NURSING.

When I had my first baby, I was shocked at how hard nursing was. I struggled with getting my daughter to latch on and stay on. I struggled with producing enough milk and I struggled with it so much that I wanted to quit right when I started. I was also horrified to go out in public and nurse. Trying to figure out how to hold her and nurse was hard on it's own, but then to try to move all my clothing around and cover all at the same time was a nightmare. I felt like I couldn't go out anywhere and I spent a lot of my time nursing in the back of our car hoping no one could see. 

Nursing my second was a ton easier. I learned a lot about nursing and was able to overcome some fears that I had. I also asked other moms what they found successful and I read up on nursing in books and on the internet. After much study and then implementing what I learned with my little man, I feel like I have had so much more success with him than I did with my first. The difference has been drastic. 

If there were two tips to choose to pass onto other moms-to-be about nursing it would be these:
1- Nurse your baby right when they are born. 
2- Find a good nursing cover (if you choose to cover).

I hadn't heard about nursing right after the baby is born until AFTER I had my first baby. When I heard that you should put them to your chest and help them latch right when they come out of the womb, I cried. Literally, I cried. I felt like I had totally missed the window of opportunity to make it a successful nursing experience for my daughter. That could have helped and I felt like all the tears and hard times we had would have been gone if I had known this. I was devastated. But I knew all I could do was make it happen with the babies to come. So I did with my son. He latched on right away and hasn't had any problems! I know every baby is different so it may not be that way for every other child I have from here on out, but it was a success with him and I have become a believer!

Now, as far as covering goes... honestly... I wish I could just get it done and not worry about covering. But I am not that brave. I have to cover. I have had multiple nursing covers and have honestly hated everyone of them... until I found this one that wraps completely around me. With a cover like this, I don't have to do much and it has been a game changer for me! I get completely underneath it and move around freely without feeling claustrophobic or worried that it may fall or open unexpectedly. It is light-weight so it isn't a pain to carry around. It breathes easy so I am not sweating each time I nurse during hot summer days (like the ones we have been having lately). My favorite part is that I can use it as a blanket for my boy, a cover for his car seat, a cover while I nurse, or even throw it over my head and wear it around my neck as an infinity scarf. 

This cover is made by Covered Goods and you can find them at this website here: 
>>>​ http://covered-goods.myshopify.com/?rfsn=624239.b14a90 <<<
​or follow them on Instagram at @coveredgoods
​

If I had to choose two tips to share to help with nursing, these would be my two. Nursing can be SO hard and so painful, and if there is any way that can make it easier, then I am all about trying it out. I feel completely comfortable nursing in public now and I am looking forward to nursing with my future babies to come. I know starting out on the right foot and getting them to nurse the moment they are born can help too. Nursing is such a beautiful experience and really strengthens that bond between mother and baby. I have loved it so much more this second time around and have literally cherished every moment. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT ME.