Newborn Nursing Favorites

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The twins are HERE. I know I’ve already announced that, but this is my first post that I’m writing (besides their birth story which I’m still working on) postpartum. So far motherhood is as hard as I thought it would be. No lying there! One thing I didn’t expect though is that I wouldn’t be able to “do it all”. I had already scaled back most of my workload during pregnancy, but now that they are here, I can’t really even keep up with that lessened schedule. All of my life I’ve been able to “do it all”, so this was and still is quite an adjustment. There are no regrets, just trying to learn how to navigate this new chapter. Nick is off of work until the new year, so right now I have his help when I truly need to sit down and focus on emails. Though I’m trying to only do this about once a week / not at all. Writing has been exceptionally hard to keep up with, as I’m working with +/- 3 hours windows and I often choose to nap during that time. I have so many things I want to share with you and can’t get my thoughts onto paper (screen?) fast enough!

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Duet Modern Nursing Dress (c/o, wearing a M) | Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket (c/o) | Veja Sneakers

Most of my days as of late are spent in bed or in a comfortable chair with an occasional walk peppered in. I’m nursing, pumping, and supplementing with formula all times two thanks to my twinnies, so feeding is a large part of my day. If they decide to be on the same schedule and I feel like tandem nursing, I can get done with one feeding cycle in about an hour. I typically always top off with a bottle. Consider the times I don’t nurse simultaneously (it is actually what I prefer) and add in diaper changes and natural baby fussiness and you’ve got yourself a full day!

Side note - Nick 100% helps me. I couldn’t do it without him. Right now we find that it is best to take shifts during the night and then we give a collaborative effort during the day. So far our off days haven’t aligned and we have been able to give the support each of us (and our babies) need(s).

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For reference I took these photos almost 3 weeks PP.

I know I’m only a little past a month postpartum, but my body isn’t where I thought it would be. I really only gained 45 - 50 pounds during pregnancy and lost about 35 - 40 pounds almost instantly; however, my uterus is still shrinking. It makes sense as my belly gained almost 15 inches in circumference. That doesn’t just disappear overnight! Point being, most of my clothes don’t fit or they don’t fit how I’d like them to. Because of my cesarean section scar, even if some (pants) do fit, they are rather uncomfortable and cause pain on my incision. For that reason, I have been drawn to dresses and loose, flowy tunics. One of my favorites is this Modern Nursing Dress that Duet sent me.

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If there’s one thing I’ve been living in postpartum, it is this dress! I wish I would have packed it in my hospital bag, because it would have been perfect. It is cozy (and soft!!) enough that I have slept in it multiple times, yet chic enough to where I can throw on sneakers and look put together. I honestly can’t clean it fast enough, as I wear it at least once a week.

Besides the aesthetics, I also love the brand. Female founded by Meghann Bohs and made in New York City, it doesn’t get much better than that. Created by a mom, for moms, Duet’s product line is sustainably made with an organic cotton and Tencel blend. It retails at $88, which in my opinion is a steal for a (quality) made in the USA product. Plus I love supporting small businesses!

Let’s discuss its effortless functionality. Pull the short sleeve overlay over your head to reveal a cami dress. Don’t worry, you won’t lose the top part in the wash, as it is sewn together at the straps. I prefer to pull it over my head when tandem feeding; however, when nursing just one and especially out in public, I leave the overlay down as it perfectly drapes my baby’s face. It truly is a modern design that is very nursing-friendly. Don’t forget that it has removable pads to help combat leakage and has a cute tie back that brings together the whole look!

Want to try it for yourself? Duet gave me the discount code ELLEMULENOS to share with you to get free shipping. Score!! Honestly, I want it in all 3 colors.

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Other nursing favorites I have are:

• Spectra 1 Plus Pump (got this through my insurance, but had to pay $50 to “upgrade” it from the Spectra 2, which was worth it, as this one doesn’t have to be plugged into a wall - be sure to buy an extra set of flanges, etc so one is always clean and ready to go)

• Duet Modern Nursing Dress (I prefer a M, use code ELLEMULENOS for free shipping)

• Moonlight Nightshirt (I like my regular size S even for pregnancy and postpartum)

• Dairy Fairy Nursing Bras (pretty and functional, holds the flanges well, be sure to read the sizing chart)

• Amazon Nursing Bra (comfy and practical, not as supportive for hands-free pumping but soft and smooth)

• Reusable Nursing Pads (I like these better than the disposable ones)

• Breastmilk Cooler Bag (Great for on the road, but also since our nursery is upstairs / for overnight bottles and breastmilk)

• Primally Pure Baby Balm (I use this on my nipples, among other things, use code ELLEMULENOS for 10% off)

• Twin Z Pillow (I prefer this for bottle feeding, but it works for nursing, especially for tandem)

• Twingo Pillow (I use both pillows for tandem and just one for single)

• Haakaa Breast Pump (When I’m not tandem nursing, I place this on the breast that isn’t being nursed on - it catches milk from the let down so it doesn’t go to waste)

• Fenugreek Supplement (helps increase milk supply)

• Mother’s Milk Tea (helps increase milk supply)

• Sally’s Baking Addiction Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (I also like these lactation cookies)

• Bobbie Formula (because I know you’ll ask, this is what I’m supplementing with)

I know I’m new, but these are my current favorites. I’m only 30+ days into this and I have twins so perhaps some of what I’m saying isn’t relatable, BUT I hope it is at least somewhat helpful. Have any nursing hacks or faves? Feel free to share - I would love to know. I am hoping to several more posts on feeding / nursing / twins, so let me know if you have any questions or things you’d like to see included. Good luck! And remember fed is best!!

P.S. If you’re looking for twin nursing tips, check out Twiniversity! They have tons of newborn twin tips and offer classes. They have Twiniversity Breastfeeding Step by Step and their twin specific breastfeeding class. They also do (virtual!) lactation consults too. I would not suggest on paying for a singleton breastfeeding class if twins are your reality, as it is very different.

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Thank you to Duet for sponsoring this post. All opinions belong to LMents of Style.