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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Review: Capri Nursing PJs

Judy from A Mother's Boutique was kind enough to send me a pair of capri pant nursing PJs to review on the blog. The pajamas are made by Annee Matthew and retail for $65 at A Mother's Boutique.



As you can see, the pajamas come with a tank style top that has adjustable bra-like straps and a clasp that unhooks like a regular nursing bra. There is no underwire, but there is an elastic built-in shelf that provides some support. The bottoms are capri-length pants with an elastic waistband. When I looked at the sizing of the PJs, I wasn't sure what to order. I wear a size 12 so I was torn between ordering a Medium and a Large. I decided to go with the Large because I figured since these are pajamas (and knowing me, they would end up doubling as lounge wear), I'd rather have them be roomy than snug. When the pajamas arrived and I slipped them on, I found the top was a bit too big. Although I am at DD status due to nursing, there was still plenty of room for extra boobage, although it fit fine across my ample tummy. I adjusted the straps to as tight as they would go and I still had room. However, the pants fit well. I am curvy so I have wider hips and a big behind, so I think a Medium would have been tight on my tush and squished my stomach. No one wants a waistband that's so tight it leaves marks on your skin, particularly post-partum when your stomach is still mushy or you have a sensitive C-section scar.

What I Liked
  • These PJs are super comfy! The cotton spandex blend was very soft against my skin and had plenty of stretch to move with me.
  • Stylish. These pajamas easily double as lounge wear so mom won't feel like a total schlub if she lives in them for a couple of days while caring for a new baby.
  • Thickness. These PJs are nice and thick and not see-thru. I find a lot of times pajamas are so thin you feel indecent wearing them in front of other people. New moms get a lot of visitors, sometimes unannounced and unexpected. You wouldn't feel too exposed in these PJs.
  • Easy to open clasp on the straps! I was able to unhook one-handed and while half-asleep.

What I Didn't Like
  • Sizing. There was no size chart available to give me a hint as to what size to order and since these are two separate pieces, it would've been nice to be able to order them mix & match. I probably could've used a Medium in the top and definitely needed a Large in the bottoms.
  • These are only available in black and navy. It would be nice if they were available in some other colors and prints.
The Verdict

At $65 the pajamas are pricey, but if you wear them through pregnancy and while nursing and use them for more than one baby, they are well worth the price. They are extremely comfortable and soft and I felt they were flattering. I wore them several times and they came out of the wash even softer. I am finding myself reaching for these pajamas every single night. Although my son now sleeps through the night, I wear these to nurse him before bed and in the morning.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Review & Sweepstakes: Bravado Nursing Bra

Can I be honest with you guys and let you in on a secret? Sometimes I am a really big cheapskate. Now, I think I'm a generous person and I like to splurge from time to time, but I find it hard to justify spending a lot on certain items, like shoes, purses, bras, manicures. I will drop $100 on a sushi dinner without batting an eyelash, but never invested in quality nursing bras. I know, it makes no sense, and maybe if I'd known how long I'd be nursing or just how much time I'd be spending in nursing bras, I wouldn't have been so cheap about it.

Luckily for me, Bravado Designs offered to send me a nursing bra to review on the blog. When I told them that I'd love to because I STILL live in my nursing bras 19 months after having my son, they suggested I try out their Body Silk Seamless nursing bra.




What can I say about this bra? I put it on and was immediately in heaven. I think it is no exaggeration to say that this bra is life changing. It's silky, smooth and soft. It's the most comfortable bra I've ever worn, period. It offers support and shaping, without digging. There is no hard, painful under wire, yet the bra lifts your breasts perfectly back to their pre-pregnancy location. I wore it to sleep and it didn't even feel like I had a bra on at all. I strutted around the house with it on and kept admiring myself in the mirror so much that my husband was laughing at me! It's just that my breasts have never looked so good in a bra and it totally changed my silhouette in my clothes as well. I ordered a size Large and it fits perfectly, yet there is enough room that I know that when I have Baby No. 2 and my breasts are once again engorged and much fuller with milk, that the bra will still fit great. The bra also came with two foam cups that can be used to hide your breast pads, but that are removable for when you no longer need them.

I am kicking myself in the butt for not getting a Bravado bra from day one. If you are pregnant or nursing, treat yourself to one NOW. You deserve and need this bra. If you have a girlfriend who is pregnant, this bra would make a wonderful shower gift (the sizing method makes it really easy to guess what size she'd need).

For a limited time, use coupon code CSR-155 for 20% off your order at Bravado. Bravado has also set up a Sweepstakes for my readers! Enter here for the opportunity to win an entire wardrobe by Bravado Designs (my Canada peeps should click here). The Sweepstakes bounty includes an Original Nursing Bra, a Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra, a Lifestyle Microfiber Nursing Bra and an Essential Nursing Bra Tank, a $160 value, yours for free!

OK, this cheapskate is off to order more bras! Whoulda thunk it?



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