With Klair I was able to exclusively breastfeed her for the first 6 months, and I continued to breastfeed until she was 14 months old. I felt like this was a big accomplishment for me... like what I imagine running a marathon might feel like (not that I've ever done it, but a girl can imagine). Now don't get me wrong--I love breastfeeding. But, I'd be lying if I said that it didn't come with its share of challenges. There were certainly times that I wanted to throw in the towel, but ultimately I'm glad that I stuck it out for as long as I did. This time around I want to give Grayson the same experience and at least make it to the recommended 1 year mark... a feat that (I didn't realize) is going to be even harder to accomplish. More often than not when I breastfed Klair it was a quiet, intimate time between baby and me at home. This time around I have a toddler constantly vying for my attention (refer to the picture with Klair... she wants to be apart of everything) and always wanting to be on the go. Thus, breastfeeding Grayson often feels like something I squeeze in... a lot of times in public... when I can. Thus, having good breastfeeding products--like a good nursing cover--is a must for me.Now, that's not to say that I think everyone needs to use a nursing cover. There are women out there who feel confident breastfeeding in public, and I commend them. I don't think there is anything wrong with it at all. Personally though I've always been a very private person. I remember from a young age making my own mom leave the room when I changed. The idea of breastfeeding in public... it just doesn't work for me. With Klair I bought a cover, but it was the kind that resembles an apron and only drapes over the front of you. This was okay while she was little, but it got increasingly difficult to keep myself covered as she started moving around more. Plus, without back coverage, I was forced to wear only clothing that was nursing friendly. I often found myself going to another room at social functions, or heading out to the car to try and avoid having to feed in public.
My poncho from Cover Me Ponchos as been game changing. I get complete coverage from it, and I don't have to worry about the wind or my baby moving too much and exposing me in a way I would be uncomfortable with. It's such great coverage in fact that I can wear shirts that aren't "nursing-friendly" and simply undress the top part of what I'm wearing under the poncho to make it work. It's awesome. I also love how stylish it is. As soon as it arrived I put it on and felt really cute. I'll even admit that I paired it with some black skinnies and wore it as my shirt the next day--it was an extremely convenient outfit for nursing.
Furthermore, my poncho is very versatile and has replaced other items I used to take with me--with a toddler and a newborn I feel like I'm packing for a camping trip every time I leave the house so minimizing what I take is always a good thing. Obviously my poncho serves as a nursing cover, but it has also become my go to blanket that I can wrap Gray in when I need to, and a carseat cover anytime I want to give him a little shade or privacy for sleeping.
Ultimately I can't speak highly enough about my poncho! There are other companies out there selling similar products, but Cover Me Ponchos' covers are extremely affordable while still maintaining impressive quality. Aaaand don't you worry they come in a variety of super cute prints and colors because I get it, style is important! (The one pictured in this post is their navy cream stripe nursing cover.) If you're looking for a cover that will look great while serving multiple purposes I highly suggest checking them out!
Also, if you do purchase one you can use discount code "autumn" to get 10% off.
This post was written in partnership with Cover Me Ponchos. All opinions expressed are my own.
