Breastfeeding Must Haves: 8 Items Every Mama & Nursing Baby Need!

Motherhood is full of ups and downs. From sneaky, sweet little giggles while playing peekaboo to overdramatic tantrums when she doesn't get her way, Delainey is already keeping me on my toes and she's not even a year old yet. While she's keeping me on my game, I'm doing my best to keep her as healthy and well-fed as possible!

I'm happy to say, she loves food... but the girl is still very much a milky baby and while it's been a tough journey, breastfeeding seems to work well for us. With that said, we had a learning curve... just like all new moms and little babies. It took me a little while to figure out what all we really need to make our breastfeeding journey successful, but I think I've finally narrowed down that list and today is the day I'm sharing it with you.

So if you're an expectant or new mom that wants to give breastfeeding a good ol' "college-try"... then take notes, girlfriend! These items are all MUST HAVES for breastfeeding and should be on your registry or added to your to-do list pronto!

1. Breastfeeding Pillow - Seriously everyone needs a breastfeeding pillow, not just new moms. It makes lounging the most comfortable ever and I'm not gonna lie, I sometimes use it to support my arms while I'm reading... because hello comfort! *giggles*

But in all seriousness, we wouldn't have made it this far in our breastfeeding journey without a great nursing pillow to support us. When D was a newborn, she was a constant cluster feeder - without having a pillow to help support her, I would've had truly wobbly arms and never have gotten anything done.

2. Nose Aspirator - While the idea of dealing with the removal of boogers and snot isn't so appealing, it's just the part of the reality of parenthood. With that said, a nose aspirator is a must on days when baby is a little stuffy and won't latch correctly. We've had a few meltdowns mid-feed due to a little congestion and once her nose is cleared, she's good to go again!

3. Evivo - Speaking of good to go, I had no idea that Delainey needed a probiotic already... until recently! No shame here though, as I said, we're on a learning curve! After finding out a probiotic is not only recommended but necessary for my little milky milkerson, I started giving my sweet girl Evivo.

What exactly is Evivo? You can get the full details here. But in short, it's an activated probiotic, clinically proven to restore her little belly back to it's natural state. The first of it's kind, it helps release nutrients in my milk to create a protective environment in her gut, which in turn helps her build a better immune system and builds a healthy foundation for her life.

Plus, I think she likes the fact that this "medicine" includes her favorite thing ever... milk! Find out more about Evivo can help you on your breastfeeding journey here.  Plus you can use the code "ev7-t6tbadc8" to save $10 off your Evivo 4-week starter kit!

4. Baby Toothbrush - The next item on my list of must haves for a breastfeeding baby may seem strange. But once your sweet baby gets to the "teething stage" a finger toothbrush is a must. Not only does she enjoy gumming on it, she is learning a life skill at a super young age and you're preventing bad bacteria from growing in her mouth - it's a win - win situation, really.

5. Tank Tops Galore (and Nursing Bras) - If you're in for the long haul with nursing, you'll want to learn the double shirt method pronto!

It's simple really - wear your nursing bra, a tank top, and an overshirt. When it's time to feed baby, remove your tank strap, unhook the clasp of your nursing bra, and bon appetit for baby!

Side note, I often just take the straps and entertwine them with my nursing bra clasps so my tank stays up but my bra is easy to unhook at a moments notice.


6. A Good Pump - Another item that's great if you're extended breastfeeding, a reliable pump! I actually don't pump as much as I thought I would, but when I do it's important that it works well! Find one with adjustable speeds, easy to use dials, quiet features, and (while you can't predict this) hopefully one that allows your milk to flow! Read reviews and make decisions based on what your insurance will cover!

7. Lactation Cookies - I'm a hardcore believer that cookies are necessary for everything... but these cookies really do help increase milk production. Check out this recipe and make a batch to see for yourself.

8.  Reusable Water Bottle - The last item on my list, but definitely not the least important - a water bottle. Staying hydrated is the MOST important thing to keep your milk flowing... at least for me! Be sure to have water with you at all times, drink it like it's your hobby, and then drink some more. It's so important for both you and baby, so don't skimp!

While I'm not an expert, I think breastfeeding for almost 11 months, without ever supplementing, now gives me a little bit of authority... right? With that said, I'd love to hear if any fellow nursing mama's have any tips for new mom's... or if any of my new mama friends have any questions about breastfeeding, I'll do my best to answer them - leave a comment below and let's chat!

Brand Reppin' FAQ - The What, Why, & How of Repping Small Shops

I keep starting to type up all of these posts about brand repping - including posts about who we rep for, why we rep, how we achieve our lighting indoors and outdoors, etc. but I never end up hitting "publish" for some strange reason. I actually have had people ask me what brand repping is... and why we do it... and it's something I've really had to think about.

So, instead of trying to summarize our repping experiences, favorites, tips, etc in one post, all through the month of August, Delainey and I are going to share our favorite boutiques, some of our tips for repping, maybe even a few insider secrets. Want to chat about something specific? I'd love to hear your ideas so please shoot me a DM on instagram or email me!

With that said - mamas, go grab a glass of wine.
Potential brand reps, go grab your sippy! It's time to talk shop, y'all.

Let's start with a handful of simple questions.

Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows, Top from Creek Baby & Co, White Denim from Baby Bottoms

What is a brand rep?

Basically, a brand rep is someone who represents the brand by taking high quality photos, promoting the brand and engaging with the brand, and ultimately, helping the brand grow. In exchange for helping the brand, reps typically get items for free or a hefty discount, whatever you decide upon making it a mutually beneficial exchange.

Bow from 21 blessings, leo from Brooklynn & Grey, socks - from a friend

How can your beautiful little bundle of joy start repping?

Well, sometimes it just happens and companies reach out if they find you via a random hashtag... but most of the time - you have to enter rep searches to be chosen. To enter, typically, shops have you repost a graphic on instagram promoting their search with a little about your kiddo in the caption, sometimes searches ask for information via email, and sometimes shops hold searches within their VIP facebook groups too.

Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows, Tunic Dress from Ricrac & Ruffles, White Denim from Baby Bottoms

What are shops looking for during rep searches?

It's not a cute kid contest - they all will tell you that! Typically, shops want bright, clutter-free, crisp and clear photos. It's best if these photos accentuate and bring attention to the product. Happy, curious, introspective, funny, moody, and lifestyle type of shots seem to be the most popular - but each brand rep has their own style and once you start to rep, you can of find where you fall in the spectrum!

Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows & Romper from Ricrac & Ruffles

Why rep?

Well... while I adore the big names we work with and the opportunity to spread awareness about our favorite brands at Target or Walmart via sponsored posts, I also have a soft spot in my heart for small shops. There's just something so special about handmade, specially crafted just-for-you items.

From Delainey's bows to the little gladiator sandals that go between her toes, I'm a huge fan of mixing and matching clothing and accessories from all of our favorite shops and spreading the word about all of those shops with you and my other friends. It's amazing to watch something a friend of mine made, with their own hands, go nearly viral with popularity when I post it on D in a facebook group or instagram. It's even more amazing to know that I'm helping a family live by sharing photos of my sweet girl.

That's what it's really about for Lainey and I. Spreading the word about our favorite shops, helping them to gain success, and also making friends and shopping buddies along the way. It's cool to get free and/or discounted clothing... but it's really cool to know I'm helping a fellow mama support her family doing something she loves by providing her with a little bit of advertising for her business. I suppose it's a bit like pro bono work since I'm a blogger first and foremost, but I just can't help but share these cute handmade shops work!

Bow from Chloe & Piper, Tunic Dress from Ricrac & Ruffles, Socks - from a friend

What exactly does a rep do?

Delainey and I receive items in the mail and within 3-7 days we provide high-quality photographs to our shops and then we spread the word. We talk about the new items on social media, we post in groups all over facebook, and when someone asks about her clothing in public, I even write down the shop names. I provide a discount code, for some of my shops, and they can track if I'm bringing in sales when that code is used. It really is a bit of a job, but I prefer to call it our "hobby" since Delainey seems to enjoy dressing up and I know I enjoy photographing her.


With that said, it's time for another rep shoot so I'll end the first part of our Reppin' series here.

Six Tips to Help You Reconnect with Your Spouse!

If you're a parent, more specifically a new parent, you know babies make your life SO full of joy, they bring so much love into our lives and well, they take up a LOT of our time too. While I love spending every second with Delainey, "I need coffee" has become my catch phrase and I have barely any time to do anything other than take care of her little wild child self, work, and well, frankly do anything more than breathe most days.

While life with a little nugget is challenging... it's a rewarding challenge and totally worth it! Another challenge I'm having lately is making sure I spend time with my husband, embracing our relationship, and never taking him for granted. I think most new parents can relate, while the love is there - it's hard to find the time to really have a deep conversation or spend time snuggled up binge watching Netflix like you used to, life is all about baby and while that's how it's supposed to be - it's also okay to love on each other some too.

So today, I'm sharing six tips to help you reconnect with your spouse! Whether or not you're a new parent or you are just looking for ways to show your other half some affection. I think you should go ahead and grab a cup of coffee and let's talk...

Tip 1: Schedule time together. I'm not saying you need to have a planner and stickers made just for a little chit-chat in the kitchen, but make plans to spend Saturday morning's drinking your coffee together while the little one is napping.

We personally like to sip on MAX Boost by MAXWELL HOUSE. Why? Because it's just the right amount of caffeine* to perk us up! MAX Boost gives us the little pep in our step we need to get through the day with our bundle of joy... and it's less expensive than our coffeehouse habit too! So, it's a win-win and so easy to make. I just pop a k-cup in and let it brew itself within seconds... amazing, delicious, and strong - just the way I like my coffee!

Tip 2: Get funny. Remember back in your school days when you had "inside jokes" with your best friends? Well, if you're like me, then your hubby is your best friend now... and those inside jokes are key to being able to make each other laugh, even on the toughest days.

Laughter is the best medicine, after all, especially as a new parent. Giggling at this "your mom" mug together like a couple of kids, is one of our little jokes we share.... because who doesn't secretly love a good "your mom" joke? Ha.

Moving on to Tip 3: Play games - Obviously not the bad kind you don't want in a relationship... I mean actual board games. Take advantage of an early bed time, maybe a nap time, or even just a little play time, to get your game on. Spend time enjoying the healthy competition and embrace the time together.

Tip 4: Thoughtful surprises - This tip, in my opinion, is the most important - it really shows you care. Do things like grab your love some roses or a new kind of coffee to try, I suggest the delicious MAX Indulge in Mocha + Salted Caramel. It’s easy next time you make a run to the store for a forgotten ingredient, grab something that makes you think of your love... or maybe take a second to leave a little note on the mirror in lipstick. It's the little things that make the difference, so no need to go grab an iPhone or a diamond ring to make your other half smile - just be sweet and think of your partner and I'm sure you'll come up with the perfect way to surprise them!

Tip 5: Talk it out - If  you don't agree on things, always try to talk it out. From parenting decisions to dinner plans, it's easy to debate and discuss and work things out. Communication is the key to a healthy relationship so be sure to take some time and talk about everything!

Tip 6: Take turns - Do something you know your partner will appreciate, like taking out the trash or waking up with the little one and making the first round of coffee. While it's not spending time together - it's helping each other and that's absolutely the sweetest gesture!

So, there you have it - 6 ways you can try and bring your partner and yourself closer. It's difficult being an adult and managing a tiny little life, but with the help of a little added caffeine* and some love and support from your spouse... it's a lot easier! Interested in trying the MAX Boost and MAX Indulge deliciousness we discussed today? Well, you can snag some of these goodies at your local Walmart for a great deal! With that said, which one will you try first?

So tell me, how do you like to connect with your other half? Do you love going to water parks together or are you more of a sit on the couch and enjoy a movie with your coffee type of couple? I'd love to hear all about your relationship in the comments below!

*1.75X More Caffeine means this product contains an average of 205mg caffeine  per serving compared to an average of 112mg caffeine of Arabica coffee.

FRiYAY Fun & Sofia the First Princess Dough

This post is sponsored by Disney Junior, regardless my princess and I would still LOVE watching Sofia & playing with Princess Dough so all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

Parenthood is funny, it's carefree and joyful when I'm in the moment playing with my kiddo; yet this joyful, sweet time in my life is also SO complex and confusing, especially when it comes to making BIG decisions for the future. The daily stresses and big decisions can sometimes get in the way of what really matters (I'm sure I'm not the only one). So I'm doing my best to try and embrace the carefree side of parenting lately and highly suggest it. With this carefree attitude comes sitting back, relaxing, playing, and enjoying each and every FRiYAY with my little princess, doing what we do best - having FUN!

Whether we are going for walks, swimming at the beach, crafting up some funky creations, tuning in on our favorite Puppy Dog Pals, or catching up on Sofia the First on Disney Junior, we both love to enjoy the day together everyday, but our goal on FRiYAY is to make it a fun day - always.

On that note, we've been loving some Sofia the First on Friday mornings, we just switch on Disney Channel and start watching all of her silly, good-hearted antics. From solving silly mysteries, to helping her friends find out the truth, to helping others make good decisions - Sofia is always teaching practical life lessons in a fun and appealing way. I think that's why we both like this little princess so much.

Now, I realize we can't watch Sofia all day, every day, but I will say I'm having a lot of fun playing into D's new found love for Princesses! It's so sweet, she loves to dress up now and we have a ton of fun pretending we are princesses lately! So as you can imagine, I'm just over here in girly-girl mama bliss, I feel so blessed to call this little princess my daughter.

While she loves playing dress up, she sadly is still a little too small for bejeweled crowns from the store. So I decided to get creative and make Delainey precious, princess-y pretties she could actually nom-nom-nom on and we both adore the end result!

I guess I should take a moment to say, this princess dough recipe isn't actually made to be eaten in large amounts, but if a kiddo happens to sneak a bite or two or even a handful or two - you don't have to worry. I love that you can let a princess be a princess and enjoy playing, without stressing about what's in this dough. The best part is - whipping up a batch of Princess Dough is easy to do!

Want to make a batch or two of Sofia the First Princess Dough?

You will need:



1 cup water 
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar 
Food coloring
2 Quart Saucepan 


You'll start making this concoction super simply - add all the ingredients, other than the food coloring, in the sauce pan and stir, stir, stir.

Once, the mixture starts to really thicken, mix in food coloring! We used violet and yellow, because those are Sofia the First colors to us. I think next time we'll make pink and blue, just for giggles!

Continue to stir the mixture until it resembles dough. This is where I went wrong the first time - FYI, don't remove from heat too early or you'll have a mess on your hands - quite literally.

Lastly, play, play, play! Your Princess Dough will be warm to the touch but with a little kneading it should cool down and be ready to play within a few minutes!

That's it! Now you are all set to start creating princess crowns or race cars whatever is your thing! That's why dough is so much fun, you can mold it into anything and you really have the chance to be yourself while playing.

So tell me, what ways to do you encourage your kids to get creative and be true to themselves? I'd love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below and don't forget to tune in & catch the premier of new episodes of Sofia the First, Mickey & The Roadster Racers and more on the Disney Channel on FRiYAY mornings or catch up on your favorite shows for the little one's anytime on Disney Junior!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior.