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If you’re like us, you like to keep things light and airy in the summer, especially when you are nursing.  When you are strolling around the park with baby, or perhaps perusing a craft fair with baby in a sling, you’ll surely want to keep your wardrobe cool.  And that includes your nursing bra wardrobe too!

Selecting just the right bras for breastfeeding during the summer means finding styles that are supportive and comfortable for your daily activities, plus look great under your summer attire.  With Leading Lady’s wide selection of nursing bras and nursing camis, finding the styles that are just right for you is a cinch.

Our number one pick for summer nursing is a nursing cami.  This functional tank top with a built-in nursing bra can be worn as a top or as a layering piece under dresses, blouses and summer weight sweaters.  It is also great as a pajama top, making late-night feedings simple.  Leading Lady offers a variety of nursing camis that will keep you stylish and cool this summer, from our playful polka dot nursing cami, to our square neck nursing cami with a pop of red, or our classic nursing bra cami, available in fun colors like berry and turquoise for summer.

Leading Lady’s wirefree nursing bras are absolutely the best choice for hot summer days when you need to keep the layers thin, but still want support.  Our nursing bralette with sweet lace trim is ideal under v-neck shirts.  Our Santoni nursing bra, shirred front comfort nursing bra and cotton wirefree nursing bra (which comes in a 2-pack!), are equal parts comfort and support for your light summer wardrobe.  And if you need some va-va-voom for a night on the town, check out Leading Lady’s lace cup nursing bra in both wirefree and underwire.

If you’ll be enjoying summer sports this season, our nursing sport bras are an excellent choice to easily transition from nursing to playing.  Whether you’re on the volleyball court, golf course or taking a brisk walk, our sport wirefree nursing bra or our sport nursing bra with padded straps will give you lift and stamina in all the right places!

And we can’t talk about summer nursing wear without mentioning our fabulous nursing chemise.  Available in azalea, blueberry, black and rose with black trim, this nursing gown doubles as an adorable summer dress or beach cover-up.

Keeping your wardrobe breezy from the intimates, out is just a few clicks away.  Now through June 22 when you buy 3 or more bras, you’ll receive $5 off each!

We hope you enjoy the sunshine, stay cool and have a wonderful summer!

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Good news, mamas!  All that effort you’re putting into breastfeeding is paying off!  A new study out of Brown University finds that children who were exclusively breastfed for at least three months show “advanced development” in key areas of the brain associated with cognitive abilities, emotional function and language.

The study was done using MRI on a sample of children under the age of 4.  By age 2, the babies who were exclusively breastfed showed more brain advancements than the babies who were formula fed or even given breast milk and formula.  Other studies on breastfeeding and brain function have shown similar results, but this was the first done on young, healthy children, as opposed to adolescents and adults.

We encourage families to make decisions about breastfeeding that are best for them and their babies, and we believe any amount of breast milk is good for a child.  We hope that studies like this continue to show you the value in your breastfeeding efforts.  After all, we all have the same goal of creating healthy, happy and intelligent babies!

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As Father’s Day approaches, it’s a great time to talk about how to involve daddy – or any partner or supporter you have in your life – in breastfeeding.  Nursing may look like a two-way street with no room for a third party, but we see it differently.  Dad helped make baby and therefore dad can be a part of ensuring her growth and development through the perfect nutritional source, breast milk.

Whether this is his first Father’s Day, or he’s an old pro, take the time to talk about how dad can be a part of the intimate bond of breastfeeding.  Here are four tips from the Leading Lady team on how to incorporate partners in your nursing routine:

1)      Start by taking a breastfeeding class together during pregnancy.  Mom is carrying baby and has a lot of other things swirling around in her mind so having support in a breastfeeding class will help mom when it’s time to take action.  In the class you will be reminded of the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby, plus you’ll learn about nursing positions, encouraging your milk supply, the importance of great nursing bras and/or nursing tanks, and feeding schedules.

2)      Spend quality family time together during feedings.  Hearing words and the cadence of conversation is not only soothing, but also a learning opportunity for baby.  As she’s filling her tummy with the perfect blend of nutrients for her growing body and brain, she will hear mommy and daddy chatting away.  Daddy can caress baby’s skin and tickle her toes to keep baby awake during feeding times.  Plus it is nice to have an extra set of hands to burp and change baby while mommy takes a break.  After mom has nursed, dad can also engage in skin-to-skin contact with baby, which is calming and encourages bonding with both parents.

3)      Encouragement and support are essential during the newborn stage and especially breastfeeding.  If you’ve decided together that breast milk is what you want for your baby, it is important for both parents to make it happen.  This may mean helping mom stay positive during late-night feedings or if nursing becomes difficult.  Or it may be as simple as saying “thank you” and making her feel appreciated for the one-of-a-kind gift she’s giving baby.

4)      For families committed to breastfeeding, baby usually cannot be too far from mom, which means mom doesn’t get much of a break.  Dad can help out around the house, run errands and arrange dinner whenever possible during the early months of breastfeeding so mom can use whatever down time she has for herself.  Dad can even handle a feeding or two if mom is able to pump.

Dad can be an integral and meaningful part of breastfeeding if you make it a priority.  We hope your Father’s Day, and every day, is full of togetherness and celebration!

Keep dad REALLY interested in breastfeeding in a new, sexy nursing bra!  Until June 12, buy 3 bras and save 30%.

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Many new moms ask me what foods are off limits while breastfeeding.  The answer is pretty simple and good news for mama:  Most babies tolerate almost everything their mothers eat.

On occasion, some babies may have intolerance to certain foods. This is more common in babies born into families who have existing food allergies.  If you are breastfeeding a baby who has sensitivities, he may exhibit slight or extreme symptoms ranging from fussiness and spitting up, to eczema and diaper rash.

If you feel your baby has a sensitivity to foods you are eating, there are ways you can try to determine the culprit.  Try to cut out a specific food group, such as dairy, and watch how your baby responds.  It will likely take at least four or five days to see a difference because you’ll need to wait until the food group has completely cleared your body.   It actually takes dairy two full weeks to clear the system.  You can try this for each of the food groups and then start slowly adding each group back one-at-a-time to see how your baby reacts.

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A relaxing summer vacation may be just what you need as the weather warms and you’re getting anxious to travel again.  Picture yourself sightseeing in a new city, lying on a sandy beach or visiting friends and family.  It can be done, even with baby and while breastfeeding.  Babies are quite portable and more adaptable than you might think.  As long as your pediatrician is on board, don’t be afraid to take your baby on vacation this summer.  It just takes a little preparation and flexibility.

• If your baby is on a feeding schedule, think about where you will be in your travel plans during feeding times and map out a good place to nurse.  A quiet corner at an airport gate, a ladies lounge at a shopping center or even on a park bench so you can enjoy the scenery while baby has a snack.

• If your baby feeds on demand, be sure you have any necessary supplies with you at all times, like you burp cloth and nursing cover if you use one.

• If finding a good spot to nurse becomes a problem, ask for help.  Most businesses, museums and other establishments will be more than happy to help you find a comfy chair and privacy to breastfeed.

• If your baby tends to have a sensitive stomach, be conscious of the variety of new foods you eat while traveling.  Introduce new foods into your diet slowly so you don’t overwhelm baby with too much change at once.

• Wear the appropriate nursing attire to make breastfeeding quick and easy on the go.  Nursing bras are an essential part of your vacation intimates wardrobe.  A nursing cami is also a perfect choice as a summertime top to pair with shorts, skirts and jeans.  If you’re staying at grandma’s house or with friends, be prepared for nighttime feedings in Leading Lady’s nursing chemise, a nursing nightgown with full support and coverage.

• Stick to your breastfeeding routine as much as possible.  If you typically sing to your baby or rub her back while nursing, don’t let your new surrounding change this habit.  Your baby may notice and feel less comfortable nursing.  Likewise, if your baby is used to having a stimulating image, texture or sound while nursing, be sure to recreate that on vacation too.

• If you plan to get a babysitter or have grandma and grandpa watch baby for a few hours, bring your pump so you can leave them with expressed milk.

• Stay positive and keep an open mind.  You’re on vacation so relax as much as you can and go with the flow.  New sights, sounds and environments are an excellent sensory growth experience for your baby.

We hope you enjoy your summer vacation!

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Producing less milk in one breast than the other is not uncommon.  Sometimes one breast can produce only half as much as the other.  Although it may seem strange to you, this is nothing to be concerned about if your baby is gaining weight adequately and seems content.

If you feel the low milk supply is affecting your baby’s weight gain then you may want to stimulate production on the breast with less milk.  You can do this by nursing longer on that breast or pumping from that breast for 5 to 10 minutes after nursing.  If neither of these solutions work for you, contact a lactation consultant to discuss herbals to stimulate milk production.

Try not to get frustrated; this is all a part of the very natural process of breastfeeding.

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We are in the business of celebrating motherhood every day, but Mother’s Day is that special time when we all take an extra moment to share our thoughts and feelings with mom.  As a new mom or mom-to-be, you may have a bigger soft spot in your heart now that you’ve experienced motherhood first hand.  Hopefully you can take this Mother’s Day to reflect on your mom’s loving role in your life, and how you will share a similar love, kindness and nurturing spirit with your new baby.

A mom’s most important role is to love her children and ensure their health and safety.  Breastfeeding is the intersection of these fundamental basic needs, which makes it the ultimate gift a mother can give her baby.

Breast milk is the most wholesome food and the perfect nutrition for baby until six months of age.  This powerful milk protects babies from a host of illnesses, including cancers, diabetes and allergies.  Breastfeeding increases bonding between mom and baby, usually creating a calmer environment for both.  And beyond the incredible health benefits for baby, moms who breastfeed experience less postnatal complications, and lower their risk for ovarian cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis.

You may be juggling a lot of new things right now, but we hope you’ll take the time to thank your mom for her dedication, compassion and endless love.  While your baby may not be able to formulate the words yet, he is surely thanking you with smiles, coos and snuggles.  And you can thank him for the amazing benefits you are getting from breastfeeding, both physically and emotionally.  Like many of your other traits, your  loving and nurturing spirit is surely one you will be happy to pass down from generation to generation.

It’s almost Mother’s Day and we’re celebrating moms in a big way with lots of love, appreciation, and a sale of course!  As our Mother’s Day gift to you, when you buy 3 bras you will get 1 FREE today through Mother’s Day.  So stock up on your favorite nursing bra styles, nursing tank tops and sleep and leisure bras.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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As a new mom, creating your baby registry may be a daunting task.  You probably know the basic items you need, but the options in each category seem endless.  Where do you begin?

At Leading Lady, we believe in supporting new moms and we don’t just mean with our intimates!  On your journey through motherhood –from pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond – we’re here to provide helpful information on navigating this exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, time in your life.  Your baby registry is an important step in preparing for a new little one and we put together some tips and reminders to keep you on track:

There are many baby product resources, such as “baby bargain” books or Consumer Reports, that will help you analyze products that best meet your needs.  Plus, many retailers and parenting websites have online baby registry checklists that can act as a guide for what you need for your baby.

• Ask your other experienced mom friends for advice.  You may get varied opinions, but at least having information can help you determine which products you think are best for you.
• Register for large items and necessities, and encourage your friends and family to get you the items you REALLY need.  If you know you need a portable crib to take to grandma’s house, let grandma know why you want it.  If you know you want a rocking chair for breastfeeding, ask several friends to go in on it together.
• Don’t register for clothes, blankets and stuffed animals.  You will likely get plenty of these items without asking.  If you don’t, these are very simple things you can pick up anywhere at the last minute.
• If multiple people want to throw you baby showers, ask for them to be themed so you can get a variety of items you need.  For example, one shower can be for bedroom & bathroom supplies, such as an infant tub, towels and linens.  Another shower can be for diapers & wipes; you will certainly need a lot of them!  You can also request a breastfeeding shower to stock up on nursing bras, nursing pads, nursing tops, a nursing pillow and a breast pump.
• If you intend to breastfeed, let your friends and family know upfront so they don’t get you an endless supply of bottles and formula dispensers.
• Ask for gift receipts.  Sometimes you realize you don’t need items you originally thought you did, and sometimes you have discovered a better version that would make your life easier.
• Ask for gift cards.  You will find that you need many more things after your baby arrives.  Save your gift cards and use them for those items you didn’t even know you need.

We hope our tips make creating your registry a little easier.  If you’re shopping for someone else’s baby shower gift or want to stock up on your nursing bra essentials, you can enjoy free shipping today through May 8, plus take 5% off your entire order.

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We love Earth Day because it gives us the chance to talk about the most valuable renewable resource on the planet: BREASTMILK!  It is the rarest of treasures, a gift from nature to our babies, and it is the only food that has health benefits for both the user and producer.  In fact, breastfeeding has been the natural standard since the dawn of mammals, so we could say that 160+ million years ago moms founded Earth Day!

In addition to the amazing health benefits for mom and baby, including bonding, breastmilk reduces the need for waste from the alternative.  Think about it:

• Breastmilk is always available with no packaging, processing or shipping.
• Breastmilk is always the right temperature so there is no need to use energy to heat it.
• Because of the perfect nutrients it offers babies, breastfed babies are overall healthier and require less medication and less doctor’s visits, saving on all sorts of materials and gas, not to mention your time.

Moms who breastfeed can feel good that they are doing their part for the environment, and teaching their children eco-friendly values.  One way we choose to celebrate Earth Day is to pay it forward and help spread the benefits of breastfeeding to other moms.  Sometimes a little support, encouragement and information can go a long way to help a new mom along her breastfeeding journey.

Another way you can help moms nurture their babies and the environment is to recycle your bras.  By donating gently used maternity and nursing bras, you can make breastfeeding easier for new moms in need of supplies.  Leading Lady’s partner, The Bra Recyclers, is an excellent organization that donates new and gently used bras to women around the world, offering much needed support and keeping unnecessary textiles out of landfills.

Last but not least, we are naturally celebrating Earth Day with a sale.  You can enjoy 15% off your entire order at LeadingLady.com April 21-26, plus you get free shipping on all orders.  Happy Earth Day & Happy Breastfeeding & Happy Bray Recycling, Leading Ladies!

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It was once thought that women who are nursing should drink two quarts of water a day to maintain a healthy milk supply.  While remaining hydrated is important, it is not necessary to drink that much.  Studies have show that being over hydrated may actually reduce milk supply.

A good rule of thumb is to drink enough to produce clear pale yellow urine.  If your urine is concentrated or dark then it is a sign that you should increase your water intake.

Also, you don’t have to limit yourself to drinking water to stay hydrated.  Fruit juices, milk, tea and water-based fruits and veggies are also good options.

If you’re working out while breastfeeding, be sure to drink extra water to replace what you lose in sweat.  Try to keep your breasts dry and supported when doing physical activity by wearing an appropriate bra like Leading Lady’s sport wirefree nursing bra.

Cheers!