Starting today is World Breastfeeding Week (running from August 1st until 7th) and to mark this fabulous event (which luckily coincided with the birth of my second child) I have reviewed some of the best breastfeeding accessories out there – from stylish nursing tops to discreet feeding shawls.
New to me but a fantastic discovery is Babes with Babies, which offers chic maternity and nursing wear (as well as natty gifts for babies and parents). They kindly sent me two nursing tops to try out. The first is the This Is No Ordinary Tank made from super soft 100% cotton. It works by unsnapping two poppers from the shoulder to reveal a clever inner layer. I found it quick and easy to use and the opening is plenty big enough so you are not fumbling about trying to get everything into the right place with restricted access. What I really like is the longer length it comes in so it does fit over a baby bump if you want to wear it during pregnancy and gives you plenty of covering during those initial first few weeks when your body isn’t at its best. It costs £39.95 and is worth every penny for the quality and thought that has gone into it. It also comes beautifully gift wrapped, hidden inside tissue paper with dried roses scattered over the top and a box tied with a bow.
The other top was the Millie Feeding Top which came in an elegant shade of taupe with forgiving drapes built in making it feel lightweight and comfy (and hiding any lumps and bumps). I felt so confident wearing this and again access was easy. The inner layer is cotton voile so I found it very cool during the very hot few days after the birth. Price £59,
visit www.babeswithbabies.com
JoJo Maman Bébé does an array of lovely looking nursing tops. They sent me this pretty crossover top in a fantastic ruby red. I confess I wore it before the birth as it draped design fitted comfortably over my burgeoning bump. I have found it very useful post birth too. I love the fact that it doesn’t cling to you and the fixed camisole underneath gives a nice easy access. I thought it was priced really well at £24 too considering the quality.
visit www.jojomamanbebe.com
Last but by no means least was a wonderful asymmetric cardy from Séraphine (popular with many celebs, including Kate Middleton). Again I wore this while still pregnant as the cut is so generous. I found it flattering both with the bump and without and there is a handy panel that helps to cover both you and the baby while feeding. It is extremely soft too, being made of bamboo. It is currently reduced to £39 and is part of a whole range of rather lovely tops, dresses, knitwear and bras in its nursing range –
check them out at www.seraphine.com
I am not one of those women who is comfortable letting it all hang out in public when I breastfeed so my ears pricked up when I came across the Breastfeeding Butterfly from Faye & Lou which offers complete privacy by concealing your front, back and side. The great thing about this is you still get to have eye contact with your baby while you are feeding, which can sometimes be a problem with other shawls I have seen. I found the coverage it gave me excellent and, as the material was so beautiful, it complemented my outfits and blended in, which is just what you want. It is made of 100% cotton, is machine washable and comes with a matching draw string bag. The price is £27.99 with free P&P,
visit www.fayeandlou.co.uk
They also do fabulous muslin squares in wonderful bright colours, check them out.
