Happy National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and World Breastfeeding week to all you mamas! Regardless of how long your journey was – be it 5 minutes or 5 years, it’s all about doing what’s right for you and your family, and being happy with your decision. After a long 18.5 months (or 566 days if you’re wanting to be more precise), I am in awe that H and I are still going strong. 
I remember one of the biggest issues for me after H was born was nursing in public. It was weird, thing were awkward, and limbs were always everywhere. I couldn’t figure out how to maneuver the udder cover thing I got as a shower gift either – if I moved the fabric to cover H and the breast he was nursing from, it left the entire other side of my body exposed. The tie was always coming undone and it was unnecessarily difficult for me to tie it loose enough so that I could still see H’s face, but tight enough so that it wouldn’t slide down my shoulders and become a moot point. Sitting in an Olive Garden while your 5 week old is rooting and crying because you’re struggling with adjusting an awkward cover is not something I would wish upon anyone.
Mariah, the mama behind Cover Me Ponchos, experienced the same frustrations as myself and many other breast feeding mothers, with her first son. When she learned she was pregnant with her second child and realized the time to nurse again was quickly approaching, she decided to “take matters into her own hands and create what [she] now lovingly refer to as ‘the new nursing cover'”! She knew she wanted something that was light weight, soft enough for baby snuggles and offered full coverage, so there was no need for nursing-specific clothing – and her prototype was born! Yes, the edges and seams may not have been perfect, but the idea was incredibly exciting.
Everywhere she went, other mothers were asking Mariah where she had bought hers and wanting one for themselves. She even had people offer to buy one on the spot! Because of this positive reaction, she set up an online shop just to see what would happen. “One year, one baby, and thousands of ponchos later, [she has] come a long way.”
Mariah’s nursing ponchos belong on every baby registry ever created – seriously. If you can put on a shirt, then you can put on a Cover Me Poncho. There are no strings or straps or ties to finagle, just slip it on over your head and you’re good to go!
Calling the fabric soft is an understatement, I want an entire wardrobe of nightgowns made of this breathable jersey knit (although I would probably never take it off). Her nursing cover is the only one I’ve ever used in my 18 months that not only makes sense for a nursing mama, but is also one that is pretty to look at. But don’t pigeonhole this piece into just the ‘nursing poncho’ category! It is so versatile and can be worn and used in so many ways:
– maternity wear – post partum wear – kimono – a stylish poncho – an infinity scarf – a sun protector for your little – car seat cover – park blanket – mini swaddle blanket
Because it’s good for everything from jazzing up a cute outfit to wiping up spit up (thank goodness for washing machines), and it rolls up super compact – it’s the perfect ‘does it all’ diaper bag essential as well.
If you have any friends who are planning on breast feeding, who are nursing, or are a nursing mama yourself, RUN over to Cover Me Ponchos website and pick up a few! Make sure you’re also following them on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with sales, giveaways and new fabric choices!
The Vintage Honey Shop necklaces are a daily accessory for H and I. Yes, I’ve raved about them for their teething remedy qualities, but I might love them the most for breastfeeding. H has become quite the twiddler as he gets older – not my favorite thing in the world, and actually causes me quite a bit of nursing aversion.
Thankfully, Jen and Mel, the two wonderful mamas behind The Vintage Honey Shop, make beautiful and stylish accessories to help with exactly that! When I’m wearing my fabric or silicone necklaces, it gives H something to occupy his hands and fingers with while he’s nursing, and gives my poor chest / neck / hair / eyes / nostrils / etc a break as well!
They recently came out with a ‘Daddy’ teething necklace line as well, which is especially great for the Hubs when he’s wearing H in the LILLEbaby carrier to give H something to chew on that isn’t buttons (or a hairy chest). Check out their Instagram, Facebook, or Shop for all the glorious options and make sure to use code ‘WBW15’ all week long to save 15% off your purchase!
Because I love how much easier Cover Me Ponchos and The Vintage Honey Shop make our breastfeeding relationship, both at home and on the road, I’m teaming up with both of these mama-run shops to give one of you a $25 credit to The Vintage Honey Shop and a nursing cover of your choice! I mean seriously, look how beautiful they are together:
This giveaway is in no way sponsored by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Open to the US and Canada, 18+. Giveaway runs from 12am PST Monday August 3rd, 2015 to 11:59pm PST Sunday August 9th 2015.
Click on the photo below to head to Instagram for more chances to win!
Those are perfect and beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
I nursed 30 years ago. At that time there were very few places set aside for nursing, and even today I notice dark and dingy places set aside in ladies' rooms. No, we've not come a long way, baby. BUT your poncho is terrific as a cover-up! I used a blanket or towel or diaper! this is much more handy and much more attractive!!
Love the poncho! I have THREE sisters in law who are pregnant right now and those would make awesome shower gifts for them.
I like how airy, lightweight and attractive that is. They really designed that in such a smart way!
This looks like a really good solution!! We don't have children yet, but I'm really modest about wanting to cover up. I can't imagine I will feel any less when we have children.
What a beautiful story. I am hapoythose shalls come in handy for those who want to be a but discreet.
What a beautiful story. I am hapoythose shalls come in handy for those who want to be a but discreet.
What a great idea. Thanks for this; I know many women who simply cannot breastfeed out in the open due to religious reasons, and this is a great way to both look good and feel comfortable!
These both look great. I use teething necklaces myself.
I LOVE that poncho and necklace. I wish I would have had them when I was nursing. I made it to 2 years with my first, but couldn't nurse my twins. I did exclusively pump for a year, though.
Both pieces are beautiful!! My little guy would go nuts if he could chew on my necklace 🙂
It is so nice all of the options women have to nurse their babies.
I love that poncho!!! Breastfeeding is a beautiful thing. I love reading posts like this and seeing how comfortable people are getting about speaking up for themselves and their kids! I feel like just this past year I have seen so much positive attention brought to breastfeeding.
I love the Spring Daisy Ring necklace and the Summer Floral Poncho 😃
I like the cobalt blue nursing cover and the silicone teething necklace no 625.
I love nursing ponchos and scarves! That color looks great on you too! Thanks for hosting an amazing giveaway <3
I'll have to check out those ponchos, thanks for sharing 🙂
I love ponchos because they can cover my (big) arms. It;s nice to know that there are nursing ponchos, too.
Both the poncho and necklace are gorgeous. I have a cousin who just gave birth she'll love this and the necklace.
That poncho is beautiful. What a brilliant idea.
What a creative (and stylish!) idea for a nursing cover! I know some mamas who would absolutely love this!
That's a fabulous design… Initially, I thought it was just a stylish top so it is versatile.
That looks soooo super comfy. I can imagine it being perfect for the hot summer weather.
I love those. I am not breastfeeding but I totally love these! They look awesome!
I love the floral poncho and the silicone teething necklace no. 071 🙂
I love the color you chose, but I might also go with black since black goes with a lot of clothing, too. 🙂
What a perfect poncho to cover up while breast feeding. Good luck everybody with the giveaway. You have a handsome son.
Those ponchos look like infinity scarves! And they look fashionable! Wow!
That's just as stylish as it can be. It doesn't even look like it's for nursing.
Wow doesn't even look like a breastfeeding cover! 🙂
I would choose silicone teething necklace number 111 and the black and white stripe poncho!
I love how these ponchos look! And all the amazing colours they come in! I would have a hard time picking just one! I might go with the black cause it goes with everything, or go crazy and get that lovely coral! I have also had my eye on the necklaces by The Vintage Honey Shop, love the bead one covered with the eternal fabric!
Wow I wish I had known about these ponchos when I was nursing! Maybe if we go for a third 🙂 That necklace looks fantastic as well!
such lovely products ! i adore the chrome floral ring necklace and the light grey nursing poncho
I love the southwest poncho and the Silicone Teething Necklace – no. 1228. Thanks for awesome giveaways!