Milk Friendly - the Cami Dress.

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Outfit Details:
Pink Blush Cami Dress, Anthropologie sandals (last season, similar here and here), Stella & Dot earrings (sold out, similar here and here), Covet Letter Necklace

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Nursing a baby is a job. It's such an incredible privilege, one that I don't take for granted. I love that I am able to nourish my baby and care for his needs, but I would be lying if I said it was always so easy. Nothing about having a baby is easy. It's hard work, and breastfeeding certainly takes it's toll on my body. It often feels inconvenient. But in moments where I feel the frustration of being tethered to him, I remind myself that not everyone is able to fulfill their desire to breastfeed their children. I am so blessed to share this season of being so connected to my son, but I want everyone to know that no matter how they are able to feed their babies, fed is best. It's such an honor to nurture these precious little people however we are able to, whether it's with our bodies or with formula or with a combination. Everything that we as mothers pour into them physically and emotionally will produce who they become and that is such a sobering, humbling realization. And however we are able to nourish them is absolutely, completely wonderful and a life-changing investment for them.

That being said, I'm continuing with my Milk Friendly series and sharing another simple little trick up my sleeve when it comes to getting dressed to go out of the house with a nursing baby. When I'm online shopping, I often scan the "dresses" category of a website to look for dresses exactly like this Pink Blush dress shown in the pictures - something cami-style, with a v-neck and spaghetti straps. The reason why this kind of dress is so perfect for breastfeeding is because you can easily wear a strapless bra or bralette and easily pull down the straps when you need to feed your little one. But I also love how versatile this dress is and how it can be styled a bunch of different ways - with a long skirt over it so the top looks like a tank, with an oversized sweater over it so the dress looks like a skirt, with a threaded kimono worn over it or with cropped jeans under it - the possibilities are endless! You will seeing me wear this dress a lot this fall, because the rust color is perfect for the changing season and there is so much that can be worn with it. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Pink Blush has previously been known for its maternity clothes, but they carry so many other cute style that are for everyday life (and also nursing-specific) and I love that they are always including fresh trends for the season, so that this journey of motherhood doesn't have to be a frumpy one. Hurray for cute styles and clothes that make us feel relevant!

P.S. - You can see my other nursing-friendly essentials like the tunic tee and the kimono.

Featured Piece:

Pink Blush Rust Floral Button Front Dress

Thanks to my friends at PinkBlush for sponsoring this post and sending me the product. All opinions expressed are my own.

Milk Friendly - the Kimono.

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Outfit Details:
PinkBlush Purple Lace Mesh Kimono c/o, Target Mossimo Supply Racerback Tank, Free People Bralette (similar here and here), Free People Roll Crop Jeans, Blowfish Wedges (similar here and here)

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We continue the conversation about nursing-friendly clothes! I have boiled down my wardrobe to a set of staple breastfeeding-friendly essentials that I rotate through and mix with my non-nursing clothing. Last week I chatted about my love for the basic tunic tee. Which brings me this week to kimonos - I love them! My sisters gifted me a few last year for my birthday which was the BEST gift, because you can easily transition these from maternity wear into nursing wear and regular everyday wear! You don't have to change sizes from maternity to non, so it really is such a versatile accessory that can make any outfit all the better. I love this particular kimono from PinkBlush because it's a twist on the traditional cardigan and made with a thinner, gauzy, lightweight fabric- which really helps when you're dealing with hormonal hot flashes and a sweaty baby nestled up against your body.

I like to pair a kimono like this one over practically everything in my wardrobe - it adds an extra layer that gives your nursing tees, nursing tanks or simple dresses that extra pop of fun. Plus, it provides extra coverage, especially over those dorky clip-down straps on nursing tanks. This one really caught my attention on the website because of all the fancy lacy detail, and also, it's purple, so it's like duh. So so pretty. Almost makes you forget about milk stains and baby spit up. Almost. I also really like this one, this one, this one and this one for the coming fall months. These would look so good with practically anything!

A quick note about PinkBlush - I have featured them here and here before and it's because they have trendy pieces that work for any stage of a woman's life. PinkBlush is known for maternity wear, but they also have great women's clothing, plus-sized clothing and nursing clothing. And so many of the pieces are transitional through different stages, which is obviously what we are all trying to do - making our clothes work for us!

Featured Piece:

Purple Lace Mesh Long Maternity Kimono - Pinkblush

Talk to me mamas! What is your biggest struggle with making your clothes work for nursing? I'd love to hear from you!

Many thanks to my friends at PinkBlush for sponsoring this post and sending me the product. All opinions expressed are, as always, completely my own.

Baby Registry Picks: Feeding + a Giveaway with Whisper Baby! (CLOSED)

Baby Registry Picks: Feeding by oykristen // 1. Whisper Baby Milkmaid Nursing Pillow // 2. Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump // 3. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover // 4. Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles // 5. Lasinoh Storage Bags, Breast Pads & Soothies // 6. Boon Lawn Drying Rack // 7. Keekaroo High Chair // 8. Tommee Tippee Bibs //

Baby Registry Picks: Feeding

Today I am so amped to share my absolute favorite baby registry picks with you!

Since my son arrived in my life 7+ months ago, it has been an ongoing adventure of trial-and-error with different products as we approach each stage. And it feels like we are in a new stage every 2 weeks (sometimes sooner!) Over the course of this month of March, I will be sharing 5 categories of my baby registry picks with you, along with some awesome giveaways. Today, we focus on feeding! And be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post, it's a gooooooood one!

1. Whisper Baby Milkmaid Nursing Pillow

I cannot say enough excellent things about this divine nursing pillow. The Milkmaid has been the single most important feeding item (other than, you know, my nursing udders) that I have utilized during this new season of feeding my baby. Learning how to nurse a baby can be an uncomfortable, and sometimes, frustrating process. But this pillow eased the struggle of that transition. It is super structured, strong and supportive, constructed with layers of firm and malleable foam to create that perfect pillow "squish". It made the seemingly constant nursing sessions seem not so laborious on my back, neck and shoulders. I've tried out friends' nursing pillows, the traditional ones you find in the typical baby stores, and none of them are nearly as comfortable or supportive as this pillow. It's so worth adding to the registry and keeping your fingers crossed that some wonderful, compassionate relative purchases it for you! Side note - my husband has used this pillow to bottle feed Everett, and he loves it just as much as me. So it's great for both bottle and breastfeeding your babe :) Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to see pics of the pillow in action and enter the giveaway to win a pillow for yourself!

2. Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump

This pump took me a minute to get the hang of it, but once I did, I loved it. I'll be honest, I am not a diligent "pumper", but when I do, this contraption gets the job done! Thankfully, most insurance companies cover the cost of pumps these days (check your policy), so the hefty price tag doesn't have to make you choke. I also really appreciate (and use!) the tote bag and little cooler that comes with the accessories kit.

3. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover

This nursing cover has simplified the activity of feeding my baby in public places. In restaurants, while traveling on planes, in the middle of the park, at church... just to name a few. I couldn't find the link to the exact color of my cover (it's a orange one), but I would recommend a solid-color or darker patterned print. My child is always distracted by the pattern of the cover and it's enough to deter him from nursing sometimes. He gets all wide-eyed and transfixed, as if he's on the inside of a kaleidoscope. So, a little tip... maybe aim for a less busy print.

4. Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles

I love these bottles. My baby does not. But I still want to share this brand with you because it's pretty amazing and I can't really get my child to really love any bottle - we've tried several different brands including different nipples - so I think he's just a little spoiled rotten (if you have tips for tricking a 7-month into suddenly loving bottles, I am all ears!) But I personally love this brand because the bottles are made completely free of BPA, BPS and phthalates and designed with medical-grade silicon nipples. I love quality materials. Next time around (if there is a next time around!) I will attempt to introduce bottle feeding a little sooner, and hopefully my child will fall in love with these products the same way I have. 

5. Lasinoh Storage Bags, Breast Pads & Soothies

I am grateful for this product line by Lasinoh - these are all necessary "tools" to have ready for when the baby arrives! The storage bags for expressed breast milk, the pads for those sore nipples and soothies for the occasional (but necessary) nipple therapy. These are simple "must haves" for those breastfeeding and pumping mamas! Go ahead and have these on-hand before the baby arrives. You won't be sorry.

6. Boon Lawn Drying Rack

This is a drying rack with personality. Some creative genius came up with a fun way to jazz up the annoying process of cleaning and drying those rascal breast pump parts. This is a peppy kitchen accessory that you will be happy to leave out on your kitchen counter top.

7. Keekaroo High Chair 

Best high chair ever. My darling physical therapist friend Lorin shared the tip that this chair is developed to be ergonomically correct for baby's sitting posture. And hey, if the physical therapist says its true... well then I trust her! It's super safe (with a 3-point harness system), made without BPAs or harsh chemicals (lacquered with a plant-based, non-toxic finish), is made in the USA (American manufacturing, woohoo!) and is pretty darn beautiful to look at. Everett has gotten really comfortable in his special seat after only about 8 weeks of using it - it's made meal time really hilarious and fun for all.

8. Tommee Tippee Bibs

These bibs. Are the bomb. Don't buy any others! Draping your child in a rubbery food-catcher is the only way to ensure a stain-free mealtime experience. Which means less laundry. Which means mommy is happy. Also, Everett likes to store prizes in these bibs, from time to time. It's darn cute.

These are the most-used, best-loved products in our feeding arsenal. Do you have any feeding picks to add to the list? If so, make sure to comment below! It's been an exploratory 7+ months for me and my little one and I love sharing what I've learned. Hopefully it will help you in your own baby-feeding journey! For in-depth (and perhaps an overshare) of nursing info, see my post about about breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. For more info on baby food resources and recipes, you can check out my post about Stage 1 Baby Foods. 

Now for a Giveaway!

I am so so SO thrilled to be partnering with Whisperbaby to give away the mother of all nursing pillows, the Milkmaid! I cannot possibly describe this pillow grandly enough - it's made my entire transition into nursing as flawless as it could be. It's such a quality product for such a vulnerable time in every mama's life - I am stoked to gift one of my lucky readers with this incredible product! And for the next month (until April 9th)

Whisper Baby is offering a 15% discount to Oy! readers using the code OYKRISTEN. Seriously, if you are pregnant or nursing (or ever plan to!) you should really take advantage of this stellar deal :)

*Photos by Rachel Spencer

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below (sorry - U.S based entries, only!) You just have to "like" Whisper Baby and Oykristen on Facebook and follow on Instagram, simple as that! 1 winner will be chosen at random within 1 week and contacted by email. Best of luck to all of you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Whisper Baby for sponsoring this giveaway for Oykristen readers :)