Product Review: Leading Lady Molded Stretch Pad Nursing Bra

A while back, I promised I'd review my Leading Lady nursing bras once I had given them a test drive. Well, test drive achieved--they are two of the only three bras that I can wear these days!



I ordered two Leading Lady molded stretch pad nursing bras from Amazon.com for $23.62 each, and, for that price, I am quite pleased. The bra is supportive, not hideous, and looks great under clothing (comparable to my $38 Victoria's Secret bras--ridiculous!). It is very easy to breastfeed in, allowing for one-handed clasping and un-clasping. And, despite some minor fraying around the cup connector clasps, they've help up very well in the dreaded laundromat washer and drier.

On the downside, the bra is full-coverage, which is great for support but not great for remaining hidden under low necklines, and only goes up to DD. Also, the stretchy fabric under the cup (which allows you to pull the molded cup down and still keep your bra on) gets pulled out of shape and tends to play peek-a-boo as well. I also have to re-clasp the cup very slowly so it doesn't make a loud SNAP! and wake my little light sleeper!

And, while the cups are indeed molded, I personally need to wear breast pads for nipple coverage--but I think most nursing mothers are wearing pads for leakage anyway, so this really isn't a negative in my opinion.

Overall, despite some negatives, this is the only type of bra that I wear out of the house. I feel really comfortable in it and I think most nursing mothers would too--just be sure to measure yourself before ordering as I ordered a size too small and need to use a bra-back extender (available cheap at any craft/fabric store.)

Now I just need to find a bra which is more low cut for my sexier outfits and I'll be set... wait, do I even have sexy outfits anymore?? :P

EDIT: I neglected to mention one of my favorite features of this bra: the bra straps are tightened and loosened from the front, rather than the back. Genius! I wish all bras were made this way!

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Gymboree Forest Hills -- The Final Showdown

In the midst of all the brouhaha over my negative review of a teacher at Gymboree Play & Learn in Forest Hills, NY, I didn't get to write my final thoughts on the place after having been there for three months now and having found a couple teachers we really like. This is a review, though, that I really feel is important to publish, because, I've had somewhat of a change of heart it some areas.

The bottom line (and I bold) is that Andrew loves the Forest Hills Gymboree and I have come to love it too. After three months he has become so enamored with the songs and games that he squeals and dances around in class--and I often have to cry laughing at him! We have also made friends with the other parents and kids and they know to expect Andrew to tear the place up or stop in front of the iPod to bust a move. I really think Gymboree has had a part in making Andrew the social butterfly he is today--no more crying when other kids scream because he's the screamer now!

So, I must admit where I have been mistaken: Mary Ann O'Neill of Gymboree commented on my original review. I had said that I found fault with Gymboree's requirement of a 3-months membership before cancellation is possible, but she responded that:

          "The 3 months give parents time to see what children can actually learn by attending classes. We see so many children, children that could really use the Gymboree experience, taken out of the program because they were not performing up to parent's expectations by week four! It broke our hearts. Just like us, our children need time to feel comfortable."

I must admit that Mary Ann was right. It really did take time for Andrew to acclimate to the classes before he really started enjoying it. I am glad we were required to stay at least 3 months... even though contracts can tend to make me bristle!

As for my second review of the Forest Hills Gymboree--where I was upset with one of our teachers, Miss. Gaby, because of her disorganized teaching style and (blush) thick accent--I must defer to Mary Ann from Gymboree's comment again:

          "Oh my gosh, Gaby is such a dedicated, energetic, and loving teacher, and gives her all to her classes each and every week. Her classes are full of energy and challenging, fun activities. (They must be fast paced to keep the attention of 1 year olds).Yes, she does have an accent similar to Sofia Vergara on Modern Family, but once accustomed to it, you can understand her clearly. Most importantly, her students really, really love her.

          At Gymboree, we try to have a variety of teachers all with different, winning personalities, because we know our parents and children are all different too. Each family will pick a teacher that fits best with their child. So even though the curriculum is the same, each class will have a different flavor added by the wonderful, fun personalities of our teachers! 

          It's up to you to find the flavor you and your child like the best. That's when Gymboree becomes a place of learning, joy, and making friends, sort of like a second loving home to your child. Gymboree is so much more than just a playground. Find the right teacher, then just give it a few more weeks to see the magic unfold before your eyes!"

It was not so much her accent that really bothered me although I chose to mention it because it did affect our class experience and I wanted to write an honest review. I mean, who doesn't love Sophia Vergara? Also, if you heard my dad talk, you would understand that I've grown up with accents all my life. Really, it was the disorganization, speediness of the activities, and general feeling that Andrew was not enjoying his time with this particular teacher that got my proverbial goat.

Since we switched classes, though, we have found two amazing teachers: Miss Kristi and Miss Natalia. Both teachers are really great--Miss Kristi is high-energy and Andrew crushes on her and loves to follower her around and Miss Natalia is so sweet or more soft-spoken, but still a lot of fun. I have never felt rushed from one activity to the next--both Miss Kristi and Miss Natalia let the children linger at an activity if they like but always encourage them to try each new task.

This is not to say that maybe if I had given Miss Gaby another chance, I might not have had a change of heart about her too. But, we were really happy with Miss Kristi and Miss Natalia and, unfortunately, we just don't have time to take another class with Miss Gaby before we move. Like Mary Ann said, though, "it is up to you to find the flavor that you and your child like best." Our flavor happens to be Miss Kristi with a side of Miss Natalia. Maybe you'll think differently, but I'd like to give you my opinion all the same.

So, if you've got the time and extra cash sitting around, do try out Gymboree in Forest Hills! Try it for three months and you might fall in love just like we did. We're actually so in love we're going to look into signing up at the Gymboree in Nanuet, NY when we move (its $40 cheaper! $69/month!) With what we know now about shopping around for teachers and giving it a couple months for the class to become a comfortable place for Andrew, I have a feeling we won't be dissapointed (a review of Gymboree Nanuet to come of course! Haha!)

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Dr. Paul (Apostolis Tsoumpariotis) in Glendale/Astoria

I have to rave about our pediatrician, Dr. Paul (aka Apostolis Tsoumpariotis). He is just the best! Besides being super kind, he is also incredibly patient with my husband and I and spends quality time with us and our son at each appointment, always finishing up by answering our questions and reviewing Andrew's development charts on the computer. And yet, we never have a long wait--must be magic!

He's also available via phone whenever you need him. We've already called him with a number of silly questions, but he never makes you feel stupid or as if you've disturbed him. I really appreciate that.

Maybe most importantly, Dr. Paul practices what he preaches--he has young kids himself and recommends for his patients what he does for his own children. Yet, he would never force you to do/not to do something that you have your heart set on like, for example, if you want to do a delayed vaccination schedule, which he doesn't really recommend. (Unless, you want to do something dangerous like have your kids wrestle alligators... he'd recommend you NOT do that, of course!)

If I had to say something bad, it would just be about his office in Glendale which is not stroller friendly (you walk down a flight of steps) and does not have separate well and sick waiting rooms.

In short, we love Dr. Paul! And, many other folks do too as Vitals.com notes he is the winner of the Patient's Choice Award for 2008 and 2009!

Dr. Paul'sinfo:

Glendale Pediatrics PC
7309 Myrtle Ave
Glendale, NY 11385
(718) 821-4200
*Call the office number for info about the Astoria office, which we haven't visited. :)

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Website Review: Chatter Scene

I'm so glad Chris, the creator of Chatter Scene, reached out to me--what a great community she has going over there! If you're like me and a fan of The Bump message boards, you should give Chatter Scene a try.

Chatter Scene is message board for women at all stages of life. Whether you interested in talking about anything from books to soap operas, trying to conceive to pregnancy and parenting, there is a message board for you.

While the format of the boards may take a little getting used to if you're not familiar with free-standing internet message boards, the ladies at CS are there to help you along the way. (See how-to info on their Welcome Center board HERE.)

Once you get the hang of it, you'll have a lot of fun not only chatting with a great community of women, but also playing the "game" that is CS. You see, the more you post, the more privileges you get, from being able to see pictures in other members' signatures at 20 posts, to earning points and special image badges for your own profile.

You can also use the posting points that you accumulate to buy virtual gifts for other users or play in CS's arcade. I haven't gotten to this point, yet, but I'm looking forward to it. (The gift-giving option kind of reminds me of community games on Facebook.)

I also like that, unlike The Bump boards, the CS boards have "sticky posts" which always remain at the top of the web page, eliminating the asking and re-asking of certain questions. It also seems that there is a lot less snark at CS, so it may just be the community you are looking for if the Bump gets you a bit hot under the collar! :)

I've only been on Chatter Scene for a short while, but I'm certain it is going to be one of my favorite new sites to connect with other women. I'll keep you posted as I become a CS aficionado. Until then, check it out for yourself, mamas!

If you'd like to sign up for CS, click here: http://www.chatterscene.com/csboards/register.php?referrerid=943

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