Breastfeeding your baby wherever and whenever is a right and a freedom that no one can deprive you of. However, you must also have the freedom to choose how do it whether that may be popping a boob out in the middle of a busy supermarket or in a quiet corner.  Many mums feel more comfortable breastfeeding in clothes where they can feed discreetly, perhaps because they feel more secure or perhaps just because it's warmer having something over your chest! Breastfeeding can be a hard journey and sometimes making it a little easier on yourself can be the difference between continuing to breastfeed or not. Or perhaps even the difference between breastfeeding confidently in public or not. So many mums have found that wearing specific breastfeeding clothes can help make breastfeeding easier, more comfortable and quicker.  As we come into autumn and winter months we're wearing more and layering up.  Fussing with lots of layers to get breastfeeding access can be frustrating and tiresome, especially if you end up spending a whole feed holding your clothes out of the way for baby or even taking ages to find your boob to give baby access under multiple layers whilst jostling a hungry baby. Specific feeding clothes like ours have been purposefully designed to make the process of latching on and breastfeeding so much easier and for you and for your baby to give you one less thing to worry about.  Lots of our customers are say that wearing clothes with quick access to whip about a boob wherever and whenever has really boosted their confidence especially in the early days of a breastfeeding journey where mums are coping with a whole host of other post partum changes. No, you don't need a whole new wardrobe to breastfeed in (although it you want that, that's cool too!) However, integrating a few key pieces into it to support your breastfeeding journey can really help:

 

Vests

A basic breastfeeding vest is a classic and can be paired with dungarees, or worn under a shirt or cardi for the ultimate fast food access for your baby. Our vests are the ultimate multi use product too as our mums love wearing them as pyjama tops to keep the chill off during night feeds and even when running or doing yoga for that fast feed access pre or post workout.

 

Jumper

A snuggly jumper makes winter feeds on the go comfortable, quick and easy for both you and baby. 

 

Dress

Perhaps you loved a dress pre baby but your finding that unless you're confident lifting a whole boob over the neckline of your dress, and hey, not everyone has big enough boobs to do that, then a breastfeeding specific dress is for you!  

 

In the UK September is the most popular month to give birth in.  According to the UK Office of National Statistics September the 26th is the most popular birthday date in the UK. Eight of the other top 10 dates of birth occurred in late September - with the other two occurring in early October.  This suggests more babies are likely to be conceived around the Christmas holidays.  So even if you're not due this month then you may well know someone coming up to their due date. Take a look at our round up of gorgeous mum and baby gifts! 

 

 

Stylish AND practical! This beautiful neckerchew from Cheeky Chompers is packed with thoughtful features, you can just tell this is a mum run brand and Julie and Amy really have though of everything.   Plus this new muslin neckerchew is comprised of a sustainable bamboo and organic cotton muslin mix for a luxurious, silky, extra absorbent finish.

 

Bandana style neckerchew features:

3 super absorbent layers to help keep your baby dry.

Reversible design - meaning you get two looks in one bib!

 

 

 

The perfect baby shower gift and of course an absolute changing bag essential!

 

Our 100% organic cotton muslins are the ultimate multi-use product and a must have for any mum or mum to be. They can be used as baby blankets, nursing covers, burp cloths, swaddling sheets, changing mat covers, a handy wipe and everything in between. Newborns' color perception is limited to white, black and shades of grey, because their eyes and capacity for sight are not fully developed at birth. As a result, babies love to look at high-contrast black-and-white patterns like this simple but striking pattern which stand out in their blurry worlds, attracting their attention and helping them focus.

 

At 110cm x 110cm these muslins are extra-large & made of super soft organic cotton.  They can handle any task without irritating delicate skin and are available in a range of other eye-catching and colourful designs.  Plus they make a great new baby gift as each muslin will arrive to you in its very own gift box.

 

100% GOTS OEKO-TEX STANDARD Cotton

110 cm x 110 cm

Each muslin will arrive in its own gift box for a ready to go gift!

 

 

Another beautiful and multi functional item from Cheeky Chompers is this multi functional comforter for your little one to snuggle up with!

 

 

-Beautiful star pattern

-Soft cuddle fleece reverse to snuggle into

-Sensory ribbon tags for little one to feel and play with

-Attached teether designed to massage and soothe those tender little gums and is 100% safe to chew.

-Elasticated strap for attaching to your baby's wrist, carseat or pushchair so no more dropping or losing those precious comfort blankets!

-Machine washable and is safety tested to the highest standards  

-30cm x 44cm

-Suitable from birth

 

 

Mums often put others first, so here's your chance to make her feel special. A little self-care is so important during this busy, sleep-deprived time.

 

 

 

Perfect if you want to treat someone to one of our breastfeeding wardrobe staples but you're unsure of her size. Plus our vouchers give mum the flexibility to treat herself to something special when she's ready.

 

 

 

A stylish accessory for mama to wear when her expensive metal jewellery just doesn't cut it around a baby. The BPA free beads are made from the same material that bottles and dummies are made from, so they are safe and fun for your little one to grab, hold and even chomp away on whilst serving as a stylish fashion accessory for Mama!

Have you ever wondered what your breast milk is made up of?  

 

Breast milk is the gold standard of nutrition for infants.  Years of research have helped us better understand the complexities of breast milk and we're starting to understand WHY it is so beneficial for infants; but there’s still a lot we don’t know as it's complex stuff and research is always ongoing.

 

Typically the approximate composition of breast milk is 87% water, 7% lactose, 4% fat, and 1% protein.  The fat and lactose (a type of carb/sugar) provide most of the energy in breast milk which  is exactly what your baby needs! However, breast milk is also a dynamic, adaptable food so its composition can change throughout a feed, through the day and also over time.  

 

When you first start to breastfeed your body will produce colostrum this is the name given to the early milk your breasts produce after your baby’s birth. You might have even leaked a little from your breasts during the latter stages of pregnanvy.  This thick, sticky breast milk is often called ‘liquid gold’, not just because of its yellow or orangey colour, but because it’s so important for nourishing and protecting your vulnerable newborn.  At first you’ll produce very small amounts – just 40 to 50 ml (1.4 to 1.8 fl oz) over 24 hours– but as your baby’s stomach is only the size of a marble, that’s all they need. Colostrum is also very easy to digest. And what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality as it's higher in antibodies and white blood cells to help protect your newborn from infections. 

 

Over the following few days your body will increase milk production and your milk will evolve from colostrum to transitional milk.  It becomes creamier in colour and texture, and also higher in fat, calories and lactose (a natural sugar), making it the ideal food for your growing newborn.  

 

By the time your baby is one month old you'll be producing what's known as mature milk buy the exact composition can still adapt and evolve to your baby's needs.  For example it's fattier in the afternoon and evening than in the morning. It also varies during a feed so when the baby latches onto the breast, the first gush of milk, or foremilk, is thin and high in lactose, making it thirst-quenching and easy to drink. The so-called hindmilk that follows is creamier and fattier, making it more filling. This dynamic aspect is one reason why breast milk is hard to replicate, despite considerable advances in the quality of infant formula.  If you or your baby are ill, your body will make antibodies to fight that particular illness, which become part of your milk. And, remarkably, as your baby begins exploring the world and putting toys in her mouth, the level of protective bacteria-fighting enzymes in your milk rises.

 

 

Sources Medela, NHS, NCT, Family and Co Nutrition,