Bravado Bliss Soft Cup Nursing Bra Review

Apr 24,2012 / By Maria / 6 Comments

I can hardly begin to tell you how much I despise bra shopping. Especially nursing bras. I wear an odd size, so I have no choice but to order online, and they are always expensive. Between pregnancy weight gain, weight loss, initial nursing engorgement, then gradual size change as my kids nursed less and I lost weight, I thought I had just about every size I needed.

As my children grew older, I just wore a regular bra where I could pull the cup to the side to nurse, but I stuck with soft cup nursing bras initially. However, I have never found a soft cup bra that gives me decent lift and shape, as well as comfort. Even ones with a wide band underneath tended to just roll up under my bust, and they all looked awful under tops. I had an occasion recently where I had to look presentable, so I grabbed an underwire bra from my “stash” that looked decent, but (since the band was too big) the underwire dug into my underarms. Thus started my latest, desperate, money bleeding search for a decent nursing bra.

Finding the right size is ridiculous and annoying since they vary so much by brand and style. Plus, only certain cup shapes fit me well, and a 30″ band size with a larger cup is hard to find. In the past, if I’ve found a bra I like, I will buy the same in different sizes as I’ve lost weight. (I have quite a few by Fantasie!) For me, a bra needs to be comfortable; the right band size, the right cup size, with no riding up and no shifting inside the cups. It needs to lift and separate (sounds cheesy but true), be supportive, and be smooth under clothing. A very, very tall order apparently.

Reviews for the Bravado Bliss Nursing Soft Cup Bra seemed good, it was actually a bit cheaper ($54 retail) than many others, and it came with an extender and a kit to convert it to a regular bra when you were finished nursing.

It has kind of a cheesy little thing in the middle, but there isn’t much holding it on, so you can take it off. It’s not as utilitarian looking as many, and has adjustable straps.

I initially ordered this in the next size down and instantly fell in love, but I was spilling out of the sides of the cup a bit. It does not come in a 30 band size, so I had gone up to a 32 and sized the cup down to make up for it.

Be leery of anyone who tells you to add inches to your rib cage measurement to get your band size. This will usually end up getting you too big of a band size and too small of a cup size. For someone who is say, a 30F, the old add 5 inches thing will get you in a 34 or 36 A cup!! Not happening. You want the bra to be snug (but not tight) on the loosest clasp setting when it’s new, so you can tighten it as it stretches with age. If the band is on the tightest setting, you likely need to go down a band size (and up a cup size to make up for it if the bra otherwise fit.)

Anyhoo, what I love about this bra is that it has molded foam cups, with a firm but flexible support channel underneath. The support & shape were as close to an underwire as I’ve ever seen from a soft cup. The band didn’t fold under my bust, even when I slouched. The cups provide modesty, hide nursing pads, and can catch a little “oops I forgot nursing pads” leakage. I happily chopped those tags off and wore it. And then…and then…

You have to remember that when you go up a band size, the whole bra is changed proportionately. It’s not like an inch or two was just added to the back. The cups themselves are designed for someone with a broader rib cage. Therefore, going from a 30 to a 32 band size moves the cups from the front of my chest closer to my underarms. Then what happens is that as I reach, bend, move etc., my nice shape turns into a uni-boob, which quickly turns into a quad-boob. This has happened before with molded cups and a band size that’s too big (especially with companies not known for small band/large cup sizes.) It’s never apparent in the “trying on” stage, only after I’ve cut the tags off and worn it. With a non-nursing bra, I can use fashion tape to keep the cups in place. Otherwise, I have to try to nonchalantly stuff myself back in the cups every 5 minutes. Obviously, taping myself in the bra isn’t an option when I’m nursing.

I can’t return it, and there’s not exactly a market for used nursing bras, so I’m out $50. If this came in a 30 band size, I might love it. For now, I ordered two more sizes of my favorite non-nursing, underwire bra, since I have 1 that’s a little too small and 1 that’s a little too big, but I think the right size will work for just pulling the cup to the side. For the record, out of the zillions of bras I’ve tried, used and/or returned over the past 8ish years, my favorites are the Freya Millie Balcony Underwire Bra, which I believe has been replaced by the Naomi Balcony Underwire Bra, and the Fantasie Smoothing Balcony Underwire Bra.

Finding a bra that works for me stinks. Finding one that also works for nursing double stinks. I’ve come to realize that I can only buy from a handful of brands that specialize in small band/large cup sizes. So how about you? Do you have bra issues, or are you a lucky one that can grab something at the department store for $30? If you have an oddball size, some places I’ve shopped are Her Room, Fig Leaves and Bigger Bras. Not affiliate links, just places I’ve frequented in recent years! Just be aware that a lot of brands are European, so the cup sizes at DD & beyond will be labeled differently! (Ex: Fantasie goes C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G etc. Most American sizes would be C, D, DD/E, DDD/F etc.) So, you could be an I cup in the U.S. but wear a G in a European brand!

FTC compliance: Although I paid normal retail prices for the pictured item, this post contains affiliate links. I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

Affiliates Diaper Cream Diaper Rash Mailbox Mondays

Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 4/23/12 – Cloth Safe Rash Creams

Apr 23,2012 / By Maria / 6 Comments

If you have a cloth diaper question, have it answered in a Mailbox Mondays post, and get other Moms’ opinions too!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Sadie says::

Hi Maria

I’ve been scouring your blog posts and archives to try and find if/where you review diaper rash creams for cloth diapers. I know enough to know that some of the normal kinds (desitin) aren’t good for cloth but I dont really know why (what to look for in other brands) and what you should be using instead. My hubby and I are expecting in 4 months (our first) and have committed to cloth. I’m working on my registry and want to make sure to add the right items for cloth diapering. Thanks so much!
Sadie

Congratulations on the baby! If you’re ever looking for something, you can click the review archive link at the top of the page, and skim my reviews by category. My site has a search box, but I usually have better luck going to Google and typing “change-diapers.com rash cream” (or whatever.)

You can use zinc based, or medicated rash creams if you need to, just use a fleece liner between baby & the diaper. In general, you probably won’t see a whole lot of rash with cloth, though that’s not to say it won’t happen.

There are several cloth-safe creams out there, including Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm, Grandma El’s, GroVia’s Magic Stick, Motherlove Diaper Rash & Thrush Salve, Thirsties Booty Luster & CJ’s (among others). Many moms have luck with plain old olive or coconut oil. With any of these, be sure you are using a very small amount, or use a fleece liner.

For me, one application clears up any redness, and if one of my boys isn’t feeling well, a preventative layer serves as a barrier against acidic or just repeated bowel movements.

What is your favorite rash cream?

This post contains affiliate links.

Friday Giveaway Linky Giveaways Linky

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup for 4/20/12 (Plus Linky for All Giveaways)

Apr 20,2012 / By Maria / 4 Comments

Time to enter to win free cloth diapers. Every Friday, I round up cloth diaper, accessory & baby wearing giveaways that I’ve found.

If you’d like me to list your cloth diaper, accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, send a link and description to maria at change-diapers.com, or Fill out my contact form for readers.

My Lunette Reusable Menstrual Cup Giveaway ends 5/3 RC

*Baby K’Tan Carrier from Being MVP Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 4/20) RC

*GladRags Mama Cloth from Contemplate Cloth (ends 4/20) RC

*Booty Buns Diaper from My Cloth Diaper Stash (ends 4/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC Co-hosted with Stay at Home Cloth Diapering Mama

*$25 Zookies GC from The Bewitchin’ Kitchen (ends 4/20) Open worldwide RC

Fleece Soaker from My Cloth Diaper Stash (ends 4/20) RC Co-hosted with Stay at Home Cloth Diapering Mama

Charlie Banana Feminine Pads from All About Baby Boutique and Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Giggle Life Diaper from Bizzing Bea Baby Emporium and The Slacker Mom (ends 4/20) RC

Ruby Moon Wipe Bits from Changing Diapers & Figgy Fuzz (ends 4/20) RC

Fashion Bums Wipes from My Cloth Diaper Stash (ends 4/20) RC Co-hosted with Stay at Home Cloth Diapering Mama

Doll Diaper from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Wool Dryer Balls from Salt Air Studio and Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/20) RC

Lanolin from Milk Maid Mama and Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/20) RC

Snappi from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Barnyard Bumz Diaper from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Zolowear Ring Sling from Daily Mothering (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Softbums Diapers Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*$25 Cloth Diaper Store GC from Zephyr Hill (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Baby by Danish Wet Bag from Mommy’s Favorite Things Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/21) RC

Rockin’ Green Soap from Formula Mom Mandatory Twitter follow (ends 4/21) RC

Butterbears Diaper from Figgy Fuzz (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$10 Figgy Fuzz GC (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Red Barn Nifty Nappy Fitted Diaper from Sophie and Momma (ends 4/22) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Glow Bug Diaper from Formula Mom (ends 4/22) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*GroVia Shell & Biosoakers from Monica’s Mom Musings (ends 4/22) RC

GroVia Kit & Thirsties Inserts from So Easy Being Green (ends 4/22) RC

Cheeky Cloth Diaper from The Cloth Diaper Report Mandatory E-mail Subscription (ends 4/22) RC

Everyday Willow Dryer Balls & Motherlove Green Salve from Figgy Fuzz (ends 4/22) RC

Lovely Fluff Diaper (ends 4/22) RC

Fuzzibunz Diaper from Changing Diapers & Eclectic Momsense (ends 4/22) RC

Babykicks Basic Pocket Diaper & Washies Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/22) RC

Imse Vimse Swim Diaper from I Love Cloth Diapers (ends 4/23) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Baby K’Tan Carrier from Natural Parents Network (ends 4/24) RC

$50 Lunapads GC from Applecheeks (3 winners) Mandatory Facebook “like” and Twitter follow (ends 4/24) RC

Bamboobies Nursing Pads from Figgy Fuzz (ends 4/24) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

CJ’s BUTTer from My Cloth Diaper Stash (ends 4/24) RC Co-hosted with Stay at Home Cloth Diapering Mama

*Booty Buns Diaper from Nicki the Eval Gal Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/25) RC

Baby by danish Wet Bag from Cloth Diaper Addiction Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/25) GD

A Happy Green Life Detergent from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/25) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Cloth Diaper Butler from Baby and the Chis (ends 4/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Softbums Omni from The Slacker Mom (ends 4/26) RC

Eco Sprout Detergent from Stuff Parents Need (ends 4/26) RC

Glow Bug Diaper from OTTW Mandatory email subscription (ends 4/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

LynaeDean BaMomzY Diaper Bags from Empowering Ellie (ends 4/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$50 Abby’s Lane GC (2 winners) (ends 4/26) RC

Rumparooz Diapers from Diaper Junction (ends 4/26) RC

$20 Ultimate Green Store GC from The Review Stew Mandatory blog follow (ends 4/27) RC

Hipster Fluff Wipes from My Cloth Diaper Stash (ends 4/27) Open Worldwide RC Co-hosted with Stay at Home Cloth Diapering Mama

Couture Fluff GC from My Cloth Diaper Stash (ends 4/27) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Softbums Diapers from Daily Mothering (ends 4/28) RC

*Fuzzibunz Diaper from Changing Diapers and First Time Mom (ends 4/28) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Rockin’ Green Soap from The Mommy Times Mandatory Google+ follow and Facebook “like” (ends 4/28) RC

Lalabee Bathworks Bottom Balm from The Bewitchin’ Kitchen (ends 4/28) Open to Canadians only RC

Babee Greens Cloth Diaper from Naturally Thrifty Mom (ends 4/28) RC

*Green Tree Wipes from The Eco Chic (ends 4/29) RC

SmartSnugs Diapers from Trying to Go Green Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 4/29) RC

Blissful Booty Wipes & Concentrate from According to Jenny (ends 4/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Charlie Banana Diaper from So Easy Being Green (ends 4/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

LuSa Organics Booty Balm from Greenie Beanie Bottoms and Beautifully Bellafaith (ends 4/29) RC

Smartipants Diaper from Nicki the Eval Gal Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/29) RC

Swaddlebees Simplex from Conservamom Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/29) RC

Boba Baby Carrier from inRandom Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/29) RC

AMP Diaper from Life With My Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Boba Baby Carrier from Dirty Truth Reviews Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/29) RC

Water Wrap from Nicki’s Diapers (ends 4/29) RC

$20 Figgy Fuzz GC from Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$30 RearZ GC from DiaperDeals.ca Two Mandatory Facebook “likes” (ends 4/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$10 Barnyard Bummz GC from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Diapershops Sweepstakes on Facebook Open to the U.S. and Canada (ends 4/30)

*$10 Peace Love & Diapers GC from Sophie and Momma (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$25 Cloth Diaper Store GC from Padded Tush Stats (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Kissaluvs Marvels Fitted from Modern Muslim Mommy Mandatory email subscription (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Diva Cup from The Eco Friendly Family Blog (ends 4/30) RC

AMP Diaper from One More Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (ends 4/30) RC

Glow Bug Diaper from Simple City Life Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Peanut Shell Sling from Zephyr Hill (ends 4/30) RC

$75 or $25 Figgy Fuzz GC (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Rainbow Waters Wool Shorties from Figgy Fuzz (ends 4/30) RC

$50 Birdie’s Room GC from Everything Mom & Baby (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Bumgenius Freetime from Bouncing Babies & Dibs (ends 4/30) RC

Sew is Your Baby Diaper from The Bewitchin’ Kitchen (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Paisley Baby Wet Bag from The Bewitchin’ Kitchen (ends 4/30) Open Worldwide RC

Diaper Junction Gift Certificates (ends 4/30) Must submit a photo to enter. Two people will be selected at random to win a $25 GC and the winner w/the most votes receives a $50 GC – entry via Facebook app.

Rumparooz Diapers from Figgy Fuzz (ends 4/30) RC

$25 Just Simply Baby GC from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 4/30) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$25 Ultimate Green Store GC from A Nation of Moms (ends 5/1) RC

Mini Maestro Diaper from Simple City Life Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 5/1) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Applecheeks Diaper from Precious Bottoms & inRandom (ends 5/2) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

AMP Diaper from Simple City Life Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 5/3) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Rumparooz Diaper, Pail Liner & Doll Diaper from Abby’s Lane (ends 5/3) RC

GroVia Essay Contest from Abby’s Lane (ends 5/3) 250+ word “essay” – topics given

Cloth Wipes from Greenie Beanie Bottoms (ends 5/4) RC

Dinkledooz Diaper from GoGo Natural & Simple City Life Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/4) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Onya Baby Carrier from Monkey Tales (ends 5/5) RC

Super Skivvies Training Pants from Natural Parents Network (ends 5/5) Open Worldwide RC

*Applecheeks Diaper from Double Duty Mommy (ends 5/11) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Applecheeks Little Bundle from One Smiley Monkey (ends 5/12) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Itti Bitti Tutto from Kissed by the Moon & Natural Parents Network (ends 5/14) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Boba Baby Carrier from Snappy Diapers Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/31) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*giveaways that have been listed in a prior week’s roundup
RC Entries collected via Rafflecopter
GD Entries collected via Google Docs Form

You may enter any “family friendly” giveaway in the linky below. The form Blog name – Giveaway Item – Ending date works well. Please at least include the item and end date, and link directly to the giveaway.

View my where I list my giveaways post, to find more places to link up your giveaways!

Giveaway Natural Personal Care Products Reusable Products

Lunette Cup Giveaway (CLOSED 5/3)

Apr 19,2012 / By Maria / 17 Comments

If you clicked this post not knowing what a Lunette cup was, it is a reusable menstrual product, so men (or the extra-squeamish) can back away slowly!

I have not used a Lunette Cup, since I do not have a cycle in early breastfeeding (lucky me!) but I know a lot of you are interested in reusable menstrual products. I do not have a “review,” since I haven’t used it, but I will share some info & give you the chance to win one!

So what is a Lunette Cup? It is a reusable menstrual cup that is made in Finland, with medical grade, latex free silicone. It can be used during the day or overnight, during sports and by women of all ages and sizes. The cup has a lot of advantages including being economical (it will last for years), eco-friendly, safe, discreet and non-drying. Lunette gives great instructions on how to use the cup.

You will need to empty it 2-4 times per day. The cup comes in several colors (just for fun!), and you can use Lunette’s Feelbetter wash or CupWipes to clean your cup.

The Lunette is different than other menstrual cups and has different sizing. The stem is flat, and the inside is smooth, with no areas for bacteria to collect. It is designed to be easy to insert and comfortable to use. There is a wealth of information about the cup and your body on the Lunette website and Lunette blog.

“Like” Lunette on Facebook, follow Lunette on Twitter, Lunette on Pinterest, “like” Kelly Wels on Facebook, follow Kelly Wels on Twitter and Kelly Wels on Pinterest.

Where to buy: Buy Lunette Cup directly for $39.99, or find a retailer.

Are you a retailer? Want to add the Lunette Menstrual Cup to your store? Click here for info!

Giveaway sponsored by Lunette USA via Green Team Distribution/Kelly Wels: One winner will receive 1 cup in her choice of size/color, ARV $39.99. (Winner must give at least 2 color options in case one color is not available.) US Residents only. 18 yrs old and older. Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC compliance: I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

Motherhood Personal Posts

How Do You Work This Thing…Err, Kid?

Apr 18,2012 / By Maria / 10 Comments

Have you ever had a moment where you wished your child came with an owner’s manual? Let’s see…index: 7 year old with an attitude…page 67. Ah yes, here’s how to troubleshoot!

I have three children, and my third is far “easier” than the first two, so I’m feeling pretty good about the baby stuff right now. However, every day seems to bring a new challenge with my 7 year old. I can only hope that I will have it all figured out by the time the other two are that age!

I remember bringing my first baby home and thinking how crazy it was that they were actually sending me home to care for this tiny person!! We had to attend a “class” in order to be discharged, but that was essentialy talk of umbilical cord stumps and baby poop. I am so grateful to be raising children in the internet age. Is anyone else willing to ‘fess up to Googling things like “is … normal” or “what causes green baby poop?”

Now I find myself looking up first grade math online. I actually love math; it kills me when I hear kids say “pssht, when will I ever use this?” I use math all the time! In the grocery store to figure out unit prices, sales and tax. I use geometry when we’re working on home improvement projects, and I use algebra pretty much daily; or multiples times per day back when we were dealing with mortgage scenarios.

I did fine with Calculus in High School, but some of my first grader’s homework has me stumped. The K-2 math curriculum is really different than what I remember (granted, that was a long time ago!) and I’ve had to brush up to help her. She recently brought home a worksheet of “balancing equations.” The equations looked like this:

18-___=7+___
13=___

My husband and I were both shocked. What the heck? Are they doing algebra with two variables in first grade?? After a few minutes, we finally figured out that they were just trying to show kids that 18-5 is the same as 7+6 like this:

18-5=7+6
13=13

I’m glad that my daughter’s teacher this year emails a newsletter each week telling us what they are working on, but I sure wish they would tell us exactly what (and how!) they are teaching them, and teach us too. It’s hard to help when you have no idea what they are doing! Thank goodness for Google. We’ve found some great games for her to play online, and even flash cards to print.

I thought helping my daughter with her homework would be a breeze. After all, I was a great student, was excellent in math & English, and she’s even going to the same school I attended. I’m starting to get worried about second grade.

How about you? Has there been anything difficult about parenting that you didn’t anticipate having trouble with? Or does everything come naturally? (hmph)