This article was written by Tracey Campbell when she launched her business in 2004 and was first published in Natural Parenting Magazine. Today it is as relevant as ever, with the array of stylish breastfeedng clothes available continuing to increase.

Lifestyle facilitators, breastfeeding enhancers, spirit lifters … breastfeeding clothes can make a positive contribution to mum’s life in many a splendid way!

Modern mums enjoy living life to the full and are often out and about accompanied by their babies. The modern woman fills many roles in any given day. Because of the frequency of breastfeeding, this nurturing role often overlaps with the other roles of wife, friend and fun-loving individual who enjoys many activities including for example spending a day at the beach, visiting an art gallery or attending a party with friends. This means that mums who have chosen to breastfeed their babies will often have to do so in public.

To breastfeed in regular clothes, you need to unbutton or lift up your clothing to access your breast. Although our community is supportive of public breastfeeding, many mums feel awkward at the thought of baring their tummies. Even if they do not feel awkward, it is often just plain inconvenient to have to unbutton and rearrange clothing.

Specialised breastfeeding clothes offer a convenient alternative. These clothes generally work on a layering principle. The bottom layer contains breastfeeding openings. By lifting the top layer and accessing your breasts through the openings in the bottom layer, your back and tummy remain discreetly covered. Breastfeeding your baby becomes as discreet as a playful cuddle. The wearer can thus participate in all the fun activities life has to offer while always having peace of mind that she will be able to discreetly feed her baby - in style and with confidence!

To view Australia’s largest online selection of stylish breastfeeding clothes please visitwww.nursingwear.com.au For a handy reference site for breastfeeding clothes including tops, dresses and more please clickwww.breastfeedingclothes.com.au

As mother of two, Nora Devai knows all too well how quickly babies grow out of their clothes and shoes, and how easily they tire of their toys, movies and books. Through her experiences as a mother and her innovative thought process, Ms Devai has come up with the perfect solution: a baby exchange website.
Don’t be fooled by the name – the website doesn’t trade babies – but it does allow parents to exchange their not so use baby items. Following the worldwide trend of swapping and recycling - and in the wake of increased environmental consciousness - this unique concept is set to revolutionise the way Australian parents shop.
Baby Exchange is an indirect swapping website, so parents can choose any item they want as long as it is the same value as their items are worth. “Selling my baby items especially clothing, was just not worth the time and effort. When my daughter was born I thought wouldn’t it be great if there was a place to swap my son’s clothes for clothing for her. A place where parents could also exchange their unused or outgrown items for the next size up” Ms Devai said.
This site is the first of it’s kind in Australia. It is a fun, easy and cost effective way to minimise the expense and wastage involved in raising children. Ms Devai said as long as parents have something to swap they will never need to spend money on baby and children’s’ items again.
10% of all proceeds from Baby Exchange will be donated to Kids with Cancer Foundation.
For more information visit www.babyexchange.com.au

Would you believe me if I told you that there was secret ingredient that you could add to your baby’s food that would provide a massive nutritional boost? An incredibly healthy ingredient with such a subtle flavour that your baby wouldn’t even notice it?

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Yet that secret ingredient DOES exist - and YOU can increase the nutritive value of many of your baby’s meals by the simple addition of wheat germ.

Note: Before including wheat germ (which contains gluten), or any wheat products into your baby’s diet, remember to check with your doctor.

WHAT IS WHEAT GERM?

Nutritionally speaking, wheat germ is one of the most valuable products available. It is the smallest part of the whole grain, which is made up of 4 parts

1. The husk (outer layer)
2. The bran (a nutritious, high fibre part of the grain)
3. The endosperm (the largest part of the grain, used in processed grain foods)
4. The germ (the smallest part of the grain, packed with nutrients)

WHY IS WHEAT GERM GOOD FOR MY BABY?

The list of nutrients contained in wheat germ is impressive - in fact, wheat germ provides more nutrients per oz than any other grain or vegetable. By adding it to your baby’s food, you are providing him with:

folic acid
phosphorus (needed for healthy teeth and bones)
fibre
vitamin A
vitamins B1 and B3
vitamin B5 (otherwise known as pantothenic acid, which helps the body assimilate energy from food)
vitamin E (which strengthens the immune system)
protein (the protein content of wheat germ is actually higher than most meats)
iron
potassium
riboflavin
calcium
magnesium
zinc

BUYING AND STORING WHEAT GERM

You can buy wheat germ at health food stores and it is more commonly becoming available in leading supermarkets. It is sold in both fresh and toasted forms - fresh is best, if available.

You may notice on the packaging that you are advised to keep wheat germ in the refrigerator (fresh should be refrigerated immediately and toasted should be refrigerated once opened). This is important, as wheat germ contains fat and will spoil if stored incorrectly. To maintain freshness, always keep opened wheat germ in an airtight container.

ADDING WHEAT GERM TO BABY’S FOOD

Wheat germ has a very subtle, faintly sweet taste, meaning you can easily add it to both savoury and sweet baby food dishes. If your baby is a fussy eater and you are concerned that he is not receiving adequate nutrition from his solid food, then the addition of wheat germ ensures that he receives an extra dose of valuable nutrients with everything he eats. It can be included in virtually any dish…

1. Sprinkle some on baby’s cereal, or fruit purees.
2. Stir it into your baby’s stews and casseroles or soups
3. Mix it with breadcrumbs when breading chicken, tofu etc for your baby.
4. Use it as a “dusting” to coat slippery finger foods for your baby.
5. When baking for baby, use small amounts of wheat germ in place of equivalent amounts of flour.
6. Use it to top cooked veggies.
7. Stir some into your baby’s yogurt.

Do remember that wheat germ helps constipation, which means that giving your baby too much may have quite the opposite effect! Sprinkle a little over his meals and do not use wheat germ if your baby has diarrhea.

About the Author: Christine Albury is a mother of four and the owner/editor of Homemade Baby Food Recipes - your complete guide to solid feeding during baby’s first year.

By Kelly Gough 

Breastfeeding no longer means sacrificing fashion just because you’re a nursing mum! With a celebrity baby boom and resurgence of breastfeeding, maternity designers have taken note and are now designing nursing wear just for breastfeeding. With a little planning and a few tips, you’ll be well on your way to breastfeeding in style.

Look at your needs

While pregnant plan ahead and look at your lifestyle to plan your breastfeeding clothes and nursing wear purchases before your baby is born. Are you sporty? Like to socialise? Returning to work? Then think about styles and colours to suit your lifestyle as you’ll be living in them for several months while breastfeeding.

Plan a nursing wear kit

Once you know your needs it’s a good idea to plan a nursing kit to get you through breastfeeding. Choose versatile colours that are easy to mix and match. As a basic guide you will need to include the following items to get you started:

• 2-3 good quality nursing bras
• 1 pair of PJs or nightie for night feeds
• 3 comfortable breastfeeding tops for everyday
• 1 dressy top or nursing dress for special outings

Quality Fabrics

Choose quality and easy-care fabrics that feel soft against the skin and will last frequent washing. The addition of spandex or lycra to a fabric will also help the garment adjust to your changing shape. Natural fibres are best for bras and sleepwear while soft rayon jersey and cotton/spandex fabrics are great for tops and dresses.

Accessories for a unique look

Adding stylish accessories is a cheap and cheerful way to create a modern look. Funky necklaces, bangles and scarves will keep your look fresh and help create different outfits from your nursing wear basics. Don’t forget the must-have statement bag for all your baby needs!

Personal Grooming

Having a newborn baby means little time for high maintenance haircuts or skin care regimes. Ask your hairdresser for a stylish cut that is easy to care for and looks great with minimal fuss. Keep it simple and stick to the basics for effortless chic.

Breastfeed in style

Planning your breastfeeding wardrobe will help you to feel calm and confident when breastfeeding in public. Knowing you look good in fashionable clothing will do wonders for your self-esteem and leave you with one less thing to worry about at this exciting and hectic time in your life.

Kelly Gough is a business mum who run online boutique Nuvo Maternity while also caring for her two small boys. Nuvo specialises in stylish nursing wear for breastfeeding mums and recently launched their first range of breastfeeding fashion.