As I have mentioned before, I am fortunate enough to be able to visit my 5 month old daughter every work day during lunch at her daycare. This gives me the opportunity to feed her myself and to have some special time with her in the middle of the day. I’ve also mentioned before that her daycare center does not have a private place where I can take her to nurse so I have to breastfeed in public. In December I was using a resource room. I think I fed her in that room 9 times, and I was only left uninterrupted 1 of those times. Seriously! There were even a few times when I had to use the room while other women who work there were cleaning and organizing in the room. Everyone has been very nice to me, but my need for privacy does not seem to trump their need to access the room.
This month I have just decided to nurse Darah in the room she stays in. If I have to make small talk with other adults while I’m feeding my baby, it might as well be with the women who are actually watching my daughter! I’ve tried a couple of things in an effort to be at least a little bit modest. I’ve tried using her swaddling blankets as a cover. This only works if she is too exhausted to pull them down. I’ve also tried using a nursing cover (the kind that goes over your head). Darah seems to be really annoyed by this contraption, and she frequently will stop nursing and try to move it out of her way. She just doesn’t like being covered, which makes sense, because she is never covered when I nurse her at home. The issue of how to breastfeed in public has been quite a challenge for me, to say the least.
So, what to do? There actually is a really cool solution to this dilemma! It’s called Baby Bond, and it is a nursing cover unlike any other that I’ve seen! Baby Bond is designed to provide mom with a bit of privacy, but it doesn’t cover up baby at all. It does require you to be a little bit more brave, as it is possible for you to be exposed if your little one suddenly stops nursing and throws her head back to talk to you (as mine sometimes does), but if you are prepared for that scenario, you can quickly move the fabric over your breast when that happens. The Baby Bond comes in 3 different styles. I was sent the Flex style to review. This is a really great product for me to use at daycare, as privacy is not an option and the nursing covers and blankets just aren’t cutting it. I wear the Baby Bond like a sash, and then just unbutton my shirt with the sash over me. I separate the two panels of fabric when Darah is in position and ready to eat. She covers up some of my breast, and the Baby Bond covers the rest. I am able to keep my shirt on to keep my belly and back covered. It’s great! Darah seems to like it, too, because she really does enjoy looking at me while she eats, and this doesn’t cover her up or obstruct her view of me in any way. Another terrific feature of the Baby Bond Flex nursing cover is the fact that it has a loop meant to hold the burp cloth that comes with it. This has been an absolute lifesaver for me. Before I had this product, I probably forgot to bring a burp cloth with me to nurse Darah at least 75% of the time. Now it is built in to my nursing cover so there’s nothing to forget. Leave it to a mom to think of such a great invention, and then add such a great bonus feature!
Speaking of the inventor, let me tell you a little bit about why Missy created this product. She says, “My determination to incorporate breastfeeding into my lifestyle meant nursing in public everywhere. It also taught me a lot about myself. I discovered that refusing to cover my baby’s head while nursing did not leave many options. I did not feel attractive when I lifted my shirt to nurse because I found myself slouching forward and it revealed my postnatal stomach and back. I also felt that by exposing my breasts, the intimacy shared between my husband and me was somehow compromised… I wanted to keep some things just for us.” I can certainly relate to all of these feelings, as they have caused me to really shy away from breastfeeding in public, which totally stinks. I also want to highlight the fact that Missy is a business owner with a heart for others. She regularly donates her products to various organizations and individuals who have need for them. I am always impressed with a business that gives to others on a regular basis. Check out some of recent donations here. Baby Bond also comes in two other styles. The Original cover is similar to the flex, but has a built in burp cloth. The Couture can be worn like a belly band or a nursing cover. This makes it a terrific option for moms of newborns who need the coverage a belly band can offer, and who need to nurse so often that they shouldn’t even take off their nursing cover!
The only difficulty I have had with the Baby Bond has nothing to do with the product, and everything to do with my wardrobe. It is designed to be worn with shirts that allow you to nurse from the top down (button up shirts or nursing shirts). A good chunk of my work wardrobe requires me to pull up my shirt, so on days when Darah is at daycare, I have to strategically plan what I’m going to wear if I want to use the Baby Bond. Hopefully you are smarter than me and already have a wardrobe that is more conducive to nursing!
Buy It! Baby Bond is available at a variety of online and retail outlets, and you can also buy it on the Baby Bond website! This product provides the means for you to nurse anywhere, anytime without sacrificing that important eye contact with your baby. It’s also great for those squirmy babies like mine who refused to be covered up! Get yours for $35 today.
EDIT: This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to #30!
Win it! Missy and Baby Bond want to give Stuff Parents Need readers the chance breastfeed in public once again and to win a Baby Bond cover! This contest will run until Thursday, February 4th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be drawn via random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my winning notification email. Open to residents of the United States. Make sure that your email address is either listed in your profile or listed in your entry.
How to Enter:
Mandatory Entry: Tell me which Baby Bond nursing cover (including the color and size) would work best for you. Choose wisely, as you will win what you select!
Additional Entries:
1. Follow my blog on Google friend connect (find it on my sidebar) (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
2. Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS
3. Add my button to your blog
4. Become a Fan of Baby Bond Nursing on Facebook
5. Follow Baby Bond Nursing on Twitter
I was provided with a sample for product review purposes. The views expressed in this post are strictly my own.
trixx says
2 I'm a follower
trixx says
1 I'm a follower
trixx says
I'm an email subscriber
trixx says
I'd pick the black (size 3) BabyBond Original!
Gianna says
BabyBond Couture in Barcelona M/L.. i'd love this for m twins and I 🙂
Sarah C says
Baby Bond nursing twitter follower soluckyducky
Sarah C says
google friend follower 2
Sarah C says
google friend follower 1
Sarah C says
What a fabulous idea! I like the black original in size 3.
rosannepm says
Follow on Google Friend connect-rosannepm
rosans4@comcast.net
rosannepm says
Follow baby Bond on Twitter-rosannepm
rosans4@comcast.net
rosannepm says
Fan of Baby Bond on Facebook
rosans4@comcast.net
rosannepm says
Subscribe Rss feed via Google reader-rosannepm
rosans4@comcast.net
rosannepm says
Follow on Google Friend connect-rosannepm
rosans4@comcast.net
rosannepm says
Couture Classic in size 2
rosans4@comcast.net
kathy pease says
bb fan on facebook kathylpease
kathy pease says
Google Friend klp1965
kathy pease says
i love the original in espresso 🙂
zeitersouth says
I would love the Flex cover in black size 3:) Thanks!
colesammom@gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com #2
Tylerpants says
I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com #1
Tylerpants says
I'm a subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'd love the BabyBond Original in black/size 3 please. Thanks! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
EH says
I would love the Flex in Black, size 3.
emilyrieber at yahoo dot com
Storm, The Psychotic Housewife says
I follow Baby Bond Nursing on Twitter! (@psychotichouse)
Storm, The Psychotic Housewife says
I would choose the Flex Night. I'm hesistant on the sizing… so I'd go with the 4, I can always bring it in with the sewing machine I guess.
stormraven at gmail dot com
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
email subscriber
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow you
dreamcleavers
2
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow you
dreamcleavers
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
fan of baby bond on facebook
lance pearson
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow baby bond on twitter
dreamcleavers
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i would choose the flex in chocolate size 3
Stacy says
I would love the flex in chocolate in XL. I tend to have big babies!!
Stacy says
I would love the flex in chocolate in XL. I tend to have big babies!!
mom2anutball says
I subscribe by email.
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I follow your blog as mom2anutball.
#2
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I follow your blog as mom2anutball.
#1
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
mom2anutball says
I would choose the coture in hudson. There is only one size! Thanks!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
Vanessa says
I'd choose BabyBond Couture in Barcelona Size 3
erma says
I'd choose the Couture in Riviera.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
Trina says
I follow on Google Friend Connect
couponsiwant(at)verizon(dot)net
Trina says
I like the flex in size 3 night.
couponsiwant(at)verizon(dot)net
Erika*Coffee says
I'm a new follower 🙂
Erika*Coffee says
I'd like the Flex in Chocolate in Size 3!
Heidi says
I would love the Original in black in a size 3! 🙂
Ashley says
I would love the Coutore in Barcelona in size 1, what a pretty color!
texaslady22 says
I would choose the Coture in Hudson. I would love to have this–I'm being induced tomorrow!!
brandi.westmoreland(at)gmail(dot)com
Lucy says
I'm following Baby Bond Nursing on Twitter.
Lucy says
I became a fan of Baby Bond Nursing on FB.
Lucy says
I follow you via google friend.
Lucy says
I follow you via google friend.
Lucy says
I like the couture in hudson!
saraochoa at live dot com
Money Saving Maine-iac says
I like the couture in hudson.
Hilda perez says
I like the couture in hudson. I follow on Facebook, hilda h.perez@lycos.com
mogrill says
I really like the flex in chocolate. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Tabathia says
I follow baby bond nursing on twitter
Tabathia says
Facebook fan of baby bond nursing on facebook (michelle barrett)
Tabathia says
email subscriber
Tabathia says
I follow entry #2
Tabathia says
I follow entry #1
Tabathia says
I like the flex in chocalate in size 3
Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
I follow on googel friends
Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
I follow on google friends
Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
I like the couture in barcelonain size 2
Jessica says
I follow through google 2
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I follow through google 1
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I subscribe via e-mail
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I follow baby bond through twitter (@jjak2003)
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Jessica says
I would choose the baby bond couture in hudson
jjak2003 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
http://littlemissemmylou.blogspot.com/
got your button
es1237 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
follow them on twitter
missemmielou
es1237 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
Facebook fan of babybond
emily c
es1237 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
Subscribe via email
es1237 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
I follow your blog
es1237 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
I follow your blog
es1237 at gmail dot com
Little Miss Emmy Lou says
I would choose the Couture in Riviera
es1237 at gmail dot com
Kacie says
That's great that you're nursing her in with her caregiver! I know that at first, I was uncomfortable nursing around some people.
But then I started getting more comfortable with it. I realized that what I was doing wasn't "private" — I was simple feeding and nurturing my son.
Yeah, a normally private body part was out, but it wasn't exposed.
Boobs are so sexualized in our culture that it's hard for us to view boobs as having more than one purpose!
Anyway, the cover looks great for moms who would feel more comfortable nursing in public with a cover. I'm all for anything that encourages nursing in some way!
As for me, I usually wear nursing tanks and shirts that grant access without too much fuss.