They put one one the list to get (Front-Opening Nightdress)

Member Name: seoj

Product:	Front-Opening Nightdress
Date:	10/04/03 (330 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: keeps you warm, warm mother = happier baby, can see what you are doing

Disadvantages: another thing to buy!, more washing!

Front opening nighties - they put it on the list to get for when you go into hospital to have your little one. But is it an essential item?
I must say I was a bit dubious - how many items does Mam of a new born actually need? It seems to be endless - baby grows, sleeping bras, disposable knickers, pads, music, drinks, snacks, etc, etc.!!!

What I found is that if breast feeding then having at least 2 front opening nightgowns are very useful - essential may be pushing it a bit too far. Here are my 2 good reasons why you should invest - or request them as a gift!

1:-
The thing is when you wake for that middle of the night feed - and the central heating went off 2 hours before! - then having a nightgown that has easy front access - without having to hoick it up above your midrift - is pretty essential. It means that as you sit and feed baby you keep warm.
They do say that you need to be comfortable to be able to breast feed better - I would go with this theory and advise all new breast feeding `Mums to be' to get 2 front opening night gowns. Two? - it means you have one on, and one in the wash.

2:-
It also means that you are not dropping your clothing over baby's head. It helps enourmously if you don't have to sort of trap your clothing under your chin while trying to see what you are doing! When you first start breast feeding it is useful to see what you are doing to get them latched on properly. It does take a bit of practice (even though it's meant to be one of those `natural' things women do!!).

A tip - don't just go for a normal front opening nightgown. It does need to be one that is designed for breast feeding - or is made in super stretchy t-shirt fabric. I went for the cheap option and found a front opening one in cotton from my local supermarket. I soon discovered it didn't open far enough down to breast feed with. I then spent a little more money at Mothercare and got a
pack of 2 for approx. £18 - they were in jersey and didn't have any seems in places that could cause discomfort.

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