It’s not a long time you have to adapt your wardrobe in the scheme of things and having nothing to wear is very much a first-world problem. But I’ll admit it’s so damn hard to look nice, be comfortable and appear like this mum thing is a piece of cake (it isn’t, but I like to at least look the part – both for my sanity and not to frighten passers-by on my daily stroll with the pram). When I found the super-soft bamboo Sangha Waterfall Wrap cardigan from Milk & Love, I did a little happy dance. I had resorted to shapeless jumpers that did nothing for my confidence and made my already-huge boobs look enormous. This wrap, which feels amazing, is SO FLATTERING. Worn open, it drapes beautifully, covers my bum, lengthens my torso and gives me just the right amount of privacy when feeding my baby.

Peek-a-boo! Snuggly under my Sangha Waterfall Wrap

It can be knotted at the front as a shrug or crossed and tied around the waist to turn this versatile piece into a top. It’s stretchy and the perfect purchase for wear during pregnancy and all throughout those breastfeeding days where it seems you spend most of your waking hours with a baby attached to your chest.

Comfy and chic while out and about with Millie and Finn

I wear my wrap when I’m heading out for the day and I know I’ll be feeding Finn at some stage. I’ve been able to snuggle Finn inside my cardigan, providing an extra layer of warmth for him and preventing a flash of boob or stomach to fellow diners/shoppers/pedestrians. Loops and buttons mean it can be wrapped across and fixed into place so your hands are completely free to hold bub and sort out that pesky clasp on your bra or errant nursing pad.

You can change up the look with the variety of ways it can be tied – it can even be worn in reverse for a high neckline and V-shaped back – but also with what you wear underneath. I’ve been able to style it with a patterned tee, pretty camis, long-sleeved tops and fine knits. Layering is key and it means you are prepared for any weather event.

Breastfeeding essentials

It’s available in Black, Mood Indigo and Light Taupe in sizes from XS to XL from Milk & Love.

*MillieMummyMelbourne was gifted a Sangha Waterfall Wrap from Milk & Love to review

The post The Breastfeeding Cardi Every New Mum Needs In Her Wardrobe appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

She went on strike.

Strangely, she refused to feed. Flat-out just stopped. But she only stopped feeding from me. She still took a bottle, ate solids and had sips of cooled, boiled water.

Millie is almost 8 months old and until starting solids has been exclusively breastfed without incident.

She took to me well despite being prem and her sucking reflex was there from the day she emerged. We’ve been lucky. No hassles. I got over the initial breastfeeding nerves (who else struggled with the transition from only your partner seeing your boobs to every nurse, doctor, family member and friend copping an eyeful in those first days in hospital??) and persistence paid off. She’s happy, sleeps well and grows steadily.

But the strike really put me in a spin.

What is wrong with her? What’s wrong with me? Why doesn’t she like me? What have I done to make this happen?

Every time I held her in her feeding position in the crook of my arm, she arched her back, turned her head and screamed.

This lasted the best part of two days.

She was crying, so I did too.

Blubbering, I phoned the lovely volunteers on the other end of the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline. It was suggested I try walking while feeding (she wouldn’t have a bar of it), feeding in the bath (don’t have one) or singing to her while feeding (poor kid, she was already upset). Anything to distract her somewhat.

Nothing worked.

It’s so hard when they can’t tell you why they are upset. I pulled out the dog-eared copy of Baby Love and the book said nursing strikes can happen for any number of reasons. Illness, teething, fright, weaning. It can last hours, days, weeks…or be permanent. The thought it could all be over made me all the more teary.

I’m aware she will be weaned eventually. That’s fine. BUT NOT YET. I’M NOT READY. It’s our thing. It’s cuddle time. It’s our bond. It’s me being her mum and doing what I think is best for my precious baby.

Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to the day when I don’t have to wear a bra to bed, buy breast pads or use a breast pump. But in the scheme of our lives, feeding my baby will only happen for such a short amount of time.

I expressed and fed Millie from a bottle while she was on strike. Luckily she slowly came back around (with the help of a dose of baby Panadol…teeth?) and wanted to breastfeed but it took patience and persistence.

She might do it again and that might be it.

But if she does I’ll be less shocked, more prepared and OK with it – if still a little weepy.

Has your baby been on nursing strike? How did it make you feel? How did you get through it? Please share your comments below

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The post Argh! My Baby’S On Nursing Strike! appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

I’m feeling really emotional about it and twice tonight thought about giving my baby one last feed. You know, for the last time. EVER.

But I had to be strong. I let my rapidly growing boy happily gulp down his sippy cup of cow’s milk, gave him a squeeze and (multiple) kisses and put him in his cot. He was out like a light.

He doesn’t need it anymore. He is happy with his sippy cup and has gradually weaned off day breastfeeds over the last few months. He loves his food. I don’t think he really even noticed as I put him down for day naps without a feed first. It’s me who has found it hard to let go.

Yep, I’ll miss this

Millie was weaned at almost exactly the same age. It was tough to stop then, but this time it’s twice as hard. We’re not going to have any more children and so this is it forever. I’m so many things right now. Sad, proud, tired, elated. I’m thrilled that I was able to breastfeed both my children for so long. Some mums want to and can’t. I realise I’m one of the lucky ones.

Tiny bubba Finn on the day he was born Me and my boy. Aww Sleepy Finn after a feed

My breastfeeding journey was pretty straightforward. I never suffered from mastitis, low supply, cracked nipples or any other drama that causes you or your baby pain and anguish. It was no means easy though and I persisted through tears to learn how to feed Millie, who arrived after emergency C-section a month before her due date.

It was different with Finn, who tried to feed only minutes after he was born. He was placed on my chest and we had a go almost straightaway. My milk hadn’t come in but I knew we’d get there.

As time went on my biggest problem was finding bras to cover my (already ample) boobs while providing the support you need when you have a couple of zeppelins full of milk attached to your chest. A first world problem, sure, but a problem nonetheless when you have a newborn baby and already feel frumpy in oversized nursing tops.

But I managed to nourish my babies for more than 14 months each. That’s well over two years of breastfeeding. Top effort, Nat. I just read that’s it’s World Breastfeeding Week too, so what a time to go out, hey?

Expect to see me this weekend in Myer’s lingerie department, shopping up a storm. Nothing else will cheer you up quite like shopping for new underwear.

The post The Milk Bar Is Closed: My Breastfeeding Days Are Over appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.