After I received antibiotic treatment for a breast infection, my son developed
oral thrush and I developed a yeast infection on my nipples! After trialling the
regular prescription drops for the thrush, the problem did not resolve. As a
last resort, gentian violet was recommended. This is an anti-fungal medication
applied topically to the baby's tongue, and to the mom's nipples. It is purple
in color, and will stain anything it touches. I am happy to say that this did
resolve the issue, but it left quite a lasting impression for days after! Can
you imagine the looks you would get if you were breastfeeding with purple
breasts? That is when I really began to appreciate my breastfeeding tops.
Breastfeeding in public does not need to be a difficult experience. I need to
mention that if you are comfortable with some exposure, then definitely go for
it. I have nothing against it; I just was not personally comfortable with others
seeing my breasts while I was out and about. That is why I chose to wear tops
meant for breastfeeding so that I could be as discreet as possible.
I used to watch other moms who would drape receiving blankets over their
shoulders while latching on their babies, and I could never figure out how
exactly they managed to do this. I tried it, and it just never worked. I could
not see what I was doing, as the blanket would get in the way, and would not
stay on. Plus if you have a baby who accidentally grabs the blanket at the
inopportune time, that could be a problem! Especially if Uncle Harry is standing
nearby when this happens!
That is why wearing breastfeeding tops made so much sense to me. I want to
give you some tips on what I found to be most useful in a top:
- Look for tops that do not expose your post-pregnancy stomach. I do not
know about you, but after I had my babies, my stomach felt like a bowl of
jelly every time I laughed. Besides this, when your stomach is not exposed,
it is much less obvious what you are doing when people pass by.
- Choose dark or patterned tops, because leaks will be less noticeable.
Once again, I wish I had thought of this when I first started breastfeeding.
I was out shopping one day for a short period of time just after my daughter
was born. Suddenly, I heard someone else's baby cry, and I experienced
let-down! And there was so much milk that my pink shirt began to turn white
from the milk. Luckily, I had my jacket with me and was able to make an exit
without too many people noticing what had just happened.
- Look for some tank tops that double as breastfeeding bras. Many of these
can be layered and worn under something else.
- Buy tops where your breasts are easily accessible through slits by using
only one hand, when needed.
I hope that my experiences give you some ideas on what you can look for in
breastfeeding tops, and why I feel they are such great clothing items to have.
They really are essential, and can make a world of difference in your comfort
level with nursing anywhere you may be.
