take care of baby in comfort.
MS Panty: Postpartum Recovery Underwear: Designed for vaginal deliveries, MS-Panty is an after baby panty to speed up getting your pre-body back with just the right amount of compression.
Wellmom’s Organic Coconut Nipple Balm expedites healing and moisturizes tender skin with all natural ingredients that are okay for baby to ingest. Wellmom Coconut Nipple Balm does not contain lanolin, petrolatum, or parabens so you don’t have to remove the balm before breastfeeding baby.
Shrinkx Hips Ultra is the first and only wrap clinically proven to narrow hips after delivery. Shrinkx Hips works thanks to the hormone Relaxin which loosens pelvic joints and ligaments for childbirth. Relaxin stays in your system up to 8 weeks after delivery. Wearing Shrinkx Hips during this time gently guides hips back to their pre-pregnancy position, or smaller.
Shrinkx Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap helps you lose inches faster off your belly and waist after delivery. Triple compression customizes fit so you can look and feel better sooner.

Mompreneur Spotlight: Wendy Colson of Boobie Bar

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This week’s Mompreneur Feature: Wendy Colson of Boobie Bar – a convenient herbal lactation bar with the “right” herbs in the “right” dose. It contains an entire daily dose of milk-making ingredients in a single bar – saving nursing mamas from having to pop pills or brew tea all day.

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about Boobie Bar.

From my direct experience as an IBCLC working with moms who struggled with low milk supply, I hand selected each milk-making ingredient known as a galactagogue. This patent-pending proprietary blend of herbs, the Boobie Blend™, is what sets our bars apart from any other lactation product currently on the market. I wanted to create something which could replace moms having to brew teas or pop 6-15 pills a day. Now you can get your entire daily dose of galactagogues (milk-making ingredients) in a convenient health food bar which you can take with you on the go.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

I found balance when I learned to let go. Before I became a mother, I was a planner extremist. I not only planned all three of my pregnancies, but even chose each one of my kid’s birthdays. Conflict arose after the birth of my first daughter because I was trying to be the same person, but with a newborn! It just wasn’t working. I began feeling a sense hopelessness if I couldn’t keep the house clean enough, prepare daily meals made from scratch, run simple errands in a timely manner, and check off my never ending “to do” list. My husband put no added pressure on me (He’s a saint). I was my worst enemy. I wish I could tell you I found balance with work and family soon after the my first daughter was born, but it wasn’t until the birth of my second daughter, 22 months later, when I realized I had to change my old ways of doing things or I was headed for a self-induced breakdown.

I took a much needed inventory of my life and decided that I needed to accept this was the new norm. I set new goals for myself each day which were now attainable. Taking a shower before 2pm became my new goal and on most days I actually reached it!

The changes I made to find more balance didn’t just stop at home. I decided after just two months of being back to work after maternity leave, I would be a happier mom and wife if I resigned from my hospital nursing position. I commuted an hour and half with two babies under the age of two which was insane. As they say, “When one door closes, another one opens”. My “retirement” lasted only nine months because I love what I do. I was offered a nursing job only three miles from home and job shared with another mom who didn’t want to work twelve hour shifts either. I chose work by its flexibility, not for its money. As my three babies got older, the more work I picked up. I started a private practice for lactation consultations the week my youngest went to kindergarten. For both my private-practice and at Boobie Bar I had to set boundaries with my hours. I make it a point to be home each day at 2 o’clock and cook and eat dinner with them. When they go to bed, I go back to work to make up the time.

GG: What’s the best part of being an mompreneur?

Most kids have a hard time explaining what their parents do at work. Whereas, my three daughters got to see their mom take an idea, use her education and evolve it into a product which benefits moms and babies everywhere. It’s the best feeling to be that kind of role model for my girls.

Nursing Mama Travel Must-Haves

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When you’re a breastfeeding mama, traveling can often cause lots of stress! You worry about your milk supply, when to pump, where to pump, or, if the baby is with you, finding a comfortable place to feed the baby. However, there are now a lot of products on the market designed to help just those situations. Here’s a round up of some of our latest and greatest nursing mama travel must haves:

Lansinoh recently released their Ultimate Protection Nursing Pads; you never have to worry about leaking through your shirts again. These nursing pads are the only nursing pads designed with the blue InvisiLock™ Core; this special feature instantly collects all moisture and disperses it away from the center of the pad. No more clumping, bunching, or soaked nursing pads! The pad stays thin, dry, and smooth – no one will even know you’re wearing one. Running through an airport? No worry, these pads stay in place with two adhesive strips. One of these super soft pads can absorb up to 20x its weight and still remain entirely discreet. You could travel for hours and still feel confident (and dry!) in your attire.

When traveling with a nursing baby, sometimes it seems there is so much extra stuff to carry with you – including a nursing pillow! However, nursing pillows can be bulky and not airplane or travel friendly. The Nurgo Pillow is a one-of-a-king travel nursing pillow. Created out of necessity by a mother, the Nurgo pillow hopes to ease the stress of traveling with a nursing baby. The Nurgo Pillow is made from a 100% non-toxic foam pad (odor free, no flame retardants, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic), which compacts into a small size, in its very own pouch. The pillow features a wedge design, which helps babies with reflux or a latching position better able to feed; there are two loops on the sides which can help secure a nursing cover, and even a side pocket and water bottle holder. A perfect travel companion for any mama and baby!

Speaking of nursing covers, we’re loving the multipurpose covers from Covered Goods! These stylish covers, invented by a mother of four, are handcrafted in Los Angeles, and cover a mom in all the right places so she feels confident feeding her baby anywhere! These handy covers can be scrunched up small and fit in any travel or diaper bag. With their 360-degree coverage, flexible neck, and easy on and off (no rings, straps, snaps, or buckles!), they are the ideal nursing cover for travel. When not nursing, Covered Goods can be used as a chic and super soft scarf, a carseat cover, or even as a shopping cart seat cover for babies and toddlers. You never have to worry about feeling exposed again with Covered Goods!

Often when breastfeeding mamas are traveling away from their babies or if they’re with baby but plan to bottle-feed out of convenience, they worry about their milk supply. Now, there’s a delicious snack which can help. Created by a nurse and lactation consultant, Boobie Bars, are a convenient and healthy snack and a wonderful alternative to taking pills and special teas to help your milk supply! Made of a proprietary blend of herbs, coconut oil, oatmeal, and fenugreek, these bars are offered in blueberry coconut, oatmeal chocolate chip, and gluten-free peanut butter! Eating just one Boobie Bar a day fulfills a daily dose of milk-boosting herbs that a breastfeeding mama needs. Throw these bars in your purse, diaper bag, or pocket so you can deliciously keep your supply up while traveling.

New Mom Trends In The Colors Of Bundle Organics

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We confess: sometimes we visit the Bundle Organics website and look at the vibrant colors of their juices because it makes us downright happy. If you’re a TTC, expecting or nursing mama, Bundle Organics juices are packed with quality, organic fruits and veggies with an extra bump of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy prenatal development while also great for pre-conception and breastfeeding too! Gugu Guru isn’t only a fan of this brand for its colorful palette and super mama nutrition factor, we are, more importantly, also big fans of the taste.

Recently, we wrote a trends post for Bundle Organics on 5 New Mama Must-Haves. We were so inspired, we created a round-up of these products in the colors of the Bundle Organics juices! Plus we’re giving them away to one lucky mama and Bundle Organics is throwing in some juices too! Here are the trends:

The Wrap Style Carrier: Baby K’tan in Eggplant
Made of 100% cotton, the Baby K’tan is a must have for any new mom; often times those little loves are soothed by being close to their mother, but in this day and age, lying on the couch all day is simply not an option. The Baby K’tan keeps the baby close to your chest, while allowing you to have your hands free to work, cook, clean, or be creative. This is the perfect baby “wrap” for new moms since there is no wrapping involved! With an easy to learn process, you’ll be wearing your baby in no time, all the time.

Teething Jewelry: Chewbeads
When you become a new mom, it seems that whatever you’re wearing quickly becomes a baby toy or distraction to keep your little one from crying. Chewbeads are a must have for any new mom because they are not only stylish for you, but a wonderful way to soothe and keep baby happy as well. Made of 100% silicone beads, these beads are free of BPA, phthalates, cadmium, lead, metals – making them healthy for your little one to chew away on. As a great sensory tool for babies to play with in your arms, the necklaces also feature a safety breakaway clasp, making it safe for little hands. These are easily washable and fashion-forward for any new mom!

Nursing Bra: Cake Coral Rock Seamless Maternity and Nursing Bra
Any new mom knows how quickly your body changes from conception, through pregnancy, and especially during nursing. You’ll need a bra to keep up with your changing body! This Coral Rock Seamless Maternity and Nursing Bra is the must have undergarment for any new mom. The bra is super soft, with special, grippy straps that will restrict slip and increase support; this bra is sure to make you feel good about your body. Featuring seamless side panels and adjustable closures, it will remain faithful to your changing body, no matter which stage of pregnancy or post-pregnancy you’re in. This bra is conveniently machine washable, and has superior fabric with high elastic for stretch memory.

The Diaper Backpack: TwelveLITTLE Teal
A new mom has to have an efficient and convenient way to carry her baby gear, but she also deserves for it to be fashionable, too! Enter, this modern and hip Companion Backpack from TwelveLittle – Made with soft and lightweight water resistant nylon, featuring a padded back panel for comfort, any new mom would feel comfortable lugging around even the heaviest of baby items. With a hidden zipper pocket on bottom of back side for dirty item quick storage, this backpack is a must have for any mom who wants to get out and explore the world. It features exterior side pockets for bottles, as well as interior pockets for diapers and wipes – plus, it comes with a changing pad, so you’ll have everything you need to get out into the world comfortably with your little one!

The Multi-functional Nursing Cover: Cover Me Ponchos
A definite must have for any new mom is a nursing cover which makes her feel gorgeous! The alluring olive green nursing cover from Cover Me Ponchos is lightweight, made from breathable jersey, and not only covers you up while nursing, but also provide a stylish way to go about your day. Because the poncho has coverage in the back and front, there are no finicky straps to deal with or worry about being covered up enough. The ponchos conveniently can also be used as a scarf, carseat or stroller cover, or maternity top – a must have accessory for the new nursing mom on the go!

Making It Work at Work — Six Tips On How To Successfully Return To Work After Maternity Leave

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We had the pleasure of meeting Gina Ciagne, Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations at Lansinoh & Certified Lactation Counselor at the ABC Kids Expo and we love her dedication to supporting breastfeeding moms. Obviously, aside from being a lactation specialist, by working at one of the leading manufacturers of breastfeeding products, Gina knows a lot about pumping. And, as a business woman, she has great advice about making it all work when going back to work. Here, her six tips on how to successfully return to work when pumping:

Congratulations! You’re a mom who packs up her pump when you head to work, so your baby can continue to have the very best nourishment. You’re also ensuring breastfeeding security when the two of you are together by maintaining your supply while you are apart.

Whether you’re just returning to work or simply need a refresher, here are some tips to make it a win-win-win: for you, your baby and your employer.

Tip 1: Make a connection.

Every breastfeeding mother has a story about what worked for her when she returned to work. If you know other women who have pumped at work, talk to them about their experiences and solutions to any challenges they may have had.

You can also connect with other mothers on breastfeeding message boards.

Tip 2: Find time to pump.

Plan your pumping schedule to replicate your baby’s nursing times, so that your body gets the necessary signals to continue producing milk.

Avoid skipping sessions as this signals your body to produce less milk. Make sure you have regularly scheduled pumping sessions.

Tip 3: Be flexible, but don’t neglect your breasts.

Consider your employer’s needs, as well as your own.

Even if you only have a few minutes, still pump and don’t skip a session, if at all possible.

It will be uncomfortable as your breasts fill with milk, and regular stimulation is more important for your body’s response than pumping time.

However, a drained breast will replenish more milk, so ideally pump until your breasts are noticeably less full.

Set aside time if your schedule is unpredictable, or be creative about when you pump.

For instance, it’s possible to read or eat lunch while pumping especially when using a hands-free pumping bra.

Tip 4: Find a private place to pump.

It’s important to pump without disruption, so that the necessary hormones are released for let-down.

Having a lactation room at work is ideal, but other options are a private office or storage room that can lock.

Avoid using the bathroom, as it’s not a sanitary place to pump.

Tip 5: Discuss the situation with your employer.

It’s important to explain your need to have regularly scheduled pumping sessions to your employer.

And remember, The Affordable Care Act is on your side!

This healthcare law stipulates that an employer must provide the time and space for pumping moms. And, by the way, it specifically points out that the “space” should not be a bathroom.

For more details, you can visit The Department of Labor’s website.

Tip 6: Know your facts.

Hopefully you won’t run into any obstacles with your employer. But if you do, the following facts can help you make a convincing argument to gain support.

A study published by the United States Breastfeeding Committee states:

• Lactation programs are cost-effective, showing a $3:1 return on investment.

• One-day absences to care for sick children occur more than twice as often for mothers of formula-fed infants.

• Breastfeeding lowers insurance claims for businesses. One study showed that for every 1,000 babies not breastfed, there were over 2,000 extra physician visits, 212 extra hospitalization days, and 609 extra prescriptions to treat just three common childhood illnesses.

Overall, by supporting lactation at work, employers can:

o Reduce turnover
o Lower recruitment and training costs
o Cut rates of absenteeism
o Boost morale and productivity
o Decrease health care costs

We know that pumping takes extra effort, especially at work. But it’s worth it for your baby, for you and even for your employer. For more information or breastfeeding support, please go to www.lansinoh.com.

Gina Ciagne

Gina Ciagne, Lansinoh’s Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations is a nationally recognized expert on breastfeeding.

As a Certified Lactation Counselor and La Leche League International-trained breastfeeding peer counselor, she has worked with and provided advice and support to thousands of breastfeeding mothers around the world.

A sought-after speaker and media resource, Ms. Ciagne is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post, and has appeared on The Bump, CNN, Fox News and many other TV and radio news programs.

In her role as Global Vice President, Healthcare Relations for Lansinoh, Ms. Ciagne oversees the company’s outreach to and engagement with healthcare communities.

She also is the mother of two breastfed children, whom she pumped for when she returned to work, so she knows the juggle!

Fashion and Function: Back to Work as a New Mom

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So, you are heading back to work but are still breastfeeding. Now what? Follow these few tips and tricks to help make it a smooth easy transition…because….hey…with the lack of sleep you are facing daily…smooth and easy is the name of the game.

As a full time personal shopper, I don’t have a dress code and can pretty much wear what I choose BUT as a new mom (twice) I do know what worked really well and what did not. Here are a few of my favorite items for new/nursing moms.

Button Down Blouse:
Although there are a plethora of choices, I really dig this boutique site, Shop Buru. The owner/ curator is a mommy herself, specifically choosing items that work for MOMS but are not maternity. Revolutionary, no? I love this beautiful blouse and the button down style makes it is easy for pumping at work.

Poncho:
Ponchos are everything for fall and why should you have to sacrifice your style? These affordable ponchos by Cover Me Ponchos come in tons of colors and pair beautifully with black pants for work or you favorite jeans for weekend. The easy silhouette is extremely flattering while trying to lose those last few pounds AND they are nursing friendly.

Nursing Bra:
Comfort is king when it comes to a nursing bra. You are sore, you are tired and you just need something with support that feels…well….GOOD. They are calling it “the Most Comfortable Bra in the World” which I can’t personally vouch for, but I sure did LOVE my Bravado Design shapewear post pregnancies.

Wrap Dress:
I love selling dresses to my “working girl” clientele. They are so easy to style with a simple pump, great necklace and you are DONE! While nursing, nothing beats the wrap dress. I personally suggest investing in a brand like Isabella Oliver. The pricetag might be a little higher, but the quality is essential. (P.S. Get 20% off Isabella Oliver Maternity 2015 through 11/9/15)

Sweater:
I am saving the best for last here ladies! Seraphine makes the most incredible maternity wear. This sweater was hands down my favorite item during and post pregnancy. It was so easy to wear, functional (with the shoulder snap details) and I still looked polished.

About Carly Walko
Carly is a personal shopper and stylist enjoying life at the beautiful Jersey Shore with her husband, two boys and two miniature dachshunds. She started Thirty Something Fashion in 2009 when she turned thirty, had her first son and moved from the Philadelphia hustle and bustle to the much slower pace of seaside living. She left her full time retail career to stay at home with her newborn, but it was essential for her to remain on the pulse of all things fashion and style.

After a fulfilling year of fashion blogging, she found herself wanting more and her personal shopping and styling business was born. Trained to know luxury apparel, but equally smitten with affordable boutique brands, her signature is mixing high and low designs to create that perfect look. In early 2010, she created the “TSF Box Service”, an innovative idea of personalized boxes of style, that has grown her business much faster than she ever anticipated. It allows her to bring her styling aesthetic to women all over the country, helping them find a look that enables them to feel their absolute best.

Back To Work

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We know from our Gugu Guru moms that the majority of you are returning to work after baby. So we were so excited to tap into the amazing resource that is WellRoundedNY and hear from three working mamas on their must-have products for returning to work. Here is a round-up of their picks but for all the details as to why these moms selected these as their can’t live without products, read the full post here.

Julee’s Picks
1. Moleskin notebook

2. Brother Vellies denim “Erongo” shoes

3. The Belly Bandit Original (in black)

4. MZ Wallace “Metro Tote” bag

5. Custom nameplate necklace

Grace’s Picks
1. The Au Lait Shop Tank and Mitera Collection Charlotte Nursing Dress

2.The Baby Brezza One Step Sterilizer Dryer

3. MZ Wallace “Metro Tote” bag

4. A monthly membership to ClassPass

5. Meals from Plated

Jessica’s Picks

1. Pumpin’ Pal breast pump flanges