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Michaela
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| Posted: Jan 31 2007 at 3:10pm | IP Logged
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I've never had one, even though I've nursed each of my children until they were two. However, my kiddos are itching to get out to the park & when I nurse (even with or especially w/ a sling) lifting my shirt up exposes my waist.
Can you tell I never really nursed in public?
Nope, couldn't nurse my twins at the same time away from home without showing WAY too much.  
Have you used them? Do you recommend spending the money on a nursing shirt?
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Michaela
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JennGM
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Has anyone tried this Belly Hugger instead of buying nursing shirts?
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Jennifer G. Miller
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mathmama
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I bought some nursing shirts, but honestly I didn't really like the way that they fit. I wonder if you could just get some men's t-shirts and cut some slits in them and wear them under your regular shirt. You could have the t-shirt tucked in and then your waist would never be exposed. Just an idea.
Beth
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JodieLyn
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I don't like nursing shirts because they just don't work so well for me.. the openings just aren't quite where it works well.. and baby covers my tummy where I lift my shirt.
What I'd probably do with this situation is get a nursing tank top/undershirt.. then wear regular tops over that.. it'll keep your tummy covered and likely not cost near what buying nursing tops would.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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Lisbet
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I have a belly hugger, got it my last pregnancy, and I really like it, it keeps my tummy nice and toasty, even while I nurse the baby, and much cheaper than nursing clothes.
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kingvozzo
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I've never had any special nursing clothes for any of my kids. Mostly what I've done is wear a t-shirt under a button down shirt, or under a light cardigan sweater. I've never tried putting the slit into a men's undershirt, but I've thought about doing something like that (maybe a men's tank top--that not what "men" call them, though  ). But I like the idea of the belly hugger, and not too expensive.
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Noreen
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Cindy Mac
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I have the absolute BEST nursing bra in the world! (Can you tell I like it?)
Glamour Mom makes a nursing bra that covers your belly. I don't ever worry about nursing in public and exposing myself. They are a little pricier than something you can pick up at Wal-Mart, but SOOO worth it. I now own 6 of them! Actually got 2 for free. I signed up as a Glamour Mom and have a GM code that if someone enters when they order a bra I get a credit and when 3 bras have been ordered using my code I get a bra for free. I highly recommend these bras, especially for the modesty factor.
If you order one, and feel comfortable, use my code CIKE86, and then sign up for your own so you can get free bras too! I sound like a commercial, don't I? Sorry, but I'm just thrilled with this bra.
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MarilynW
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Cindy Mac wrote:
I have the absolute BEST nursing bra in the world! (Can you tell I like it?)
Glamour Mom makes a nursing bra that covers your belly. I don't ever worry about nursing in public and exposing myself. They are a little pricier than something you can pick up at Wal-Mart, but SOOO worth it. I now own 6 of them! Actually got 2 for free. I signed up as a Glamour Mom and have a GM code that if someone enters when they order a bra I get a credit and when 3 bras have been ordered using my code I get a bra for free. I highly recommend these bras, especially for the modesty factor.
If you order one, and feel comfortable, use my code CIKE86, and then sign up for your own so you can get free bras too! I sound like a commercial, don't I? Sorry, but I'm just thrilled with this bra. |
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Wow Cindy - this looks awesome!!! I am a few months away yet - but I think this is the greatest. I have a couple of questions - how do you figure out sizing? Also - what is the difference between a top and a tank?
On another matter - I am sure you posted somewhere about a really nice nightgown and robe for just after having a baby - please would you send me a link to the thread or the product.
Thanks!
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Marilyn
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MarilynW
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JennGM wrote:
| Has anyone tried this Belly Hugger instead of buying nursing shirts? |
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This looks great. I am getting all these wonderful ideas!!!
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Marilyn
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MarilynW
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Related to this thread - what nursing clothes do you get? I have always just bought bigger size t-shirts or shirts and pulled them up. Never had anything with slits. Any one have a link for nursing clothes for smaller women?(I am only 5ft 2 and slight)
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Marilyn
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Cindy Mac
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Marilyn -
I actually just spoke with Elizabeth about the whole sizing issue. I'm a 44E YIKES !), so I get the XXL which fits from a 44-46 DD-G so there's a wide range in the sizes that each bra will fit. I have always gone with the bra versus the tank. The bra has traditional bra straps while the tank is made more for if you were going to just wear it as a tank top to go out. Never worn the tank, just love those bras!
The nursing gown/pajamas/robe site is Aimee Gowns. I bought myself a gown and my husband got me the lounge pants and top for Christmas - LOVE them! 
As far as nursing clothes go, I've never bought anything specifically for nursing, but I have a friend who recommended this site as "good quality nursing clothing at very good prices and a good selection of sizes". HTH.
Good luck!
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Becky Parker
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Thanks for posting that Cindy because I have to admit, when I first went to the Glamour Mom site I thought "those are really nice but I just don't look like that!". I'm rather, uh, top heavy - especially when I'm nursing. I'll check into it a little more carefully knowing they probably do have my size.
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knowloveserve
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I don't think nursing shirts are worth their money. I love the idea of getting a men's A-shirt or something and slitting it.
Otherwise, I just kind of slouch over and my arm covers most the exposed area. It helps being small chested.
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Ellie
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teachingmyown
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Well, I will be the differing voice here!  I live in nursing shirts, have for years. I can't stand putting a blanket over a baby's head and refuse to hide in a corner. With so many kids, and always an active toddler, I just feel more comfortable knowing that I can pop out of my chair at a moment's notice to chase a kid who has taken off onto the baseball field, down the church aisle, etc. To be fully mobile, I think nursing clothes are a must have.
I am rather large, and take awhile to tighten up all those loose ends around my middle, so I don't want anyone seeing my side or back! Even with a sling on, my side can end up exposed when I pull up my shirt.
My favorite style is the type with an underlayer that can tuck in. If you are large, you do not want the side openings because they will not cover you.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
this and this
I don't see my favorite from Motherwear. I have several tanks that I layer. The new style with the cropped top layer works really well too.
Oh, and a warning,
this one is awful! You can see right through the back! 
I really like Expressiva, because they have reviews from real nursing moms! They also have a "home from the hospital collection" of longer and looser shirts.
I don't think they have released the new Spring collections, yet. My wardrobe is pretty worn out, so I will probably get a couple more shirts for baseball season. 
Good luck!
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Rachel May
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I have a Glamour Mom bra but I do not like it much. I'm a modest 34DD and find that it doesn't support me enough. I look like I have a long pillow low on my chest instead of, you know, a womanly body. Also the openings are small and difficult/uncomfortable to nurse through. Lastly, I wish I had bought the maternity bra which has more tummy room instead of the regular bra which rolls or slides right up over my mummy tummy, defeating the purpose of the bra, imho. Just my $.02
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SaraP
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I don't think nursing tops are worth it.
This time around I got under tees from DownEast Basics and cut horizontal slits right about where the band of my bra hits (horizontal ones show through less than vertical) and it works great! The tees are long enough to really stay tucked in, stretchy enough to nurse easily in and made to fit smoothly under other tops.
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MarilynW
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Cindy Mac wrote:
Marilyn -
I actually just spoke with Elizabeth about the whole sizing issue. I'm a 44E YIKES!), so I get the XXL which fits from a 44-46 DD-G so there's a wide range in the sizes that each bra will fit. I have always gone with the bra versus the tank. The bra has traditional bra straps while the tank is made more for if you were going to just wear it as a tank top to go out. Never worn the tank, just love those bras!
The nursing gown/pajamas/robe site is Aimee Gowns. I bought myself a gown and my husband got me the lounge pants and top for Christmas - LOVE them!
As far as nursing clothes go, I've never bought anything specifically for nursing, but I have a friend who recommended this site as "good quality nursing clothing at very good prices and a good selection of sizes". HTH.
Good luck! |
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Thanks Cindy - I have bookmarked all the info. I need to check out the sizing ( I am not going to reveal my very modest chest size!!!)
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Marilyn
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MicheleQ
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I have to chime in here. Nursing tops have come a long way since I first started nursing (over 21 years ago) and they have come down in price significantly.
Expressiva (that Molly linked to above) has several very nice and modest styles that do not look like nursing tops at all but give great access and coverage (and trust me I need it, I'm a 40 DD). I currently have 3 tops and 2 dresses from Expressiva that are on loan from a friend. People are always surprised that I have a nursing top on because it doesn't look like one.
I also make my own nursing tops. Sometimes from patterns and sometimes from store bought tops. I made one last week from two black knit K-mart tops. They were buy 1 get 1 free so I paid $10 and made myself a nice nursing top. It was very easy to do in that I simply took the sleeves off of one top (cut them off at the armholes) enlarged the armhole in the front for nursing access (like this ) and then stitched the cut top to the uncut one inside at the armhole edge. Quick simple and inexpensive.
Also if you like nursing tanks (I don't - not enough support) you can get them inexpensively at Target and K-Mart.
Personally I DO think nursing tops are worth it because I think they encourage women who might otherwise be too shy to nurse in public. And nursing in public says that nursing is a normal healthy thing and not something that should only be done at home or in a restroom  . Sadly I live in a state that has no laws to protect breastfeeding mothers and babies and I've had my fair share of dirty looks and comments over the years despite the fact that I have always been discreet in my public nursing. I think nursing tops (and dresses) can only be a help to this cause!
OK, stepping off my soapbox now. . .
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Mackfam
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I'm bumping this thread for *bump-a-favorite-thread-Thursday*.
I enjoy nice nursing shirts when I'm nursing, and I've certainly seen an evolution since I started nursing years ago. Some of my favorite sites from nursing my other babies either aren't making nursing shirts any more, or have really eliminated a lot from their offerings. Motherwear and Expressiva were two of my go-to shops, and they really don't have much these days. So, I wanted to link some current websites for nursing wear for anyone that might be interested.
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Figure 8 Maternity - Nursing: Fantastic site - love their clothes! They carry a variety of different brands so it's sort of a one-stop-shop of all that's out there now. Shirts and dresses here are pricey, but I've ordered a few times from them and really like the quality and how current and pretty some of the shirts are even though not everything fits my tastes. Since this will only be a part of my wardrobe for a few years, I like that its a little trendy and fun. I also really appreciate the details offered on the website that I don't often find in other places (especially the length of a dress, or if a shirt fits small).
These shirts are REALLY expensive, but it's important to note that these shirts are all meant to be worn through pregnancy and then transition to nursing/postpartum which makes their cost stretch quite a way. I was skeptical about this! I thought that the shirts would be worn looking and very stretched by the time I moved into postpartum, but they're made very well, and the ruching around the belly area makes them great for both pregnancy and then postpartum!! I'm impressed. My favorite shirt has been the Peek-a-boo ¾ sleeve shirt. I wore it all through my pregnancy, and now I wear it all the time for nursing. (Note that this shirt is made in Israel, so the sizing is different! I wear a size 2 or 3 in the Peek-a-boo shirts and I'm a 6, wearing a M up top normally.)
I really wanted to offer that review for consideration of these expensive shirts and explain how their cost could be spread out across pregnancy and nursing.
I also have, and really love, this Maxi dress with nursing openings. Again, it's meant to be worn pregnancy and postpartum. The front of the dress is a little longer than the back to accommodate the fully pregnant belly, so once postpartum, I cut about 8" off the dress and hemmed it shorter (it's a long tea length - looks cute with fun wedges!). I really love this dress with a little white shrug and the nursing openings are nicely placed!
FIgure 8 has great reviews, and you earn loyalty dollars every time you shop there so that you have a coupon for every single subsequent purchase.
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Peek-a-boo Maternity and Nursing is a small company based in Israel. I really like their nursing shirts a lot. I have the cap sleeve tees as well as the 3/4 sleeve nursing tee. I wore both through pregnancy, and all of my postpartum and nursing so far and really like the fit throughout all stages of my belly (growing and shrinking). I really like how comfortable these shirts are, and how well they work from pregnancy thru postpartum. They're really flattering even now that I've lost almost all my prego weight because of the ruching, but still forgiving because it's not a tight-around-the-tummy shirt. I do think that the material isn't the best quality for the amount paid. One of my cap sleeve shirts started pilling after a few washes. It's fine with me, and not really obvious (except to me), and it certainly doesn't affect wear-ability of the shirt...it's just that for THAT much $$, you'd expect a little better quality. So, I wanted to be clear about that so you'd know what to expect. Overall though, these are my favorite nursing shirts right now. They look cute with a pair of capris, and they also work really well with a skirt for Mass. I have a coupon code for 10% off your entire order that I can share that is honored when ordering with Peek a Boo Maternity & Nursing: VIP10. They do ship free, and returns are easy and the company is easy to work with..but...returns do have to be shipped overseas if you order directly from the company.  It wasn't too expensive for me, and honestly, the great customer service was nice in comparison to other cust. svc. I've dealt with so I really don't consider this a deal breaker for me. A reminder - the sizing is way off with this company! This is the sizing chart for Peek-a-Boo, but I think their sizing is off a little based on my experience. My breakdown of their sizing follows:
P.a.B. size 1 = XS (34C or less)
P.a.B. size 2 = S (36C/D)
P.a.B. size 3 = M (D +)
P.a.B. size 4 = L
You might be tempted to order a larger size just because you like a generous fit, but that's not a good idea with this style shirt because of how the shirt is meant to fit with the nursing layer. There is a generous amount of give in all sizes with this shirt because of the ruching and the knit.
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Japanese Weekend is a favorite designer of mine, too. I have a few shirts and a dress that I really like from them. You can often find JW on ebay, and the prices are better there. Note that most of the JW dresses hit right at, or above, the knee, so if you're looking for a longer dress you probably won't find it here.
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Milk Nursingwear - I haven't ordered from them, but they have some very affordable tees.
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Downeast Basics has a demi tee that I just love for nursing! I can wear this and a wrap shirt or tee and nurse discreetly. The demi tee is very affordable, too!
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I also have a couple of these cotton belly bands which act like a cover for your tummy when you lift a regular shirt to nurse. You wear it under a regular tee shirt - just pull the top of the band up to your bra line; the bottom is long enough that it comes down below your shirt so you look like you just have a layered look. Ebay has several for a really great price in all colors!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Mackfam
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Adding one more source I found because zulily is featuring a special on them for the next few days:
Annee Matthew - Again, these are shirts and dresses that are meant to be worn in pregnancy and through nursing/postpartum.
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Jen Mackintosh
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: nursing shirt
